Ragunna.
The city was especially tranquil in the afternoon sunlight. Sunlight filtered through the gaps between leaves, casting dappled shadows and draping Liberty Square in a thin layer of gold.
Ray sat alone on a bench in Liberty Square, his gaze somewhat unfocused, lost in his own thoughts.
Everything around him was so peaceful. Occasionally, a few pigeons flew overhead, letting out soft coos before quickly disappearing into the distant sky.
Suddenly, I feel like finding something to do...
A rather abrupt thought popped into Ray's mind.
Perhaps it was because life had been too quiet lately. Every day seemed to pass in idle nothingness, with nothing much to look forward to.
Humans were such contradictory creatures. When busy, they longed to drop everything and find a quiet place to rest.
But once idle, with too much time on their hands, they felt a strange emptiness and started looking for something to occupy themselves.
So...
what should he do?
Should he go see the Second Young Miss?
The thought crossed his mind, but he quickly shook his head.
Better not.
The Second Young Miss had said her family work was in its final stages and she would be very busy for a while. It was best not to disturb her.
Of course, his desire to see Carlotta wasn't just about sexual frustration.
It was mainly about Cartethyia and the Sonora realm.
With Carlotta's permission, Ray now kept the tablet bearing the Sentinel's true form with him at all times.
Recently, he had been tirelessly trying to resonate with it, but the results were the same as before.
Every time the resonance was almost complete, an abnormal frequency would suddenly interfere, causing it to fail.
Perhaps it was because Leviathan had now merged with Imperator, causing their frequencies to fuse to some extent. So when he tried to respond to Imperator, Leviathan's power rejected him.
For now, it seemed, entering that Sonora realm was out of the question.
He'd have to wait for that bard the Montelli family had called in to see what was going on.
"Ah, Mr. Ray?"
A light, sweet voice rang out beside him, abruptly pulling Ray's wandering thoughts back to reality.
He turned slightly, his gaze falling on the golden-haired young woman who had suddenly appeared before him.
"Phoebe?" Ray looked at her, a warm smile naturally curving his lips. "Looks like you have a free day today. No work?"
"Yes, today... there's nothing particularly important." Phoebe smiled softly and sat down beside him. "So, I have a lot of free time."
A lot of free time?
Ray thought for a moment, then his lips curled into a teasing smile as he deliberately drew out his words: "Are you trying to hint that I should spend more time with you, Phoebe?"
The golden-haired young woman froze for a moment. Her violet eyes first showed confusion, not quite following Ray's sudden teasing.
But soon, that confusion was quickly replaced by shyness. Her fair little face immediately flushed with an adorable pink.
She waved her hands in a fluster, as if trying to dispel the awkward atmosphere, her speech becoming stumbling. "Th-That's not it. I... I just meant that... I really don't have anything to do today."
Ray took in all of the young woman's adorable reaction, indeed compared to the elegant Second Young Miss and the assertive Cantarella, teasing little Phoebe was far more entertaining.
After all, those two wouldn't get so flustered and tongue-tied over a simple tease.
Especially Cantarella, she was completely out of his league.
As for the Second Young Miss?
Well, she usually didn't get shy over a few teasing remarks either.
Unless...
he was in too deep.
Yeah, that was it.
"So, does that mean Phoebe doesn't need me to keep her company?"
"I... I..."
Phoebe looked like a startled fawn, her head bowed low as if she could hide from Ray's teasing gaze.
Her hands, resting on her lap, unconsciously tightened their grip on the folds of her skirt, her knuckles turning white from the pressure.
Her delicate, lovely little face was now filled with a mix of embarrassment and helplessness. Her lips parted slightly several times, as if she wanted to speak, but each time something seemed to catch in her throat, leaving her at a loss for words.
"Alright, I'm just teasing you."
Unlike the other girls Ray knew, Phoebe's personality was like soft, fluffy cotton candy, gentle and innocent.
Though she could summon courage and step up when danger struck, she was mostly passive in daily interactions, like a docile, easily flustered little rabbit.
Jokes had to be kept within bounds.
Phoebe trusted him so much; he didn't want to make her cry.
Of course, there were certain situations where he wouldn't mind seeing her cry.
But he'd make her cry in a different way.
"Actually, take me to Cathedral of mercury for a visit," Ray said.
"The cathedral? Of course."
