I saw Evander Schroeder exiting from Quartermaster Lucia's office, which also served as a tailoring room. The red-haired recruit wore a pristine light gray State Exorcist uniform, a gray kepi cap emblazoned with the Holy State insignia, and dark tan knee-high boots. He looked very handsome and charming in his new attire, like he was satisfied with how it all fitted together. The uniform perfectly fit Schroeder's tall, muscular physique, and he even looked confident with his new attire. His uniform hugged his form perfectly, fitting him like a glove and emphasizing his charms. He gave me a friendly pat on the back as he walked past me, and the young recruit looked satisfied with his new attire. I couldn't help but notice the twinkle in his eye and the confident way he carried himself. I had to admit that he looked like he was built for the role of a State Exorcist. Evander had become the perfect embodiment of a soldier under the Holy State's banner.
"Don't worry, partner, you'll get to look just as good as I do soon enough," Evander said.
"Mr. von Yeager will have to wait his turn. Ms. Bedell is next," Quartermaster Lucia stated.
"As for you Mr. Schroeder. I would like a word with you," Sister Faye snapped. "Sister Rachael will tend to you now, Mr. von Yeager."
Evander's face went pale at the implications and tone of Sister Faye's voice. I watched him swallow heavily as he turned his attention to me. All I could do was shrug my shoulders and shake my head. The red-haired Mistanian reluctantly followed the strict Sister out of sight. I was left with Sister Rachael, who had a stern look on her face.
I looked at Evander as he marched off, taking my spot with Sister Faye, feeling bad for the guy. He seemed like a good guy, and it was a damn shame he was going to be grilled by the stern Sister. I couldn't shake the feeling that her words to him weren't so innocent. She sounded almost seductive, and the look on his face didn't help matters. They seemed to be doing something there, but I couldn't tell what. I nodded at Sister Rachael and gave Evander a sympathetic look as he moved with her. His expression told me that he knew what was happening, and I couldn't blame him for looking so worried. Sister Faye was well known for her strictness and discipline, and Evander was about to face the consequences of that.
I turned to Sister Rachael, wondering what I might've done to warrant a stern face from her. I hadn't done anything wrong as far as I knew, so I wasn't sure what her issue with me could possibly be.
"Is there something you'd like to talk about Sister Rachael?" I asked, trying to be polite and understanding.
I waited for her to speak, wanting to know what was so important. Sister Rachael turned to me with my arms crossed. She had seemed nice enough when we first met, though now she had a stern look on her face. I was worried about what was coming next.
"So, I guess you're going next?" Sister Rachael said. I felt uncomfortable now, wondering what the Sister would say alone with me. Maybe she was going to lecture me too, but it was impossible to shake the doubts.
"I assume that Sister Faye lectured you on proper edict when dealing with the Holy State Sisters in this Hall or any Hall for that matter. Did she explain what a Holy State Priestess was?" Sister Rachael asked.
"She mentioned that I'd be in serious trouble If I had wandering eyes," I mumbled, embarrassed by her question.
"As you know, Holy State Sisters tend to the everyday needs of the congregation that visit this Hall as well as any Administration, maintenance, and simple tasks. We are also responsible for any healthcare needs of the general public that depend on The Holy State. Holy State Priestesses on the other hand are the enforcement arm of the Holy State. They work closely with State Exorcists and supplement Holy State Priests, Knights, and Templars," Sister Rachael explained. "Males aren't permitted to join State Priestesses. It's the reason you'll really see men inside Hall outside of recruits and State Clerics and ranks under that. So you see, Holy Priestesses tend to be overprotective of State Sisters."
I listened intently to the Sister's explanation, eager to learn more about the Holy State. Holy State Priestesses were overprotective, and I'd have to remember that. I tried not to look at her too much. It seemed like an important task to protect both the sisters of the halls and the congregation that depended on them. I wanted to do my best to keep the Hall as pure as possible so that all the sisters could feel safe and protected. Thankful for Sister Rachael's explanation, I gave her a nod of agreement. Understanding the rules and norms of Holy State halls was good, as that would certainly prevent me from making any foolish mistakes. Sisters Rachael further explained the various roles of the Holy State and how they worked. It all made sense, and I saw myself abiding by the rules just as she had described them.
"Thank you, Sister Rachael. I will strive to live up to the Hall's virtues as best I can," I replied politely, my face turning red as I recalled how I had stared at Sister Faye's chest earlier. "I understand the rules, Sister Rachael. And I have no intention of breaking them," I replied, my voice steady and serious. I was here to become a State Exorcist and intended to take my role very seriously.
"It's good that you understand," Sister Rachael replied, smiling softly at me. "It can be quite dangerous if a visitor tries to harm any of the girls in our care, and it's part of our duty to ensure that this Hall remains a safe haven for everyone. You've already shown me that you're aware of the rules, and I'm sure you won't be causing any more trouble."
