Only You Shall Speak of My Qualifications (3)
The next morning dawned early. Sara bid farewell to Selbes and the madams. Just as she had resolved the night before, she informed them that she would be leaving with Lenoir. She wanted to stay longer, but lingering would only prolong the heartache. She told them she was setting off with him right away that day, and the madams rejoiced.
"You made the right choice. That man will protect you better than anyone."
"It's not like you're leaving forever. As long as you're alive, we'll see each other again—so no tears!"
"My, even your crying face is so pretty. Sara, from now on, strut around with pride. You've got such a beautiful look, after all!"
"Yeah...!"
She was heading far away, and these women would no longer be part of her daily life. But as they said, it wasn't goodbye forever. There was no need for sorrow. She set aside her regrets.
"Can I write you letters?"
"Of course! But Sara, do you even know how to write?"
"Nope!"
"...You have to learn from him. Got it?"
"Yeah! Until then, I'll just make him write them for me! Selbes sis, you can read, so you gotta reply on behalf of everyone, okay!?"
"Naturally. Our pretty little Sara."
Sara sniffled but flashed a bright smile. She didn't want their last memory of her to be tears as she left. She hugged each one in turn. The thick scent of perfume filled her nostrils—a far cry from Lenoir's sweet floral aroma. Knowing that difference meant she could recall them anytime.
"I'm gonna see all sorts of places far away. Mountains, seas, lakes. Big cities too!"
"Yeah, whatever."
"He says I can become a goddess. When I do, I'll take you all to the fanciest spots."
"Somewhere full of handsome guys would be nice."
"Yeah! Handsome Valley, huh?"
"Ahaha! Perfect! Sara knows what's up!"
"Ahem!"
Selbes and the madams burst into giggles. As their laughter rang in her ears, Sara finally laughed too. She knew the moments they'd shared would linger in her life forever. She knew they'd meet again someday. There was a future to look forward to. As long as it wasn't eternal parting, anytime would do. One day, they'd reminisce about this very moment together.
"Alright, time to really go. Oh, but I need to change clothes too..."
Lenoir had bought her new outfits, insisting she pay more attention to her appearance from now on. Perhaps because the events of the previous night lingered so vividly, thinking about him made her chest flutter idiotically, leaving her face flushed and hesitant. The madams could read volumes from that expression alone—they'd spent their lives gauging moods from faces.
"Oh my."
"Aah..."
A girl's heart was a confusing place, even to herself. Naming the spring warmth budding within would come later. The madams exchanged glances, then rose as one.
"Let's go! If you're leaving, you gotta look stunning!"
"Right! It's a long journey!"
"Huh? Eek!"
Sara was dragged off by the excited madams.
Loud commotion echoed from the powder room. Selbes alone stayed behind in the main hall, a soft smile gracing her lips. The place was now just an ordinary tavern. She and the girls would build new lives here. Sara's letters would arrive now and then, sparking laughter and chatter among these boisterous women. It had all changed overnight. The cause stood nearby. Her gaze turned to the window. The man who would lead their precious jewel to brighter places waited in front of the building.
Click!
Selbes opened the door and asked, "Will you wait inside?"
"I shall not impose upon your hospitality."
She knew he'd refuse again, so what could she do? Selbes stepped outside and stood beside him.
"You're no ordinary human, are you?"
"What makes you think so?"
"I've wondered many times. That day, I was surely beyond saving. I'd lost so much blood my vision was fading to black."
Yet she'd seen something unreal. She still remembered the golden halo. And a pair of golden eyes. What had it been? No matter how she pondered, the answer was the same.
"You might dismiss me as a mere back-alley whore, but I've learned the world's whispers at the pillow's edge. I know it's no common feat to heal someone with guts spilling out in just a day."
This man had worked the miracle that saved her that day. And with high likelihood, he'd quieted the viscount and the church too. As far as she knew, they weren't the type to abandon the alleys so easily.
"What are you? A god? Or a great mage?"
"Is it needful that you know?"
"Would it not be ungrateful to learn nothing of my benefactor?"
At that, Lenoir's gaze turned to her for the first time. His reply came in a profoundly measured tone.
"Believe what you see beyond the veil of your eyelids. If you deem it good, it shall be good; if evil, then evil."
"You enjoy riddles, I see."
"The words mean precisely as they sound. Your purity shall illuminate the truth."
"Purity—from a whore?"
