"Excuse me. Do you know where Angela is?"
"Hm? I do. What business do you have with her?"
"Oh, um... I'm her friend."
"...Her friend?"
"...Yes."
"I see. Third floor, room 3B. Don't trouble her for too long. It's Sabbath Day."
"Thank you."
The church's hospital didn't look much different from the rest of the building. If anything, it was somehow even whiter. I wasn't even sure how that was possible.
But this was definitely the hospital. White corridors stretched ahead, lined with wooden boards listing treatments and room numbers. Nuns and priests walked briskly past me, while patients sat quietly along the walls or shuffled between rooms. No matter what day it was, the place was always busy.
'Is it really okay to visit her now?'
...Still, today I really wondered what she was doing right now. Why was that? I wasn't usually this curious.
"Room 3B. 3B..."
Walking up the stairs and passing by people, I mumbled to myself. But then, a familiar figure entered my sight, one I hadn't seen in a while.
"Uh, greetings, High Priestess Martha."
"Greetings, Chosen One. I'm surprised you still remember me. We've only met a handful of times."
"Haha, not really..."
"I hope Angela hasn't been overworking herself again. She always worries more about others than herself."
"She does."
"Have you heard the news yet?"
"What is it?"
"The capital is calling for all the Chosen Ones scattered across the continent to gather. It seems they're planning something big."
"Oh..."
So it had finally come. I really wish I'd get more time, but I guess not just me is hasty.
"...Can I not?"
"Yes, absolutely. Take your time. This is not an easy choice to make."
"I figured—huh? Really?"
Martha smiled.
"Of course. Not every believer serves the Order in the same way. The same is true for the Chosen Ones."
"...I see."
"The Order does not force the path upon anyone. Whatever you decide, let it be because it is the path you chose."
"Thank you very much, High Priestess Martha."
"The Order does not force the path upon anyone. You are finding Angela, right? Please tell her to rest some more, as today is the Sabbath Day..."
"I'll make sure to tell her that."
"I'll take my leave, then. Have a nice Sabbath Day."
"Me too..."
I watched her disappear down the corridor.
After a few more turns, I stood before room 3B. Somehow, I felt a bit nervous.
Still, I opened the door.
"What's next, Sister Angela? Did they escape the evil witch?"
"Yes, Kate. After fleeing from the candy house, they eventually find a good family and live happily ever after."
...That wasn't how the story Mara had read ended.
"Wow!! Could you tell me another story, Sister Angela?"
"Of course..."
The room was painted in a monochrome white. The chair, the table, the curtains, the bed, everything. Only a handful of storybooks stacked beside the bed broke the endless sea of white.
"Hello, Cain. Why are you here?"
Angela tilted her head, showing genuine curiosity about my appearance.
"Oh, um, well, you did say we'll meet later, right?"
As to which I gave the most ridiculous answer.
"I suppose I did. Come on in, Cain."
As I came in and took a seat, the kid looked in my direction, curious. Wearing standard patient clothes and neatly trimmed short hair, and most noticeably, a blindingly bright smile.
And upon closer look, something white covered her eyes.
"A blindfold?"
"Yes..."
I looked around the room again. There wasn't much in it besides the essentials. Plenty of open space surrounded the bed.
"Sister Angela, who is that?"
"Say hello to Cain, Kate. He is a Chosen One, too. You have always said you want to meet one, right?"
"Really!? Nice to meet you, Brother Cain! Are the demonbeasts really huge? Did you fight lots of them? Tell me about them!"
"Ah, I don't have anything to... I mean, they are boring, so you wouldn't like them."
The kid looked dejected, making me feel guilty for no reason, as if I had just stolen a kid's candy.
"Kate, if Cain doesn't want to talk about it, that's okay."
"Yes! I'm sorry, Brother Cain... Will you forgive me?"
"Of course. I get it."
Her face instantly brightened up, not like it wasn't before.
"Then! Can I request something—"
"Kate."
"Right! Sorry again, Brother Cain. I'm just really excited! It's my first time meeting a real Chosen One!"
I can tell that. Honestly, wasn't her energy a bit too much?
I looked down.
"...Well, I'm not the only one, though."
"Wowie! The world will be saved for sure, then!"
"How so?"
"In the stories Angela read, just one hero could save the world, but with so many heroes around, I have no reason to worry!"
"..."