I nodded again in agreement, still grateful for her thorough explanation. However, I was curious, so I decided to ask about them.
"Are Holy State Priestesses allowed to join the State Exorcists? I've never seen one in the uniform," I asked, now feeling like I was walking on eggshells in front of Sister Rachael.
"Yes and No. A Priestess would have to renounce her vows to do so. As you know Sisters and Priestess are Holy State Nuns and we do take vows. These are the same vows that the Nuns of the Grand Vatican of the Royal Papacy take," Sister Rachael explained. "Priestesses serve as a protector of Holy State Nuns and are regularly contracted out to the Royal Papacy through an exchange program. This is the reason you must keep your worldly thoughts to yourself and mind your manners. Just treat us the same way you'd treat your Mother, siblings, or wife."
"Oh, so that's what they mean by overprotective?" I wondered to myself, feeling a bit more cautious around the female priests. I wondered how strict they would be about that kind of thing, but I wasn't about to risk it. The fact that they worked closely with the State Exorcists didn't help either. I doubted my interactions with them would be as friendly as the ones I had with the State Clerics.
"Yes, that is precisely why you must be attentive," Sister Rachael said.
"So, I have another question," I asked, deciding to learn more about these female priests. "Are any of the Holy State Sisterhood priests... attractive?"
"Adam von Yeager!?!? Did you not hear a word I say to you? It does not matter how attractive we or a Priestess is! My word, Good Sir! I shall pray that you soon grasp the meaning of my words and Sister Faye!" Sister Rachael scolded. "Could at least refrain from ogling at me in my presence?" she added.
"Right, sorry, ma'am! I apologize profusely! I stammered.
It was interesting to hear that some of the older sisters had to sacrifice a lot just to reach that position, but I figured it might be like that. These women seemed dedicated to their work, and that was commendable. Even if they had feelings, I respected their decision not to pursue romance and instead focus on their duty.
After Sister Rachael's reminder, I felt a little flushed. I wasn't expecting to get such a stern talking-to, but I could understand why she was so strict. These women had chosen to follow a life of service and didn't want to be seen as simple eye candy by people like me.
I felt embarrassed by her comment about me being a young man and my hormones raging out of control. It was true, though; I couldn't deny that. Still, something interesting had caught my attention.
"Um, you can get a... wife here?" I asked, wondering if dating was even possible in this place. I was still single, and a wife sounded like a dream come true. "Why haven't you married then? You'reIf you don't mind me saying so, you're quite beautiful."
"Are you hearing yourself right now? My lord, are you this lustrous?" Sister Rachael blurted." Of course I would appreciate compliments, but no Sister or Priestess is available for marriage. I'm sure you understand what marriage would mean for us."
"Oh! No no, I didn't mean it like that! Sorry, I'll just..." I mumbled, trying to backpedal. "What I meant was... is having personal relationships with the Holy State Sisters frowned upon?" I asked, trying to change the subject. "I realize you don't take your vows lightly. I have the utmost respect for you and the Sisterhood, but I must admit I find it hard to contain my... my attraction to girls like you."
It was impossible to resist the attraction of the females in this area. Their personalities alone were enough to stir my heart, let alone their bodies.
"Of course, it is known to happen, but it isn't encouraged. It takes most of a girl's childhood to become a Sister or Priestess of the Holy State," Sister Rachael said.
I was surprised by her mentioning that some of them had actually given up their vows and could become brides. I didn't know that was allowed, but I had to admit it made me feel more interested in them.
"Oh, umm... I'm sorry for assuming things," I apologized to the Sister's face. Hopefully, she wouldn't take my words the wrong way. "I asked such a childish question, Sister Rachael."
"I have no interest in things of that matter. My heart is in the Holy State. You may be my age and very handsome, but I have a duty, just as you now have a duty," Sister Rachael admitted.
"Please forgive my childish question, Sister Rachael. I realize you don't take your vows lightly. I have the utmost respect for you and the Sisterhood, but I must admit I find it hard to contain my... my attraction to girls like you."
"Right... of course I should know better than to ask something like that, But, I do have another question...," I said, trying to sound sincere." I mean, I know you all have to maintain a certain air of propriety, but is there a limit to how close you can get to one another?"
"I understand you are still young. There is nothing wrong with getting close to a Sister or Priestess, but you must remember that you hunt Monsters. It is not an easy path. State Exorcists do begin to think about starting a family after joining and yes, some do end up marrying within the Halls. Many have made a great deal of sacrifices. You do well to remember that. It's not something that most of us would give up easily without justification," Sister Rachael stated.
It was interesting to hear that some of the older sisters had to sacrifice a lot just to reach that position, but I figured it might be like that. These women seemed dedicated to their work, and that was commendable. Even if they had feelings, I respected their decision not to pursue romance and instead focus on their duty.
"I understand, Sister," I responded. "I wasn't actually trying to find a bride here, just wanted to know. It's good to know what I'm getting into," I added, smiling softly.