Three days later, in the VIP lounge of the Highgrove Vineyard…

Flames flicker softly in the dim light, their glow casting a warm, golden hue across the room as they sway atop fancy candlesticks. Elegant glasses of ruby-red wine stand poised beside a large platter of lobster shells brimming with succulent, buttery meat, delicately layered with crisp breadcrumbs, a generous sprinkle of tangy grated cheese… and a velvety golden sauce that glistens under the candlelight.

Only the finest for Anna and me – so said the Vineyard management. Nothing less! The wine, they claim, comes from vintage reserves that have aged in their cellar for decades – what precious few bottles managed to survive the havoc unleashed by those infernal imps. As for the lobsters… they were caught fresh from the Crystal Sea and transported in enchanted boxes brimming with ice crystals, keeping them as pristine as the day they were caught.

It’s pretty decadent if I do say so myself! But they said it’s the least they could do to thank us. They don’t fully grasp what happened… but they saw us helping them while under the grip of the Shadow Fiend’s Mind Control – we were their saviours in their darkest hour while they were trapped, helpless in their own bodies.

Hey, I’m not one to turn down good food or gratitude! Don’t get me wrong – the dining hall of the Chantry of Eternal Light serves amazing food, but this? Why, this is simply unparalleled! It’s a true indulgence… and an experience to savour!

We spent two of the past three days with Roderic Sinclair, the Warrior. Anna and I fulfilled our duties as members of the Order of Selene, praying for Rae and Celia and consecrating their remains into urns to be returned to their hometowns. It was the least we could do. No one deserves to fall at the hands of a demon.

Roderic thanked us before leaving, catching the first ship back to the mainland. He’s bound for his hometown of Lyse – a fortress near the Iron Mountains. He said his father’s the local innkeeper, and we’d always be welcome at his door.

Lyse… I remember it well. It’s the final bastion of safety and civilisation before the Goblin-held lands of the Cursed Legion. It’s where Castle Ferrous awaits. And with it… the Lesser Shard of the Iron Lord. Anna and I… we’ll inevitably find ourselves there again, seeking my Prophecy, and Rinnah willing… what lies behind that locked door I left behind in the previous timeline. For now, though, we wished him well and watched him sail into the horizon.

The third day saw us meeting Lady Iris. She already knew of the chaos at the Adventurer’s Guild – our fellows from the Order had kept her informed. Patrols of healers and paladins now traverse the entirety of the Isle, keeping the town of Light’s Hope and its outskirts safe. The Order’s taking no chances after what happened. And uh… Lady Iris and I had a private chat about Anna. About what, exactly? Well, that’s a surprise!

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I can’t shake the feeling that the dead Shadow Fiend won’t be the last of its kind we face this early in this new timeline, though. Hmph. So much for wanting to live my best life with Anna while teaching her everything I know. Oh well.

Sighing heavily, I reach for my wine glass and down its contents in a single gulp. This stuff packs a punch – far stronger than the convenience-store beer I used to drink back home! I’m not much of a drinker… but every now and then… cracking open a cold one with a friend is a nice, small joy. It’s the small things, y’know?

But for now, this fine wine will have to do. As I pour myself a second glass, I glance at Anna. She’s picking at her food, barely eating, her gaze distant.

“Anna?” I ask gently. “You alright?”

“Umm…”

She stirs her food but doesn’t lift her fork. Her wine glass is half-full, so I refill it for her. She looks up at me, her eyes clouded with a mix of sorrow and thought.

“I was thinking about what I saw… in the Imp Master’s illusion.”

I take a sip of my wine, watching her closely. She empties her glass in a single motion, and I refill it once more – the last of our current bottle.

“In that vision…” Anna continues quietly. “I was in a world of ice and snow… lying in your arms, Arisa. I was in so much pain… and you were crying for me. I reached out to comfort you, but then… everything faded to black.”

“Anna…”

“Was that how it ended? Between us, in your timeline, in Arcadia?”

I nod slowly, tears pricking at my eyes. It hurts to remember. It always does.

“You gave your life to save mine…” I say, my voice a hoarse whisper. “It’s a sacrifice I’ll never forget. It’s why I’m here right here, right now… once more.”

“I see. If that’s what happened, I’m glad I did it,” Anna answers firmly. “And umm… I finally understand how you felt when we first met.”

“You do? Really!?”

“Mm-hmm! Arisa… I’ll always give my best for you!”

Oh, Anna… if you’re willing to do this for me, then I have to be strong for you as well. I can’t be crying like a little bitch! I have to be stronger – for us.

“Great! Since you’re gonna give me your best…” I tease, wiping my tears with a silk napkin. “I’ll make you so strong that we’ll crush every Demon in our way without breaking a sweat!”

“I’m looking forward to it!” Anna exclaims, her eyes lighting up. “Umm… what’s next, though?”

“Oho! I’m glad you asked!” I reply with a grin. “I spoke to Lady Iris last night. She said your time has come – you’re gonna become a fully-fledged Paladin!”

Her face lights up with joy. “Really?”

“Really! It’s the last step before we head to Sharmarli to see the Oracle,” I explain with a cheeky wink. “It’s supposed to be a surprise during tomorrow’s morning prayers… but oops! The secret’s out! Just make sure to act surprised, alright?”

She nods eagerly, her excitement bubbling over.

“Good,” I say, smiling. “Now then…”

Together, we turn to the lavish spread before us. Hand in hand, we bow our heads and offer words of grace to Rinnah – for this meal, for our safety, for sanctity of the fallen… and for the strength to save those in need when the time comes.