How could one have such a positive outlook on life? Or am I simply too negative?
"I hope you don't mind her too much, Cain. She really likes stories of heroes."
"I don't. Actually, Kate, what did you want to request, again?"
"Really? I can?"
"Yeah, what is it?"
Kate hesitated for a moment before leaning forward. If I could see her eyes, I was sure they'd be sparkling.
"Can I touch your sword?"
"Huh?"
"Kate. Words."
"Ehem, Brother Cain. Can you show me your sword? I want to see what it's like!"
I glanced at Angela, and she gave me a reassuring nod. I reached for my sword's scabbard.
I unsheathed it and kept it at a safe distance from Kate. Her hand reached out, touching nothing. Reluctantly, I brought it closer. Angela held Kate's hand, guiding it across my blade.
My first sword. A plain double-edged black blade with no remarkable features. Except, perhaps, for its supposed curse. Considering everything that had happened so far, maybe the rumors weren't entirely wrong. Even so, it had grown on me.
"It feels cold... There are scratches here and there, too."
"Yeah."
She touched the edge.
"It feels ragged..."
"Well, maintaining a blade is very costly."
And I couldn't just borrow money around. I still had shame.
After inspecting my sword from top to bottom, Kate seemed to be deep in thought.
"...Brother Cain, you really are hardworking."
"?"
"Your battles must be fierce, just like the stories. I could already imagine it..."
"..."
"They are not boring at all, Brother Cain!"
"Is that so?"
That's good to hear.
"So, can you tell me about them...?"
"Pft, alright, but I'm not good with words, so don't expect much."
Honestly, my stories of demonbeasts were nothing impressive. No desperate escapes. No legendary victories. Even so, Kate listened with complete fascination, so I kept talking.
I glanced at Angela once. She could probably tell stories much better than I ever could, yet she simply sat there with a quiet smile, listening alongside Kate.
"...And that's about it."
Eventually, I ran out of things to say. Still, it took quite a while to say all of that.
"It's incredible, Brother Cain! I love the way you described the backstreets in detail. It felt like I was walking there myself!"
"Thanks..."
A bright orange hue settled over the room. It was getting late.
Angela, who had been rather quiet, spoke up.
"Kate, we will leave now. See you tomorrow."
"Um, tomorrow!"
Thanks to her, I didn't have to fumble for words before leaving.
Click
"Do you have time to spare?"
"Huh?"
Right after closing the door, Angela suddenly asked me that.
She turned towards me.
"I need to buy a cake. Can you go with me?"
"Sure? I don't mind."
***
I didn't notice it before, or maybe I didn't have time to notice it, but this city's stone pavement was expanding.
And so did the buildings. Places where it was previously open fields were now replaced with various kinds of stores, looking much more modern than others I had seen.
Maybe there were even more people here than before. The city was really developing quickly, wasn't it?
"So Angela, you said you want to give Mara a birthday cake, but you don't know what she likes, so I'm here, right?"
"Yes. The orphanage unfortunately doesn't make a birthday party for every orphan personally, so we have to do it."
"It definitely will help her adjust to the church..."
I had thought about it, too. But isn't Mara's birthday still a week away? Was she ordering a custom cake? Those couldn't have been cheap... She really cared that much.
We arrived at a brand new bakery, one I was sure wasn't here before. Coming in, the aroma was enticing. Maybe I should buy something for myself?
"Cain, what cake do you think Mara will like?"
Based on what she told me recently...
"Gingerbread cake. She said she wants to try something like that."
"I see. Then let's go with that."
Angela and I discussed it further and ordered the cake in advance. We just need to get it next week. Also, it was expensive as hell. 9 silvers! That's almost one whole gold coin. Luckily, Angela was here, so she paid for it all...
"Cain, what else do you like?"
"...I don't think I'll buy anything."
Everything for sale here was at a minimum of 2 silvers, and I just remembered that I had almost no money to my name.
"I'll buy them for you."
"That's the problem..."
"What's the problem? I already said I'll look after you."
"It's just that..."
"O Chosen One, this is but mere appreciation for your efforts. Please, accept it."
"..."
"That was just a joke. Well, think of it as a personal gift from me. That's all."
"Thanks..."
Angela showed a determined look, unwilling to accept a "no".
Oh well, whatever, maybe I should stop thinking too much.
I chose a small cupcake, and she chose the same, too. They were quite simple. I regretted choosing it a bit. But Angela seemed satisfied, so I said nothing more.
