archet

Excuse me!

Er... yes?

You seem to carry yourself well. Have you ever thought about becoming an idol?

Er... an idol? What does that mean?

You don't even know what an idol is?!

Well... in short, it's about singing and dancing, becoming famous, and bringing hope and joy to people!

(Singing? Dancing? I do regularly sing hymns, but I've never danced...)

Just imagine! Standing on the big stage in beautiful costumes, thousands of eyes focused solely on you. The feeling of accomplishment—

(Becoming famous? Could this be a chance to promote the monastery?)

Would becoming an idol let me use my fame to advertise products?

(Wow, this girl really gets it!)

Of course! You're absolutely free to, once you're on the right track.

Well, you've piqued my interest. Could you elaborate?

Excellent! No time to waste. Let's find a place to sit down and go over the contract!

I thought I'd found an opportunity to promote the monastery, but I can't even fulfill the basic terms of the contract.

The teachings were right. 'Paths that look too smooth often lead you astray.'

Promoting the monastery isn't easy at all...

Oh, someone's coming.

'The bells of love welcome you, visitor from afar—'

Er... May I help you?

Excuse me, I saw the sign next to the bread that says 'free giveaway'... So you're handing it out for free?

Er, yes, as part of the meet-and-greet...

So I can get bread just for shaking hands with you?

Er...

(It's supposed to be for buying the albums, isn't it?)

(But this old woman looks...)

...It's alright. Go ahead and take one.

Are you sure?

Of course! I'm just glad to be of help.

'May your honesty and kindness be repaid with peace and happiness in equal measure.'

I haven't had anything this good in a month...

Thank you so much. You're very kind.

The old lady grasps Archetto's hand firmly, as though to communicate her gratitude.

The touch of her rough skin is warm and sincere.

Thank you for your support. Have a beautiful day.

My first, er, fan?

Well, that takes us from zero to one. Keep at it; it's our last chance to revitalize the monastery!

H-Hello...

Hello! Can I have some bread?

Bread...?

Someone told me I could get free bread here!

Well... not exactly...

(But I can't make a child this small pay for it, can I?)

...Here you go. If you like it, tell your friends, too!

And thank you for the support. 'May the gospels watch over you, and grant you wisdom and health.'

Thank you! Your voice is so sweet, and you're so pretty, just like those idols on TV!

'Just like those idols,' eh? Should I take that as a compliment?

(Approaches quietly)

H-Hello!

'The voice of love is always here for you...' Would you like an autographed album?

(Scratches head in embarrassment)

(This gentleman doesn't look like he has a lot of money to spare...)

Ahem... thank you for the support. Please, have some bread.

(Takes the bread eagerly)

(Leaves in satisfaction)

Thank you... have a beautiful day...

Should I move the sign advertising the album to a more prominent position?

I'm back!

They were handing out cystymilk bread in the old district!

Are you serious?! Next you'll be telling me there's only one moon in the sky!

It looked like charity work by the Lateran church? There were lots of people standing in line, almost like one of my concerts.

The nun handing it out was really nice and pretty, and the bread tastes great too. Much better than those dessert parlors you see everywhere.

Wow, you're right, it reminds me of home.

Does the Lateran church often do things like this?

Maybe, but they seem more likely to hand out dessert coupons.

Say, I think I've seen the girl handing them out somewhere before... but where?

Alright, I'm on scene, chief.

Sheesh, what's the point of reporting on meet-and-greets by no-name idols? Any article I get out of this won't even pay for the taxi fare.

Guess I'll just take a couple of photos and—hey, what's with that crowd?

And at the head of the line is... the girl I caught on film beating someone up on the streets the other day?!

Well now, you don't see crowds like this in the slums every day.

I wonder if Tung would get as many people lined up if he handed out free finballs.

Never underestimate what a good promotional image can do for you. Not that I ever expected her to make it this big when I chose to work with her.

You've always had an eye for business partners. I suppose not all Laterans are like those crazy girls working for the penguin.

I've always placed high value on cultural exchange in business.

Of course, it's debatable whether taking a pure loss like she is counts as 'business.'

A bit of foreign culture in your life is never a bad thing.

Maybe you could talk to Wei, see if he'd approve the construction of a Lateran chapel in the slums?

Give those old folks a place to sit during the day, at any rate. All the better if there's more free bread.

Archetto... what's with this line?! You didn't use Arts, did you?!

I'm not sure. I was acting as I always do... as a cleric.

Wait, but why haven't you sold any albums yet?

Oh, never mind that for now... come on, say your catchphrases while everyone's listening!

'We gather here today, brothers and sisters all.'

'We will all love each other, help each other...'

...Like that?

That just makes it even weirder!

A long line forms in front of an unremarkable booth in a corner of this great city.

The setting sun paints the people's heads golden as a Liberi girl continues to give out bread to the people in line, to the tune of hymns arranged with drumbeat loops.

A peaceful scene, reminiscent of a mural in a cathedral.

Are you sure you don't want to renew your contract?

Yes, I have no regrets.

Even though we didn't sell any albums last time, there's no question that it went viral on the web.

'What a public personality <i>should</i> be like,' 'A true nun idol'... that's what they're calling you!

You'll have access to so many more resources now if you stay.

I'm sure you'd be shining on the big stage before long. Just like Sora!

No... I've decided to step away.

I've fulfilled my contract and promoted the monastery in Lungmen. It's time to look for other business partners.

Well, I guess it's back to square one... What a shame; I thought I'd finally found someone who was going to make it big.

I apologize, and thank you for everything you've done for me. But I have other things that I need to do.