I regret my actions, but I do not regret them.

A month has passed since my visit to comfort the current head of the household.

I awoke only after two full days had passed. When I opened my eyes, five faces were peering down at me—my heart truly stopped in that moment.

Waking to that sight is truly terrible for the heart.

Yet it is true that I caused great concern. I bowed low, humbly apologizing to all who had worried over me.

Father was forbidden from entering the church for a year and required to submit a detailed report. Mother was granted priority for tea gatherings for the next half-year. Cain Elder was assigned research assistance. Alex Elder and Fret Elder each agreed to take me on three dates in exchange for forgiveness.

The cause of my collapse was said to be depletion of sacred power and exhaustion. Sacred Stones are not meant to be forged in a single day, but rather formed gradually by accumulating power over time. Normally, they cannot be created as swiftly as they were within the sacred domain. I attempted to pray in secret, as I had done then, but only shimmering particles of light danced within the palm of my hand.

It must have been because I bathed in and drank copious amounts of holy water in preparation to meet the current head of the lineage, and because the head herself lent me her strength.

For the remainder of my stay during the land tour, I decided to rest quietly in bed within the lord’s manor, and return to the imperial capital ahead of schedule.

My father, overwhelmed with concern, suggested using a transfer spell to return immediately, but was told he must abandon the idea—long-distance transfers are strictly prohibited for those under fifteen, and the holy power limit allows only five people per day from Emmental to the imperial capital. Given that our household’s main knight corps is accompanying us, this large entourage is to be expected.

As I hurried to prepare for departure, my father informed me that the Cardinal had unexpectedly been scheduled to visit on the final day of our stay. Not a meeting with him, but a personal audience with me.

On that day, I greeted the Cardinal in a lemon-yellow dress—chosen because it most closely matched the hue of the current generation’s holy power.

The setting was the southern garden, most beautiful in summer at this time of year.

Beside the gazebo, wrapped in the summer breeze, the mint-scented tea is accompanied by a generously almond-laden flan.

We exchange seasonal greetings, and I take a small sip of tea and a bite of the confection. The sweet, subtly spiced treat carries a foreign aroma unlike the imperial capital’s version of the same name. The mint tea brings a refreshing coolness that clears the heat of summer, its clarity flowing with the wind, settling the heart in quiet ease.

After I have taken my first taste, His Eminence sips his tea as well, then turns to the matter at hand.

“Recently, Your Reverence was kind enough to aid our current generation. I have heard you have departed, and wished to offer my gratitude in person.”

"Please raise your face, Your Reverence. I did no more than what I was able to do at that time. I did not go to the church with the intention of doing so; it simply came to pass. If my small strength has proven useful to Your Reverence, and by extension to the nation, there is nothing more joyful for me."

It was the truth, spoken without deceit. The Reverence lowered her brows slightly, offering a faint, troubled smile.

"Then, let me speak not as a church cardinal, but as a father—just an old man's quiet thoughts."

With that, she sipped a mouthful of tea, then resumed speaking.

"My daughter has been asleep in holy vow for nearly two years now. In recent days, her strength has waned further, day by day. I have come to expect the day of her fading may be near. Of course, I should have prepared myself from the moment she made her choice... yet still, I did not truly believe it would come."

Her gaze drifts suddenly toward a blossoming flower.

"Strange, it is. That I should live another day, thinking perhaps tomorrow may come, is a miracle. If you had not come that day, my daughter might have passed within the year. Before she fell asleep, she said to me, 'Forgive the sorrow that precedes me. I go to do what I can. Please, come slowly, my father.' As a parent, I wished her life to stretch on for even one more day. Yet as a servant of the holy office, I could only watch her duty, and mourn my own helplessness each passing day."

Then, slowly, she turns toward me—her expression like one who weeps while smiling, like one who looks upon someone dear, a face so heavy with sorrow it aches to behold.

"As a father, I wish to express my gratitude. You saved my daughter’s life, you saved her dream. I am truly, deeply thankful."

I did not know how to respond.

Though I avoided stating it outright, I could not help but think that the late Lord’s father had indeed been a noble of high rank. At the same time, I remained uncertain—truly uncertain—whether what I had done had been more than a sudden, irregular act, or whether I had truly been of any help. Honest confusion overwhelmed me.

“Your gratitude is received with humility. Yet, even if I have been of little aid, it was only through divine guidance that I was able to assist. My elder brother has expressed a desire to study this matter further. If that path proceeds, perhaps your lordship’s reign may continue, and the lord’s sorrow may finally be eased?”

The noble lady gave a small, quiet laugh. “The Church would prefer to keep such mysteries veiled, but we shall do what little we can. For the sake of my beloved daughter, after all… What should I offer in return to the young lady?”

It seems Elder Brother has agreed to assist with his research. I pause briefly, considering the offer, then reply.

“May I send letters and gifts to Your Reverence on a regular basis?”

The look on Your Reverence’s face says clearly that she does not understand what I am saying.

“Letters and gifts? Why to me?”

“In truth, my father has been forbidden from entering the church for some time, and I have been unable to pay my respects to Your Reverence. So I wish to offer my gratitude in tangible form—through prayers made manifest—and I would ask Your Reverence to help me deliver them.”

Your Reverence’s eyes widen in surprise.

A quiet thrill runs through me, as if my jest has succeeded. A small warmth blooms within.

I made it clear that once the Sacred Stone is complete, I wish to send it to Your Reverence, and have it presented to Your Reverence’s current successor.

The intent was clearly conveyed; Your Reverence lowered a hand to conceal the corners of the eyes, murmuring thank you again and again.

Afterward, I exchanged letters with Your Reverence several times a year until I reached adulthood.

The first year, I could not send the Sacred Stone, but by the second year, I was able to send a small one, no larger than a pebble.

My power was truly meager, and even more so after Elder Brother’s research had been proven—but I continued to do my utmost, to the very best of my ability.