Fourteenth hour, twenty-seventh day, fifth month, sixteenth year of Pope Othniel.
Several hours have passed since the interrogation of the enigmatic Enbos and I am currently operating from Catorrem’s city garrison. Maximillian has thrust several tasks onto my platter and asked for them to be completed before dusk. While it is not the first time he has asked something unreasonable, the priory is currently short-staffed until the decoy team returns. To maximise my efficiency, I’m currently pouring over the city maps… while supervising Enbos’ apprentice.
Sitting on the bunker, Hachirou Nomura passes the time in a meditative posture. There is nowhere he can run within this secluded space, not while I’m beside the only door. Although it’s hard to tell given his mask, he periodically glances towards me, or rather, towards the curved sword resting beside me. He might be planning to escape by force, but until he acts, he is protected under this country’s laws as an apprentice. Nonetheless…
“Enough, Nomura.”
“H-huh?”
“Your spiritual energy has been steadily declining over the past 27 seconds,” I say as I lay down my scroll. “The priory does not condone self-harm. In the event of death, we will lay the charge squarely on Enbos Novuseus.”
“I-I’m sorry, that wasn’t my intention. I was just practising my control of spiritual energy. T-thank you for your concern, Ms Gregoria.”
“You shouldn’t practice such techniques in the absence of your master,” I say as he lowers his head. (Although this confirms you are capable of manipulating your spiritual signature. How vexing…)
“Pardon?”
Ignoring his reaction, I continue vetting several locations on the city maps. However, I’m unable to work for long as a small light appears on my emblem. I quietly respond to the transmission before collecting my materials.
“Your room has been prepared. You’ll be staying with your master during your remaining time with us.”
“I-is the questioning with Master Enbos done?”
“It was done before you arrived. We thought to prepare your accommodation sooner, but other tasks were of greater import. Take your sword and follow me, Nomura.”
“Huh? You would return my weapon to me?”
“Whether you are armed or not matters very little to our number,” I say bluntly. “But if you so choose, we can keep-”
“N-no, no. Thank you for your kind offer, Ms Gregoria,” he says as he receives his sword, “but I dare not part with my family’s gift.”
“… It is an unusual but carefully crafted implement. Do you descend from a family of blacksmiths, Nomura?”
“Not at all, Ms Gregoria. They’re-
… a-a small family of hunters that is hardly worth your notice. I-I am far more proud of being a member of the Novuseus family.”
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“And yet you’ve responded to the name “Nomura” without correcting me several times,” I say flatly. “It is tradition for an apprentice to renounce their old name upon accepting another. The fact you have not means you have yet to acclimatise.”
If at all. The magelines of the Reinsol Kingdom have strict procedures on welcoming apprentices into their fold. One would require direct approval from the main house, and the closest quarters to process such a request is right here in Catorrem. However, I’ve checked the guards’ logs and Hachirou clearly had his emblem before entering this city. To obtain one from the next major city would take an entire season, which means there is a good chance his unblemished emblem is fake… and that this country’s protections need not apply.
“Did Enbos adopt you recently?”
“T-that’s…”
Seemingly oblivious to my intent, the child ponders my words as I guide him along a longer route. However, instead of agreeing…
“I’m sorry, Ms Gregoria. You were right. I-I can never turn my back on my family.”
“That is a common sentiment among fresh recruits, but some day-”
“Y-you don’t understand. The entire reason I chose to accompany Master Enbos is to become worthy enough to honour the Nomura name.”
His steps slow to a stop and I look back to see him staring, not at me, but his own feet. Although he is masked, I can only match him with a bitter smile.
“I understand what you are trying to say, Ms Gregoria. Master Enbos also said I should find my own path, but in every direction, I can only ever see their shadow. I-I’m not sure I can ever start anew.”
“…”
“I-I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be taking your time. Please con-”
“Then don’t.”
“Huh?”
“Don’t stop honouring your family. I never said I agreed with the custom,” I say as we continue down the corridor. “Although I’ve adopted the name of Gregoria, it is my faith in the Path’s precepts that guides my hand. Many say I follow procedure to a fault, that it restrains my ability to serve as His sword. But to me, it will always be a source of strength.”
“A source… of strength?”
“Yes, and I recommend you see it as such. Because as far as I can tell, Nomura, your master is more interested in settling down than your journey of self-discovery.”
“Huh!? W-what do you-”
“We’re here.”
Arriving outside a metal door, Brother Michael stands on attention before taking the apprentice under his care. The Nomura child appears slightly stunned, but he quickly bows to me before entering the room. I begin making my way to our operation room when suddenly I’m assailed by a most aggravating voice.
(I rarely hear you offer such console, Nessa. It was rather touching.)
“That’s because I won’t spare any for you, Brother Iudico,” I say into my communicator. “At the very least, the child isn’t a lost cause.”
(Good grief. I really wish you would lighten up.)
“While I wish you would straighten up. If our late teacher could see you now...”
(I’d rather not imagine it. Let’s discuss work instead… As far as I can tell, Enbos’ apprentice is completely oblivious to his master’s plans.)
“Agreed. He appeared genuinely shocked, although rarely does a master’s intent align with the apprentice’s own.”
(I doubt we can learn much more from the kid, so I’ll proceed with my plan. Are you done preparing locations for the relic?)
“Almost. I’ll report to you within the half-hour.”
(I see. Thank you, Nessa. I’m grateful for your exemplary work on such short notice.)
“For too many times, Maximillian, call me-”
Bzzzt.
“*Sigh*.”
By the time the transmission ends, I reach the operation room and dispel the barrier on the door. As expected, there is no one inside this temporary base. The only addition to the room is a banner of the Path hanging on the wall, which originally adorned the chamber used to question Enbos. As I spread my documents on the table, I notice my writing apparatus sitting neatly in the corner.
… Hm. Everything is here, although he’s used more paper than I expected. Next time, I’ll only lend a few sheets and keep the-
“…”
As I pack my items away, I’m compelled to remove a small satchel tucked in the bottom of my bag. I ponder for a few moments before emptying its sole content into my hand: a small bracelet decorated in simple charms… and my birth name etched on its wooden plaque. I clasp the old trinket in my palm before looking up at the embroidered tapestry.
“I see. I was projecting… May our perseverance be rewarded, Nomura,” I whisper, as I turn away from the banner and focus on the blueprints before me.