That day, Libel and Luminita were taking a stroll together through Alderwick. As they approached the riverside, the sound of insects and flowing water gradually grew louder. It was around the time dinner would be ending, and darkness had completely fallen.

"Today felt a bit longer than yesterday," Luminita said, looking up at the night sky as she walked.

"Just two more weeks until Green-thaw," Libel replied, walking slightly behind her.

At this hour, there were hardly any people on the streets. In the stillness, she could hear the clinking of dishes being cleared away from dinner. Scattered cherry blossom petals occasionally floated through the air.

The two walked all the way up to the top of the hill. It was the place where Luminita and the Master had previously been training in Phasmanicus.

"This spot surely has the best view. When we were little, the three of us with Clara used to come here often, remember?," Luminita said as she sat down on the grass, smoothing out her skirt to avoid wrinkles.

"I wonder how long it'll take to see a shooting star?" Luminita asked excitedly.

"Who knows... Come to think of it, he only mentioned the date and that it would be at night. You'd think a scholar would be more precise about these things," Libel said, gazing at the pocket watch he had taken out.

"Do you dislike Silas?"

"Not really... He does seem to know his stuff, though, being a scholar and all."

"That's rare," Luminita laughed, covering her mouth with her hand. The grass that had stuck to her hand fell off naturally, dancing away somewhere in the night breeze.

Caught by that wind, Luminita looked down at the village from the top of the hill. In the darkness, only the light leaking from countless houses was bright. The lights flickered now and then, maybe because of people moving inside. Seeing the lights flickering in the darkness reminded her that life was still going on, even in the deepest night. It was a sight Luminita had been seeing since she was small.

"I wonder if we won't be able to see this view for a while," Luminita murmured, hugging her knees.

The day after tomorrow, the two of them would leave Alderwick. They were going to Landinium, the capital of Plato, to attend school as trainees for Hoshiwatari.

Luminita gazed down at the village, she spotted its only inn, 'The Bird's Rest. As she gazed languidly at the light leaking from its windows, she recalled the events of that day.

***

"This is the letter of recommendation. It has the signatures of myself and Elder Seron. The academy is fussy about formalities. Make sure you don't lose it," Silas said briskly, like an exam proctor.

This was Silas's room at "The Bird's Rest".

It wasn't a particularly large room, but well-worn wardrobes and furnishings were tastefully arranged.

Warm afternoon sunlight poured in through the oversized windows (the innkeeper had recently complained, "The taxes are higher because of all these windows!"). From there, one could see the village scenery and a well-tended herb garden.

Luminita had wanted to stay at this inn with her family since she was little.

Silas had been staying here for several days, but to Luminita, it seemed like he had very little luggage. Instead, books were haphazardly piled up on the desk. It seemed to reflect his scholarly nature, which Luminita found a bit amusing.

There were two four-poster beds in the room. In the corner of the room, separate from Silas's luggage, was a small, neatly packed bag. On top of it was what looked like an accessory made of seashells. Perhaps it belonged to a roommate? Luminita hadn't met them yet.

Seeing Silas take out the letter of recommendation, Luminita remembered her original purpose. And she could feel the reality of pursuing her goal of becoming a Hoshiwatari gradually sinking in. Thinking back on the days leading up to this signature, Luminita felt tears welling up.

After the two had reported to the elder's house that day, Silas immediately reported the situation to the local judicial bureau.

Elder Seron held a meeting with the village adults, creating an association and rules for self-management of the ruins, and decided to report to the local council once more detailed information became available.

Even while they were busy, Luminita repeatedly reported on the forest spirits. The content didn't change, and the same story was repeated many times, so Silas eventually gave up, saying, "Enough, I understand."

When Luminita pressed him, asking "Really?", Silas replied, "At least about your persistence. No further commentary is necessary."

"The Wardens will patrol around the forest near the ruins. It might take some time, but if there's any illegal logging activity, we'll know right away. Depending on the circumstances, a complaint might be filed with the central court. Leave the rest to the adults,"

Luminita finally felt relieved when she heard these words from Silas later. She thought of the parent and child spirits she had met in the forest and wished for their happiness.

After that came days of Luminita writing her thesis. Even just to receive training to become a Hoshiwatari, she needed achievements (a thesis) and a letter of recommendation as qualifications for the examination.

It took many days to retrieve documents recording the historical background of the Fourfold Grove from Landinium, compile the facts, and put them into writing.

"Anyone could write this conclusion. There's absolutely no originality. Did you even look at previous research? You haven't articulated at all what this conclusion contributes to,"

Even after the draft was completed, such persistent criticisms from Silas continued. Including pointing out minor typos and citation errors, Luminita couldn't remember how many times she had rewritten the draft.

Libel, who had planned to return to Landinium after the ritual, changed his plans and helped with the detailed examination.

Whenever Luminita received harsh guidance from Silas, she invariably consulted Libel. At such times, Libel supported Luminita in various ways, such as brewing tea at night or listening to her complaints.

