The long weekend had come to an end. It was currently lunch break at the Academy.
"Wait, there were people who reached the area before you, Ren?"
Fiona Ignat spoke as she leaned against the rooftop fence, her back to the school building. She looked at Ren, who was sitting on a nearby bench, and asked her question with a look of genuine surprise.
"We don't know who they were yet," Ren replied.
Lithia Clausel, standing beside Fiona with her hands clasped behind her back, chimed in. "But it’s hard to imagine they were just in it for the money, right?"
"Yes," Fiona agreed. "The place Ren and the others reached was incredibly deep within the region."
"That’s the thing," Ren said. "The difficulty level is far too high for simple mercenaries. They must have had a specific reason for wanting the Water Goddess's Ring."
Ren’s journey to Windea had been sparked by the Emblem mission given to him by Ragna. It was also necessary to repair the key to the Bard Muedi’s hideout and to master the Water Magic Sword. Since both required the power dwelling within the Water Goddess's Ring, the timing of the expedition had been non-negotiable.
However, there was one more reason Ren had prioritized the trip.
"Then it has to be the Demon King Cult, doesn't it?" Fiona asked.
"The cult has been targeting Sacred Relics, so it makes sense that Windea would be next on their list. Ren, your prediction was spot on," Lithia added.
Since the incident in Eupeheim, the three of them had been spending more time investigating the cult. While Ulysses and Radius had already been taking the lead, Ren was doing everything in his power to expand their reach. Most of the letters they exchanged at the Academy were filled with updates on the cult’s movements.
"But... is it really them?" Ren mused.
"I’m almost certain of it, but is something bothering you?" Lithia asked.
"I have the same feeling I had back at the shrine in Eupeheim. Everyone said that was likely the cult’s doing, too."
It wasn't that Ren wanted to disagree with them. In fact, he was nearly certain the cult was involved. He had grown used to events that didn't appear in the Legend of the Seven Heroes, but such anomalies usually carried significant weight.
The Water Goddess's Ring wouldn't even manifest inside its blue crystal unless it was fully saturated with mana. This only happened once every few hundred years, coinciding with the time the spring at the summit temple filled with water. Because of this, the ring had never been stolen in the past. It was a near-certainty that someone had infiltrated the site just before Ren’s arrival.
"In the end, I still don't understand their motive for collecting the Sacred Relics," Ren sighed.
"Maybe they just want to prevent anyone else from gaining power from them?" Fiona suggested.
"True. I’ve heard that Sacred Relics act like a potent poison to the cult's dark powers," Lithia said.
As the timeline shifted due to Ren's actions, he wondered if the cult had a new reason for wanting the ring.
They must have a special use for it, Ren thought. Maybe they wanted to use the ring as a catalyst to amplify their strength further.
It was the most logical conclusion, but the lack of information was frustrating. If they had a use for it now, they should have stolen it in the original game’s lore as well.
Unless this is related to Lord Ulysses?
In the original Legend of the Seven Heroes, Ulysses had turned against Wayne and the others, acting as a villain behind the scenes. Perhaps that shift in the cult’s strategy meant they were moving for artifacts they had previously ignored.
"The cult stole a Sacred Relic called the Elfen Tears before, didn't they?" Ren asked.
Fiona nodded, mentally organizing the facts. "That relic was a liquid with strong divine properties. People were baffled as to why the cult would want something so holy."
"They might have taken it just to undermine the influence of the Elfen Religion," Lithia said with a frustrated sigh. "It’s all so confusing."
"All we know for sure is that they have a plan," Fiona added softly.
Lithia changed the subject, her eyes brightening. "Anyway, tell us! How is the Water Magic Sword?"
"The ring made a huge difference," Ren said, a hint of excitement in his voice. "I think I can finally start showing some real results now."
After seeing almost no progress with the magic sword for so long, the change was a massive relief. He felt energized by the prospect of his upcoming training.
"I need to test it more, though. And since the cult might show up at any moment, I have to keep working on my other skills, too."
"Other than the sword?" Lithia asked.
"Yeah. For instance, training specifically to counter mages."
