Soft sunlight filtered through the window, spilling into the room. Bell stared at the elegant envelope resting on the table, a flicker of nervousness washing over him. It had been delivered personally by Riveria, who had emphasized keeping it secret from everyone. Before opening it, Bell couldn't help but recall the other letter Astraea had entrusted Cecil to bring. The goddess's handwriting was graceful and beautiful.
"I hear those from Genkai often express affection through letters. Were you hoping for something similar?"
Astraea's gentle yet playful nature danced across the paper.
"I'm sorry to disappoint you. If you don't mind, may I make it up to you with a lap pillow?"
Astraea seemed to grow nervous as she wrote this, the word "lap pillow" drifting off, slightly blurred.
"Cecil can be stubborn. If she causes trouble for you or any blacksmith you know, please tell me. I'll give her a stern talking-to."
After learning this information, Bell often invoked Astraea's name when communicating with Cecil. Each time, the blue-haired girl would become as though she'd experienced something profound, obediently following Bell's every word.
"If you encounter anything difficult to handle, feel free to speak with Ryuu. It might sound strange, but I can tell that child really likes you."
Astraea drew a small heart after this sentence, like a child.
"Oh, I almost forgot something important—congratulations on winning the War Game."
When Astraea penned this letter, Cecil had yet to depart Sword Smithing City Solingen. The Goddess of Justice wrote this outcome with the certainty of one who foresaw the future.
"Finally, the [Nine Hell] inquired about Spirits. I recommended you to her. May it be a joyful date."
Astraea seemed to be stifling a smile, leaving the specifics unsaid.
"Bell Cranel, I look forward to our next meeting—your lover, Astraea."
The goddess boldly signed her name, emphasizing her role as his lover. After the War Game, this had become common knowledge. Even now, walking the streets, Bell could still overhear whispers about him and Astraea.
Compared to the Justice Goddess's somewhat playful words, the letter delivered by Riveria was far more formal. Bell stared at the already opened envelope, pondering how to respond.
…
It all began with a letter. This was before the boy had entered Orario. Riveria sat at her desk, pen gliding gracefully across the paper.
"The weather has warmed again. The harsh winter is nearly over, and the spring you love will soon arrive."
"Aina, every time this season comes, I recall the days we lived together."
"Those carefree, cherished times we spent snuggling and embracing each other still feel so precious."
"Alas, I fear I cannot visit when spring arrives."
"It pains me deeply that I won't be there to witness the blossoms blooming with you."
"Please take good care of yourself. I will make time to visit."
Riveria recalled her dear friend's face and gently sealed the envelope. Her next reply arrived several weeks ago.
"Aina, I received your letter."
"In this season of blooming flowers, nothing brings me greater joy than your words."
"No, wait—there is something else I wish to share."
"Though it may seem selfish, please forget what I just said."
"I met a young man. Just like how we used to glimpse the outside world together, he made me feel that same sense of wonder."
"Even after traveling for so long, I've never encountered such a unique being."
Unaffected by Falna, as if deliberately avoiding shortcuts, he seemed to have pushed his inner limits to the extreme. In this age of gods, it was truly extraordinary.
Riveria didn't write about the fighting in her letter.
"If you ever get the chance, I hope you'll meet him too."
"That boy seems to get along very well with your child, Eina. I think you'd like him."
"Finally, let me be a bit long-winded: Aina, please take good care of yourself."
Time flew by, and spring grew ever more vibrant. As travelers began to increase, the correspondence between the two women also grew more frequent.
"You've misunderstood. I don't harbor romantic feelings for that boy. Probably."
...
"It truly isn't what you imagine. I have a clear understanding of myself. I'm not seeking a partner just yet."
...
"Compared to other men, he is indeed unique. But that doesn't mean it's romantic."
...
"I take back what I said about not wanting a partner for now. I admit I'm drawn to him. How could I have shared my most cherished treasure with you? Please stop toying with me."
Every time Riveria read the other's reply, her lips would curve upward without her noticing. Perhaps it was because the letters spoke of that young man, or perhaps it was the reassuring news of her friend's health each time. Such correspondence continued until recently.
Riveria received bad news. The letters still bore Aina's name, but now her husband wrote them. Aina suffered from a congenital illness requiring constant medication. This ailment, akin to severe homesickness yet far more debilitating, prevented Riveria's dear friend from ever leaving her settled home. In the latest reply, Aina's condition had worsened. It was an illness beyond even Falna to cure.
Thus, Riveria resolved to make a journey. In the Spirit Land, the fruit borne by the Sacred Tree could alleviate her friend's affliction.
Yet as one of the city's strongest combatants, Riveria faced strict restrictions on her movements. This was precisely why she could not freely visit her friend. Though initially troubled, Riveria immediately resolved to disregard the Guild's warnings and leave the labyrinth city.
Yet almost simultaneously, as she finished reading the letter and steeled herself to sever ties, a reply from Astraea arrived. She had intended to consult the goddess, well-versed in Spirits, about the customs and details of the Spirit Land. Unexpectedly, the boy's name appeared in the reply.
"Some spirits from Sword Smithing City Solingen wish to return to the Spirit Realm. Having witnessed Bell Cranel's battle, they've invited him to accompany them. If you're troubled, you may travel as his escort," Astraea wrote.
Though spirits were exalted, most gave the impression of naive children. The boy had saved the forest from terrifying monsters, earning the Spirits' favor. In principle, the Spirit Land forbids outsiders, but an invitation from the Spirits changes everything.
Thus, Riveria seized this opportunity and delivered the letter to the boy. As long as she went under the pretext of protecting the most conspicuous Little Rookie, the Guild couldn't object.
Riveria gazed out the window. A letter arrived bearing the youth's reply. Gentle sunlight bathed the land, spring in full bloom.