If Luminita complained too much, Libel would sometimes quietly get angry. Once, he even started saying things like, "That bastard, should I drown him in the river next time he does something to Lumi...?" Luminita wasn't sure if he was joking or serious, so she tried to restrain her complaints after that...

After these exchanges continued for many days, Luminita finally completed her thesis and was set to receive letters of recommendation from Elder Seron and Investigator Silas.

(Now I can finally pursue becoming a Hoshiwatari...) The realisation that she was steadily making progress exhilarated Luminita.

"And these are additional necessary documents,"

Silas stated matter-of-factly, his demeanour unchanged.

"Birth certificate or proof of identity. Since you were brought to Plato at a young age, an official birth certificate might be difficult. Have Hester Yumis, your guardian, sign this document. Next, proof of education. Normally, children your age are obligated to receive public education. Have Ayame Bracken, your master, write a note stating that you've received basic training in Phasmanicus."

"Birth... Eh? Are there still more things I need to do? And, Ayame Bracken?"

Luminita blinked her pale green eyes rapidly.

"What, you didn't even know your master's name? Her name is Ayame Bracken. It seems she's only registered with Plato's administration, but she's a fairly well-known Phasmanicusian."

The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

This was news to Luminita.

"Then there's the travel permit. Write down as accurately as possible the means of transportation you'll use from Alderwick to Landinium and the purpose of your trip, and add the signatures of an adult guardian and yourself. Next, the application form. If by any chance you manage to progress to the Hoshiwatari certification institution after going to Landinium, you'll attend a specialised academy. This is for that. By the way, you'll need to submit a statement of purpose and have an interview at that time, so prepare for that in advance."

"Permit? Statement of purpose? Um, wait a moment please,"

The shock of learning her master's real name hadn't even worn off yet. Luminita felt her fatigue doubling as she somehow managed to jot notes in her well-worn notebook. After all the effort put into completing the thesis, to think there would be even more writing...

"Next. Proof of financial support. If you're fortunate enough to attend the academy, you'll need to pay for living expenses and tuition for the time being. This is a document promising you won't starve to death. In other words, Hester Yumis's asset status and inventory of property, but..."

"We have... money. We receive support funds for orphans,"

"I see,"

Silas fell silent for a moment, gazing at an old painting framed on the wall.

"Lastly, a health certificate. Your medical history and whether you've had any infectious diseases. You can ask the doctor in this village for that."

"That's fine! I'm very healthy, at least physically!" Luminita answered as if this was finally her strong point.

Silas looked into Luminita's eyes with his dark brown eyes for just a moment before saying, "That's generally all the necessary documents."

"Mr. Silas... um," Luminita said timidly. "Thank you very much."

"For what?"

"For guiding me through the thesis and teaching me about the application procedures."

"I owe a debt to Elder Seron. I’m repaying him, not doing this for you."

"But still..."

"Since you've brought it up, let me tell you this: I neither sympathise with you nor want you to become a Hoshiwatari. I just want to show you... show you all the reality. Every year, many people underestimate spirit phenomena or carelessly contact spirits and end up in danger. I get called out as an investigator because of such fools. It's really quite troublesome! The Hoshiwatari certification examination is both a test and a place to acquire basic knowledge about spirit phenomena. Study the harshness of society there so you don't end up doing the same things as the riffraff out there."

Silas rattled off quickly, then cleared his throat to suppress his excitement.

"...That basic knowledge includes ways to deal with spirit phenomena. Among them are training methods on how those with insufficient perceptual abilities should respond. It shouldn't be useless for you all."

Saying this, Silas walked to the window and turned his back to Luminita.

In place of seeing Silas's expression, Luminita looked at the books carelessly placed on the desk. They were all difficult specialised books. One of them had the title "The Mechanics of Celestial Bodies and Their Influence on Earth."

"Are you studying stars?"

"That's just a hobby," Silas said without turning around. "Just a hobby that's continued from childhood until now."

Silas turned back and touched the small scar on his right cheek.

"Are you interested?"

"Yes. I'm not very familiar with the names or constellations though. When we first came to this village, we weren't very accustomed to it yet. At night, Clara, Libel, and I would go up to the hill and just look up at the sky for a long time."

"I see. It must be far more wonderful... dealing with stars rather than humans or spirits," Silas said with a small laugh.

"I used to chase after stars too. I..."

Though his words were sarcastic, his face looked more cheerful than usual. Luminita sensed just a bit of gentleness in his expression.

"You know about the Lux-Nocta faith of Almatria, don't you?" Silas asked abruptly, straightening his posture.

"Yes... well," Luminita answered, recalling the story Libel had taught her before. "It’s the story of how 12 apostles, sent by the light god Lux, used Phasmanicus and sacred relics to defeat the sorcerer who inherited the dark god Nocta’s power. It's said that the six great nations currently ruling Almatria are descendants of those apostles."

"You have an excellent brother. I have another reason for coming to this village, apart from my work as an investigator. It's this."

Silas showed Luminita a piece of paper. It appeared to be a four-line stanzas.

"This is part of a poem written on a stone tablet discovered in Petro, the Mountain Country. It's a copy of that. Such stone tablets have been discovered in various parts of the world starting about 15 years ago. The council has named them the Rosetta Series."