Leaving the store, I saw some familiar faces in the distance. They waved at us.
"Ah! Cain! Hello! Are you visiting this new bakery too?"
"Oh, hello, Evan and Nina. Yes, we need to buy something. What about you?"
"We are here to celebrate! Great news, Nina is now a 2-star mage. Isn't she exceptional?"
Nina seemed flustered by that comment.
"...I-It's not that exceptional."
Indeed, Eirlys is a 3-star mage. If she isn't careful, Nina might even catch up with her.
"That's great. Does Nina have any plans? Like going to Brecilien?"
"Well... I don't know, but that's definitely a goal. Also..."
Evan turned and pointed at Angela.
"Who... is she?"
"Oh, she is Angela, from the Order."
"Yes. I'm Angela, nice to meet you."
Evan clasped his hands together, as if he suddenly realized something.
"Ohhh! I heard a lot about you. No wonder you feel so familiar. Nice to meet you too, Angela."
"M-Me too..."
After that brief catch-up, we parted ways. The sun is setting, giving way to shadows. Sometimes, watching the dusk like this is quite beautiful.
Walking through the streets, we passed by an empty park. It was abandoned, in a state of disrepair. Somehow, we wandered here instead.
...This brought back memories.
For a moment, I stood and stared at it, ruminating about the past. Angela stopped, too, and glanced at the park.
"Want to stop there for a moment, Cain?"
"Huh? Sure, I guess..."
We found a bench to sit on. I briefly glanced around. Broken streetlamps and withered trees. They are not planning to repair this park, huh?
That was understandable. This park's spot was the worst. The only thing you can appreciate here is the night sky, I guess.
"..."
I didn't know what to say.
"You once asked me what I want to do. In the future, right?"
"O-Oh, right. I did ask that."
Angela stared into the distance.
"I want to leave Eridu."
"...Really?"
"To somewhere. I don't know where, but I want to see the world outside Eridu."
"I see..."
That was surprising.
Angela continued.
"You are leaving, right? To the capital."
"I'm not sure."
Angela seemed dissatisfied with my response.
"You are stronger than you thought, Cain."
"..?"
"You want to be a hero. I know, but you are letting your doubts hold you back."
"..."
"You should leave. You are fated for something greater, and you deserve it."
Angela was right. Being a hero was all I dreamed about, and being summoned was that one stroke of luck I always wished for. Despite what had happened so far, I never gave up on it.
...Maybe once, but that was beside the point.
"But... What about you, Angela?"
"...What do you mean? I'll be fine."
"I-I..."
Gulp
"I can't leave you behind..."
"!"
Angela seemed flustered, and so did I.
It was cringy. I know. But it was true. I have grown too attached to this place. To everyone here. To Angela.
"But you are a Chosen One, Cain. You cannot stay here forever..."
"Well, you are a Saintess Candidate, too."
"That's different..!"
"How about we leave together?"
It was selfish of me, but I thought it would be the best outcome. Both of us essentially want the same thing, after all.
Angela didn't answer immediately.
The last traces of sunlight faded behind the rooftops.
Only then did she speak.
"...That would be nice."
"Yeah, it would be."
"..."
"..."
I stood up. For now, we could start going back. We will figure something out soon. Irresponsible, I know.
"Oh well, whatever" is my favourite phrase, after all.
"Cain..."
"Yeah?"
"...Suppose that you have great power. What would you do?"
I thought for a moment.
"Well, as the saying goes, 'With great power comes great responsibility'..."
Angela lowered her eyes.
"Sure, having power comes with responsibilities. But that doesn't mean every decision has to be made because someone else expects it."
"..."
"It's your life, Angela. Don't make any choices you would regret later."
Like me.
I awkwardly reached out my hand, and Angela took it. It was dark, so it wasn't unnecessary, okay?
"I will take you somewhere far away, just as you wished. No matter how long it takes."
"No matter how long?"
"Yep, and that's a promise."
"You don't need to—"
Chac-chac!
The sharp cries broke our conversation. We both turned toward the sound.
Beneath the withered tree, three birds had gathered around another. It was lying motionless.
Crows, maybe? It was too dark to tell.
"Magpies..."
"Magpie?"
"...What timing."
"?"
"We should go now."
Angela quietly tugged at my hand, leading me away without another word.