Days crawled by.

A few things have changed, and I couldn't quite make do with what I see nowadays.

First thing first, my Father did honor his words. Both my Mother and Sister seemed to act normal around me, and that's how I knew he didn't tell them about my night escapades.

If they knew, save the scolding, they might move into my room to ensure I didn't try anything funny.

The second was about Helena's frequent absence in our usual free time. Well, it wasn't just her, because my Sister was also absent.

We still saw them now and then, but it was far from when it was months ago. Hence, the usual members of our troupe were down to only the three boys. Me, Howard, and Adam.

How do we feel about that? Well, we enjoyed it...kinda...

We got to chill and did everything we wanted however we liked, after all.

Howard, free from his job as his Sister's brake, spent most of his time playing with Adam.

On the other hand, without the presence of Alyson, who often lectured him whenever he got wild, Adam was free as a bird and had turned totally unhinged in the process. He'd sprinted when he felt like it and jumped around when bored, knowing full well that Howard would be there to keep him safe. Sometimes, the curious boy even tried to show us his magic.

That's right. The little baby that still slobbered all over whenever he was faced with a hard word was attempting to pull off a simple fireball spell.

Howard had been teaching him secretly at the boy's behest, but for a three-year-old toddler, it was not only hard but could be dangerous, too. That's why it was a secret between us.

With me checking the mana flow constantly, I could stop it the moment I noticed something went wrong. And I didn't know whether Howard was just that good at teaching, or Adam was that talented, or maybe even both. But the young boy had pulled off the spell brilliantly.

The sigil looked a bit crude, but there were no conflicting problems with the formula on the input and output ends.

The fire was as small as a marble, yet that was more than enough to put a huge grin on Adam's adorable face.

So, those were their stories in these moments without our Sisters.

As for me, well, I grinded...Big surprise there...

Talking with them. Playing something with them. I did everything while training.

Finding the correct balance between my body squeaking from the pain and going easy on the intensity was a bit challenging. When I did find that balance, I would spam it, with the main goal of increasing my mana pool and purifying it at the same time.

So that's basically how we spent these few days.

But now that I'd been doing this for some time, a part of me missed how it used to be...That's why I said kinda...

Sure, the two girls often fought, and Howard and I had to walk on eggshells whenever we tried to pacify them. And it was never quiet, thanks to our Princess. Moreover, we often did so many random things or games following Alyson's whims that every day always felt rowdy and chaotic.

But that's also why we never got bored...

And I think the two boys also shared the same sentiments as I did.

Bang!

Just as that thought visited my wandering mind, the door swung open harshly and grandly, and from it entered a familiar old man.

"Light be with you! Look at you, my boy!!" Expressed the man with a raspy and heavy breathing.

If I didn't know any better, I'd call him a pervert just based on his behavior right now.

"It is good to see you in good health, Archbishop Walter." I greeted the old man.

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"Archbishop! Please wait! You'll put us in a very bad situation if Your Grace finds out about this." Wailed Bryon, running from behind as he attempted to follow the old man's unstoppable gait.

"It's fine, friend. I even came here alone and left the other priests in the guest room. Surely it is in the Light's favor that I can see our Alexander again after so long. George won't punish you because of this old priest's harmless act." He patted the heaving Byron on the shoulder and approached my bed.

Howard, who saw the incoming stranger, stepped forward, barring the old man's way. "I am Howard Demeria Boreas. The Fourth Prince of Boreas Kingdom. What an honor to be able to share an audience with the famous Archbishop I've heard so much of."

"Hm, hm. The Fourth Prince. This Priest knows. I also helped deliver both you and your Sister." Nodded old man Walter delightedly while playing with his beards.

"If I may, can I ask what matters is this that requires Alexander's presence? As you can see, his health is a major concern for all of us. May I suggest the Archbishop have a formal discussion with His Grace, the Duke first, before coming here in my Sister's fiancee's private chamber...Unannounced?" Howard firmly planted his foot down, not moving an inch. His words were polite and careful, yet their meaning was clear as a day.