Phoebe lifted her head gently. Though traces of shyness still lingered on her face, the smile that blossomed along with it was tinged with sunshine.
...
...
Cathedral of Mercury.
As solemn and serious as ever.
Perhaps because it was a weekday, there weren't many people in the cathedral today. A few scattered worshippers were either praying devoutly before the statue or sitting quietly on benches, deep in thought.
Ray hadn't come here for sightseeing, of course.
Though he hadn't visited many times, he was already familiar with most corners of the cathedral; there wasn't much worth exploring again.
He had come to the cathedral to see if he could resonate with the tablet here.
This was a sacred place for many worshippers of the Sentinel. Even if the true god had long been corrupted, perhaps the pure faith here might work some kind of miracle?
After all, a miracle had already happened to him here before.
But unfortunately...
Ray failed.
Even inside the cathedral, he couldn't resonate with the tablet again.
So, Ray gave up.
Perhaps that first time had really just been a coincidence.
Phoebe, of course, had no idea about Ray's intentions. She enthusiastically told him about various interesting things happening at the Order of the Deep.
Those trivial, everyday stories sounded especially cute coming from her.
So, not wanting to disappoint her, Ray pretended to be quite interested, watching her attentively and nodding along.
The two of them wandered slowly through the cathedral, and time itself seemed to soften.
Until the young woman finally started to feel a bit tired. She gently tugged on Ray's sleeve and led him to a quiet corner of the cathedral.
It was a secluded spot, quiet enough to hear each other's breathing.
The young woman sat down on a bench and patted the spot beside her, signaling Ray to join her.
"After walking around for so long, I'm getting a bit tired." The young woman spoke softly as she took an apple from her small satchel and handed it to the young man beside her. "Mr. Ray must be tired too, right? This is an apple I had leftover from breakfast today. If you don't mind, would you like to have it for some energy?"
The apple seemed to still carry the warmth of the young woman's hand, with a faint, subtle fragrance.
Faced with such an invitation, could anyone really bring themselves to refuse?
At least Ray couldn't.
A faint smile tugged at his lips. He took the apple from Phoebe, applied a bit of force, and with a crisp crack, split it in half. He handed one half back to her. "Then let's share it."
"Mm."
Ray took a bite. The crisp sound echoed in the quiet corner as the sweet juice spread across his tongue.
"So breakfast today was Green Branch and Laurel Salad again?" Ray tilted his head slightly, looking at Phoebe, who was nibbling on her half of the apple, his gaze carrying a hint of teasing.
The young woman lifted her face and shook her head gently, her hair swaying softly in the breeze. "No, that's for dinner tonight."
"Dinner? Will that be enough to fill you up?" Ray couldn't help but sigh. "How about... you go out to eat with me today? I know this place with amazing food."
"Really—" Phoebe started to say, but then, as if something suddenly occurred to her, she swallowed the rest of the words.
She bit her lip lightly, a conflicted expression appearing on her fair face. Her brow furrowed slightly, as if a fierce internal battle was raging within.
Finally, she slowly lowered her head, like a child who had done something wrong, her voice dropping. "Better not. As a priest, I should practice self-restraint and not indulge in gluttony."
Ray: "..."
Since when were there so many strange rules?
Eating when hungry was as natural as drinking when thirsty.
Having a meal, since when did that count as indulging gluttony?
It wasn't like she had a bottomless stomach like Anby, either eating or on her way to eat.
"Actually, Phoebe." Ray leaned in slightly, bringing himself closer, and lowered his voice near her ear with a hint of temptation. "As long as no one finds out, it doesn't count as breaking the rules."
This sudden warmth brushed lightly against Phoebe's ear, making it tickle and stirring ripples in her heart.
Though a trace of shyness rose within her, she didn't dislike this closeness with Ray. In fact...
she even longed for it a little.
"Isn't that just deceiving ourselves?" Phoebe's face flushed slightly. She carefully turned her head away, not daring to meet Ray's eyes.
Ray shrugged helplessly. "Isn't this something Phoebe's been doing all along? Are you only realizing it now?"
"How could that be!" Phoebe, as if her sore spot had been poked, turned her head indignantly, her gaze meeting his. "I've been very serious about following the rules!"
"Really?" Ray crossed his arms, his expression calm, speaking unhurriedly. "Then what about Beni and the others? I remember very clearly that priests of the Order of the Deep aren't allowed to have too much contact with Echoes."
