Ella hadn’t even had a chance to speak when a blonde girl suddenly chimed in from the side:
“As the holy land of the Church, it’s perfectly normal to feel this way after staying in the Great Cathedral for so many days, because the aura of sunlight is a blessing from the Light.”
As she spoke, she secretly shot a look at the pink-haired girl, meaning: don’t say anything reckless.
Ella thought to herself, I haven’t even said a word yet.
“So that’s how it is.”
Zero suddenly understood, “As expected of the Great Cathedral, it’s really amazing.”
Yes, yes, the Chapel is impressive, the Saintess is even more impressive, able to pin down the Demon King and denounce him.
Recalling that night’s experience, Ella couldn’t help but sigh softly.
“It’s nothing special… By the way, Zero, how did you get back so quickly?”
“Was I quick?”
“You’re the first one back. There’s still no sign of Celes or Vina.”
“I see. Then I guess I was quick.”
Leah changed the topic and led Zero away.
A few minutes later, she ran back and poked Ella’s arm: “Why did you sigh just now? Are you feeling wronged living here with me?”
“No, no, not at all.”
She wouldn’t dare feel wronged.
The second to return was Celes, just one day after Zero.
She hadn’t gone far, just stayed in the Camp of the nearby city’s Garrison, spending a few more days with her parents whom she hadn’t seen in a long time.
When the army set out again, she returned as well.
“Miss Leah,” Celes first saw the Saintess in the Chapel hall, “Is Ella staying here? I’d like to find her.”
“She’s here.”
Leah smiled politely, though she muttered inwardly, Why do all of you come looking for her first as soon as you get back?
What, are you here to submit a quest?
No matter what, she still had to bring them together. Moreover, after Celes met up with Ella, she barely spoke, but kept glancing this way as if to signal for the Saintess to excuse herself.
Hmph, so now you’ve got secrets to share.
As soon as Leah left, Celes stepped forward, getting a bit closer to the pink-haired thunder girl.
“Ella, I’ve figured it out.”
“Figured out what?”
“I’ve figured it out. The way you are is pretty good, and even better for us, but that you is great too.”
“…?”
Ella almost fried her CPU over that one sentence.
Celes didn’t seem to realize how confusing she sounded, and simply reached out a hand to the girl: “From now on, let’s move forward together as companions.”
“O-okay.”
After shaking hands and finishing her words, the Sword Saint girl turned and left, her ice-blue hair floating lightly behind her, not leaving a single trace.
Only Ella stood there in a daze.
As soon as Celes left, Leah came over and poked the girl’s arm: “Hey, what were you two whispering about?”
“She was encouraging me, saying we should work hard together from now on.”
Ella blinked.
“As companions in the Hero Squad.”
“That’s it?”
“That’s it.”
Leah was baffled: “Did that really need to be whispered in secret?”
“Yeah, it really shouldn’t.”
Ella blinked.
“Leah, why do you think she wanted to say it in secret?”
“How should I know!”
Vina was the last to return, and she came back two whole days later.
As soon as she arrived, she headed straight for the Great Cathedral.
“Little Ella, I’m back~! The old geezers at home nearly bored me to death with their nagging, chanting scriptures every day for years. Really, if it actually worked, wouldn’t it have shown results long ago?”
The little witch plopped down next to Ella, her small head almost resting on the big rice cake: “It’s been over half a month. Did you miss me… huh?”
She sniffed the rice cake, her peach blossom eyes narrowing: “Little Ella, why do you smell like Miss Leah?”
“Don’t talk nonsense, it’s just the aura of the Light.”
Ella said seriously, “After staying in the Great Cathedral for a while, joining them for worship and prayer every day, you’re bound to pick up a bit of the scent.”
Vina giggled: “Really? I’ve seen plenty of Light followers, but none of them smell as strong as you do.”
Leah happened to pass by outside and heard Ella explaining to the little witch:
“You don’t know, my situation is a bit special. Miss Leah personally performed the initiation ceremony for me, so the holy aura is extra strong these days.”
“I see, well, let’s go with that~”
Vina had other things to do, so after speaking, she bounced away.
Leah entered the room, arms folded, her beautiful eyes glaring: “Did you just say something weird?”
Ella was baffled: “I didn’t say anything.”
“You did.”
“I just said you gave me… huh? Why would you think of it like that?”
Shocked, where’s the Light in the Saintess of Light?
Leah stamped her foot in frustration: “And you ask why? Of course, it’s because we really did…!”
Really did join the Church.
Fortunately, just then, someone from the Church came to invite the Saintess to preside over today’s Sacrament Ceremony, conveniently ending this not-so-bright and not-so-holy conversation.
Later that day, the entire Hero Squad gathered—not at the bonfire camp, but in the Sanctuary Hall.
White-bearded Rolls looked at them kindly:
“Children, after all you’ve been through and a little time apart, you’re still so united. I’m truly happy.”
Ella thought, can just standing here show unity? Where’s the unity, exactly?
Not to mention, she and the Saintess were still keeping secrets from the others—so much for team trust.
“Today, I have an official matter to discuss with you,” Rolls glanced at Ella, “You have a new mission. Of course, it’s not mandatory, but I recommend you take it, because it’s a great opportunity.”
Why are you looking at me—am I supposed to guess?
So Ella spoke up: “Is it a mission that’s far away and will take a long time?”
“That’s right.”
Rolls nodded in approval and sighed.
This child’s political sense really is sharp.
But then again, after such a big incident, it’s only natural for those above to want to send them away from the Capital for a while, let things cool down, and give everyone time to calm themselves.
“Here’s the situation: the Kingdom intends to reopen the southern Port Cities and develop new maritime routes and trade. But there’s a small problem—there have long been Sea Demon Tribe activities in the nearby waters, and due to certain events during the Alliance’s collapse a hundred years ago, our relationship… isn’t exactly friendly.”
Zero noticed everyone was looking at her and tilted her head in confusion: “What is it?”
She had no idea about the Silent Sanctuary seniors’ deeds.
“It’s nothing, Mentor, please continue.”
“Alright, the higher-ups hope you’ll go to the harbor area and reestablish contact with the coastal Sea Demons,” Rolls said seriously.
“I recommend you accept. This mission has no set format, the timeline is generous, and there’s a lot of freedom. It’s a good chance for you to use your strengths.”
At this, Ella raised her small hand and softly asked, “Can I take a look at the map?”
“Of course, no problem.”
Rolls took out two maps from the drawer: one was a large map of the Human Kingdom and surrounding regions, and the other was a southern map, with the major Port Cities and nearby terrain shown in more detail.
Ella glanced at them briefly, her breathing growing uneven.
To the east of the Port City was the Alluvial Mountain Range, and beyond the mountains was the Demon Territory.
Though it was wilderness, there were bound to be people there.