The Next Day
Ludenberg went straight to find Nadan the very next day.
"Here you are."
"Oh? What is it? You coming to me first? So, have you given it some thought?"
"You said the sooner the better, right?"
"That's right."
"I can present on the Starting Knight at the academic conference. I've thought it over a bunch, and sure, revealing it might cause some trouble... but it could also lead to good things worth the risk."
"Good thinking."
Nadan grinned and patted Ludenberg on the shoulder.
"But... we'll vet the content thoroughly. If there's anything off, I'll point it out, so ask if you don't know something."
"Sounds good. Looking forward to working with you."
"When exactly is the conference?"
"Right after the Festival of Glory ends, when vacation's in full swing. When the time comes, Sis and I will head to Lavante, so keep that in mind."
"Got it."
"Then I'll go report to Sis and the archbishop."
"Yeah. Oh, by the way, theology department doesn't have much homework?"
"Not really."
"And you have time for research?"
"It's nothing major. Doesn't take that long."
"Fair enough..."
He was the Saint of Setra, after all. Not many knew it, but still.
The training saints and saintesses received from their orders wasn't public knowledge, but it had to be rigorous enough to make academy assignments a breeze.
"Anyway, I'm off."
"See ya."
Nadan left immediately, heading to his sister Nah Tes's research lab.
* * *
Thud thud.
"Sis! It's me!"
Nah Tes shouted as she heard Nadan knocking on her lab door.
"Come in!"
As always, Nah Tes's research lab was a total disaster. It was like just the other day Ludenberg, fresh back from Ortara, had poured his soul into cleaning it for student council duties—and now it was a mess again.
There was good reason the other student council members avoided cleaning her lab, aside from Ludenberg.
"Sis, it's always bad, but this is next level, isn't it? Ashpile cleaned it less than a week ago."
"...Shut it."
Nah scowled and cut off Nadan's jab.
"So, what brings you here?"
"Ashpile says it's okay to present my research at the conference."
"...You actually convinced him."
"I told him it's better to reveal the truth of his fate and get people moving on it than to get swept up passively by something he can't control."
"Well done. I should chat with Ludenberg again soon."
"Yeah. How about introducing him directly to Archbishop Atan?"
"Good idea. I'll handle telling the archbishop myself."
"Understood."
"Now go wrap up your research properly. Especially the Starting Knight section—no room for error."
"Oh, but for evidence at a conference... we'll need Ashpile's sword. How do we handle that?"
"That blade's been passed down for a thousand years. We can use Setra sacred law to divine its history. If there's too much resistance and it doesn't work... well, that'll just mean it's beyond our abilities."
"Won't people doubt us?"
"They'll have to. If one sword alone dispels all suspicion, that's a bargain. Our reputation will help anyway."
"The Star Pilgrims..."
"Exactly. The archives built by Star Pilgrims over a millennium. Plenty's lost or missing, but our credibility is solid. Plus the relics and martial arts from the ruins."
"True. That'll lend real weight to the claims."
"And the ancient book we found in the ruins. Ludenberg will probably be able to read it."
"...You think?"
"He's exposed to fate head-on. He'll pull off the impossible. The inscription on his sword alone matches what's in that book."
"...How do you know that?"
"I peeked once. It looked familiar."
"You're something else, Sis."
"Just a hunch, not certain... but it feels right."
Nah peered into another stack of papers as she spoke.
"Anyway, when should we schedule the archbishop visit?"
"After this damn homework hell ends."
"Oh, Sis, isn't that your research?"
"Where would I find time for research? I'm handling two courses already. It's killing me. Lab's a mess? Hundreds of assignments pouring in nonstop—how could it not be?"
"...My condolences."
"I'm dying."
As Nadan clasped his hands and bowed, Nah smacked his shiny bald head with a sharp crack.
"Ow!"
"Cut the nonsense. Out if we're done."
"Got it."
"Oh, Nadan."
"Yeah?"
"You finished your homework?"
"All done."
"...Right."
"Anyway, I'm really going."
"Go."
* * *
After parting with Nadan, Ludenberg went about his usual routine. He met Ashytara, attended classes together, worked on assignments... The quiet Star Tower let them focus, so they knocked out most of their homework without issue.
