「One month later.」

An early summer breeze drifted through the open windows of Monte Castle, carrying the faint fragrance of Snowball Flowers from the courtyard.

In the study, Murphy finished reviewing a parchment scroll regarding the summer grain reserves and set it aside.

Sunlight cast soft shadows across his sharply defined profile, his expression focused and serene.

Aurora entered, her steps light, holding a letter sealed with wax.

She wore a pale turquoise linen dress, its cuffs and collar embroidered with a simple, silver vine pattern. Her long, golden hair was pinned up loosely, a few stray locks framing her cheeks and lending her a gentle, domestic air.

"Brother, a message has arrived from the Holy City." She walked to the desk and placed the letter gently in front of Murphy, a subtle look in her azure eyes. "The details for the Saint selection... have been announced."

Murphy looked up. His eyes glanced over the letter, but he didn’t open it immediately. He simply asked, "Are the conditions strict?"

"Strict is an understatement." Aurora shook her head, a hint of emotion coloring her usual elegant demeanor. "First, a candidate must be an unmarried maiden under the age of sixteen, with an untarnished background, and recommended by Clergy of Bishop rank or higher. That rule alone disqualifies most people."

She paused before continuing, "Second, candidates must pass an inquiry of faith presided over by three or more Cardinals. The questions are all-encompassing, covering everything from doctrinal texts and the lives of Saints to tests of personal character and willpower. It’s said that over the last century, this step alone has eliminated ninety-nine percent of the candidates."

"Finally, and most importantly," Aurora’s voice grew quieter, "they need to be acknowledged by the ancient Holy Bell in the Holy City’s grand cathedral. They say that bell hasn’t truly rung for several hundred years."

After listening, Murphy’s expression remained placid. "Difficult. Almost impossible to succeed."

Aurora moved around to the back of the desk and leaned against its edge, her eyes on Murphy’s serene profile. "That may be so, but His Majesty William IV... he’ll likely throw his full support behind Her Highness Elizabeth. After all, a Saint from the Vilt Royal Family would be a great help in consolidating his recently unstable throne."

Murphy gave a slight nod, acknowledging her point, but then added, "Even so, it will be very difficult."

He picked up his teacup and took a sip of the warm tea, his gaze drifting to the lush courtyard outside. "The internal politics of the Church Court, potential rivals from other Kingdoms, the uncertainty of the Holy Artifact’s acknowledgment... There are too many variables. The Royal Family’s support alone might not be enough to see her to the end."

Aurora fell silent for a moment, her long fingers unconsciously tracing the edge of the letter. Suddenly, she asked in a soft voice, "Brother, you... aren’t you going to help her?"

Murphy turned to look at Aurora.

Her azure eyes were fixed on him, unblinking.

"To become a Saint," Murphy’s voice was steady and clear, "she ultimately has to rely on herself. External forces might pave the road, but they can’t walk the most difficult steps for her. Besides..."

He paused, his gaze deepening slightly. "She must demonstrate potential worthy of the investment. Her potential must be useful."

At his words, a faint smile touched Aurora’s lips. Her voice grew even softer, almost a murmur. "That’s right... one must have potential to be useful to my dear brother. A pretty face alone... just won’t do, will it?"

The instant the words left her mouth, Murphy was out of his chair.

Aurora’s vision darkened as a familiar Qi enveloped her.

Murphy’s palm gently cupped the back of her neck, his fingers sliding into her loosely pinned hair. With a slight, firm pressure, he bent his head and sealed her unfinished words.

The study fell silent, the only sounds the faint birdsong from outside and their own mingled, ragged breaths.

After a long moment, Murphy eased back slightly, resting his forehead against hers. His breathing was heavier than usual, and his deep, dark eyes clearly reflected her flushed cheeks and glistening azure gaze.

"Don’t talk nonsense," he said, his voice low.

Aurora’s breath was just as unsteady. She gazed at him, so close, and didn’t argue, merely letting out a soft, "Mm."

The silent sunlight shifted, casting the shadow of their embrace onto the smooth wooden floor. It stretched long, the two figures overlapping intimately.

Even the birdsong outside the window seemed to have tactfully died down.

Time seemed to stretch and slow in that moment, until all that remained was the shared rhythm of their hearts and breaths.

After a long while, Aurora stirred in his arms. Her voice, muffled against his chest, held the hint of a smile. "Brother, you haven’t finished your paperwork."

"There’s no hurry," Murphy’s voice rumbled from above her, his arms still holding her tight.

Hugging Murphy tighter, Aurora said, "Brother... I heard the selection process is so difficult this time because of a disagreement between the Church Court and the Northern Shepherd Chief District."

Murphy’s body stiffened almost imperceptibly before relaxing.

He shifted, silent for a moment, before slowly saying, "Mm."

...

「Another month later.」

The midsummer sun slanted through a narrow window in the west tower of Monte Castle, spilling into a simple yet tidy room.

A faint scent of herbs filled the air, mingling with the unique, decaying smell characteristic of the very old.

Old Allen lay quietly on the bed.

He was emaciated, his cheekbones jutting out sharply. His eyes were closed in their deep-set sockets, and his hands, like withered branches, rested on a coarse sheet that had been washed white with age.