He had done similar training at the Lion Holy Chancel, but he felt the need to redouble his efforts. Just then, the preparatory bell rang, signaling the end of lunch.
After school, Lithia left to handle some errands. She and Ren agreed to meet in the courtyard later, and since Ren had no other plans, he headed there early.
"Nnn..."
He let out a relaxed yawn as he walked down the hall. After the intensity of Windea, the peaceful school routine made him feel a bit sluggish. He made his way to a pair of back-to-back benches separated by a low hedge that obscured the view of the other side.
"This looks like a good spot," he muttered. But just as he was about to sit down in the warm sunlight, a voice drifted over from the other side of the hedge.
"Is that you, Ren?"
Radius was sitting on the other bench, a book in his hand.
"What are you reading?" Ren asked, peering over the hedge.
"Something similar to what I recommended before. I just picked it up from the library."
Ren looked at the cover. It was indeed a biography of the Blind Knight Grimdahl, the man whose name was on Ren’s new medal. Radius was a fan of these heroic tales from the era of the Lion King.
"The Lion King was said to be a master of both blade and sorcery, unmatched by any ordinary man," Radius explained, his eyes scanning the pages. "Yet, some theories suggest that in terms of pure swordsmanship, Grimdahl actually surpassed him."
"I wonder how strong he really was," Ren said.
"Who knows? We can't test ourselves against the dead. I often wonder how he would compare to the current Sword King."
Radius didn't seem to mind the interruption. In fact, he seemed to enjoy the quiet afternoon conversation. Ren turned around and sat on his bench, leaning his back against the Prince’s.
"Compared to the Sword King... Oh, that reminds me." Ren took the opportunity to ask something that had been on his mind. "Do you know where Lutreche is? I went to the Garden of Swords after I got back, but I couldn't find her anywhere."
Radius went silent.
"Um... Radius?"
Radius had been surprised by Ren many times, but he still found himself caught off guard by the boy's casual nature.
"Before I answer that," Radius said slowly, "could you tell me why you are referring to the White Dragon Princess by her first name without any honorifics?"
"Oh, uh... because she gave me permission?"
"...The details are sparse, yet strangely, I think I understand." Knowing Lutreche’s eccentricities, Radius didn't find it impossible. "The White Dragon Princess left the Imperial Capital shortly before you went to Windea. She should be returning soon, though."
Radius didn't know her destination, so Ren didn't press further.
"On another note," Radius continued, "I heard about the incident in Windea. It’s troubling. We know the cult has a history of stealing Sacred Relics. While it’s possible a third party was involved, we can't rule the cult out."
"I thought it might be them, too. But—"
"But what?"
"...No, it’s nothing."
Ren couldn't exactly say that the events didn't match the "game" he remembered. Since he couldn't explain his intuition, he simply continued the conversation.
"On a related note, Ragna shared the details about that key with me," Radius said.
"How much did he tell you?"
"Everything he told you. That repairing it will take about a month, and that it might be the work of Mirim Altia."
If the artifact was a masterpiece from the "God of Magic Tools," a one-month repair time was actually remarkably fast.
"Anyway," Radius said, closing his book slightly, "tell me about your trip with Ragna. How was it?"
"It was fun. Though he did ask me which Hidden Region we should explore next. I didn't even know how to respond to that."
Radius laughed. "A sensible reaction. But I’m glad it was a productive trip."
"The scenery was beautiful, too. What about you, Radius? How were your holidays?"
"Me?" The Prince looked up at the sky. "The usual. I was buried in paperwork. Between the cult investigations and my other duties, I was gulping down potions morning, noon, and night just to stay awake."
"Isn't that... more than usual?"
"Unfortunately. Thankfully, things have calmed down now that classes have resumed."
A moment later, two familiar faces approached the benches.
"Good afternoon, Ashton-senpai," Lizred Arche said, giving a small bow.
"Ashton-senpai, please excuse my behavior the other day," Squall Meldeg added.
Being called "senpai" still felt a bit strange to Ren, but he supposed he had to get used to it.
"Good to see you both. Did you get back okay?"
"Yes," Lizred said, letting out a self-deprecating sigh. "The way back was easy, thank goodness. I’m about as athletic as a wooden board, so the hike up was a nightmare."
