Fallen Brides Story: Sasha, "Embraced in the Bosom of Corruption"

The woman looked up and met the priest's gaze head-on as she spoke. "If the conditions are the same as always, then so is my answer." "You refuse, then?" "I'm afraid so." The priest leaned forward. "Your achievements and prestige are practically unequaled. Such a personage ought to receive suitably compensation, don't you agree?" The woman — Sasha Folmoon — answered clearly. Her gaze never wavered. "I am a hero, and a hero is one who gives people courage, protects them, and supports them in their need. If I were to live in the palace, I could not help becoming distant from the people, and then I would be unable to give them hope. I want to stay here as the people's support." The priest appeared stunned by Sasha's answer, delivered without hesitation. "Humph. Fine, then. If you change your mind, come let me know any time." "Thank you very much." Sasha maintained her perfect manners, even faced with the priest's merely superficial courtesy.