Chapter 104: Whoa, There's Even A Time-Stop Type!
Aeron had to admit that the Order's current situation was far better than he had imagined.
With Fenrico, the Primus, currently missing, the position couldn't simply remain vacant. The citizens of Ragunna, still riding the high of Carnevale, had a sudden stroke of what they considered brilliant inspiration.
Within the Order, no one outranked Phoebe. No one had a better reputation than Phoebe either. Compounded by the unexplained absence of other priests during Carnevale, only one narrative remained: "Priest Phoebe led the clergy in protecting the people."
Thus, through various machinations, this junior priest who just a month ago had been following Aeron around calling him "senior" rapidly climbed the ranks. In one month, she blitzed through the Order of the Deep's hierarchy and became the de facto holder of the Order's power. Even Carlotta and Cantarella now had to treat Phoebe with additional courtesy and consideration.
Though there might still be some discordant whispers within the Order like "Wasn't she the one who sent the evil spirit in?", that accusatory letter remained in Carlotta's possession. And anyone daring to privately discuss the current people's choice for Primus within the Order... did they not want their position anymore?
While going along with Fenrico's wishes still irked Aeron somewhat, the current outcome was indeed rather acceptable.
"Hehe... Senior... my senior."
Of course, this was assuming one ignored the golden retriever-like figure who had been clinging to him since earlier, repeatedly burying her face in his shoulder and nuzzling against him.
"Don't get so excited, Phoebe... He's right here. He's not going to run away."
Incidentally, there was also Cartethyia who had followed Aeron and Phoebe from Montelli to the Order.
"Speaking of which, are you sure it's alright for you to be here, little Carte?"
"It's fine. The Order has deep connections with me after all. As Phoebe's friend, isn't it natural for me to come help?"
"Huh? Weren't you specially recruited as a sports student? You can handle clerical work too?"
"Who said anything about that!"
Cartethyia sighed. Thinking that these two would be carrying the Order of the Deep on their shoulders, she couldn't help but feel Ragunna's future was completely predictable.
...But maybe this is for the best.
Precisely because of this, Cartethyia had chosen to stay by their side.
The three who first met, having weathered stormy seas, were now peacefully reunited in the Order. For her, for the story they were writing together, this was the best possible continuation.
When she first found Aeron, she never imagined so much would happen in such a short time.
Just as he had told her before, even if their meeting and everything that followed were all orchestrated by Leviathan as a means to enhance its power, the experiences along the way couldn't be false.
...After all that talk, don't you just want to be with him?
Th-that's none of your business! Besides, you're thinking the same thing!
If you're too direct, he won't be able to handle it.
"..."
Cartethyia could almost envision Fleurdelys turning toward her with sparkling eyes and a thumbs-up, inwardly marveling at how her other half had so quickly revealed her mischievous nature of delighting in teasing others.
Though she had previously entertained the idea of being more assertive, every time she saw Aeron in such a state, an inexplicable soft-heartedness would wash over her, causing her to discard those thoughts.
But you've spent more time by His side, your feelings are more tangible...
Fleurdelys's voice softened, carrying a subtle hint of wistfulness.
So, I have no objections. In fact, I'm quite pleased to witness such an amusing scene.
Well... having a conversation like this with another version of myself is a rather extraordinary experience, but if you'd like me, as the dominant one, to assist you with something, feel free to ask~
Then, could you spare a little of your time with him for me? After all, I have some words I'd like to share with him too.
You... won't do anything bad, will you?
At least not before expressing my gratitude. Besides... someone has already made a move.
The mark on Cartethyia's forehead flickered, guiding her gaze to her surroundings.
It was then that she realized, while she and Fleurdelys were conversing, Phoebe and Aeron, who had been following closely behind, had suddenly vanished without a trace.
"....!"
...
...Huh?"
Aeron stared blankly at his surroundings. Just a moment ago, he had been walking on the main street—how did he suddenly end up in a narrow alley???
The alley itself was one thing, but what lay before him was....
"P-Phoebe, you brought me here... is there something you need?"
Though obscured by the wide brim of her hat, the heat radiating from beneath it suggested Phoebe was likely flushed red.
Considering what she had done during Carnevale, it explained how he had been whisked away to this place in the blink of an eye.
"Se-Senior... that... I...…"
Only then did Phoebe look up, her movements somewhat stiff and her words faltering. It seemed her decision to bring him here was impulsive rather than premeditated, which eased Aeron's concerns somewhat.
Given her previous attitude toward him... it had been somewhat worrying. But Aeron always believed that the junior who had faithfully followed him as a well-behaved child wouldn't cross any lines.
What he needed to do now was calmly guide her, just as he had always done in his role as her senior.
"Go ahead, it's been so long since I last saw you, Phoebe. I'd love to have a private chat with you too."
"R-really? Is that okay?"
"Of course."
Previously, Aeron's attitude toward Phoebe had been purely utilitarian—he saw her as a means to get closer to Rover, hoping to secure an easy, carefree life.
However, as events unfolded beyond his expectations, he had been forced to rewrite the narrative to protect himself.
At the very least, for him, it was a satisfactory conclusion.
Yet, Aeron had to admit that he had overlooked certain aspects in other regards.
To say Aeron hadn't noticed Phoebe's changes would be impossible. After all, he was still human and believed he possessed basic empathy.
Her identity, status, interpersonal relationships... nearly every aspect of her life had undergone earth-shattering changes. This was understandable.
...Of course, it would be better if she could adopt a gentler approach!
Hearing Aeron's words, Phoebe relaxed slightly.
"Wh-what comes next... might be a bit embarrassing to say if Miss Cartethyia were here..."
Phoebe took a deep breath, as if steeling herself for something. She abruptly lifted her head, her eyes beneath the hat brim shimmering with a mixture of shyness, determination, and a flicker of eager anticipation.
"A-anyway, Domain Expansion!"
"Hey, what are you—"
Click!
That familiar, subtle sense of stagnation descended once more. The air ceased to flow, the indistinct sounds of people and carriages from the alley outside cutting off abruptly.
...Holy shit???
This time, however, Aeron could maintain his consciousness... though he still couldn't move.
In the absolutely frozen spacetime, Phoebe finally stopped stammering. She cautiously took a step forward.
"S-sorry, Senior... but some words, some things... I can only muster the courage to say and do them like this..."
Phoebe's fingers brushed against Aeron's cheek like feathers, leaving a scorching sensation in the frozen spacetime. Her breathing noticeably quickened, yet this seemed to grant her a certain boldness.
"Senior clearly promised me you wouldn't do dangerous things anymore..." Her voice was unusually clear in the motionless air, carrying a hint of complaint and much more grievance.
"But you still end up battered and bruised every time..."
Her other hand rose as well, tentatively resting on Aeron's shoulder before sliding downward—the movement awkward yet resolute. Beneath her hat brim, her face was completely flushed, but her eyes shone startlingly bright—a blend of shyness, possessiveness, and the determination to finally take action.
"So... I'm going to give Senior..." Her voice grew softer, but her movements grew bolder. "...a little punishment...!"
Hey, wait, what weird things has this girl been learning—?!
Alarm bells rang loudly in Aeron's mind, but his body remained firmly imprisoned by the time stop. He could feel Phoebe's warm breath drawing nearer, see her trembling eyelashes, even count the fine down on her face.
In the frozen time, Phoebe finally leaned close to his ear and whispered with quiet firmness, audible only to the two of them:
"Th-this time... I won't let Senior escape...!"