"I..."
The young woman faltered, rendered speechless. Guiltily, she lowered her head, her hair falling to cover her flushed cheeks.
It really did seem that way...
Because the Order of the Deep strictly forbade clergy from having too much contact with Echoes, Phoebe had to be with Beni and the others in secret.
"Th-That's only because Beni and the others are my family." Phoebe mustered her courage, though her voice wavered, as if trying to bolster her own confidence. "This is different."
"Different how?" Ray rubbed his chin, his eyes narrowing as he observed the young woman. "Fine, let's set Beni aside for now. But what about other Echoes? I've seen you on Bank Street, getting along really well with a Tubpup. And Margherita's Bakie, you're pretty close with it too."
"..."
The young woman's face flushed red. She stammered for a long time but couldn't manage to form a complete sentence.
"So, Phoebe, you wouldn't want the Order of the Deep to find out about your closeness with Echoes, right?" The corner of Ray's mouth curled into a mischievous smile. He leaned in closer, lowering his voice near her ear. "If you don't want the Order of the Deep to discover what you've been up to, you'd better come keep me company tonight."
"Huh?" The young woman froze for a moment, her expression slightly startled.
"I mean for dinner." Ray pressed his hand to his forehead, exasperated. "Phoebe, is your little head wandering off to strange places again?"
"I-I'm not!"
The young woman hastily denied it, but her flustered tone and evasive gaze betrayed her.
"Alright, it's settled." Ray's tone was firm, leaving no room for argument. "No more of that Green Branch and Laurel Salad tonight. I'm taking you out for a proper meal."
"But..." Phoebe still seemed hesitant.
"No buts." Ray's reply was decisive. "This is an invitation from family. Are you saying you'd turn down your family, Phoebe?"
Family?
This word made the young woman pause. It was like the dying embers of a fire glowing warmly in the darkness, warming her heart.
So Mr. Ray still remembers that?
I thought he hadn't taken it to heart.
Phoebe gently pressed her lips together, as if making up her mind. At that moment, a relieved smile blossomed on her face. "Then... just this once!"
Seeing her agree, Ray couldn't help but smile as well. "Then as a reward, today I'll let you squish Anby's face. How about that?"
"But will Anby... agree to that?"
"Don't worry, Anby's easygoing. As long as you bribe it with enough food, it'll do anything."
The afternoon sunlight spilled lazily into the church courtyard, gilding everything in a soft, warm gold.
Occasionally, the distant chime of bells could be heard.
Ray and Phoebe sat side by side on the bench, enjoying this rare moment of comfort and peace.
A gentle breeze brushed past, tousling their hair and carrying a soothing coolness.
Suddenly, Ray heard a soft snoring sound beside him, like a kitten purring quietly.
He turned his head slightly and realized that at some point, Phoebe had fallen asleep against his shoulder.
Her long eyelashes rested gently, casting two small shadows on her cheeks, a faint, soft smile on her lips.
"She fell asleep?" Ray looked at the young woman's adorable sleeping face and smiled faintly. "She really trusts me, doesn't she?"
Perhaps it was the drowsiness spreading from the peacefully sleeping girl, or maybe this tranquil afternoon was simply the perfect time for a nap, but Ray's eyelids grew heavier and heavier.
Before he knew it, he too had closed his eyes, leaning slightly toward the young woman. They rested against each other, sinking into a deep sleep in the warm sunlight.
...
...
At that moment, a cool breeze began to rise, brushing against Ray's face and making him shiver.
"So cold."
Ray instinctively wrapped his clothes tighter around himself, confusion rising in his mind.
Under normal circumstances, this season in Ragunna shouldn't have such a sudden drop in temperature.
And...
why was the wind so strong?
Ray rubbed his nose. The cold breeze gradually chased away his drowsiness. His eyes slowly opened, and the world around him went from blurry to clear.
But the sight before him made his eyes widen instantly, a strong sense of unease rising in his heart.
This was no longer the church courtyard!
It was the Sonora realm!
Ray snapped fully awake, every nerve on edge. He moved to spring to his feet, but stopped halfway.
Because he noticed that Phoebe beside him had also been swept into this unknown change. She was still leaning quietly against him, still sound asleep.
Phoebe?
Why was Phoebe here too?