"Ha ha ha! The figure you saw was merely an illusion conjured by my skill, [Holy Magic]. It’s a perfect tool for deceiving those from the Church. I could have revealed it gradually, but I couldn't help but surprise you all. I hope you’ll forgive an old fool’s little mischief."

  With a slight bow, Primus dispelled the illusion, revealing his true appearance.

  "Every time I see you, you're such a tacky old man," Apiana remarked coldly, but the faintest curve of her lips betrayed her amusement.

  "There are many things to discuss, but first, let’s wait for the food and drink to arrive. We can talk after that," Primus suggested with a pyful smile.

  His cheerful demeanour seemed to rex the tension, and for a moment, Seneca and the others couldn’t help but feel at ease in his presence.

  ...

  Once the preparations were complete, Primus unched into his tale, almost as if the floodgates had been opened.

  "Now that everything’s set, let’s get to the main topic. It’s about Lucius."

  He leaned forward, his expression serious.

  "To get straight to it, Lucius is no longer in this country. He’s in the neighbouring Kemenes Empire. It’s frustrating, and I regret the situation deeply, but expressing that will only serve to ease my own feelings, so I’ll refrain.

  You can bme my own shortcomings as his guardian for his absence," Primus continued, his face showing a trace of remorse.

  Seneca, who had thought they were finally gaining some leads, felt a deep sorrow upon hearing that Lucius was so far away.

  "Now, as to why Lucius ended up in this situation, we need to understand the internal strife within the Church."

  Primus sighed, his voice a little heavier now.

  "At present, the Church is embroiled in a bitter factional struggle between the Papal faction and the Saintess faction. As is often the case when peace prevails, such conflicts tend to multiply—it's in human nature. Both Lucius and I are caught up in it.

  You might think that a world without factions would be better, but the Church is an exceptionally delicate organisation. For example, in order for the Saintess to heal the many people she does, the Saintess faction pys an indispensable role."

  He paused, looking at the girls seriously, as if weighing his words carefully.

  "I want you to know something—both the Pope and the Saintess herself are on Lucius’s side. However, there are others working behind the scenes, preventing him from moving freely. It might seem illogical, but this is simply how the Church functions. I hope you’ll understand it as such."

  Primus sighed again, a wearied expression crossing his face before he resumed his story.

  "Enough of this troublesome talk. In the midst of this struggle, a new Saint appeared. These factions tried to draw Lucius into their ranks, which only intensified the chaos.

  Lucius, too, seemed increasingly disillusioned with being revered as a Saint. Fortunately, I had the chance to become his guardian, so we decided to embark on a pilgrimage together."

  Primus’s voice softened slightly as he recalled the past.

  "I’ll never forget how happy Lucius looked when we decided to go on that journey. It was the first time in a long while that I saw him smile like that."

  Seneca felt a wave of warmth spread through her chest as she recalled Lucius’s bright, genuine smile. But, almost immediately, she realised that it was starting to fade from her memory.

  "I should also mention that I am considered a neutral faction within the Church, or perhaps more accurately, a member of the Magic faction. I have an interest in Holy-reted skills, and I’ve always wanted to travel and study. But because of my bloodline and skills, I’ve been elevated to a high status and ended up in my current position," Primus continued, his gaze fond as he looked at Apiana and Semia.

  "When Lucius left the Church in the capital, the factional struggles temporarily calmed. But soon, disputes arose over which school he should attend. Lucius, who hated being bound to the Church, ended up seeking asylum in the Kemenes Empire. I couldn't think of any other way for him to live peacefully."

  Primus looked down, his voice quieter now. He then lifted his head again and, with a shift in tone, continued.

  "Right now, he’s attending school there, the same year as my grandson. I bet the two of them are causing quite a ruckus together."

  "By the way, Primus," Seneca could no longer hold back, her curiosity getting the better of her. "Has Lucius grown stronger?"

  "What? Lucius, stronger?" Primus chuckled, his smile broadening.

  "Yes, he’s definitely grown stronger. While he was in the capital, he was tutored by the knights of the Church, and since then, he’s faced all kinds of monsters during our travels, which has only sharpened his skills."

  He nodded to himself before continuing.

