The Mass had ended, and Maria busied herself guiding the children and their chaperones to the private gates. It was easier this way, ensuring they wouldn't get lost in the crowd of other churchgoers. After bidding them goodbye, she walked towards the courtyard where she had hoped to see the people she wanted to see.
As she approached, Maria spotted Frau Lulu and Frau Luttenberger engaged in conversation with a man whose back was turned towards her. She vaguely recognized the man but couldn't place him right away.
Standing at a distance, Maria waited for a moment when she could speak to the women. But something caught her attention—the change in their expressions. What had been nonchalant chatter shifted into clear discomfort. The man's shoulders shook slightly, as if he was laughing at them. He soon tipped his hat and bowed to the women in a mocking manner before walking away.
As he turned to head to the gates, his eyes fell on Maria. Recognition flashed across his face, and he turned towards her with a mischievous smile.
"Ah, Fraulein Maria!" he exclaimed, taking her hand and offering an exaggerated air kiss. "Lovely to see you here," Max Detweiler said with a charming smile as he approached Maria.
"Herr Detweiler," Maria acknowledged, giving him a nod.
Max waved off her formality. "You may call me Max, dear. Don't worry, I'm simply here to attend the Mass. I'm not going to bother you again about having your little choir perform at the festival." His voice rose slightly, clearly aimed at the women standing behind him. "Unlike some people, I let others be, and allow them to do as they please. It's not as if I'd want to kick them out of their homes just because I don't agree with the way they live. I continue to respect them, just as God wanted me to."
Maria noticed the women hiding behind their fans, glaring at Max with unmistakable disdain. She kept her expression neutral, though her curiosity piqued.
"I'm glad to hear it, Max," she said, her voice calm.
"Thank you, Fraulein, for agreeing with me," Max replied, raising his voice again. "You know what they say, 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.'"
Maria lowered her voice. "Well, Max, I do not know what is happening, but I find I dislike it."
Max's confident demeanor softened as he gave her a sheepish smile. "I'm sorry, it's just... a disagreement."
"I'm sure you three can work it all out soon," Maria said, trying to sound hopeful.
Max shook his head with a slight frown. "I'm afraid it can't be worked out, and that is the main problem."
"What do you mean?" she asked, concern creeping into her voice.
Max sighed, glancing back at the women before returning his attention to Maria. "I cannot say for now, but I hope you will be on the right side when the time comes." He gave her hand a gentle kiss and smiled.
"Goodbye for now, Fraulein," he said before walking away.
As Max disappeared through the chapel's gates, Maria frowned, unsettled by his cryptic words. What was this "disagreement" that couldn't be resolved? And what did he mean by choosing the right side? The more she thought about it, the deeper her unease grew.
With a curt shake of her head, Maria approached the women. "Would you care to tell me what that was all about?"
Frau Lulu straightened her posture, her lips pursed. "It was nothing, really. The man opposes our mission to eradicate Stuwerviertel of its sin. No doubt he frequents the place himself."
"Yes," Frau Luttenberger chimed in, "and how disrespectful of him to act friendly with you, calling you 'Fraulein Maria' as if you were a common woman! We have the utmost respect for you, Sister, and would never have done that."
"Erm, you see, I have met Max before," Maria explained, noting the raised eyebrows as she casually used his first name. "He once asked if my choir could perform at a festival, but I declined since the children are not yet ready to sing in front of such a huge crowd. He was quite respectful about it, and, well, I'm still no nun, so you can call me 'Fraulein' just as fine—like I've told you before."
The women squirmed, exchanging shamed and apologetic glances.
Maria softened her tone, recognizing their discomfort. "Anyway, I believe I have the Reverend Mother's permission to join you in your mission."
Their eyes lit up with excitement, their expressions brightening at the prospect of having someone like Maria, with her influence, on their side. Maria could see the relief and triumph in their faces.
"If you could brief me on everything you've discussed, I'll see how I can be of help," Maria added.
With renewed energy, the women eagerly began telling her about their plans, their excitement growing with every word.