Chapter 64: Phoebe: I Won't Wait Anymore!
Half a month.
It had been half a month since Aeron was sent away on the Pilgrimage Ship, and Phoebe hadn't had a single peaceful night's sleep.
Every night, as soon as she closed her eyes, the scenes from that day would replay in her mind: Aeron being roughly escorted away by the Festival Envoys, the icy tone of High Priest Fenrico echoing through the church, while she could only collapse helplessly on the ground, watching that receding figure vanish into the shadows.
"Where is Senior Aeron now?"
"Is he alright?"
"Could he already be..."
These questions haunted her, robbing her of appetite and sleep. Miss Carlotta and Cartethyia had both comforted her, saying Aeron would be fine, that he would definitely return. But in the face of reality, those words felt utterly hollow.
Someone sentenced to exile and sent away on a Pilgrimage Ship—while officially their fate remained unknown, it was practically no different from death.
Unless... the Sentinels truly performed a miracle.
But Phoebe no longer dared to believe in miracles. Over the years, she had witnessed too many devout prayers ultimately go unanswered, too many kind people meeting unfortunate ends. The Sentinels might indeed exist, but Their blessings seemed always sparingly bestowed.
She had tried praying, tried focusing on handling the Order's paperwork, voluntarily taking on some of the communication and coordination with lower-ranking clergy that had originally been Aeron's responsibility. Though not perfect in her execution and having made minor mistakes, she was at least making the effort.
At least if her senior was gone, she would try to fill part of the void he left behind in her own way.
What Senior Aeron had always handled with such effortless ease now required great effort and time for her to sort through.
Clumsy, strenuous.
But she didn't stop.
Because Phoebe knew that if it were Aeron, no matter how troublesome the matter, he would find a way.
She wanted to catch up too. At least this way, he wouldn't be alone anymore.
"...Important matter?"
This morning, when Phoebe received Cartethyia's letter and read its contents, her first reaction was worry.
During this period, though Cartethyia remained with Montelli, she always found time to stay by Phoebe's side, comforting her in that peculiar tone of hers that "that guy must be fine."
While those comforts might only provide psychological relief, they truly made Phoebe feel less alone.
So whenever Cartethyia called for her, she would definitely go.
She pushed open the door, greeted by the familiar aroma of food. The dining hall wasn't crowded, afternoon sunlight streaming through stained glass windows to cast mottled patterns on the wooden floor. Everything appeared normal.
She approached the counter, but her steps abruptly halted when her peripheral vision caught the figure by the window seat.
Her cane clattered to the floor, but Phoebe didn't pick it up.
Her breath caught, blood seeming to freeze in an instant before surging wildly the next moment. Her mind went blank, only her eyes still functioning—staring fixedly, greedily, incredulously at that figure.
The figure sitting by the window, back toward her, speaking with Cartethyia.
Dressed in a simple dark shirt, wearing glasses she had never seen before on the bridge of his nose. But the curve of that profile, that casual sitting posture, that unique atmosphere she could sense even from just his back—
".....?"
The sound squeezed out from trembling lips was faint, yet it drained all of Phoebe's strength.
She didn't even realize she was crying.
It wasn't until warm liquid slid down her cheeks, dripping onto the front of her clothes and spreading into dark stains, that she belatedly noticed—tears were already flowing uncontrollably.
Sobs, streaming tears... all the fear, despair, and unspoken worries bottled up inside her over the past few days had found their only outlet in this moment.
Her shoulders began to tremble, slightly at first, then more and more violently, until her whole body shook. She had to reach out and grip the edge of a nearby table to barely keep standing.
The scene before her began to blur, but that figure remained vividly imprinted on her retinas, burning so intensely it hurt.
Was it real?
Or was this yet another nightmare? A cruel hallucination born from longing?
She'd seen too many people experience visions after losing someone important. An elder nun from the Order once spoke to an empty chair, claiming it was her son who'd long died in battle. Phoebe had only felt sad back then, but now she was terrified—terrified she might become like that too.
