Wandering

Esper pushed open the side door and walked into the cloister behind the cathedral.

She looked back at the closed doors behind her.

Eladia was still inside.

She stood in the cloister for a moment, then walked out along the shadows of the stone pillars.

She might as well wander around the City of Holy Radiance. Beatrice had told her to go rest anyway, so it would be a waste not to look around.

The crowd in the cathedral square had already dispersed. Seeing her come out of the side door, several monks stopped their work, pressed their right hands to their chests, and bowed slightly to her.

Esper nodded back uncomfortably, quickened her pace across the square, and turned into the street leading to the market district.

The streets of the City of Holy Radiance were much wider than those of Avalon. The roads were paved with neatly cut white stone slabs, the gaps filled with fine, pale-gold sand, making footsteps almost silent.

She walked along the market avenue for a while, passing several shops selling holy emblems and holy water, and a tailor shop specializing in custom robes. Then, near a small square, she spotted a familiar figure.

He was standing in front of the bulletin board in the center of the square, his silver-white knightly armor gleaming blindingly in the sunlight.

“Busy?” Esper called out.

Constantine turned around and paused in surprise.

“Esper? Back so soon?”

“Yeah. I've reached Rank Seven.”

“That's fast progress.”

He sighed and stole a glance at the Holy Sword, a trace of envy still lingering in his eyes.

“Right, you're supposed to wait for someone from the Mage Tower next, aren't you?”

“Noelle Gray.”

“Right, that's the name. Do you know anything about her?”

“...She loves to sleep.”

Constantine's lips twitched.

“Well, that is indeed crucial information.”

He cleared his throat.

“But I do know a bit about her background. After all, she lived in the City of Holy Radiance before joining the Mage Tower. She was born here.

Her parents are commoners who run a stall in the eastern market district selling spices, herbs, and things like that. They aren't poor, but they aren't rich either—just doing well enough for street vendors.”

“And then?”

“And then came the standard Mage Tower routine of scouting talent.”

Constantine spread his hands.

“When Noelle was a child, she used to help out at her parents' stall. One day, a passing Mage Tower member noticed her abilities and potential. Then Wald came to see her in person and gave her an invitation to become an apprentice.

I heard that when he took her in as a student, the entire Mage Tower was buzzing. After all, that was Wald, the one who had never taken a personal disciple before.

And yet, he chose a vendor's daughter. Many people at the time thought there must have been some mistake. But later... have you heard her moniker?”

“Word-soul Caster. But isn't that just a classification of mages established by Wald?”

“That is true, but the thing is, if you simply mention the title 'Word-soul Caster,' anyone with even a bit of knowledge will immediately think of Noelle Gray.”

Rank Eight. Mage Tower Deputy. 'Word-soul Caster.' Outstanding achievements in spatial magic, along with numerous accomplishments in alchemy. Talent, hard work, opportunity—she had it all.

“Even though she usually seems incredibly lazy, in reality, she doesn't work any less hard than anyone else. The more she sleeps, the more mental energy she has drained during her research.”

“And someone like that is joining my party?”

“Didn't she join of her own free will?”

Wald: “Noelle volunteered to join the Hero's party.”

“...Probably of her own free will.”

Constantine looked at her and smiled.

“Anyway, enough about her. Since you're rarely in the City of Holy Radiance, how about I take you to the Adventurer's Guild for a look? Quite a few adventurers heard the Hero was coming and traveled here just to see you.”

“...Let's go, then.”

It was still early. Probably.