Ren nodded inwardly, recalling her struggle.
"Also! I was so shocked when we ran into you at the shrine!" Lizred continued. "I mean, if we were going to the same place, we could have just traveled together..."
"I had a Guild request to handle," Ren explained.
"Oh, so that’s why you turned down my invitation?"
"Yeah. That was the main reason."
Knowing that Guild business often involved confidentiality, Lizred didn't pry further.
"Still, it’s weird how fast we went from a Hidden Region back to normal life," she mused.
"And we were greeted by a quiz as soon as we stepped through the gates," Squall added.
The two had spent their entire break in Windea, leaving them no time to review their lessons.
"Have you two settled into your classes yet?" Ren asked.
"Ugh..." Lizred groaned.
"Arche-san?"
"T-That’s a separate issue! I'll get used to them eventually!"
Radius remained quiet behind the hedge, not wanting to interrupt. However, Squall decided to fill in the blanks, much to Lizred's dismay.
"Liz didn't do very well on the first quiz. Apparently, the Former Count Archeise gave her a legendary scolding."
The Former Count was Lizred’s grandmother, a woman known for being terrifyingly strict about both magic and academics. Not even the current head of the Arche family could stand up to her.
"Squall! Why would you tell him that!?"
"You were the one acting suspicious, Liz."
"T-That’s not the point!"
Squall, the descendant of a Great Hero, let out a long-suffering sigh. Ren couldn't help but smile at their banter.
"Hey! See? Now you've made him laugh at me! Honestly... first Shalo, and now you. Why are all the descendants of the Seven Heroes so inconsiderate?"
"Don't lump me in with Shalo. At least I'm telling the truth."
"Ugh... you and your logic! Ashton-senpai, what do you think!?"
"Me?" Ren blinked, caught in the crossfire.
If this were a choice in the Legend of the Seven Heroes, he would have had to pick a side. He thought of two possible responses: “Squall has a point,” or “Don’t worry, you’ll do better next time.”
He decided on a middle ground.
"Everyone is busy right after enrollment," Ren said diplomatically. "I'm sure you'll show your true potential once you've settled in, Arche-san. There's no need to worry."
Both juniors seemed satisfied with the answer. Behind Ren, the sound of a book closing signaled that Radius was finished. The Prince stood up and walked around the hedge, revealing himself to the two first-years.
"Ren, I must be going," Radius said.
"Sure. See you later."
Lizred looked just as starstruck as she had been the last time they met, while Squall gave a composed bow.
"Hafwa!?" Lizred squeaked.
Ren watched her with amusement, noticing a pamphlet in her hand. It was for an after-school orientation about the Academy facilities.
"Are you two going to be on time for that?" Ren asked.
Lizred let out a very un-ladylike yelp and scrambled away with Squall in tow. A few seconds later, Lithia arrived to take their place.
"Sorry to keep you waiting!"
Seeing Ren’s lingering smile, she sat down next to him. Over the past year, the distance between them when they sat together had noticeably shrunk. They were close enough that their elbows would touch with the slightest movement. Neither of them noticed the group of girls nearby whispering about how they should just give the pair a little push.
"You seem happy. Did something happen?" Lithia asked, looking up at him.
"Arche-san’s reaction was just funny, that's all."
"Hehe, I can imagine." Lithia’s voice was light. "She’s just started here. I'm sure she'll be fine once she adjusts."
"Yeah. It was the same for us, after all."
They sat together, chatting about nothing in particular, simply enjoying the atmosphere of the Academy after classes.
"What's the plan for the evening?" Ren asked.
"Should we head to the Lion Holy Chancel? Or maybe take the long way home?"
"Shopping sounds good, too..."
As they were deciding, a voice called out to them.
"Ren! Lithia!"
It was Chronoa. The two hurried over to see what was wrong.
"I’ve already asked Fiona, but I need you two to lend me a hand!"
Chronoa was looking for something in an old storehouse on the edge of the campus and needed help sorting through it. They agreed immediately.
The stone storehouse was a massive, temple-like structure. It was so large that Lithia admitted she hadn't even known it existed. Fiona was already there, struggling with the heavy door. Ren stepped in to help.
