I look around and notice that the church is filled mostly with nobles, because of their fancy clothing.
The only ones who stand apart are those who serve within the church, dressed in white cloaks— some long, some short, with hoods or without, with hats or none at all.
"Once you're 15 years old, you'll be able to go inside the church's baptism room and we'll find out what ability will be granted to you. Don't worry!"
Rey place his hands onto my shoulders.
"I'll be there in your birthday." Rey says happily but I was busy scanning my surrounding.
'I've never heard anything about the priest except when they got married— Lord Caelrion the ML and Lady Eirlys the FL gets married as one of the final ending of the FAF.'
The light stings my eyes, flickering as if it were dancing.
I look across the fountain— between us stands a priest, smiling and seems to be talking with the archbishops cause of their tall hat.
From a distance he has light blue hair and what seem to be white eyes.
'Is he blind?'
I tug on Rey's vest and ask, "Rey, who's that?" I point out in the direction of the man, wearing a light blue crystal earring on the left ear.
"He's Cassien, The youngest Spirit Oracle at the age of 15, you can tell by the Laurel Crown he's wearing, alongside him are his archbishops."
"But from what I remember he recently became the Grand Priest, seeing that he's now wearing Aether's earring, since only someone of that rank would be allowed to wear that, he must be 18 by now, hmm."
I look at Rey curiously and attentively then he let's out a smirk and closely whisper to my ear.
"He's said to be chosen as the grand priest cause of his devotion of the church—
but also became the Spirit Oracle cause of his miracle with his light fairy."
"A Miracle?" I ask in confusion as Rey smiles.
"From what I heard he's born blind and receive the light element with the ability to brighten the surroundings so even at night the Church will lit up."
'His ability sounds like a human flashlight, like the Imalent MS32...'
"How is it a miracle?"
"Well, when he formed a contract with his light fairy, it granted him the ability to see."
"Eh?"
'I was right he's blind.'
"Fairies cannot aid you physically since their connection lies within the mind."
"When you use the elements, it consumes your mental energy."
"They cannot bring back what's missing in you, like if you break a bone or lose an eye. They can only heal you but other than that if you die, you die." Rey shrug.
"What happens to the fairy when you die?"
"Well some say the fairy joins their contractor to the afterlife while some says the fairy will live long to look for another, nobody knows what actually happens unless you talk to the dead."
"There's an ability for you to talk to the dead?"
"Boo... that didn't scare you?" Rey makes a face, trying to look frightening.
"But no..., nobody can revive the dead even if get a contract with a fairy..." Rey looks off into the distance, clenching his fist.
When I look at Rey, I knew what he was thinking, the death of the late duchess.
'It must've took a toll for both Rey and Velora, but I still don't know what actually happened to her.' I hold my chest and clench my hand.
'But I can't help but be curious.' I rest my hand against my chin.
'Abilities, skills, and elements. So many things to remember, I'm confused now.'
"Mmmmmm"
"What's bothering you? Do you want to ask something?" Rey beaming with light as he smiles directly at me.
"W-well, what are elements?" I scratch my cheek as I avert my gaze from his.
"Eh? Didn't I tell you this before... but since my little sister ask—"
He straightens up, crossing his arms as he looks at me.
"Elements are what you call a contract, since you can't put 2 different elements into one contract— if the person's element is dark while the fairies element is light, they won't be able to form a contract."
"—and they are divided into two parts."
"Human gains abilities at the age of 15, they're somewhat unpredictable since nobody knows what ability it will be,"
"—and Skills belong to the fairy, skills depends on what the fairies think is worth for you, sometimes they relate it to your ability while others try to troll you. Only when both share the same element can create an Element contract."
'I feel like I'm asking the author itself at this point, how can he be so educational? I thought he has a head only for knighthood and sword.'
"Can you form contract with more than one fairy?"
Someone suddenly steps in and leans beside me, way too close!
"Yes as long as you have the same element as them. Although... it depends. Some fairies don't get along."
'The Leaf-head... I forgot his name already.'
"Blessed by the Spirit Oracle. Congratulations on becoming the High Priest." Rey bows, and Erisa and Joe follow after him.
"Who this might be?" Cassien asks, looking at me with curiosity and gently smiles.
'Ah I forgot to bow.' I drop into a rush, bows clumsy.
"She's my little sister Velora Rosethorne."
"Ah, May your life be filled with blessings within the Rosethorne family, Lady Velora."
I finally see his face up close.
'I know I said I can't control my emotion but I can't prevent it.'
His eyes were pale, he blinks
but it doesn't move like they weren't meant to see
…yet somehow,
it felt like he was looking straight at me.
He leans closer.
closer...
"You really do represent the late duchess."
'He looks like a—'
'Wait why is he leaning closer?'
Rey grit his teeth, thinking if this guy is some sort of—
'Is this guy a—'
"Pervert!" I shout.
I stare at him, not in disgust... Just judging.
Words slips, loud and clear, before I can stop it.
'His face is too close and it creeps me out.'
'Does he not know personal space?' I cross my arms and let out a small huff.
'or don't tell me he's like that to children' as the hair on my neck stood up.
"Eh?" Cassien eyes widen.
"Ha?" Rey freezes.
Even Erisa looks stunned.
"Pfft, she's going to be 15 soon right?" Cassien laughs lightly, reaches out hit hand to pat my head.
'Is he a pervert? why is he asking about my exact age?'
"Ah Yes." Rey slowly inch closer to me, then suddenly pinches my ear.
"Ow—!" Rey quickly covers my mouth before I could even scream in anger.
'This son of a—'
Cassien lets out a quiet sigh.
"I'll be seeing you on your birthday." he smiles and walks away.
Creepily, my hair stands on end.
'This is no priest, this guy is a pervert, a con artist!'
'Should I just punch him?'
I point at Cassien.
"Rey, that guy is a con—" before I could finish my sentence, Rey and Erisa leading me out of the church like I just committed treason , in panic as we lead back to our carriage.
"AHAHAHAHAHA" Rey laughs loudly, forced and nervously.
—inside the carriage—
Silence settles in, broken only by the sound of horses' hooves against the rocky road and the distant chatter outside.
"He will be the one baptizing you on your birthday, so it will be better to give him proper respect. Otherwise, the Church will think we've failed to discipline you." Rey pressed his hand to his forehead, bothered by my actions.
"Does he always touch people like that?"
Erisa covers her mouth, letting out a muffled sound.
"He does sound like a pervert." as she averts her eyes.
"SEE I KNEW IT!" I shout.
"We should never disrespect the High priest but—
he was indeed too close, I'll dive into his background."
Rey clutches his head, speaking in frustration.
'Now that's what I call a brother.'
"Thank you older brother, Rey."
Rey suddenly grips his chest tightly.
'I think I should report him too.'