When it came to manalogy, there were two names almost everyone in Virelia recognized: Caleric and Cally. It wasn't because they were the absolute best in the field, but because of the sheer number of breakthroughs they had pulled off even before they were legally old enough to drink.
While Caleric had a deeper understanding of the concepts and possessed strong theoretical knowledge, Cally had practical experience. The latest field of manalogy—Manalogical Techs—was her hobby, and had always been. She'd been making artifacts using her knowledge since she was eight.
Her latest invention was the floating carriage-like vehicle that resembled a train compartment, the one Caleric had seen briefly before passing out. The reason it looked like a train compartment was because it actually was, or at least a prototype of a new train model.
That particular prototype had been a failure, and Mr. Vincent, the owner of the workshop where Cally spent her time, had managed to get his hands on it for cheap. Later, he and Cally modified it using the latest Aveon technology, turning it into something that could hover and actually fly.
The invention had attracted the attention of investors and businessmen from all over. The story was all over the news, but Cally had flat-out refused to reveal the secrets behind the tech. That, of course, led to problems as people don't take "no" kindly when money's involved. But with someone as influential as Aron backing her, things settled down without escalating. In the end, the only compromise was that the carriage would have to follow the official rules and regulations of the sky.
After chatting for a while with Aron and complimenting Silv's dress for the third time, Pristine finally decided to find a table and sit down. He chose an unoccupied one in the corner. Caleric had assumed that, given his loud and friendly personality, Pristine would definitely join a group instead. The choice threw him off a little.
Why is this man so unpredictable?
...
It was almost time for dinner. The hall was still as cheerful and lively as ever. Caleric, however, was running on fumes. After what felt like an endless stream of short conversations with each one requiring a forced smile, polite thanks, and enduring compliments from noble ladies about his appearance; he was completely drained.
Cally had dropped by for a moment, but she was immediately surrounded by people eager to ask about her latest invention, which made her disappear again just as quickly.
Soon, Caleric found himself alone. Aron had joined a group of his old friends and was deep in conversation, while Silv was sitting with a few noble ladies, probably gossiping under the more refined label of "discussing recent events."
Technically, Caleric wasn't completely alone. Every few minutes, someone would drop by to bother him with a greeting or a compliment.
I'm hungry. Can I eat? How do I even know if I'm allowed to eat? What if there's some weird tradition where the birthday boy and the hosting family only have dinner after all the guests leave?
Finally, Caleric decided to go for dinner. Watching the servants move around with plates full of food had made his mouth water. He asked one of them to bring him his plate while he looked around for a place to sit.
At first, he thought about joining Pristine, who was still sitting at that corner table. But when Caleric glanced over, he realized the table wasn't empty anymore. It was full and packed with important people. He could spot the manager of the Northern Bank and even the representative of the Velvet family. There were other noblemen too, ones whose faces he recognized.
So that's why he chose an empty table earlier. It was his way of saying, "You come to me. I don't walk over to yours." He might've looked easygoing and loud, but Caleric could now see the quiet authority behind it. Pristine didn't need to chase influence as he made it come to him. Caleric felt a bit more enlightened.
Aron must be pretty influential if someone like Pristine showed up for a birthday banquet hosted by the Gnalets. The thing was, Caleric still didn't fully understand what Aron's actual position in society was. Strangely, his memories had nothing specific about Aron's profession or role just that he had a web of connections with several important people.
The only solid piece of information he had was that Aron held the title of a Royal Noble. That alone meant a lot. It wasn't like the usual noble titles people managed to get through inheritance or... less respectable methods, like bribing the right officials. A Royal Noble title came directly from the royal family. Whatever Aron did or had done, it was enough to earn recognition from the very top.
In search of an empty table or at least one that wasn't packed Caleric's eyes briefly met with a young lady who looked about his age. She wore a stunning green dress that fit her with a mix of grace and elegance. But Caleric, whose mind was entirely consumed by hunger at this point, didn't pay her much attention.
The lady walked over and greeted him with a practiced smile, offering the usual birthday wishes followed by a clearly rehearsed string of polite compliments; the kind of script everyone seemed to follow. Normally, the pattern ended there and the guests would move on. But she didn't. She lingered, showing a bit too much interest in Caleric.
No, not this... Woman, I don't even inherit a single coin from the Gnalet household. If there's anything I've received from them, it's just the last name. Caleric wanted to say that out loud, but knew it would be too rude.
He could see right through the charm, knew exactly what she was after. Fame, association, maybe the hope of securing a future with someone from a noble family. Caleric didn't really blame her though. In a way, it was a kind of skill. A strategic move. Still, for someone who had been obsessed with psychology, it was almost too easy to see through the act.
Just when Caleric was trying to come up with a way to politely escape the conversation and failing miserably, most likely due to his painfully empty stomach; he heard a few quiet gasps ripple through the guests nearby. From the corner of his eye, he noticed someone approaching.
She was dressed in a striking crimson-black skirt that flowed all the way down, paired with a fitted corset that added just the right amount of elegance to her figure. It was Lady Casandra.
The effect was immediate. The girl in the green dress backed off without a word, slipping away like she was never there to begin with. Caleric almost laughed. He didn't remember ever meeting Lady Casandra before, but apparently, she had just rescued him.
