The carriage ride was quiet and swift as they followed the church's transport deeper into the heart of the city, toward the elevated grounds where the Church of Algora stood. As the silhouette of the grand cathedral came into view, Vel gazed out the window.
The Church of Algora was an ancient marble structure, with four tall spires reaching toward the sky, its facade decorated with celestial motifs and the crest of the Four Goddesses. Stone archways led through its open courtyards, and the golden bell tower caught the last rays of the sun, casting a warm halo over the compound.
As they passed through the church gates, they walked beside Sister Arienna into the inner grounds. On the left side, an orphanage building stood within the church perimeter. The sound of laughter drifted across the courtyard.
Shin pointed. "That man—playing with the kids."
A red-haired young man in his twenties, sleeveless and muscular, was crouched low, chasing the laughing children in a game of tag.
"He's one of our temporary caretakers," Arienna said fondly. "He used to be an orphan too. After the monster attacks, we took in five new children."
Vel slowed his steps as he watched. "At least some good still exists in this city."
"Your people do good work," Shin added, casting a rare look of approval.
They soon entered the cathedral proper, passing under high arched ceilings and mosaic-stained windows. The main hall was quiet, solemn. At its center stood a large statue of four goddesses — three of them depicted as younger sisters gathered around the protective embrace of the eldest: the goddess Nadia. Light filtered through the windows above, casting a radiant glow on their stone forms.
Finally, they approached a large ornate door flanked by robed clerics. One of them opened it silently as Arienna stepped forward and spoke softly, "High Maiden Evelyne, the Guild Master Vel and Deputy Shin have arrived."
They stepped into a quiet chamber. The ceiling was high, with thick crimson drapes and an altar at the far end. A silver veil hung in front of a raised throne, behind which the High Maiden sat. Through the thin fabric, only a vague silhouette was visible.
Vel and Shin gave a polite bow.
"Thank you for coming," the High Maiden's voice echoed softly. "Vel-sama… there is no need to address me so formally."
She stood, stepping forward, and with a wave of her hand, the veil was drawn aside. Her face, serene and dignified, was now visible — long chestnut hair, silver eyes calm and gentle.
Sister Arienna gasped quietly beside them.
"My lady…" she murmured in surprise. "You never show your face…"
Evelyne smiled faintly. "It's fine. Vel-sama has seen me before. Many times."
Vel gave a small chuckle. "Still, you hold the title of High Maiden. I should show respect."
"As you wish," Evelyne said gently. Then her voice softened. "You haven't changed. You still look just as you did."
"Elf blood," Vel replied with a half-smile. "For your thirty years, I've barely aged ten."
Sister Arienna looked stunned. "You've known each other that long…?"
Evelyne laughed quietly. "Yes. I was a child when we first met. Back when I was one of the orphans here. He used to sneak snacks to us… and fight off the older bullies."
"Vel-sama would jump over the wall like some rogue knight," she added with fond amusement. "He always landed right in the middle of our garden."
Vel scratched his cheek. "I was young. And maybe a little bored."
"You were kind," Evelyne said. "We all looked forward to those days. Especially me."
Vel's smile faltered slightly. "I've been busy. Guild Master duties. Sorry for not visiting."
She nodded solemnly. "It's alright. I understand. The world pulls people in different directions."
"But I suspect this isn't just a reunion," Shin said gently.
Evelyne's smile faded slightly. "No. Some of our sisters have gone missing. Disappeared two days ago."
Shin frowned. "We didn't see any posters or reports about this."
"It wasn't made public," Evelyne admitted. "The panic it would cause… People already worry the Church is losing control. So we decided to handle this quietly. But we need help."
Vel stepped forward. "You'll have it. Shin—coordinate with Sister Arienna. Get all the details."
Shin nodded and turned to Arienna, who led him from the room.
Once alone, Evelyne walked slowly to the side window, looking out at the orphanage below. Moonlight shimmered across the courtyard.
"You think it could be someone from within?" she asked quietly.
"I've seen stranger betrayals," Vel answered. "Be cautious. If someone is moving in secret, they may be watching you, too."
"I can handle a few shadows," she said quietly. "But the ones who went missing… They were good women. One was teaching the younger girls how to write."
She folded her hands. "Do you think this is connected to the rumors? The missing citizens? The things you're investigating?"
Vel's eyes narrowed slightly. "Most likely. The timing lines up too well to be a coincidence."
Evelyne let out a soft, amused laugh, her voice light with warmth. "You know, when I was younger, I used to wait for you every week. I thought you'd always show up. And then… less and less."
Vel gave her a playful smirk. "Things changed. I got more responsibilities than I ever planned for."
Evelyne chuckled. "I was surprised as well."
Vel shrugged with a grin.
There was a pause, both of them standing there. The soft glow of the stained-glass window filled the room with a calming light, casting vibrant colors across her face. The quiet was peaceful, yet full of unsaid understanding.
"I'll take care of this and be back with good news," Vel said with a confident wink as he turned to leave.
Evelyne smiled, watching him go. "You're always welcome, Vel. Just don't let it take another decade for your next visit."
As he walked out, her gaze lingered on him. After a long breath, she softly murmured, almost to herself, "You always hide your feelings behind that smile of yours."