Would anyone truly be able to refuse Phoebe?
Perhaps some could.
But at the very least, Ray couldn't.
Whatever the underlying reason might be.
Changli had already left.
Before her departure, she exchanged contact information with Ray and even proactively invited him to visit the Fisalia family if he had the chance. She said she would be willing to introduce him to the head of the Fisalia family, Cantarella.
Who would dare go?
If the Second Young Miss found out he was meeting Cantarella privately, she'd probably transform into a round-headed creature, hissing at him furiously.
Therefore, Ray politely declined Changli's kind offer, suggesting that if she needed anything, she could contact him again, and he could show her around Ragunna.
The Cathedral of Mercury was vast.
This wasn't Ray's first time here, but previously he had only done a cursory walk-through before leaving.
Today, however, Phoebe led him through every corner.
From the ancient library to the prayer room deep within the cloisters, she opened each space for him, gently laying the entire story of the cathedral before his eyes.
"This is where the clergy rest."
Phoebe sat on a bench, tilting her face upward. The blue sky reflected in her eyes, and a gentle sea breeze brushed through her hair.
"When I have free time, I love sitting here the most... feeling the breeze, enjoying a moment of peace."
Her smile was pure, pristine, like the first rays of sunlight falling on snow-white stone steps, utterly unblemished.
Looking at this pure, untainted lily before him, Ray suddenly understood why people always yearn for beautiful things.
Her very existence was free from any impurity, untouched by the worries of life.
It seemed that simply being quietly by her side, that pure smile alone was enough to soothe all wounds and heal any desolation.
He settled onto the bench beside Phoebe. The young girl gently swung her legs and pointed into the distance toward the Whisperwind Haven, a vast highland area outside Ragunna city, dotted with uniquely shaped windmills and murmuring streams.
"The Order's doctrine says: Echoes are the divine envoys of the Sentinel, and Acolytes should not interact with them excessively."
"As a member of the Order, of course... I understand this principle."
As she spoke, she carefully glanced around. Only after confirming no one was nearby did she lean close to Ray's ear, her voice as soft as a gentle breeze:
"Mr. Ray, let me tell you a secret."
"You absolutely cannot tell anyone else, okay?"
"Actually, when I have free time, I often go to the Whisperwind Haven... to play with my friends."
"Friends? You mean the Echoes we saw earlier in the plaza, Rabby, Benny, and Bunny!"
"They're all such incredibly kind-hearted children!"
Hearing this so-called "secret," Ray couldn't help but feel a bit amused.
Here she was, an Acolyte, doing something that violated the doctrine, especially someone as devout as Phoebe. And she was actually telling him this?
While spending time with her, he had vaguely sensed her fondness for those cute Echoes. Not being Acolyte himself, he naturally didn't have strong feelings about it.
But now, she was confiding such a secret to him...
Didn't that mean...
He could use this "secret" to coerce Phoebe into doing something?
Like, say, using those legs clad in white stockings...
Alright, just joking.
Having lived two lives, Ray had always prided himself on being a man of principle. He wouldn't stoop to such low methods.
Besides, the fact that Phoebe was willing to share this secret with him was itself a weighty gesture of trust.
He would never betray that trust, just as he had never broken any promise he held dear.
"Back at the orphanage, they became my most cherished friends."
At this point, Phoebe's voice paused briefly. Then, she gently shook her head, earnestly correcting herself:
"But ever since becoming an acolyte, the time I can spend with them has grown less and less."
"Although the life of an acolyte is fulfilling, and I can help many people, both the children at the orphanage and those experiencing hardship"
"I don't dislike this life, it's just..."
"I always feel a bit sorry towards them."
Her tone gradually softened, carrying a hint of unmasked melancholy and guilt.
Ray looked at her slightly bowed profile, offering a gentle, reassuring smile. "It's alright, Phoebe. You just need to keep being yourself. Rabby and Benny, they're kind-hearted children; they'll definitely understand."
"Whether as an acolyte of Ragunna, or just as Phoebe the ordinary person, the you right now is just as lovely."
"Mmm..." Hearing this, the tips of Phoebe's ears flushed slightly red, and she flusteredly buried her face a little deeper. "D-don't say such embarrassing things, Mr. Ray..."
"I'm not lying," he chuckled softly. "It's not just me. Many people in the Order probably feel the same way, right?"
Phoebe fell silent for a moment, her fingers unconsciously tightening around the white stockings on her legs before slowly releasing them. Finally, she looked up, let out a long, soft sigh, and a gentle smile bloomed back on her face.
"Even though Mr. Ray always says such troubling things... you're right. I just need to focus on being myself. Everyone... will surely understand."
As if suddenly remembering something, a trace of nervousness entered her voice as she asked quietly:
"Ah, right... the monthly Pizza Day is coming up soon. Usually, we all share pizza together."
"Mr. Ray has helped me so much, and I still haven't found a proper chance to thank you."
"So this time... would you... be willing to come?"
A flash of hopeful anticipation gleamed in the young girl's violet eyes.
And Ray?
Of course, he wouldn't shatter the girl's kind and beautiful wish.
"I'll definitely be there. It's just, my appetite is quite sizable," he smiled, deliberately teasing her. "If Phoebe doesn't prepare enough pizza, you all might just go hungry."
Phoebe nodded happily. "Mm-hmm! I'll definitely prepare lots and lots of pizza, all different flavors! Oh, Mr. Ray, what flavor do you like best?"
"My favorite flavor?" Ray thought for a moment, then said, "Hot Sea Crown Pear Pizza, I've always been quite fond of that one."
Phoebe's face still wore a sweet smile. "Hot Sea Crown Pear Pizza? In Ragunna, there's no such pizza."
Using the gentlest tone to say the most unsettling words.
"Since Mr. Ray isn't yet sure what he likes..." She tilted her head slightly, her smile still pure. "...then I'll decide for you."
"..."
...
...
Meanwhile.
The Second Daughter of the Montelli family had finished her work and was now enjoying her afternoon tea.
"Speaking of which," Carlotta set down her teacup, turning to look out the window into the distance. "What is Ray up to right now?"
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Bonus Chapter Alert!
If we cross 100 powerstones, there will be a bonus chapter.
Read advance chapters on [email protected]/lost_moon