An Old Triangle

Oh no... Wherever could she be...?

Pardon me, but is something the matter?

My friend went to go get food, but she hasn't come back...

It's not like her to be out this late.

Hmm...

If you're worried, I could go look for her.

Really?! I appreciate your offer, but I don't want to bother you. Besides, it's dangerous outside the town.

You don't have to worry about us. We've encountered our fair share of dangers coming here. These kinds of jobs are what the Service Corps is for.

A-Are you really sure? Okay then, please bring her back safely.

Of course, I'll bring her back safe and sound.

By out of the town...she must mean in the Uncharted Region Verdot. I'd best start my search there.

My, my, what do we have here? She never takes a moment away from her duties. I'd best follow and confirm that there aren't any ulterior motives in her service♪

I can't wait to see her performance...

AHEM! I mean her work of course♪

What to do... It's just going to get worse from here...

There you are. Honestly, that was easier than I expected.

Huh?

I talked to your friend and it seems she's worried that you're taking too long.

Oh goodness! I totally lost track of time!

Thank you for coming to tell me, but I'm afraid I can't go back just yet.

Sounds like there's some kind of problem.

Yes... You see, there's a savage monster nest not far from here.

Left alone to grow, I'm afraid it could threaten the townsfolk.

That is quite the problem. I'll go take care of it before it becomes a hazard to everyone.

Really?! I appreciate your offer, but I don't want to bother you.

Your friend said the same exact thing...

Don't worry about us. It's part of our job.

Our?

Let's leave that for another time... First of all, I want you to return to the town.

A-Are you sure? Thank you! I'll leave the job to you.

I know you're here... Stop hiding already.

Oh dear, you're more perceptive than I thought.

Even without Noah around, I shouldn't have underestimated your ability to sense magic.

I should've expected you, Rosetta. Up to the same old tricks are you?

Oh dear... Perhaps I'll have to change things up next time♪

Perhaps you should take care of something more important...

If you don't mind me asking, were you including me in that "our" earlier?

Remember, I'm only an inquisitor. My job is merely to observe...

Don't give me that. You're certified as both an inquisitor and a priest. That means you have to fulfill all of those responsibilities.

No need for the harsh tone, Melina.

You leave me no choice... I'll observe you by standing shoulder to shoulder with you♪

This already sounds like more trouble than it's worth...

So be it... Let's go eradicate the monsters and finish the job.

...And Sister Melina left the town?!

It is far too dangerous for her to be out there alone! I must go protect her!

These monsters must be from the nest the girl mentioned.

Looks like it. It's time we taught them a lesson about invading others' territory♪

A splendid performance, Melina♪

It will make for the most colorful report to send back to the church...

Rosetta! Behind you!

Huh?

Sister Rosetta!!!!!!!!!!

Are you unhurt, Sister Rosetta?

Well... Y-Yeah...

Good...I'm...glad...

Prai!

Come on, Prai!

......

Why did he do that for me? I don't understand...

It looks like his body is frozen in time. His vertebra has been significantly damaged. Prai can usually take a beating, but this injury is...

Please, Prai. Open your eyes... If you die here, how could I ever show my face to Thillelille and Melina again?

Ngh...

*gasp* He's awake!

It's unbelievable, but it looks like it was only a concussion.

Oh, I nearly forgot! I had metal plates fitted on me as a counter-measure for Brother Clarte's attacks...

Those things saved my life!

Are you an idiot?!

Ngh...

You're Thillelille's shield, right? And Melina, too! Aren't you her protector?! What if you had died protecting a nobody like me...?

Sister Rosetta...you are no less a person than these two. But I understand that my duty is to Sister Thillelille and Sister Melina.

Therefore...?

Those two lack the ability to express their feelings when it comes to you, Sister Rosetta... But make no mistake that they will mourn you deeply if something were to happen to you.

My duty is to protect them at all costs, including their hearts. That is why I must protect you too.

......

Prai, those words are unbecoming of you. Let's leave it at that.

Oh...my apologies. I got a bit carried away.

Let's return to Atlantica where I can tend to my wounds.

You did it! You wiped out the nest.

We can't thank you enough. Please come to us if you need anything at all!

That takes care of that...

Although...there's one more face we haven't seen in a little while.

You know you're right.

Is it true that Thillelille came down with a fever from her new job?

That's right. That's why I'm here to assist Melina's team.

No one asked for your help. You came here on your own accord. Had Thillelille left when she was supposed to, you would have left her in grave danger, right?

I am indeed ashamed...but I couldn't just stand aside...

Oh? Is that what this is about? The incident occurred before Melina was assigned to me...I had no idea.

...By the way, the statute of limitations isn't up for this case yet♪

S-Sister Rosetta...!

Teehee...I'm just kidding♪ There's no need for a hearing anyway.

Well then...it's about time we made peace with Prai for coming to save us.

Hmph...I see, Sister Rosetta. That's just like you.

Back before, I'd never have imagined us working together like this.

I believe the church is on its way towards change.

However, my work will forever remain the same.

Teehee... Don't forget that Melina is assigned to me. I'll be here with her until the end of days.