Licia and Fiona sat together on the sofa in the living room.
Upon returning to the room, Ren set the menu on the table and recounted the encounter in the lobby to the two girls.
"—And so, I think I’ll go and see what he has to say."
Licia had already overexerted herself once today. Ren added that he would be fine going alone; after all, the venue was barely a twenty-minute walk away. He also expected to run into Vane there.
"In that case, I will stay here with Lady Licia," Fiona said.
"Please do. It would be a huge relief knowing she's in your hands."
"I-I mean, I’d be perfectly fine on my own, but..." Licia stammered.
"I wouldn't be so sure about that."
"Indeed," Fiona agreed. "You might be fine, but it's best to be cautious."
"U-Um... you two?"
It wasn't that they didn't trust her; it was simply that Licia was being her usual self—reserved and loath to have others sacrifice their time for her sake.
However, even if Ren hadn't heard that information in the lobby, he likely would have stayed behind to watch over her as well.
A short time had passed since their exchange.
It had been only a few seconds since Ren had finished his meal and departed for the standing party.
"Are you feeling better now?" Fiona asked.
"Yeah... Like I said before, I’ve been feeling quite stable for a while now."
"I see. I’m glad to hear it."
A heavy silence followed.
Sitting on the sofa, Licia toyed restlessly with the cushion in her lap.
In contrast, Fiona picked up her cup to take a sip of her post-meal tea. As she did, she realized she was using the cup to hide the lower half of her face.
When Licia finally spoke, her voice was thick with hesitation.
"To have the girl who loves the same person I do take care of me... it makes me feel so guilty."
"............Listen."
An incredibly deep sigh escaped Fiona’s lips.
The awkward atmosphere that had been so difficult to define vanished in an instant. Hearing that sigh, Licia let out a startled "Eh?" and looked at Fiona.
"Those are two completely separate matters, so they have nothing to do with each other, right?"
"That might... be true, but..."
"But I understand the sentiment. If our positions were reversed, well... I might have felt a way I normally wouldn't, too."
"Right? So, um... I’m sorry. And thank you."
The mix of casual familiarity and formal politeness was a perfect reflection of Licia’s personality. Her jumbled apology and gratitude were clear signs that she hadn't quite sorted out her own feelings yet.
"But Lady Licia... though I suppose I’m the same—"
"W-What! Don't look at me like I'm some strange creature!"
"—I wouldn't go that far, but perhaps what Lady Riohalde said wasn't wrong after all."
"What Sera said...?"
The Black Priestess wore a wry, self-deprecating smile.
The White Saint immediately understood the meaning behind it.
"That we’ve... gotten ourselves all complicated? And not just about Ren?"
"Yes. In the end, that might be exactly what we are."
This was a callback to something that had happened before the Windea Incident. Sera had blurted out that remark when she accidentally walked in on Licia and Fiona trying on certain outfits together.
In this situation, Licia couldn't think of a single rebuttal. Like Fiona, she could only offer a wry smile.
"...If Sera brings it up again, maybe I’ll just own it."
It was certainly better than being awkwardly embarrassed.
Or so she chose to believe.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
The restaurant was grander than the one they had visited the day before, situated much closer to the bridge and the lake.
As Ren approached the entrance, he saw the Count’s butler at the reception desk, just as expected. At that very moment, Vane was finishing his check-in and preparing to enter.
"Oh, Ren. I didn't know you were attending too."
"It was a last-minute decision. Though, it's just me for tonight."
"Is that so? It’s rare to run into you at a party like this. Especially since we’re both on our own."
"Rare? I think it’s the first time it’s ever been just the two of us."
Ren completed the reception process as he had discussed with the butler and entered the restaurant venue.
The room was filled not only with nobles but also with wealthy merchants and high-ranking priests from the Temple. As Ren scanned the room, he could sense the solemn influence of the approaching Night of Prayers, which gave the gathering a different air than a typical party.
A dignitary from the Holy Land—Ren had heard the man’s name. He had also received a description of the man’s appearance from the butler, but he hadn't spotted him yet.
"I need to go around and do some formal greetings, but what about you, Ren?"
"I’m looking for someone. I heard there was someone here from the Holy Land, and I wanted to ask them about the Demon King Cult."
"From the Holy Land... Oh! You mean the person who arrived on such short notice!"
Ren wondered if he would even get the chance to speak with him; the man was undoubtedly busy. Normally, he should have made an appointment, but since this visit was spur-of-the-moment, he hadn't had the chance to prepare.
Fortunately for Ren, Vane was there. The descendant of the Hero immediately understood Ren's objective.
"Want me to go with you? I’m interested in the Demon King Cult too, and I can always do my greetings afterward."