".....?"
She called out again, this time louder, with a thick nasal tone and choked sobs. Like a drowning person clutching at the last straw, like a lost child calling the only name they knew in the darkness.
Then, she saw the figure turn around.
Then, he looked at her.
Time stretched infinitely in that instant.
The restaurant's music, the murmurs of guests, the clinking of cutlery—all sounds faded into the distance.
Phoebe's world contained only that figure.
Confirmed.
This was neither a dream nor a hallucination.
What was there was truly real.
Alive.
Moving.
After that, even Phoebe herself didn't know what she was doing.
....
"Little Carte, you're invincible."
"Ah, saying something like that isn't appropriate now, is it, 'senior'?"
Cartethyia watched Aeron and Phoebe—who had thrown herself into his arms—with amused eyes. You had to admit, it was quite entertaining.
"Wuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu—"
That is, if you ignored the golden-haired ball clinging to Aeron while making strange noises.
Fortunately, it was still early, and the restaurant was empty. The only person around was Margaret herself, shooting them a "holy shit, going this far?" look.
But Aeron definitely couldn't accept this—after all, it was a public place!
"...Do you know this could expose our identities?"
Although meeting Phoebe was part of Aeron's return plans, he hadn't expected it to happen this early.
"It's fine. I've already asked Carlotta to have Montelli's people designate this area as requiring holiday maintenance in advance. No one will come."
"Hey wait, but Margaret still needs to run her business. How is she supposed to work like this?"
"Carlotta said Montelli will cover a week's worth of her revenue. Don't worry~"
"So you didn't handle anything yourself at all!"
"It hasn't even been a few days, and this Blessed Maiden has already learned to use the power of money. Such terrifying social adaptability."
"Alright... I admit this approach is problematic, but don't you think 99% of the blame this time lies with you?"
"What do I—Gurk!"
Before Aeron could finish, Phoebe's grip tightened even more.
Wait, since when did Phoebe have such strength? Is there stat inflation here too???
The golden "fluffball" buried itself firmly against his chest. Aeron could feel his shirt instantly soaked through, warm liquid seeping through the fabric to his skin. Phoebe's slender shoulders trembled violently, her throat emitting faint whimpers like a small animal.
"Mmm, mmm... It's real... The softness of this body and the muscle definition and the tone of voice and the angle of the eyebrows and the pore size and pupil dilation and scent are really from before..."
"..." x2
Hey, what's this? So scary.
Though neither Cartethyia nor Aeron said it aloud, they both felt this girl had undergone some remarkable changes.
"Y-you should calm down first, Phoebe. My clothes are going to be ruined... This is Fisalia Family haute couture." Aeron hovered helplessly before finally patting Phoebe's head like a puppy, smoothing her long hair.
"Waaahhh! Senior, you idiot! Big idiot!"
Phoebe suddenly looked up, her usually shy and reserved round face now tear-streaked like a rain-soaked pear blossom. Her reddened nose twitched, and her clear amethyst-blue eyes were filled with grievance, anger, and a hint of joy.
"Sob... Senior... I thought you'd really been taken to Penitent's End to become the ancient dragon's food..."
"A-anyway, let go first..."
"I won't! If I let go, senior will disappear again!" Phoebe lifted her head sharply, her eyes showing unprecedented stubbornness.
Her sobbing voice carried a gravity never heard before: "Every day I kept thinking, if I'd been more assertive that day, if I had influence like Miss Carlotta, or could act directly like Cartethyia... maybe you wouldn't have had to go to such a place..."
"I hate myself for only being able to pray before the Sentinels' statue in the church, unable to do anything..."
"So I won't wait any longer!"
"?"
Though nothing seems wrong with that, aren't those words you shouldn't be saying?
"Since senior always pushes himself into dangerous situations, next time, no matter what you do or where you go, I'll follow by your side and watch over you personally. Even if it's crime, even if it's blasphemy, as long as I'm with you..."