"Ren?"
"I’ve got it."
Ren reached around her to grab the handle, his proximity making Fiona flush slightly. As the heavy doors creaked open, a cloud of dust billowed out.
"It’s pretty dusty in here," Ren said with a wry smile.
"I guess no one comes here very often," Fiona replied, matching his expression.
"So, Chronoa-san, what are we looking for?"
"Well..." Chronoa stepped inside and flicked her staff. Glowing characters appeared in the air. "I need you to find the documents from these specific years."
"You need us to? So you weren't the one who lost them?" Ren asked.
"Nope." Chronoa smiled, but her eyes were twinkling with a strange, manic energy. "Isn't it great? I'm swamped with work, and then the bureaucrats suddenly demand I dig up ancient records by this evening. Despite how incredibly busy I am. Honestly... I am so busy."
She was clearly at her breaking point. A miscommunication between the Academy and a government office had resulted in a deadline that was hours away.
Chronoa bowed deeply, her witch’s hat wobbling. "I’m so sorry! I know you all wanted to relax this afternoon!"
"It’s fine! We’re happy to help!" Ren said quickly, and the girls nodded in fervent agreement.
Chronoa looked truly guilty as she pointed them toward the shelves. Ren stepped into the dim interior. The place was packed with history—far more than the library’s backroom.
Ren headed up the stairs to the second floor to open a window for ventilation. Once the dust settled, he returned to the others. They worked through the stacks, finding the required documents one by one. As they finished, it was nearly time for Chronoa to return to her office.
"Fufu... adults are so unfair," Chronoa muttered, her voice trailing off into a self-pitying whisper. "They think that as long as the person they're talking to is younger, they can just push them around when there's a mistake..."
Ren felt a wave of sympathy for her. The Academy Director clearly had a hard life.
Within two hours, the job was done. Chronoa also pulled out a wooden box she had found.
"Thank you so much! I'll treat you all to a nice dinner soon! I promise!" She waved as she hurried off toward the main building.
The wooden box contained various costumes that had been used for past school festivals—mostly samples from merchants. Ren and the others had offered to carry them back to the campus reference room.
They walked back through the halls, the setting sun painting everything in shades of deep madder red. Inside the reference room, Fiona noticed something as she began moving the costumes to their proper storage.
"This one is quite dirty."
It was a maid-style serving outfit that had been sitting in the dust. Ren checked the delivery manifest that was inside the box.
"Why don't we take it to the changing room and clean it up?" Lithia suggested.
"Good idea," Fiona agreed.
The Academy changing rooms were equipped with vanities and magic tools for garment care.
"Ren, we’ll be back in a bit," Lithia said.
"Sure. I’ll take these documents to Chronoa’s office. I can't exactly follow you into the girls' room anyway."
"Sorry, Ren," Fiona said softly.
"No worries. See you in a bit."
Ren headed off, while the girls went to the changing room, carrying the folded costumes.
Inside, they stood before the large mirror and unfolded the outfits.
"Is this a waitress uniform?" Lithia asked.
"I think so, but the skirt is a bit short," Fiona replied with a giggle.
Their outfits were nearly identical, save for a slight difference in color. They were cute, ruffled versions of serving wear—likely a sample for a student cafe.
Using a comb-like magic tool, they quickly removed the dust from the fabric. As they worked, their conversation drifted back to the cult.
"I wonder why they wanted the Water Goddess's Ring so badly," Fiona mused.
"And they've been so active lately. Radius is taking it very seriously."
"Do you think it's because of Ren?" Fiona asked.
"I do," Lithia replied.
They knew Ren was moving behind the scenes in his own way. The cult seemed strangely obsessed with Leomel. From the flood in Eupeheim to the scars on Roses Kaitas, there was a sense of deliberate targeting.
Thinking of Roses Kaitas made Lithia go quiet. She remembered the feeling of that strange power taking hold of her—the sensation of her body moving on its own while her heart felt miles away. She stared at her reflection in the mirror, searching her own eyes.
Fiona noticed her distress and reached out, covering Lithia’s hand with her own. "Are you alright? You look pale."
"N-No! I’m fine!"
