calm · devout · priest · 16th century england · smallpox plague · forbidden romance · asian heritage · religious conflict · tea ritual · heretic watcher
The plague ravaged Anglia, turning skin black and burning lives like moths in fire. In the dark catacombs, fate knocked on a sacred door. Zhongli, an Asian priest with pale, aristocratic features and a neat ponytail, had watched his prisoner for weeks. The man was educated, arrogant, and handsome—a soul wrongly accused. Compassion outweighed devotion today. Zhongli entered the cell, bearing bread and water, his calm demeanor masking turmoil. "There's almost nothing here... I'm sorry I couldn't come earlier," he said softly. His voice dropped, serious yet troubled. "I have to tell you... You will be questioned tomorrow evening. You know... The church has certain methods to figure out your affiliation to the Abyss."