  "Many children, praised as geniuses when they were young, end up stalling in their growth. But Lucius’s talent had no limit, and with his ability to use [Holy Magic], I thought it was almost unfair."

  Seneca smiled at the thought of Lucius’s growth, her heart lightened for the first time in a while.

  Primus looked at the girls, his expression suddenly more serious.

  "You know, Lucius often talked about a certain swordsman—one called 'Stick-wielder'—the strongest swordsman in the world. It’s said that Stick-wielder was the first swordsman who could never be defeated."

  He paused, taking a small sip of mead before continuing with renewed enthusiasm.

  "I’ve heard about you, Apiana, through Attalos. The rumours were true—you’re quite the lively one, and that put my mind at ease."

  Primus chuckled, his eyes twinkling as he looked at the three girls before unching into his next words.

  "To be honest, I thought if one of you managed to get through, it would be a success. The clues were scattered about, but I too felt that three days would be too short a time to solve it. But, in the end, what happened? Not just one, but two of you came, and then a third.

  These kinds of challenges often seem easier once you know the answer, but when you're faced with them, they’re much harder than they appear. When I first heard that Attalos had brought someone else—someone named Maiol—I couldn’t make sense of it at all."

  Primus grinned, as if recalling the unexpected turn of events.

  "You’ve all exceeded my expectations. I’ve set challenges like this before, but I’ve never heard of anyone solving it so brilliantly, especially not three of you at once. I hadn’t pnned on being so forthcoming, but your talents and passion have earned my respect. I’ve decided to share everything with you."

  As Apiana and Semia ate, Seneca hung on every word, feeling as though the weight of Primus’s story was settling in.

  "I’ve entrusted Lucius with his future. He could remain in school, graduate, and live a quiet life, or he could escape and fade into obscurity. But from the way I see it, he longs to reunite with his childhood friends and embark on adventures. He wants to meet people when he wishes and travel when the time is right.

  If that’s the case, then he needs results. He must silence the Church with his achievements and gain the support of the people. It’s harsh, but that’s how the Saints before him have made their way."

  Primus’s tone grew grim, but he continued, his voice steady.

  "Once Lucius has proven himself and his position becomes clear, the world will recognise him as the new Saint. Until then, he must continue walking this uncertain path.

  You might want to help him now and rush to the Kemenes Empire, but that would only be counterproductive. When the time comes, you must act swiftly, without hesitation."

  Primus paused for a moment before turning to look at Seneca and Kito.

  "You’ve come this far. When the time comes for action, be ready. Lucius is sharpening himself in an environment full of fierce competitors. The day will come, and when it does, be the person you can be proud of."

  He then looked at Maiol, his eyes softening.

  "And you, Maiol. I admire your determination to move forward for the sake of your friends. I don’t know what you wish to accomplish, but it’s clear you’ve chosen to stay with these two. Your resolve is unmistakable."

  He sighed deeply and looked at Maiol with an almost imperceptible gaze.

  "Earlier, I sensed an unexpected aspect to your skill. If you’re uncertain of your own potential, I, Primus, will offer you guidance."

  The three girls listened intently, taking in his words with solemn expressions.

  After a final, thoughtful pause, Primus gave a small, reflective smile.

  "...Young ones, I thank you for coming to see this old man."

  ...

  Once Primus finished, Seneca, unable to contain her curiosity, turned to him with an earnest expression.

  "Why are you doing all this for us?" she asked, her voice pure with sincerity.

  Primus seemed to hesitate, struggling to find the right words.

  "Because, child," Apiana interjected sharply, "he’s been tormented by his own skills and fate. Now, he wants to help children like you who are fighting against their destinies."

  Primus remained silent, his eyes a little distant as he reflected.

  "Well then," Apiana said, returning to a more practical tone, "let’s eat. We wouldn’t want this wonderful meal to go to waste, would we? We’ll discuss the finer details while we eat."

  With that, Apiana began distributing the food, and Seneca and the others resumed their meal.

  ...

  Later, as they made their way back, Seneca and Kito were deep in thought. Maiol, however, was in high spirits, content with all the valuable information they had gained.

  The moon hung in the sky, slender as a thread, its faint light casting a soft glow over the world.