6PM March 6th, 1588 - Stuttgart, Holy Roman Empire The Beans are highly intelligent. This is an all but proven fact. Abnormal Beans in particular show a keen sense of strategy, which, paired with their exceptional power, is exceptionally frightening.

Krause rocked Annemarie in her arms as she sat in the nave of Saint Nicholas’ Church. She had brought her daughter with her because this was a very important service. Today was the day Father Aaron was introducing himself to Reverend Friedrich’s congregation.

Though Krause had heard Father Aaron mentioned many times since the events of November 8th, she had never actually learned anything about him, besides the fact that he was one of the highest ranking members of the Church of the Beanmeister. The reason he was personally meeting with the congregation today excited Krause; he was bringing news of the Beanmeister’s plans.

“This must be the famous Annemarie,” Gloria said, taking her usual seat next to Krause. “I have heard so much about her. I must say, she is almost as cute as you said. Almost.”

Krause smiled at her daughter. “You should see her when she’s awake. The little devil doesn’t stop talking about cabbage.”

“What. Why cabbage?”

“Henry was a cabbage farmer back in Horb…” She paused, her smile fading slightly. “Although, I don’t think she has ever had cabbage.”

“Truly a shame,” Gloria replied, opening her Bible. “Maybe she can have some once she is accepted into Heaven.”

A flash of sadness passed through her as she thought of her old home in Horb. “Yes. Perhaps.” She felt lightheaded for a moment. Excited conversations fluttered around the nave of the church, which was cast in a deep, flickering orange; the setting sun shone through the stained glass windows, lanterns and candles lit against each wall. Only Reverend Friedrich knew when Father Aaron was arriving, so she didn’t know how much longer they would have to wait. “When she gets to Heaven, she will have all the cabbage her little heart desires.”

“Mhmm,” Gloria replied, not taking her eyes off of her Bible.

“Are ya two as nervous as I am?” Sam asked from the row behind Krause. “This is somethin’ big, I can feel it.”

“Nervous…” Krause began. “No, I would say that I am more excited than nervous. I have wanted to know more about Father Aaron since I first heard of him. Though I have no idea what the news he is bringing will be about.”

“After how the Empire took the events of November 8th, I’m scared that whatever this is goin’ to be about isn’t goin’ to be good.”

Gloria scoffed. “It may not be good for the Empire, but it will certainly be good for the Church.”

“Still…” Sam replied. He lowered his voice. “People died, Gloria. I was friends with a soldier, he was sent to Reims with his platoon. Leon told me that an abnormal attacked there, and there were no survivors. The Ashen Bean wiped them all out.”

Gloria turned to face Sam. “Abnormal? Ashen Bean? What are you talking about? Leon has been a bad influence on you, Sam; it is not a good idea to stray from the Church’s teachings.”

Sam looked away. “Maybe, but… I’m not so sure—”

The entrance to Saint Nicholas’ Church opened. Sam stopped and, along with the rest of the congregation, turned excitedly to see who had entered.

Leon walked through the door, surveying the nave. “Sorry for coming late, I had something of importance to attend to.” He added with a smile, “Were you expecting someone?”

There was a collective sigh as everyone returned to their conversations.

Leon scanned the church and, seeing Krause and Sam, made his way to them. He smiled at Krause. “So, today’s the big day, isn’t it? Father Aaron is finally going to introduce himself to the common folk.”

Gloria, who had returned to her Bible, scoffed.

“That is certainly one way to describe it,” Krause replied.

“This news must be incredibly important if Father Aaron is taking the time to personally announce it. From everything I’ve heard, he must be a very powerful man. I’m excited to meet him.”

“I suppose so. As I understand it, only the Beanmeister Himself is higher than a Father within the Church.”

“Certainly…” When no one responded, Leon turned to Sam. “How are you feeling, Sam?”

Sam avoided eye contact. “Oh, ya know… Nervous, but excited. I’m scared to hear what this news is.”

Leon smiled and took a seat next to Krause. “I guess all that’s left to do is wait, then.”

And so they did. The conversation among the congregation faded with the sunlight, the nave becoming dim and still. A door opened at the front of the nave; Reverend Friedrich’s quarters. “I sincerely apologize for the wait,” he said as he made his way to the altar. “Father Aaron ran into some issues on his way here this evening. Thank you all for your patience. He will be here any minute.”

The excited conversation returned to the congregation as though it had never left. Krause and Gloria waited patiently as Sam and Leon spoke with each other.

The entrance to Saint Nicholas’ Church opened again, and again the nave went silent, everyone turning to look at Father Aaron.

Standing in the center of the open double doors, silhouetted by the dying twilight outside, stood the tallest man Krause had ever seen. He was built like a warrior, his chest broad, his arms and legs muscular. The man stood completely still in the entrance of the church.

Then, he stepped inside, closing the doors carefully behind him. He smiled at the congregation, his face now visible in the dim, flickering light. His hair was short and well kept, and he had a full beard. His face was stiff and wide, a slight smile on his lips as he glanced at the congregation who was staring excitedly back.

“Good evening,” he said. “My name is Aaron Krüger, but please, just call me Father Aaron. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

Though he hid it well, Krause noticed Leon stiffen slightly.

Father Aaron made his way to the altar, the slight smile never leaving his lips. He shook Reverend Friedrich’s hand then stood behind the altar, glancing around the silent congregation. Father Aaron cleared his throat. “I am sure that you have heard a lot about me, and are excited to finally meet me. I am equally as excited to meet all of you. I have heard much about many of the branches of this Church, but none have been praised as highly by their patron reverend than this branch.”

Some in the congregation gave words of affirmation. Annemarie opened her eyes, looking around confused for a moment before noticing her mother holding her and closing her eyes again, smiling.

Father Aaron began his sermon.