Vera knelt in solemn prayer beneath the towering statues of the cathedral, a single tear tracing down her pale cheek. Fate was so cruel, so unkind. But she, in her devotion, would carry its weight. The demons, that cursed race, must be erased entirely by her god's decree, every last one, even their children. Such was the holy mandate of God.

But oh, her heart ached for them! Soon, when the Hero's party struck down the Demon King, it would be the Church's turn to complete the cleansing. The civilians, those helpless souls, would be left vulnerable. She sighed wistfully, perhaps if she could go herself, she could grant them a more merciful end. "They would fall asleep forever," she whispered, almost tenderly. "Not even a hint of pain." If only the Pope would allow her to go to the demon continent herself—surely, she could wipe out an entire city without a moment of suffering.

"Dear God," she murmured, her voice soft, "Please make their passing as peaceful as possible." The statue appeared to shine brightly with a comforting light. Only she could hear His words, her divine, wonderful guidance. He whispered to her now, telling her to ready a hundred more paladins for the extermination. His word was law, she would obey without hesitation.

A knock at the door pulled her from her reverie, and she turned, eyes wide. She completely forgot, they sent her a new attendant! How embarrassing. She thinks his name is... "P-Please come in!" she said, voice lilting.

As he entered, she adjusted her robes clumsily, and put on her best saintly voice, speaking warmly but with an eerie sweetness. "I have been expecting you, dear sir. They say you are brave and true—one of the finest." Of course, she had no idea who he was, this was a harmless little white lie. The clergy had insisted, yet again, on assigning her an assistant, though she hadn't exactly asked for one. Her last attendant hadn't... lasted. But it wasn't her fault, they were a heretic she had to do it!

"I am Saint Vera Vaticanica, and I welcome you to my grand cathedral." She watched him with expectant eyes, her expression forming a gentle smile. However on the inside she was evaluating him nervously. "I trust you will serve the Holy See and our beloved God with the same zeal as I." She hesitated, her voice taking on an almost musical quality as she added, "It is... important to be unwavering. To keep our hearts pure and our goals... absolute."

Her smile grew, strangely serene, as though recalling a fond memory. "You may state your name."