On the other hand, the one who received them merely stared at Howard and me back and forth, and he was smiling to boot, full of joy.

'Ha...What is this scamming old man doing here again?' I sighed inwardly. "Byron. Father is?" I asked the butler.

"He shall be here shortly, Young Master." Confessed Byron with a tired countenance.

'...Hmm, then it won't be long before Mother and the two girls gets here too.'

Ignoring us, the renowned priest, fashioned still in the Church's ceremonial robes, began his monologue. "Years ago, I held you in my arms...Seeing your weak trembles and the fading breaths truly breaks this old man's heart to pieces. The last time I saw you, you could only lay there weakly in the bed, but now...Now, not only are you this healthy and strong, but you can even move around and speak! Glory to the Light! Light be with us!!"

"Howard. It's fine..." Seeing the crazy old man, I couldn't help but shake my head in defeat.

"Are you sure, Alex?" Frowned Howard in unease.

"Yeah. My family somehow trusts this old man. That's why he can pull these kinds of things and walk out almost scott-free afterward." I whispered back.

Apparently, despite his face riddled full of wrinkles, the man had the ears of beasts. "Oh, what a beautiful friendship! The heart that cares for others and protects each other is akin to a beacon that will guide us in the long night!"

'Can you like shut up for a second, old dude?' My eyes twitched irritatedly. "So, what are you-"

"Ahem! Young Master? Please keep your manner in front of the guest." Cutting me off, Byron politely reminded me as I was about to talk casually to the man.

'Ah, he is this super important dude in the church, after all.' I nodded to acknowledge my blunder. 'My bad...'

The man himself, though, didn't seem to mind it. "Don't force yourself if you can't. I am not so close-minded to be offended by something like that."

"I am sure someone of your stature won't, but it certainly won't paint a good reputation for my family to have a son who can't conduct himself properly. Please excuse my prior behavior and allow me to ask, to what do I owe this pleasure?"

With the same smile hanging still on his face, Archbishop Walter corrected his posture before engaging in the conversation with me.

"Of course, it is to see you, my child. I have not lost faith that the Lord of Light will keep you safe and sound. And this old priest believes every word when he said that you are blessed by the Holy Light from the Lord...More than you could imagine, Alexander. That's why I have spent my days dearly praying for a chance to share that faith with you too." His benign smile was further mixed with a touch of conviction as he finished his words.

I paused briefly, studying the shadows in his face. "Are you asking me to come to the church and receive the teachings of the Light?"

"Esteemed Archbishop?"

"Alex?"

Both Byron and Howards flinched in shock. The former turned to the priest with an ashen face, while the latter looked at me with a confused gaze.

"Hoho. Why are you looking at this old bone with such conflicted gaze, friend? I do not put the words in the boy's mouth. Everything that happens should happen beneath the benevolent eyes of the Holy Light." Smiling kindly toward Byron.

He then fixed his gaze back at me again, and I could see the clear reflection of a fat kid with hair as white as the snow in his yellow eyes. "Are you curious about the Teachings, my child?"

'...Honestly, a bit...But that's not the point...' I retracted my thoughts and said, "But, can I talk about this with my Father first before I give you my answer, Archbishop?"

"Sure you can. Take all the time you need, my child." Nodded the priest calmly in response.

"Hey, Alex!" Shouted Howard loudly.

It'd be a hassle to explain this to him because I figured it was better to do so when others were there so I wouldn't have to repeat myself; thus, I chose to ignore him for the time being.

Sensing the tension growing in the air, the Archbishop spoke.

"It seems that the time for this old priest to bide his way has come. It has been a short and meaningful meeting. I do hope the next time we meet, you'll be in much better health than you are right now...Then, if you'll excuse me. May Fate shine kind in your path, and Light be with you!"

Stomping the staff on his hand hard on the ground, a sigil of warm light manifested and enveloped the whole room gently. And from it came a tender and soothing sensation that seeped inside through all the pores in my body.

Thus, Archbishop Jason Walter, who came in and brought the storm along with him, had left once again with a cheery gait.