Vane’s presence would act as a bridge. It would be far easier for someone of his lineage to approach a dignitary than it would be for Ren, who was merely the son of a knight.
"Thanks. That would be a huge help."
"Alright. Let's start by finding the man you mentioned."
The venue was quite spacious, and the terrace was equally grand, making the search potentially difficult. Or so they thought.
They found him in a corner of the terrace.
Standing by the lakeside with his back to the railing, a man caught Ren's eye.
He was a distinguished figure, cradling a cloak emblazoned with the crest of the Holy Land under his arm. Leaning against the nearby railing was a longsword in its scabbard, its own crest equally prominent.
...It feels like a different world around him.
Ren struggled to define the man’s presence. An indescribable sense of purity seemed to emanate from him.
Their gazes crossed for a split second. Sensing an unspeakable gravity from the other, Ren began to walk toward the man.
The man placed his glass onto a tray held by a passing waiter and took a single step forward.
"Ren, is that him?"
"Yeah. I’m certain."
"Got it. Let's introduce ourselves."
The two approached without hesitation. Since he looked exactly like the description Ren had received from the butler, there was no room for mistake.
Ren and the man came face to face. After a few seconds of silence, it was the stranger who spoke first.
"I must offer my thanks to the Main God Elfen for this chance encounter."
He possessed a refined, masculine elegance, and his sharp, almond-shaped eyes settled on the two boys.
"The descendant of Hero Ruin. And you... you must be the Hero of Clausel."
"It's an honor to meet you. My name is Vane."
"I am Ren Ashton. ...So, you knew of me as well."
"Great deeds do not fade with the passage of time. And please, feel free to speak as you normally would in my presence. I do not mind if you make yourselves comfortable."
The man gave a shallow bow, placing one hand over his chest.
"I am Mistolfo. A mere Holy Palace Knight."
The Holy Palace Knights were the elite military force of the Elfen Church, warriors whose prowess surpassed even the Imperial Guards of the great powers. To call himself "mere" was an act of extreme humility.
"Just 'a knight,' is it?" Ren asked.
"Does that concern you?"
"No. It’s just that, if my hunch is correct, I believe Sir Mistolfo is also one of the few high-ranking priests even within the Holy Land."
Unlike Vane, Ren’s voice carried a note of certainty. Mistolfo responded with a calm smile.
"I am indeed but a single Holy Palace Knight. Whether one is a knight or a priest, every soul among us is nothing more than a servant to the Lord."
"...To hear that from the man known as the Saint’s Right Sword... I can't help but be surprised."
Standing above Mistolfo was the first-ranked Sword King: the Saint. In this world, no greater swordsman existed.
Mistolfo’s skill, as the chief aide to such a figure, was on an entirely different plane from ordinary people. This was already evident from his bearing, which reminded Ren of the presence he had felt when facing the Thunder Emperor, one of the other Sword Kings. Furthermore, for a man of his status, even the knights under his command would be the elite of the elite.
Mistolfo turned his attention toward Vane, their eyes meeting.
"The battle at Windea was a magnificent display. We were also contending with the Demon King Cult around the same time, and I felt quite heartened when I heard of your victory."
"It’s an honor to hear you say so. However, that victory wouldn't have been possible without Ren here."
"I see. So he fought alongside you..."
Ren could see through the man's gaze that his interest had deepened. It was an honest, undisguised emotion that Ren could feel clearly.
Vane, sensing the opening, moved to the topic they had discussed earlier.
"If you wouldn't mind, Your Eminence, we would love to hear about the battles you have fought. We were hoping to exchange information regarding the Demon King Cult."
"I would be glad to. However, I must go and pay my respects to the Temple Head now."
Mistolfo hesitated for a moment before making an unexpected proposal.
"It is crowded here. Perhaps we could meet again in a quieter place?"
Vane still had his own social obligations to fulfill, so it was decided that Ren would meet with Mistolfo alone.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
The standing party was far too noisy for a serious discussion.
The bridge was also bustling with tourists, but there were secluded spots if one looked carefully, where the breeze off the lake felt wonderfully cool.
Ren arrived at the bridge first, taking in the scenery. When he looked back toward the town, he could easily spot the district where their inn was located.
"I’ll head back after we talk for a bit," Ren murmured to himself.
A gentle wind brushed past him. Turning toward its source, he saw the Saint's Right Sword approaching with a measured, easy gait.
"My apologies for keeping you waiting."
"Not at all. But was it alright for you to leave the party?"
"I never intended to stay for long. I have already offered my apologies to the Count for my sudden arrival."
In other words,
"I must return to the Holy Land as soon as my business is concluded. I do not have the luxury of speaking with many people, so please, do not let it weigh on your conscience."
