Just A Reincarnation Story (Summoning Japan Edition)

Chapter 38: To Be Human Is to Feel

Aquamens 8, 1615 Central Calendar, 06:53

Tranquila District, Runepolis

At the end of one of the streets in this part of Runepolis' Student Town, located some distance from the Runepolis Magic Academy's main campus, stood a place of worship dedicated to Saoirse, the Enysfalian Goddess of Water. Standing near the entryway to the edifice, beyond the cobblestone fence that separated the impressively-sized temple and its serene courtyard from the rest of the Imperial Capital's renowned Student Town, a trio of young maidens could be seen observing with idle fascination the steady flow of people from all ages entering at a leisure pace.

They were there to wait for another group of people who will arrive shortly according to their agreed timetable.

"Hey, did he send a message yet?" the most prim and proper-looking of the three turned and asked one of her friends in order to break the silence among them.

"He did," quietly answered a certain blonde girl with an appearance no less enchanting than the former, but with a demure air that gave off an aura of modesty rather than the usual arrogance and confidence associated with high society nobility. One cannot be blamed for mistaking her to be a part of them and then being surprised when interacting with this girl.

Her gaze was fixated on the glowing screen of a grimoire in her hand for a moment before turning to look at the temple's gate with a searching look.

"He says that they will be there in a few minutes."

"Wonderful! I was worried about the time we would spend waiting here. Anna, Nadia, are you sure we aren't here too early...?" the third girl with red hair arranged in a crown braid whined, petulantly resting her head on Nadia's shoulder. The blonde didn't seem to mind her antics, laughing softly at the touch.

Similarly, the one called Anna, the silver-haired Lady Annette Pendragon of Runepolis, giggled underneath an exclusively-tailored scarf neatly wrapped around her neck. Wearing the Pendragon family's renowned cerulean color as part of her attire, she stood out more than any girl in this town with a beauty that made it difficult for the common people to approach or speak to her. And yet, the sight of this young noblewoman casually chatting with her two acquaintances, as if it was completely natural, gave off a sense of wonder to the templegoers who happened to lay their eyes on them.

"Well, our friend here is worried so much that she's going to be late," she said in a teasing tone, but quickly clarified. "Not that I mind, though, it's nice to be able to go outside and stretch our legs a bit, isn't it? I feel like I've been too cooped up inside the mansion as of late, with nothing else to do but study..."

"Heee..." the redhead grinned.

"Hush, cut it, Sofia. You know I need some refreshing too."

One might think that being born an elite, Annette Pendragon would be expected to lead a strict lifestyle; however, she was still fourteen years old girl and her father, the Good Duke, was in perfect health to do his duties. It was for this reason that he often encouraged his only daughter to venture outside, form close bonds with her peers, and revel in the pleasures of youth. Being a filial daughter aside, Annette was more than happy to oblige, particularly during the trip to the Temple of Saoirse alongside her two cherished friends. The transformation in the usual scenery left her feeling invigorated, and as she explored this part of the district which she seldom frequented, she also got to know more about the land that the Emperor had entrusted her father to lead.

Without realizing it, by visiting the temple and mingling herself with the commoners, Annette had just accomplished one of the visions of Duke Pendragon. And by paying respects to Saoirse, a deity originally foreign to Runepolis, this occasion also carried a strong political statement whether it was intentional or not.