-"Ok, enough about the past, tomorrow we have to depart from here, so let's focus on the journey ahead, shall we?"-I decided to finish reminiscing with everyone and brought up a new subject.
-"We mapped out a preferred path, but if you have something to add, feel free to point it out."-Mostima handed me a map.
I looked through it, and my bros couldn't help but slightly furrow.
-"You intend to pass by Zwillingstürme?"
-"Ah, this... It was something that the Old Man told us to do."-Mostima took out a letter with a familiar Laterano seal.-"This is for you, along with another box still in the car."
I took it and opened it quickly. Inside was a short message that when the documents of safe passage were being arranged, someone was attracted by our actions, and after they expressed their intention to meet, we had to acquiesce. The meeting wouldn't be a formal one, but it'll still be a private meeting with the Holy Son of Laterano, thus appropriate clothes were sent to me, along with sets of armor for my guards that I can appoint freely.
-"I see. Cellinia, Margaret, would you fancy being my knights?"
-"Sure."-Cellinia was direct as always.
-"Its my honor."-Margaret even knelt before me, accepting my appointment.
-"Then later we'll need to adjust armor for everyone. Mostima, you won't mind returning to your previous position as priestess."
-"But..."
-"Don't worry, your status as a fallen angel won't be a problem."-I then noticed a certain red angel raising her hand.-"Lemuel, I apologize, but I remember you never finished your etiquette lessons."
-"Hey! That's blatant discrimination!"
-"When I see you complete it, we can talk more."
She pouted but knew that nothing could be done.
-"Shining, I hope that you and Liz can stay with the refugees. I fear that this meeting might prove more troublesome than we expect."
-"I'll keep an eye on everything."
-"We still need to arrive there, don't we? Why are you so quick to arrange everything?"-Lemuel asked me.
-"Zwillingstürme is not that far, with our speed, we will reach it in at most five days. Because there are many things to do before then, it's better to get all the planning done as soon as possible."
-"Troublesome."-She commented.-"But at least I know that you still are the same over-analyzing and planning person as before."
-"I don't know if you are praising me or complaining."-I rolled my eyes.-"Let's get some quick rest and depart early."
As no one opposed my idea, we quickly went to our tents. I also took the package from the Old Man, intending to look at what clothes are 'appropriate' for me. After unfolding it, I saw a ceremonial robe somewhat similar to the Pope's but with accents differentiating it. While it was a great piece of clothing, it didn't suit my taste much.
But I couldn't show up with my current armor as it would be unbecoming, so I either had to use it or find other clothes that suited the occasion. With this idea in mind, I took out my previously destroyed armor and got to work repairing and modifying it.
First, I started the work on the physical aspect of the armor. Using my new control over fire, I was able to easily re-forge the chestplate, gauntlets, and greaves. I used the delivered robe to replace most of the cloth parts, repairing the set to look almost identical to how it was previously. The only difference was in the details that needed to better match my status.
Previously, while there were some decorative motives, the armor was mostly practical. Now I took out some silver and gold to add some majesty to it. In contrast to the Laterano's minimalist style, I created an exquisite-looking pattern that made the armor look much grander and ceremonious. Most of it was silver, with gold accents bringing out the majesty, but I also added some of my Originium Glintstone to the composition.
The greaves and gauntlets received same treatment, the only difference being that I decided long ago not to hide my crystalline left arm, thus I changed my left gauntlet into a bracer. As my Originium Glintstone was much stronger than the armor itself, I didn't need anything to cover it, instead creating this bracer as an accessory which purpose was assisting in casting spells and completing enchantments of the armor. I molded it into a golden bracelet made of multiple bands in the style of nobles from the Lands Between. To match it, I also created a circlet in the same style, looking almost exactly like one I saw on a portrait of Queen Marika.
Next, I examined all the enchantments, mending those that were damaged. But some of the damages were so great that many of the circuits were beyond saving, needing to be fully re-inscribed. I lacked the ability to recreate them here, but after a little testing, I was able to create similar enchantments using methods from my dreams, replacing destroyed parts that way. While at it, I also inscribed a few more things, especially a few enchantments that would help with the flow of both magic energy and divine power. The same enchantments caused parts of the armor to carry slight moonlight, so I also made Originium Glintstone in the armor hold some of my magic power and divinity within it, making it shimmer slightly.