Several things finally clicked into place for Ren. That explained why Mistolfo hadn't made any other formal appointments.
"Will you be leaving immediately, then?"
"In an hour. I wished to attend the Night of Prayers, but I must depart for a Temple on the Western Continent."
"...You're incredibly busy."
"No. I am merely doing what I must."
He seemed like a stern individual, but the phrase "pious believer" fit him perfectly. As Ren spoke with him, he felt he was beginning to understand the man’s character.
...From what he said, even his trip here was decided at the last minute.
...Maybe that’s why his arrival hasn't caused a bigger stir.
If a figure of Mistolfo’s stature were visiting, it should have been common knowledge. Ren, in particular, had been staying alert to ensure Licia didn't cross paths with the Elfen Church because of her condition.
"Is the White Saint not with you?"
Since he knew Ren was the Hero of Clausel, it was only natural for him to know he was usually by Licia’s side.
However, the question came just as Ren was thinking about her, giving him the sudden sensation that his heart had skipped a beat.
"The Young Lady is quite busy. She didn't have the time for a trip abroad."
"That is a pity. I had hoped to catch a glimpse of one who has received the Lord's blessing."
"My apologies. I will be sure to pass your words along to her."
Ren had managed to steer the conversation away without it feeling forced. Mistolfo didn't press the matter.
"But was that brief talk enough for Vane?"
"As someone who arrived uninvited, I cannot allow myself to disrupt his schedule. It is only proper that we greet each other formally at a more appropriate time."
Mistolfo lowered his voice slightly.
"I was also interested in the Hero Equipment that the descendants of the Seven Heroes are said to have recovered. Given more time, I would have liked to see them."
"So you've heard that story too."
"There is no one in the Holy Land who hasn't. I only pray that the Divine Sword once held by Hero Ruin will also be found one day."
"But they say it shattered the moment he returned to Leomel..."
"That is the legend, yes. But it is strange that not even the hilt remains. Given that other equipment thought lost has been recovered, the Divine Sword may yet be slumbering somewhere."
It wasn't an impossibility. At the very least, Ren’s own knowledge of the Seven Heroes' lore contained no information about its whereabouts.
Before reaching the main topic, Ren listened to the man’s words with genuine interest.
"By its holy power, the Divine Sword harmonizes with nature. If even a fragment of the blade remained, the natural world would have sought to surround and protect it."
It would be a different story if it had been sealed by human hands. But considering the other examples of Hero Equipment, it wasn't far-fetched to think a piece of the shattered sword existed somewhere.
"It might be hidden within the trees, or perhaps submerged beneath the water. Or... well."
Mistolfo added casually,
"It is even possible that it has drawn rocks toward itself to form its own seal."
"If that's the case, then it really would be impossible to find."
"Indeed. Which is likely why it remains hidden to this day."
The conversation reached a natural pause. Ren shifted the topic, keeping in mind that the Divine Sword was something Vane was destined to hold one day.
"You mentioned earlier that you fought the Demon King Cult recently."
"One battle of many. Because a Cult Executive was involved, forces—including myself—were dispatched."
"Was it the city Orphide attacked before Windea?"
"No. It was around the same time that priest visited Windea, but this occurred on the Western Elfen Continent."
Ren wondered which country he meant. Mistolfo provided the details.
"Are you familiar with the Medil Dukedom?"
"Yes. The country that was destroyed by the rampage of a Forbidden Book."
"The city I mentioned is a Neutral City not far from those ruins. It is home to a rare Grand Temple. We received intelligence on the enemy and moved to intercept the Cult there."
"Was there an opponent so powerful that someone of your caliber had to be sent?"
"There was."
Ren hadn't seen Mistolfo’s skill for himself. Even in the original lore, he was a character only briefly mentioned. Still, Ren knew of him because he was the closest aide to the first-ranked Sword King.
"A priest, or perhaps someone even more capable."
Hearing those words, Ren thought of a certain man. He had already shared information with Radius, claiming he had extracted it from Orphide—information about the final enemy of the original story. He was thinking of the man who held the rank of Bishop.
"The individual appeared to be a woman, but her face was hidden by the Cult's robes."
"Wait... a woman?"
"Yes. We could only judge by her voice. Is there a problem?"
"No... not exactly."
Ren was momentarily confused because the information differed from what he knew.
However, the original lore had never explicitly stated there was only one Bishop, so perhaps this was to be expected. After all, under the Cult Leader, there were two Great Executives, including Eve. It was entirely possible there were multiple Bishops as well.
In any case, it wasn't yet confirmed that she held that rank.
...Even if she is a Bishop, she’s not the one I know.