"Phoebe... isn't this development a bit inappropriate...?"
Faced with this series of heavy statements, even Cartethyia felt embarrassed. Phoebe hadn't been like this in front of her just days ago.
She shot Aeron a meaningful look, urging him to quickly think of something, at least to change the subject.
Wiping cold sweat from his face, Aeron sized up Phoebe before him and immediately found an opening.
Phoebe's clerical robes had undergone noticeable changes. The originally simple collar now featured an exquisite gold-thread embroidery along the edge, and the sash at her waist had been replaced with a deep blue one.
"...You got promoted?"
Hearing Aeron's words, Phoebe froze for a moment, then embarrassedly lowered her head, her fingers fidgeting nervously.
"Because of what happened before... I was promoted by the Primus... Now I'm... a Inquisitor in the Chamber of Discipline..."
".....?"
Upon hearing Phoebe's words, Aeron was stunned.
Did this mean that after just half a month apart from Phoebe, his junior had directly entered the management level?
He had been in the Order for four years just to become a cleric qualified for independent field missions. And she got three promotions in half a month! Was this reasonable? Was this scientific?
Damn you Fenrico, this version benefit is just too unreasonable! Turns out having the right background really trumps personal integrity!
But this worked out perfectly.
"In that case, Phoebe, I need your help with something... If you don't want to, you don't have to agree. I won't force you."
Aeron feigned a cough twice, his expression turning serious as he lowered his voice. He had expected Phoebe to hesitate, since this was already treading close to violating doctrine.
However, Phoebe barely hesitated at all. That delicate little face immediately showed a sweet, syrupy smile.
"I understand. Whatever you ask of me, Senior, Phoebe will agree... no matter what it is."
Aeron and Cartethyia exchanged another glance, deciding to pretend nothing had happened for now.
Aeron feigned another cough, his tone becoming more serious: "Primus Fenrico and his close associates' movements during the festival period, the Order's internal arrangements for Carnevale, and..."
He glanced at Phoebe, "If there are any reports related to unusual Echoes activity, give me those too."
With each item he mentioned, Phoebe nodded vigorously.
"Can you do it?" Aeron asked.
"Yes!" Phoebe answered without hesitation, even somewhat eagerly, "I'll deliver them to you safely, Senior!"
Seeing how serious she was, Aeron almost felt bad about having her continue.
"Phoebe, you don't need to be so nervous. This guy Aeron has nine lives, he won't go down that easily."
Cartethyia also spoke up, trying to reassure Phoebe.
"But... it's precisely because Senior always thinks like that, that he keeps charging into the most dangerous places every time."
Phoebe raised her head, her light purple eyes shining with a light that felt somewhat unfamiliar to both of them. "So this time, I'll watch every detail, eliminate every hidden danger, ensure the plan proceeds smoothly, and ensure that Senior... remains safely where I can see him."
"...." x2
The air grew quiet for a few seconds again. Aeron remained silent, just staring at Cartethyia.
Since when did Phoebe become like this!
I don't know either!
When Phoebe looked up again, her face had returned to its usual meek expression.
"I'll do my best to help! Senior, Miss Cartethyia, please rest assured."
"Uh... yeah." Aeron responded dryly.
"Th-then we'll leave it to you." Cartethyia maintained her smile with effort.
Phoebe stood up and gave a proper bow. "I'll head back first. There are still matters to attend to for this afternoon's maintenance work."
Reaching the door, she turned back and glanced at Aeron, revealing a meaningful smile.
"...Welcome home, Senior~"
With that, Phoebe pushed the door open and left. The wind chimes gently swayed, emitting a clear, tinkling sound.
Only Aeron and Cartethyia remained in the dining room, along with the nearly cooled hot sea pineapple pizza.
Between the two of them stretched a long silence.
"...Was this part of your arrangement too?"
"No... I'm sorry."
"Alright, alright."
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