"Purity resides not in the flesh, but in the spirit. Does gold cease to be gold for being soiled in mud? Purity is an immutable value, unscathed by the world's tempests. Yours shines clear enough to reflect me already; thus, your trade weighs nothing in the matter."
Profoundly philosophical words. Unlike Sara, Selbes was well-read enough to grasp them. They weren't unpleasant to hear.
"You're even stranger than Sara let on. But I can believe in you."
This man could make Sara smile. He'd guard that child's heart toward happiness. Playfully, she added, "Take good care of her. Don't shake up her heart too much."
"I comprehend not your words."
"She's at that age where love feels wonderful. And you're quite the catch."
Lenoir frowned as if at idle chatter.
"Such shall not come to pass. My regard for the child stems not from carnal love. Moreover, I am bound by a vow of chastity to my lady. Fleshly desires hold no value to me."
His reaction amused her, and Selbes let out a hearty laugh. Just then, Sara emerged, fully prepared. The madams cackled.
"Sis! All done! Oh, sir's here to see you off? Come on out, Sara!"
Selbes was quietly stunned. She beheld the girl from the powder room—no, the woman she could no longer see as a child. Her straight hair, combed smooth like the finest gold, fell to her chest. Her pale skin glowed with vitality, flushed pink. Those big, mischievous eyes, once perpetually wide, now lowered shyly. Even her neat lashes were clear gold. Her dewy blue eyes hid behind them, unfocused. Fidgeting awkwardly with her white robes, glancing about like a proper lady—it hit her then.
So that's it. You're already fifteen.
Buried in the mud all this time, she'd been unable to bloom fully at the age she should. But Sara was a girl who could shine this brilliantly. It was a relief. No more hiding that vibrancy.
"Th-the sisters forced me...!"
Like a shy pubescent boy making excuses. Despite the finery, her nature was that of a street girl—mischievous to the core—so facing Lenoir, excuses came before confidence. The man who'd kindled spring in her heart spoke.
"It suits you exceedingly well."
"Eek, r-really!?"
"No need to shrink so. Among all I have beheld, you are the fairest maiden. Beauty defies objective measure, yet by common esteem, none surpass you. Straighten your shoulders."
Stoic as ever. To Selbes, it sounded like appraising a work of art. But would the girl take it the same?
"Eugh..."
Her lips twitched upward uncontrollably, face gone dumb. Is that the best that face can do? A sigh welled up. Her next words came with eyes squeezed shut.
"...S-so what? Have you been judging girls' faces your whole life or something...?"
"Sara..."
"B-but if you're taking me just 'cause of my face, you might pick up some weirdo elsewhere! Gotta warn 'em about that!"
Teasing to hide her embarrassment, boyish as ever—it made Selbes dizzy. Yet Lenoir's reply was even more staggering; she realized then this journey would be arduous yet riveting in its way.
"Vain worries. My desire for you concerns not your looks."
"Even were you a leper, my care for you would be unchanged. All my heart is yours already. Thus precious are you to me."
"...!"
"Oh my."
Selbes was shocked; the madams clapped hands over mouths. Spoken without ulterior motive, the words struck like thunder. Sara's face exploded crimson. Whose heart was twisting? It was plain as day.
"Enough. Let us depart. Bid your farewells. I shall wait ahead."
No tremor in his casual turn away. Selbes smiled wryly at Sara.
"Really..."
Had she followed, she'd have seen far more entertainment. This farewell felt especially poignant.
Lenoir boarded the carriage. A black wooden vehicle, sized for two facing seats with a coachman. Sara plopped down opposite, fidgeting. In her arms, somehow retrieved, were the shoes he'd given her before and her battered coin pouch.
"Farewells done?"
"Y-yes...!"
"Very well. Let us go."
Now, he'd succeeded in convincing her to leave. Lenoir organized his plans ahead. Much to do, far to travel. Yet gaining mortals' faith seemed no great obstacle.
"Where are we headed?"
Sara asked cautiously, still flushed, staring straight at his face. Lenoir replied.
"To a great city. To establish a church and spread faith—but the mortal world yields not to will alone. We must acquire wealth."
"Wealth?"
"Need we not coin? Bread for the needy costs money."
Money piqued Sara's interest; her eyes gleamed.
"We're going to make money!?"
The red on her cheeks deepened—her focus fully shifted. So transparent; he resolved to teach restraint. A correction first.
"To receive it. Not earn."
"Huh?"
Sara didn't grasp it at once. Lenoir told the coachman,
"Drive on."
"Yes, sir!"
No further explanation. She'd learn upon arrival.