"Are you sure?"
"Really, I am!" Lithia felt her anxiety melt away under Fiona's touch.
Regaining her composure, Lithia held the clean outfit up against her body. "The skirt length is actually about the same as our school uniforms."
"You're right. And the ruffles are so pretty."
"It's a very rare style," Lithia noted.
Fiona’s eyes twinkled with a bit of mischief. "Shall we try them on?"
It was half-joke, half-serious. They wouldn't get in trouble as long as they were careful. Ren was still gone, and they had a few minutes. Fiona had never worn anything like this, and curiosity got the better of her.
Lithia was surprised but equally intrigued. "Are you serious?"
"Quite serious, actually," Fiona admitted shyly. "I never get to wear cute clothes like this."
"Me neither..."
They turned their backs to each other and quickly changed. A few minutes later, they turned around to face the mirror.
The White Saintess and the Black Priestess stood there, adorned in short-skirted serving uniforms. They were breathtaking, though neither of them intended to let anyone else see them like this. They wondered how Ren would react, but they lacked the courage to actually show him.
Suddenly, the doorknob turned.
"Wait—"
"Is someone—?"
It was a public changing room; anyone could walk in. Panic flared. They were in short skirts and ruffles, and if it was someone they knew, they’d never live it down.
Their worst fears were realized instantly.
"Wait... what?"
Sera Riohard stood in the doorway, frozen in shock. She had realized she'd forgotten something and had come back alone to retrieve it. Instead, she had found her friends dressed as maids.
A long, agonizing silence stretched between them. Sera looked at them through the mirror, her mind racing. Finally, she spoke.
"Have you two... finally developed a complex?"
She meant a "first love complex"—obsessing over someone to the point of doing something ridiculous. Both girls turned bright red.
"We haven't developed a complex!" Lithia shouted.
"We have not!" Fiona echoed.
"Then why are you wearing those?"
"It’s a misunderstanding!"
"I don't see how this could be a misunderstanding," Sera said, slowly backing away. "I mean... I guess it's a phase everyone goes through!"
Sera fled, as if she had witnessed something she wasn't supposed to see. Lithia chased after her, grabbing her arm, but their momentum carried them both right out into the hallway.
Straight into Ren.
"Uh... hello?" Ren said, scratching his cheek with a sheepish grin.
Through the open door, Fiona was perfectly visible in her ruffles and short skirt.
Lithia and Fiona’s faces reached a new level of crimson. What had started as a simple whim had ended in a total social disaster. Lithia silently pulled the door shut, her eyes wide with shock.
Sera looked at Ren and sighed. "I didn't get my stuff."
"Maybe wait a few minutes for them to change," Ren suggested, trying not to laugh.
"Yeah. Good idea." Sera didn't seem too upset; if anything, she seemed amused. "I didn't think those two would be the ones to lose it like that."
"Lose it?"
"Never mind. Don't tell them I said that, or I’m dead."
Ren nodded, deciding not to pry. "Wasn't Wayne with you?"
"No. He’s training with my father at the mansion." Sera looked toward the setting sun, her expression softening. "He's working so hard, I have to make sure I don't fall behind."
Since his awakening as a descendant of the Hero Ruin, Wayne’s growth had been exactly as Ren had predicted—meteoric.
A few minutes later, Fiona emerged from the changing room, her cheeks still pink. She clutched the folded costume to her chest.
"I’ll go get my things now," Sera said, slipping past her.
Ren looked at Fiona, unsure of what to say. This was probably the most awkward non-combat situation he’d been in for years.
"Um... sorry about that!" he blurted out.
"N-No! It was me! I shouldn't have been so disgraceful...!"
"Disgraceful? Not at all! It... it really suited you."
"~!"
Fiona’s heart skipped a beat. Being told it suited her by Ren was more than she could handle. Overwhelmed by happiness and embarrassment, she buried her face in the costume, her eyes misty.
She took a deep breath to steady herself. "Thank you. And... sorry to keep you waiting."
As they stood together in the quiet hallway, Fiona looked up at him. The height difference was more apparent than usual. She realized she wanted to keep talking to him, and a specific topic came to mind.
"Ren! About our next day off—"