Lastly, I needed to work on the cape. I already replaced it and remade all the enchantments, so I only needed to add some finishing touches. After it was done, I put everything together and changed into it. Confirming there were no issues, I made a few last modifications. I changed how the cloak draped, making it cover more of my left side, while leaving my right arm fully uncovered, when I wasn't wearing the hood. This was so that I could use the sword more freely, but also to cover my arm in public. While I didn't plan to hide it from the public, on many occasions, I would still need to cover it just in case.
I also took out the sword given to me by my mentor and the Royal Scepter, fixing them to my left so that they were partly covered with the cape. As the finishing touch, I styled my hair a little more carefully, still using the same high ponytail as before. I also decided to emphasize the specialty of my eyes, by focusing on them slightly, I was able to make my blue irises glow to match my sclera, making my eyes appear more piercing and mystical.
With my remake done, I left the tent only to instantly run into Cellinia. She was about to say something, only to freeze when she got a better look. Even her ears and tail comically stood up, a slight blush appearing on he cheeks. Noticing it, I couldn't help but smile.
-"What do you think?"-I teased her a little.
-"You... Ehem. I'm here to see if you are up."-Some red color bled into her ears.
-"What's the matter?"
-"I just wanted to find a moment alone with you."
-"Then come in."-I invited her to my tent.
Inside, she sat down on a chair, folding her hands on her knees. I sat in front of her, watching the stoic beauty squirm from shyness.
-"I would never expect that our first meeting would be like that."-I decided to start a subject to escape the awkwardness.
-"In your letters, you always wanted to travel the world, so it's not strange that we met on a track."
-"True, but I never believed that I would be able to do that. At most, I thought that I would invite you to Laterano one day."
-"You can still do this. I'll be honored to visit your home."
-"It's hardly a home, but I hope you can accompany me there."
-"Home is made by people, not the walls of the building. Exusiai and Mostima became my new family already, so I guess we are a step-family? Or maybe neighbors?"
-"Is there a need to differentiate? To me, you are almost as close a friend as they are, so let's just call it one big family."
-"Good."
-"So, what brought you here?"
-"It's about the meeting. Are you sure you want me there?"
-"Why wouldn't I? Be it strength or etiquette and appearance, all are far beyond any requirements."
-"Because I'm from Siracusa, not to mention being from a major famiglia Texas."
-"I believe everyone knows what happened to Texas famiglia. Even if someone still harbors some resentment, they need to watch who you are following."
-"Thank you."
-"There is no need for that between us."
-"Can you wait for me here?"-Cellinia stood up while asking.
-"Sure."-I nodded, not knowing what she planned to do.
She quickly left my tent, returning after around ten minutes. When she entered again, my eyes lit up for entirely different reason than before. Cellinia was no longer in her Penguin Logistics uniform, but a somewhat familiar-looking suit of armor. She ditched few plates so that they won't restrict her movement, making the normally heavy armor appear much lighter, but no one would think of her as anything but a knight.
While appreciating her new look, I waved my hand to make the armor plates adjust better to her figure, as well as changed the color of the red elements to blue. The usual golden accents also changed to match those on my armor. Lastly, I created a silver circlet matching my golden one, placing it on her head.
-"Perfect."-I smiled.
She also smiled, moving slightly to show off her new appearance to me, making my eyes drawn to her long legs in black stockings that stood out from the white-blue armor. Noticing my gaze, she blushed slightly, but didn't stop me.
-"Should we get going?"-She finally ended the impromptu beauty show.
-"Let's see if they need our help in clearing the camp."-I nodded and walked out.
I put my hood on and began walking to where others were, with Cellinia following a step behind. The change in our clothes attracted not a small amount of attention, but most refugees still were afraid to approach me, let alone Cellinia, who emanated an aura keeping others away. But this obviously didn't stop our friends for acting when they saw us.
-"Wow!"-Lemuel rushed to our side, circling us a few times.-"That's not fair! I also want such a nice outfit!"
-"I'll make one for you back in Laterano."-I decided to appease her.-"Margaret, bring your armor to me later, and I'll help you adjust it."