...If there’s another Bishop out there, that’s going to make things difficult.
Mistolfo had no way of knowing Ren's inner thoughts. He continued his account of the battle.
"In the end, it was merely a skirmish outside the city. Even so, both sides suffered significant casualties."
"What kind of power did she use?"
"A wide array of magic. One moment she was casting spells of every attribute, the next she was unleashing what appeared to be her own unique arts."
Mistolfo had been primarily focused on defending the Grand Temple, so he hadn't engaged her in direct combat.
"To possess that much talent... or perhaps she had specialized equipment..."
"I cannot say for certain. I only know of a handful of people born with that kind of natural talent."
To have as much magical aptitude as he was hearing—perhaps Chronoa, the world's greatest mage, fit that description. But she wasn't an enemy, so it was a different matter entirely.
Ren signaled for him to continue, listening intently.
"The Witch of Medil... Mascheria. She is one such example," Mistolfo said, his eyes on the water.
"Mascheria?"
"The daughter of Duke Medil. She was blessed with extraordinary magical talent and was hailed as a genius the likes of which this continent had never seen."
"But the nobility of Medil all—"
"Lost their lives. When Duke Medil let the Forbidden Book run wild, the entire Ducal Capital sank into the depths of the earth."
Mistolfo wasn't speaking with absolute certainty; he was merely offering her as a comparison.
"Regardless, I cannot imagine anyone could have survived the catastrophe that befell Medil."
In the end, the conversation returned to that simple fact. The site of the Medil Dukedom was now a bottomless Great Pit shrouded in darkness. That was the price of the Duke's folly. Now, the pit was filled with Miasma, and no one could approach it.
"Let us move on. Regarding that battle, the Holy Land will be sending a formal report to the Imperial Capital as well. We have no intention of keeping it a secret, provided the information serves Leomel's interests."
"Thank you. So the information was meant to be shared with the countries surrounding the Holy Land from the start."
"Not just the surrounding nations. I traveled beyond the Elfen Continent recently to speak with a certain King."
"—A King?" Ren tilted his head.
"I am sure you know of him. Perhaps if I mention the Sky Continent...?"
"You mean the Thunder Emperor?"
Mistolfo nodded and began to recount his audience with the man.
"The Thunder Emperor is a remarkable individual. If you ever meet him, you will understand my words."
"I don't think I’ll ever have the chance to meet the King of the Sky Continent..."
Mistolfo chose his words more carefully as he replied, evaluating the Thunder Emperor fairly while describing his character.
"In truth, it might be best to avoid that King entirely if you can. He is a man who possesses the instinct to devour all things, supported by a power equaled only by his wisdom. Even my own subordinates were overwhelmed by him in an instant."
"—He’s really that incredible."
"Incredible... yes. To the point where one might believe no King more kingly than him exists."
The conversation had strayed slightly. While it had been important, they still hadn't touched on the person Ren wanted to hear about most.
"I have one more thing I want to ask."
"Ask anything. If I can answer it, I will," Mistolfo replied.
"—Do you know of a woman named Eve?"
The atmosphere shifted instantly.
For a moment, a pressure so intense it nearly made Ren brace himself filled the air. But the Saint’s Right Sword immediately dispelled the aura and stared deep into Ren's eyes, searching his very soul.
Ren felt a wave of pure, intense hostility toward Eve. Despite the weight of the man's gaze—a stare so powerful it felt as though it could pierce through his chest—Ren did not look away.
"Forgive me. I had forgotten that Leomel had already secured that name."
"N-No, I’m the one who brought it up so suddenly."
Ren had told Radius that he had extracted the name during his struggle with Orphide. By now, the name Eve had surely been shared with the inner circle.
"The Elfen Church fought against three individuals, didn't they? The Cult Leader, Eve, and one other Executive."
That had happened during the theft of the Tears of Elfen.
"It is true that we crossed blades with the pinnacle of the Demon King Cult. And because there are secrets involving the Holy Land, there may be information that you do not yet possess."
"Please. I need to know everything you can tell me about Eve."
Ren spoke with more force than before, standing his ground with a spirit that matched the knight’s. Mistolfo found himself intrigued by the boy's resolve—and by why he was so focused on Eve specifically.
He wanted to know what drove this boy to pursue the heart of the Demon King Cult.
"Very well."
Ren was surprised by the sudden, positive shift in Mistolfo's attitude. "Thank you!" he replied.
"However, I have a condition."
"...As long as it’s something I’m capable of..."
"It is. As for that condition—"
Mistolfo took one step toward him, then another. Ren stood his ground, confused by the sudden closeness as the man fixed him with a piercing, resolute stare.
"Ren Ashton, I want you to—"