In the church courtyard—
Hearing Yuuki's approaching footsteps, Sister Lily looked up from the laundry she was hanging. Relief and joy brightened her fair face.
"You're back, Yuuki."
She visibly relaxed, then glanced behind her at the blond-haired boy awkwardly helping fold the washed clothes.
"Um… this child said he knows you."
The boy's clothes were elegant—clearly expensive. He was obviously not a commoner, perhaps not even a mere peasant. Yet he had insisted on helping her wash and hang the laundry.
Sister Lily had been flustered and unsure how to respond.
Now that Yuuki had returned, she finally felt at ease.
The Wizard King—currently disguised as a golden-haired teenager—looked up, droplets of water still clinging to his sleeve. He smiled warmly.
"You're back."
"You weren't here, so I thought I'd help. Though it's been quite some time since I've done laundry… I hope I didn't make things worse."
He scratched his head sheepishly.
Yuuki met his gaze without surprise.
"We do know each other," he said lightly to Sister Lily.
"That's good."
She nodded, relieved.
"I'll help too."
Without waiting for her reply, Yuuki stepped forward and began hanging the clothes beside them.
The church had many children—there was always plenty of laundry.
Throughout the process, Yuuki and Julius exchanged the occasional casual remark. Both appeared relaxed.
Sister Lily, however, sensed something unusual between them. She couldn't describe it—but it was there.
Still, she didn't dwell on it.
Yuuki had already been home for two days.
She and Father Orsi both knew—
He wouldn't stay long.
He had climbed too high.
Too far.
He was no longer the boy they once worried over.
Soon, the last garment was hung.
"If you're not in a hurry," Yuuki said, inhaling the faint aroma of food drifting from inside, "stay for lunch."
"That sounds wonderful," Julius replied without hesitation. "I am rather hungry. Thank you for the invitation."
"Oh no, we should be thanking you for helping," Sister Lily hurried to say. "Please, don't be so formal."
She rushed inside to prepare.
Yuuki and Julius walked side by side toward the church.
"So, this is where you grew up," Julius said gently. "It's remarkable that such a remote border village produced you, Asta, and Yuno."
He paused, smiling slightly.
"You don't seem surprised that I came."
"I am," Yuuki replied calmly.
Julius blinked, studying him carefully—then chuckled softly.
Inside, the table was already set with steaming dishes.
"Yuuki!"
"Big brother Yuuki!"
The children swarmed excitedly.
Yuuki ruffled their hair and sat down beside Julius.
"Good thing I made extra," Father Orsi declared proudly, winking at Yuuki.
Yuuki gave him a subtle thumbs-up.
"So, this is Hage Village's famous sweet potato dish?" Julius asked with genuine curiosity.
"I hope it suits your taste," Sister Lily said softly.
Julius took a bite, chewing thoughtfully. His eyes brightened.
"A little dry—but surprisingly delicious."
Father Orsi laughed heartily. "Then eat as much as you like!"
In the past, a meal like this would've been rare.
Now, thanks to the money Yuuki, Asta, and Yuno sent home, Father Orsi felt as though his back had straightened considerably.
"It's all thanks to Yuuki and the others sending money," one of the children said.
"That's right! The hole in the floor's fixed!"
"And we dug a new well!"
"But even if sweet potatoes are nice… we'd like other food sometimes too, you stingy old man!"
Nash shot Father Orsi a look.
The other children nodded vigorously.
"Don't get greedy!" Father Orsi barked, face red.
Laughter filled the church.
The meal ended warmly.
Julius wiped his mouth with a handkerchief and bowed slightly.
"Thank you very much for the meal."
Then he turned to Yuuki.
"May we speak alone?"
"Of course."
Yuuki rose and stepped outside.
Through the window, Sister Lily watched as Yuuki and the blond boy lifted into the sky and vanished.
She sighed softly.
"He's gone?"
Father Orsi had appeared beside her.
"Yes."
"Will he come back?"
"I don't know."
Silence lingered.
Then Father Orsi burst into booming laughter.
"Don't look like that! It's not like we'll never see him again. Yuuki defeated the strongest captains in the kingdom!"
"No need to worry about that brat! It's all thanks to my excellent teaching, hahaha!"
Sister Lily couldn't help but laugh.
"Lily, there's an envelope here!" Nash called.
They turned.
On the table where Yuuki had sat lay a sealed envelope.
Inside—
Not a letter.
But a contract.
"For a tavern… in Leon Town, near the royal capital," Sister Lily read aloud. "The owner's name… is Father Orsi."
"What?!" Father Orsi yelped.
"Near the capital?"
"A tavern?!"
"We can move there?!"
"We'll see Asta and Yuno more!"
"Maybe even Yuuki!"
The children erupted with joy.
High above the clouds—
Julius glanced at Yuuki thoughtfully.
"I expected you would relocate the church for their safety."
Yuuki smiled faintly.
"I was concerned."
"But there's someone who would least want anything to happen to them."
"You mean Asta and Yuno?" Julius asked.
"No."
Yuuki looked at him directly.
"You Julius, the Wizard King will keep them safe."
Julius' expression faltered—confusion flickering in his eyes.
He did not understand.
But Yuuki did.
As long as the church remained—
As long as those bonds existed—
Julius would never recklessly push him into a corner.
Some things did not require protection.
Because they were already—
The most effective leverage of all.
(End of Chapter)
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