"I thought I'd help you. You looked uncomfortable," she said with a soft smile, casually walking past him as if her appearance was just a coincidence.
Very interesting person. I'll ask Aron about her later. Caleric made a mental note, still a little curious about Lady Casandra and her well-timed appearance.
By then, Aron had returned to Caleric, who was still stuck wondering how and where he was supposed to eat and whether he was even allowed to start yet. A butler followed behind Aron, holding a small notebook and speaking in a low, efficient tone.
"Most of the guests have arrived. Madam Fera sent word that she won't be attending due to some unexpected matters. Aside from a few other nobles, Saint Clover hasn't arrived either," the butler reported.
"I didn't really expect him to," Aron replied calmly. "A Saint has more responsibilities than we can imagine. Just saying he might attend was already more than enough." He didn't look disappointed.
Suddenly, the cheerful room fell into an unnatural silence. It was so quiet that Caleric could hear his own heartbeat. Every conversation stopped. All eyes turned toward the main door.
A man stood there.
He was dressed in a flawless white robe that flowed all the way to the floor, covering him entirely from head to toe. White silk gloves hid his hands, and his face was concealed behind a porcelain mask—half black, half white—with nothing but two narrow eye holes. On the back of his robe, stitched in deep green, was a symbol of a four-leaf clover.
There was no mistaking it.
The man at the door was Saint Clover.
Everyone who had been sitting stood up immediately. Those who were already standing just stayed frozen in place. A quiet wave of movement passed through the room as every person bowed their head, placing their right hand on their chest and the left behind their back this was the formal gesture of respect for royalty and clergy.
Caleric copied everyone, keeping his posture as close as possible to the others. His heart was thudding fast, and the moment Saint Clover started walking toward him, it shot way past triple digits.
"May Goddess Verdalia bless you with a long and healthy life," Saint Clover said, his voice was calm but heavy.
Then he turned around. "I will have to take my leave now."
Before Caleric could react, Aron gave him a small, subtle gesture. It took him no time to understand that he was supposed to escort the Saint.
Outside, the world was quiet and peaceful. The air was cool, and the night sky was painted in a surreal shade of blue. Above, the moon hovered massive and still which was at least three times the size of the one back on Earth.
Right… so on Friday it's blue, Caleric thought. Yesterday was Thursday and the moon was pink. He had already noticed that this world's moon didn't behave like Earth's. There were no phases; just a full moon every night. And it changed colors. Seven of them, if he was remembering correctly.
They must be seven different moons, each following a complex orbit pattern. But that still doesn't explain the color. Maybe they emit their own light instead of reflecting it? The thought spiraled for a moment before the silence brought him back.
The entire walk from the door to the gate was quiet. Just before taking his leave Saint Clover turned once more and offered a final blessing. Caleric bowed again.
As he turned back to head inside, a voice called out behind him.
"You look very beautiful. Alas, why must fate do this to you? Fate is really unfair."
He turned, startled. "Who are you?"
"All-mighty Thisia," the voice replied.
"Who?"
The voice belonged to a woman, her face barely visible in the dark. She looked like another guest leaving the event, but something about her tone was... strange.
"I have to return now," she said, "but I must warn you. Don't pry into things you shouldn't. Don't try to dig deeper. And if you do be ready to pay the price."
She snapped her fingers, and out of nowhere, a card appeared in the air and floated towards him.
"This is my card. In case you decide to go against my warning."
The woman vanished into the night, disappearing before Caleric could say another word.
But honestly, he didn't care. His stomach was screaming louder than his thoughts. Whatever that strange woman was talking about; warnings, fate, some mysterious card all that could wait. The only thing on his mind was food.
Still, somewhere in the back of his head, he made a mental note: check the guest list for the name Thisia and maybe bring it up with Aron later. Assuming he didn't forget after devouring an entire table's worth of dinner.
When Caleric returned to the hall, the cheerful buzz had returned in full force. He went straight to Silv to confirm something very important: could he finally eat?
Thankfully, she nodded and even added that if he wasn't comfortable eating out here with so many people, he could head into the dining room and eat in peace.
May the goddess bless every child with such a mother, Caleric thought, wasting no time. He practically sped through the hall and into the dining room.
And there she was.
Cally. Sitting calmly at the table, already halfway through her plate like she hadn't just left him to suffer in the hall alone.
You little... your brother is dying of hunger and you're here casually enjoying your food?! Caleric stared at her in betrayal as he collapsed into a chair, finally ready to eat.
The food started arriving at his tables, and it looked better than Caleric had expected.
There were all kinds of different food items: Prime Serf Fish, Hail Fish, Korra Root Dumplings, Cracklebread, Redflare Stew, Elkor Meat, Volgrain Pudding, and much more!
Caleric finally had a proper meal that night; it actually felt like his birthday for once. After finishing up, he stepped back into the hall and pulled Cally along with him.
The event was winding down, and guests had started to leave. He and Cally joined Aron and Silv, who were with Mari and Mira at the time. Together, the Gnalet family stood by the entrance, bidding each guest farewell one by one as the grand celebration slowly came to a close.