"Wake up, Jisvo. Get off me, bastard."
The fabric of Isalda's blankets was stained with Jisvo's tears. He slowly woke up, his eyes meeting Isalda's.
⏤ I... fell asleep?
"I'm the one who got injured... yet you're the one crying? That's strange."
Isalda spoke with a lighthearted, positive smile, despite the situation she was in.
Jisvo hugged her, in an instant. He buried his face into her shoulders.
She sat there for a few moments, trying to understand what was going on. After a few moments, she embraced him.
Jisvo's words came out in short bursts, sniffling between every few words.
"It's... this is all my fault. I should've focused on g-getting you out of the-there, instead... instead of-"
"Jeez, relax. You're acting like I'm dead. I'm alive."
"Rithi said that she didn't know what exactly entered your body! Who knows what might happen!?"
"You're overthinking. Are you trying to doubt my strength or something?"
Isalda continued to try and lighten up the mood.
Jisvo glanced at the bandage, wrapped around her forehead. The skin near it was discolored, slightly darker than normal. In that area, her veins bulged, as if they were being pumped with something.
Isalda grabbed his hand.
"Please, Jisvo. I'll be fine. You worry too much about me."
. . .
. .
.
(Granal, Capital of Gonteno)
"Lyrei. To think you've come so far. You're finally inheriting the [Saint Arts]."
"Thank you, sister. This is an exciting moment for me, as well!"
Lyrei sat in front of her mirror. One of the nuns, taken in by the saint, sat behind her, making sure she was ready.
"You still have a lot of time before the ceremony starts. What are you planning on doing, sister?"
"Ah. Just meeting with some old friends."
. . .
. .
.
"Congratulations Lyrei!!!" Sodror, Rar, and Silva all exclaimed, cheering. They clapped. Lyrei smiled shyly.
"Guys... guys. Thank you."
"At this rate, you're basically royalty, right? If the saint ever dies, you'll take the role."
Silva noted "That's crazy! To think our childhood friend is going to become royalty."
"Knowing that I'm friends with a celebrity... it's. A surreal feeling." Sodror sighed.
The waiter finally came. She served the table. Rows of food, for the group.
"Awww man. This looks good!" Rar cried out, enthusiastically. As if forgot he was in public.
The restaurant was packed. He was not condemned for his loud behavior. It seemed like everybody had something special going on at this time.
Chatter filled the packed and lively spot, while the scent of freshly cooked foods, different spices, and sauces lingered.
"This is nothing like the village."
Silva's voice came out almost tearful and grateful, her tongue tasting the flavors of the rising steam.
"At all…"
Lyrei smiled, looking at her friends enjoying the moment.
— Do… I deserve this?
She grabbed a piece of the still, steaming hot seafood, breaking it open. She took a bite.
— Ah, of course I do. I've worked hard for this. The least I can do is relish in this luxury.
"Sister, is that you?"
Lyrei turned her head to find who had been calling her name. Being that they called her by the name "sister", it must've been someone from the temple.
Her eyes finally landed on the man.
The man's eyes were covered by a blindfold that wrapped around his head, lined and bedazzled in amethyst.
His hair was dark, crimson-red, reaching to his shoulders, combed finely, and presented with the utmost excellence.
"Ah… brother Spiros!" Lyrei stood up, smiling. She embraced him warmly, and he returned the same warmth.
"I heard that you've been chosen as the heir of the Saint."
"Yes.."
They released each other.
"These few… they're your companions, I assume?"
— He can see us?
Sodror thought.
"Oh right! These 3 are my friends, from when I used to live in Venichian. Sodror, Rar, and Silva."
Lyrei pointed her fingers at each of her friends as he said her name. Spiros nodded slowly.
"It's nice to meet you three. I'm glad you kids have taken care of our young Lyrei."
"Ah…. right!"
Something about Spiro's voice was quite calming and welcoming. Like a comforting hug in verbal form.
"Well, I'll be off, then. I wouldn't want to ruin you guy's reunion."
He smiled, nodding his head, and going on his way, traversing through the packed restaurant.
. . .
. .
.
Chirp. Chirp.
Night fell.
"Soon, you'll be a saint. I never saw you as the religious type."
"Me neither. But I guess I've grown to love Ogthos. To love our lord."
Rar and Lyrei sat in front of the crackling campfire. The flames moved erratically. Casting a shadow on the duo.
"Once you're the saint, you have to live a life free of sin, right?"
"Something like that."
"That seems awfully boring."
"I know."
"You aren't… conflicted?"
"I'm still young. The saint won't die any time soon. I can enjoy my youth."
"Even at your current rank, you still can't really… do anything, right?"
"The Church is pretty lenient. Surprisingly."
"…"
"You've been having fun traveling the world with Silva, huh?"
"A lot. I get to fight, too. It's fun."
Rar leaned back, staring at the star-riddled sky. He protected the back of his head with his hands, interlacing his fingers together.
Lyrei glanced at him, with wonder.
"Fun. I guess… I've had fun. With Brother Spiros, all the sisters, and the saint."
— So much fun, I feel as though I've gotten too attached.
"That's good. I'm glad you haven't been bored all this time."
"Ogthos… forgive me."
"Huh?"
Lyrei placed her hands on the sides of Rar's face.
His face burnt a bright red.
"L-Lyrei, what are you doing?"
. . .
. .
.