-"Please."-She nodded, eagerly looking at us.
-"My, and here I thought I would be able to make him watch only me. You're a worthy opponent, Texas."-Mostima looked at Cellinia with slightly squinted eyes.
She also changed her outfit from the travel clothes to a robe used by high-ranking priestesses, one which she wore when others still called her saintes. Approaching her, I also changed some accents on her robe to match those on my armor, adding a few elements to make it even more appealing. I handed her a silver circlet as well.
Arion also appeared next to me, wearing the full armor as she did in Britain. Knowing that she didn't want to be left out, I also modified it for her, earning me a happy neigh as thanks.
-"How are the preparations for the departure?"-I asked.
-"We'll be ready in an hour. There was a minor issue as a few people fell ill, but Exusiai went to buy some medicine, so we should be all right after some time."-Shining told me.
-"That's good. For the next leg of our journey, we will dived ourselves into two groups. Mostima will take Penguin Logistics to act as our escorts. You can leave the scouting for my Spectral Hawks, but you are our response team."
-"Leave it to us."-Lemuel gave me thumb up.
-"Shining, you are in charge of the refuges like before, I'll focus on scouting and make decisions if need arises."
Shining nodded, agreeing without any complaining.
-"Then let's not waste any time and depart when ready."
With that, everyone moved quickly, finishing the preparations and departing on time. Penguin Logistics, hearing about our turn-based Arion riding, decided to join in on the fun, joining the schedule. And so, when I mounted her, I encountered a wild Lemuel jumping at me.
-"Thanks, Arion."-She pet Arion's mane while I tried to prevent her from falling.
-"Sit properly."-I told her, feeling her move around.
-"Hai! Hai!"
-"Sigh."
-"Hey, Eno..."-Lemuel finally stopped twisting and now sat sideways, fully lying in my embrace.
-"What's the matter?"
-"You won't leave me again, right?"
-"Still worried about that?"
-"..."
-"I promise, even when I'll have to go somewhere, I will either tell you or take you with me."
-"Mhmm."
Surprisingly, the rest of our ride was spent in silence, Lemuel simply cuddling with me. But I guess I can understand her state of mind; she was someone who lost her sister and childhood friend without even knowing it, on a faraway mission. Finding out only when one returned fallen, bringing her unconscious sister; never having a chance to even say goodbye to either her or me. But I indeed won't let such a fate repeat itself. Even if I'm too weak right now, I won't stop moving forward to ensure that.
We slowly approached Zwillingstürme. From the third day onward, we could see its majestic buildings on the horizon; the glory as one of the capitals of the world was nothing to scoff at. But the closer we approached, the more I felt a strange gaze. No one else felt it, so I attributed it to my Empathy going overboard again, but I still heightened my vigilance.
We set up our camp in a safe area outside of direct range of the city. As we still had some time to spare, we prepared for the upcoming meeting with care. I finished Margaret's armor on our way here, but at the same time, I also noticed an issue with our equipment. Both she and Cellinia lacked a weapon fitting the occasion. Cellinia's light sabers were something like a one-time consumable in her hands, often ending broken after missions, while Margaret's spear had seen better days, also in need of urgent replacement. As such, I prepared a set of my crystal weapons for them, carefully enchanting them to match their combat style.
And like that, we departed. Cellinia drove their car, bringing Mostima and Margaret with her, I trailing closely behind her. After passing the checkpoint at the city gate without any issues, we were led to a mansion at the periphery of the city. Close to Ludwigs-Universität, it was one of the most beautiful places in the city.
Walking through the alleys, we passed many students, who more often than not were engrossed in their learning of Arts, and of arts as well, as at many scenic spots one could hear music, which Leithanien is known for. After such a scenic trip, we finally entered the mansion where our meeting would take place.
Mostima already had her usual flirtatious smile, which she always had when dealing with official matters. She was never the one to appear to take things seriously, yet she always achieved perfection. Step behind me, Cellinia and Margaret were the opposite, their faces serious and dignified. Seeing this contrast, I couldn't help but smile myself. Relaxing slightly, I entered the mansion without worry, my aura quietly emanating around, completing the image of the Saint.