"...?" Luminita tilted her head at the sudden topic.

"You don't need to look at it now. Well, why don't you show it to your excellent brother later? He'll surely be pleased."

Though she didn't understand the implication, Luminita accepted the paper.

"Also, exactly seven days from today, a large meteor shower will be visible from various parts of the world. This is according to the prediction of the star readers in the capital, Landinium. You should be able to see a beautiful view from this village. It would be good to go observe with your brother. It should make for a nice memory."

Saying this, Silas began to tidy up the documents on the desk. It seemed to be a signal that the conversation was over.

"Thank you very much for everything," Luminita bowed politely.

"No need for thanks. If you do start activities as a Hoshiwatari, we might meet again somewhere. Take care."

Luminita bowed and left the room.

As Silas watched her run away from the window of the room, there was a pleasant creaking sound of the staircase floorboards. With a knock, a boy with bright brown hair entered. In both hands, he carried paper bags large enough to hide his body. Large, firmly baked loaves of bread peeked out from inside.

The boy placed the luggage he was carrying on the table. He wore a long-sleeved linen tunic and loose trousers, with a necklace made of small seashells. His eyes, as blue as a summer sea, now showed a slight hint of discontent.

"I've bought your favourite bread, sir. From now on, why don't you go and buy it yourself? It's a bit far to walk!" The boy glared at Silas, but his childlike features only seemed to enhance his cuteness.

"Good work," Silas said while checking the contents of the paper bag.

"I want to eat some fish dishes soon. In my homeland, we eat fresh, sour tomatoes and salted fish mixed with oil, eaten with bread. The food in this country doesn't have much taste... I'm not really used to it yet."

"Not knowing how to enjoy the taste of ingredients, that's why you're called a child," Silas took out a bottle of water from the paper bag. He then prepared two glasses from the cupboard, poured water into them, and handed one to the boy.

"How rude! Plato has too many innovative dishes. I was surprised the other day, you know, by that sweet and salty pudding," Luca replied while drinking the water he had been given.

"By the way, Luca, the departure date has been decided. As planned, we'll leave here in 7 days,"

"Eh! We're leaving already?" The boy, Luca Alberti, frowned in sadness.

"Didn't you want to leave early?"

Silas finished inspecting the bread in the paper bag and said with satisfaction, "The bread from that shop is indeed excellent."

"I'm just not good at cooking. I really like this country itself! The small, cute houses, the squirrels that suddenly bite you..."

"I see."

"Does leaving mean your work is finished?"

"Well, yes."

"Will that girl be able to become a Hoshiwatari?"

"Who knows."

"She was a cute girl, wasn't she?"

"Not interested."

"With all due respect, Mr. Silas, you'll never be popular with women, absolutely not."

"I've received information from our colleagues in Landinium."

Silas continued talking without responding to Luca's quip. Luca added in a low voice, "This is how he only says what he wants to say."

"The 'National Autonomous Response Policy for Anti-Sorcery Measures' has been passed in the council. The Council of Historical and Spiritual Integrity..."

"I think it has a more understandable name now. Let's see, if I remember correctly," Luca thought for a few seconds before remembering. "Ah, yes, the 'Sword of Conviction'."

"That's it. Under the pretext of flexible crisis response, they're deftly loosening the reins of power. Pursuers will soon come for us too. The 'Sword of Conviction', one of the outcasts from the former Substania..."

"Oh no..." Luca's boyish face contorted, his voice wilting.

"The 'Sword of Conviction' is a specialised task force against heretics, a militant group that also takes on extermination jobs. We'll depart immediately in 7 days. We're in danger too."

"In danger?"

At that moment, the glass Luca was holding began to tremble slightly. The water inside started to ripple and wave. The vibration spread to Silas's glass and even began to shake the bottle that still had water in it.

"Teacher, are you suggesting there's even a slight possibility that I might fall behind?"

With his words, the vibration's ripples spread. The window began to shake, rattling its sturdy wooden frame. The entire room started to shake as if rain were beating against it on a typhoon day.

The water in the bottle began to swirl. Just as the vortex started to rotate as if it might shatter the bottle containing it, Luca's glass broke, spilling water onto the floor.

"Ah, sorry. I overdid it."

As Luca began to clean the floor, the vibrations in Silas's glass, the bottle, and everything else ceased. Except for the broken glass and spilled water, it became quiet as if nothing had happened.

"Don't hurt your fingers," Silas said, helping Luca carefully gather the glass shards. "This is what I mean by dangerous. No one thinks you'd be caught by pursuers or anything like that."

Silas continued lecturing after this. The boy apologised again with "I'm sorry," but was thinking something else: (This is why the teacher isn't popular with the opposite sex, always nagging and persistent like this.)

"By the way, teacher," after most of the cleanup was done, Luca asked with childlike innocence and curiosity.

"Why didn't you tell her? The truth, I mean."

As Luca lifted the hem of his tunic to wipe the floor, a pattern engraved on his arm was revealed. It was a tattoo modelled after celestial bodies.