See You Later
"Sure. See you later."
"Yeah. Take care."
"Let's meet in Istallin if possible. If there's time, that is."
"It'll probably be during break, so I can definitely go. I'll head there if I have time too."
"Alright. Take care. Hope the bishop stays well too."
"I'll manage just fine, so worry about yourselves."
"Got it, got it. See you next time anyway."
Professor Nah Tes and Dalia waved back at the two who were waving goodbye.
"Whew. It was fun after so long. Nice to see them too."
"Yeah?"
"Yes. It's been less than a year since graduation... but seeing their faces again feels great."
"Me too."
"Don't you have Founding Festival prep now, Bishop?"
"Yeah. Shame, but looks like we part ways here today."
"See you at the festival then."
"Where are you headed, Dalia?"
"Me? Oh, just... wandering around Solemnute for the first time in ages, and if possible, meeting up with Ashytara and Ludenberg. Not sure if it'll work out."
"Those two are probably at the imperial palace right now."
"Hehe. Then next time it is. It's really sinking in now—how ridiculously high their statuses are."
"They don't act like it."
"Right? So unpretentious, not matching their ranks at all. Honestly, I was shocked and a bit worried when they got elected to student council."
"...Why?"
"Well... student council's free-spirited and all, but they still have duties, right?"
"Ah. Thought they wouldn't do it?"
"...Yeah. I never doubted their abilities, but I didn't expect one to voluntarily clean your lab—the heir to the empire's top house—and the other a princess."
"They're way better kids."
"Yes. That's why it still doesn't feel real. Anyway, Bishop, I'll head out now. See you next time. Thanks for making time."
"Sure. Take care."
Dalia bowed to Professor Nah Tes and left the Setra Church.
Time flew by. Students converging on Solemnute from all over buzzed with excitement amid the festival-hyped city's vibrant atmosphere, eagerly anticipating the Glory Festival.
Amid it all, Ludenberg recalled the Founding Festival schedule.
The Founding Festival lasts a full fortnight. So... four days until the Glory Festival starts.
The festival spanned a fortnight, structured as follows: The main events and rites honoring the sacred heroes kicked off on day one. From day two, the full-blown celebration began. Days two and three were pure fun—no holds barred. Then, on day four, the Glory Festival proper ignited.
Today marked the rite for the sacred heroes. Dressed in simple, unadorned attire, he gazed at the grand arena within Solemnute.
The massive structure loomed imposingly, already swarming with citizens around its perimeter.
As Ludenberg stared at the arena, Asha beside him spoke up.
"Lude. What're you doing?"
"Just looking at the arena."
"Makes sense. It's been ages for you. Though you've seen it somewhat lately, with your visits to Solemnute."
"I've passed by the arena itself, but seeing the gates wide open like this? Really been a while."
"So, your thoughts?"
"Not much different from before. I always wanted to compete in the Glory Festival back then too."
"...I see. Give it your all."
"Yes."
"Let's head in. Time's short now."
"Right."
Duke Leonard led them into the arena.
The arena teemed with people. The Lavante family took seats near the emperor's throne—only they held the privilege to sit so close in Solemnute.
Right then, Ludenberg heard massive drums booming.
"...It begins."
At Duke Leonard's low murmur, the noisy arena fell silent.
A carpet unrolled as a procession advanced to the center.
No need to look closer. Imperial family members.
Emperor Rajeta Solenute. His brother and Solemnute Adem dean, Calix Solenute. Crown Princess Sione appeared... followed by Ashytara.
Ludenberg's gaze locked on Ashytara.
She wore pristine priestess robes, radiating such sanctity that he couldn't look away. Her dark blue hair and sky-blue eyes gleamed. Their eyes met.
The moment they did, a faint smile graced her solemn face.
The imperial family—save Ashytara—proceeded along the carpet to the throne.
As Rajeta Solenute seated himself, the others took nearby chairs in unison.
Ashytara alone remained in the arena's center, facing the massive brazier.
Lighting it marked the festival's true start.
With quiet anticipation, she channeled her divine power.
Brilliant flames ignited, leaping to the brazier. Soon, the logs blazed fiercely.
New figures moved to the center.
Sione rose from below the throne. Her priestess robes bore symbols of each church, draped with a bishop's stole.
The six gods' priests channeled their powers, encircling the brazier. They joined hands.
Powers resonated; the flames shifted hues.
Pure white flames roared.
Infused with all divine powers, they burned ever brighter... until Sione raised her hand.
Light. Pure light.
White flames surged skyward, becoming a piercing beam toward the sun, dissolving into the heavens.
The rite signaling the Founding Festival's dawn: purifying each church's power into purest fire, then ascending light.
Specifically, the Solar Offering.
As the offering to the sun ended, soft humming—wordless song—filled the arena, soothing the souls of the buried.
When it faded, everyone rose, knelt toward the Sun Tower, and bowed—even Emperor Rajeta.
The emperor knelt only to honor Solemnute's founding heroes.
He slowly rose, concluding the rite.
The arena erupted in joyous cheers. The Founding Festival had begun.
As the rite ended, crowds spilled into streets, roaring with bizarre yet joyful cries—perhaps drowning last Solemnute raid's sorrow in louder revelry.
Ludenberg waited for Ashytara amid the throng, apart from it. His parents had ditched him to enjoy the festival—a considerate gesture, but leaving him alone felt awkward.
Didn't expect them to just abandon me like this... Whatever. It's their first festival in ages too.
Then, a familiar presence.
He turned to the arena entrance.
Still in that sacred garb, she approached.
"Wait long?"
"No."
"Good. Let's go."
"Gotta keep the priestess robes on?"
"Yeah. Why?"
"Just... thought you might be uncomfortable."
"Not really. Nice fabric, no irritation."
"Still, all the stares might feel heavy."
"Heh, now you mention it? My hair color outs me anyway, robes or not. You too."
"True. Anyway, let's go. Couldn't explore properly last time with the raid—gotta do it right now."
"Yeah. Gotta stop by Gleness's bakery too."
"Sure."
Their steps were light and eager. Hand in hand, they roamed Solemnute's nooks.
Unlike the Terra Origin Festival route, they headed the opposite way this time.
"This direction now?"
"Yeah. We did the other sector last time. Street stalls vary by area... let's hit that side mainly."
"Sounds good."
"Oh, but Gleness's first. Stomach's rumbling—grab some snacks to go."
"Smart."
They emerged with prettily wrapped bags of star-shaped breads.
Gleness, seeing them after ages, knew they weren't just orphaned kids anymore.
Yet she treated them as always. Before princess and young duke, they were Lude and Tara to her.
She brushed off their hidden statuses with warm familiarity, easing their guilt over past deceptions.
"Mmm. So good."
Ashytara, biting into a bread from the bag, beamed happily.
"Want some?"
"Yeah."
Ludenberg took a bite from her half-eaten piece without hesitation. Unthinkable for past him, but he'd grown. No more blushing at this.
Their promised day neared.
Thus, he stayed calm even with bold moves.
Ashytara noticed, smiling deeply.
"No blush now?"
"...Not much longer."
"Yeah. Looking forward to it."
"Don't expect too much. Might fall short."
"Like I'd expect romance from you?"
"...No."
"Just curious what you'll say. Wish I could hear it sooner."
"You will."
"Ahaha."
They gazed at each other and laughed.