The Sign of a Vow

Phew... The people of Merlot Ward really helped us out.

Yeah... Let's stretch our wings for a bit before heading to HQ.

Hehe... Hearing that from you makes it not sound like an idiom anymore!

Hey, Misty?

Oh, she's not here...

Speaking of which, I haven't seen her in a while.

She knows we were supposed to depart soon... Think something happened?

It's not like Mistrare to forget or anything like that.

I'll go look for here. Everyone, wait here for me.

Hey, Clary!

Mistrare... What's wrong? Everyone was worried about you.

Oh... Is that so? Sorry for making you worry.

But speaking of worries... A concern has been weighing on my mind.

A concern?

I'd like to get your opinion, if it's not too much trouble... Do you mind coming with me?

Sure... Let's go.

Whoa! You really brought him!

Sorry to go through all the trouble, just for him...

A...priest? Is this the man you were speaking about?

Yes, that's right...

I see... So what is it that you're concerned about?

Um... Well... This outfit... Isn't it a little strange?

Outfit...?

Are you perhaps newly ordained? It suits you well.

I-Is that so...?

Hmph... I'm the one who did the measurements. Of course there's nothing wrong with it!

I share the same opinion as you, but... He seems to be a man prone to worry.

I see...

It's a bit embarrassing, but at this age, I finally managed to pass the appointment exam to become a priest.

Soon, he'll finally begin working at church headquarters.

Parting from my wife at this age... I'm just filled with worries.

Parting...? She won't be going with you?

I thought about it, but I decided to stay in Merlot Ward. That's about the only way I can show my faith...

Is that so? That is a sad story...

We'll be fine. Even if we're apart, our hearts are always together.

So she says, which certainly helps to set me at ease, but...

Thinking about crossing the Crystal Region and going to church headquarters alone is enough to make me anxious...

If that's the case, then we shall take you with us. We just happen to be heading that way, as it were.

Truly?! Yes please, I would be in your debt...

Thank you so much! Please keep him safe.

Yes, leave it to us. Well then... Let's join up with everyone and start towards church headquarters.

I feel like my heart's going to burst... A monster could be lurking behind any rock, just waiting to jump out...

You're really worrying too much... Even if something happens, we'll be here to protect you.

......

I'm very thankful for the sentiment, but... That won't do. If I decided to become a priest, I can't run away from these monsters of the Crystal Region forever.

Even though I've made the choice to fight, when the time comes, my body just goes stiff... Without my wife, I'm nothing...

Speaking of your wife... How did you get to know each other?

Um... We've been friends since we were children. She's always been skilled with her hands, and is really wasted on somebody like me.

She's especially good at needlework, and tends to make simple things we need herself. When we were young, she noticed I wasn't self-confident, and embroidered our clothes with the same design...

The design is called "The Sign of a Vow." It has given me courage ever since. Every time I need new clothes... She knits them for me and it makes me feel strong. I feel as if she's always with me.

But to enter the priesthood, you have to wear the provided garments...

There's no embroidery on it...

Yes. She mended the clothes for me, but embroidery on a priest's vestments would stand out, so she didn't sew one on. That's why I've got to do my best on my own...

Oh no... That growl...!

Aaahhh!

A monster?! Hurry, get back!

I-I can't... My legs cramped up!

Curses... We're surrounded!

Eek! I'm done for...

(I'm so scared, I can't see anything...) (I've always been like this. Whenever something scary happens, I always pull my cap down over my eyes...)

Huh?! This is...!

As long as I have the Sign of a Vow, I won't lose!

Mister Priest!

We've got to strike while its flinching. Let's go, Mistrare!

Whew, that was close... Thanks to you for making it flinch.

Not at all... Like always, my wife saved me.

Your wife...? But, you said you didn't have the Sign of a Vow, right?

Yes... That's what I thought, too. But it's on the inside of my cap!

On the inside of your...cap?

Yes... It's really quite embarrassing. I've always had the bad habit of pulling my cap over my eyes anytime something scary happens...

I see... Which would mean your wife had that habit of yours in mind.

Heehee! What a wonderful wife.

Either way, the monster's been defeated. We're almost to church headquarters!

Wow! Thanks to you all, we've finally made it to headquarters!

How can I possibly thank you?

There's no need to thank us... It's a path you walked with your own two feet. You'll be away from your wife for quite some time, but I wish you everlasting happiness.

A thousand thanks to you all!

Mistrare, Clarte... I wish you everlasting happiness as well!

Huh?

Hm?

U-Um... Judging by everyone's reactions, I'm guessing you two aren't...involved?

Haha... We're simply friends, nothing more.

M-My apologies! What an embarrassing misunderstanding...

It's nothing to fret over... But I'm curious. Just for reference, would you mind telling me why you thought as much?

Why...? There's a similar emblem embroidered on your clothes, right?

There's a rather unique design on Mistrare's blouse, yes?

And on Clarte's...

Butt! Yes, the very same design!

Y-You're right! I never noticed!

I see... As you say, the design certainly looks a little too similar to be a simple coincidence...

Hm... I suppose it is a strange coincidence.

Thank you for telling me. I'll consider the reason behind it.

Not at all... Apologies for jumping to hasty conclusions.

Well, this is as far as I go. Thank you so much for everything!

What a coincidence!

Yes... Unfortunately, I have no recollection of this design.

Mistrare, how about yours?

Yes... It's a design handed down from generation to generation of the Winged People.

Yet... We are not told much about it. According to historical records, it has been in existence since long ago.

It somehow resembles a sword, yet could also be mistaken for something else.

Without my memories to aid me, I cannot even fathom a guess...

Could this really be a coincidence?