Back in his room, Ludenberg heard Raha's voice after a long while.
"You should be ready for the trial now. But this one's long. You'll need to carve out time for it."
"No problem. Tomorrow's a holiday anyway."
"Good. Let's finish the second trial this time. Did I mention? It's much shorter than the first."
"...Yeah."
"Alright then... Head to the trial world now. And Ludenberg."
"Yeah?"
"Remember: Even if the trial world reflects people around you, it's never your reality. Don't get too immersed."
"I know."
"The end of Liberatus and Amora's tale is pure tragedy. Witness it... and don't lose sight of reality. It won't be easy."
"...Yeah."
Ludenberg steeled himself once more.
* * *
As expected, it started in the bedroom. And there was Ashytara, sleeping defenselessly before him.
The old Ludenberg would've blushed and held his breath, but now... he knew she felt the same. He smiled naturally and poked her cheek.
"Mm..."
Probably the same reaction in reality. Her eyes fluttered half-open, unfocused gaze landing on him. Even that was cute somehow, and a laugh slipped out.
"Haha."
"...Lud?"
"Yeah. Sleep well?"
"Mhm."
Ashytara rubbed her eyes and buried her face in his chest.
"Still sleepy."
Her drowsy mumble confirmed she was still half-asleep.
"Then sleep more."
"Nuh-uh... Can't. It's a holiday again today. We gotta go out. We're newlyweds, you know."
"Oh, right, yeah."
"We've been so busy working. I'm high priestess, you're knight commander... We need to make memories like this. Time flies faster since we married."
"Yeah."
"Where to today?"
"Dunno..."
"How about outside the city?"
"Outside?"
"Yeah. There's a nice big hill out there. Perfect for a picnic, right?"
"...Sounds good."
"We wandered the city yesterday, so today... yeah. Just us."
Ludenberg smiled back at her sleepy grin.
* * *
Leaving the all-black city behind, vast open plains welcomed them. A warm spring day, even roadside flowers blooming fresh and vibrant.
"Pretty."
The swaying grasses and glimpses of flowers between them captivated their eyes.
"There."
A modest hill came into view where Ashytara pointed—not too high, not too low. A massive tree crowned it, casting generous shade.
"Let's go."
Ashytara held a basket in one hand, Ludenberg's in the other, leading him up.
"Yeah."
He followed naturally to the hilltop.
"Nice weather, huh?"
"Yeah."
Leaning against the tree, Ashytara patted the spot beside her.
"What're you waiting for? Sit."
"Okay."
A peaceful air settled in. They sat wordless, hands clasped, watching clouds drift.
Ashytara spoke first.
"This is nice. Yesterday's bustle was fun, but peaceful is best."
"...Yeah?"
"Yeah. Things get busy again tomorrow, so I wanted this break."
"Wouldn't resting at the mansion be easier?"
"What hardship is a little walk? Mansion lacks charm—same view every time."
"True, this is new."
"Right? When else can we relax like this? Always cooped in the palace or temple."
"...Yeah."
"Sometimes you gotta set it all aside and recharge."
"Sure. This works."
"Don't just half-answer."
"Not half-assing it."
Ashytara eyed him squintingly.
"Whatever you say."
"Oh, Tara."
"Hm?"
"How'd you know about this spot?"
"Before becoming priestess, I snuck out during prayer time and came out here."
"...Ah."
"Found it then. Always wanted to return. Nothing special, but that's why. Big tree on the hill, back against it, feeling the breeze... you know."
"Romantic."
"Isn't it? Can't come often, but let's when we can."
"Yeah."
"By the way."
"Hm?"
"Picked out clothes for tomorrow's banquet?"
At "banquet," dismay flickered in Ludenberg's eyes.
"Didn't think about it, huh."
"...Nope."
"Might not be an issue anyway."
"Why?"
"Forgot? Imperial servant brought outfits last night. Formal wear for us both."
"Oh yeah."
It must've happened in the brief gap between trials.
"Anyway, after tomorrow's banquet... real holidays end."
"...Yeah."
"So let's rest up today."
Ashytara smiled and lay her head on his lap.
"I did it plenty before. Your turn. Deal?"
"Not bad."
Ludenberg smiled, stroking her hair.
Someday, I want this with the real Ashytara too, he thought.