Chapter 8: Phoebe's Heart Knot
"This... this is way too extravagant!"
"So much green branch and laurel salad... By the way, why isn't there any portion for Mr. Aeron?"
Phoebe and Cartethyia stared at the lavish spread before them, prepared exactly to their specifications by the Montelli household servants, only now realizing the true extent of the Montelli family's wealth.
"Uh... I'm fine without."
In contrast, Aeron had received absolutely nothing.
Unlike Phoebe who was concerned about Aeron, Cartethyia looked at him with a mischievous grin.
"Don't worry about him, Phoebe. He must have offended Carlotta somehow."
"When did you two become so close with her anyway?"
Several days had passed since Aeron brought Phoebe and Cartethyia to the Montelli residence and completed the transaction with Carlotta.
True to the terms of their agreement, although Phoebe and Cartethyia technically remained affiliated with the Order, they were treated as honored guests within the Montelli household—residing in comfortable guest rooms daily with all their needs provided for.
Meanwhile, Carlotta, in her pursuit of information about Aeron, frequently invited them for tea or to view the Montelli family's art collection. Their relationship had developed far more harmoniously than Aeron had anticipated.
So what treatment did Aeron receive?
The answer was none—just like now, he couldn't even get a meal.
When he confronted Carlotta about this, all he received was a look one might give to garbage.
Along with the completely illogical reply: "It's not like you'll die anyway. Isn't it fine to allocate resources to Cartethyia and the others instead?"
Indeed, the second daughter of the Montelli family had perfectly fulfilled her promise—providing shelter and assistance to Phoebe and Cartethyia while simultaneously making things as unpleasant as possible for Aeron.
'That shorty holds a grudge stronger than I imagined...'
Only now did Aeron realize that his previous words might have been somewhat excessive, but he would never apologize!
Because this also meant that his previous transaction with Carlotta had been quite successful.
'If only I hadn't tried to look cool back then and included myself in the conditions too.'
Aeron watched the two enjoying their food, filled with regret.
"Mr. Aeron, are you really alright? I can share some of mine..."
Phoebe set down her cutlery, her eyes full of concern. Her plate still contained more than half the food, clearly intentionally saved.
"...No need, Phoebe. You're at an age where you're still growing. You should eat more."
Besides, watching two beautiful girls enjoy their meal was its own kind of psychological satisfaction—the feast for the eyes compensating for the lack of actual food, if you understood what he meant.
"You're quite good at playing the senior card at times like this."
"Well said, little Carte! Your reward is sharing your salad with me!"
"No way."
Cartethyia protectively pulled her salad closer, trying to keep it away from Aeron's encroaching reach.
"..."
Unlike the lively Blessed Maiden beside her, Phoebe watched Aeron as she gradually lowered her head. Since arriving at the Montelli residence, her spirits hadn't been particularly high.
This certainly didn't escape Aeron's notice.
"It's alright, Phoebe. I haven't been dwelling on matters with the Order, so you shouldn't worry about it either."
Hearing Aeron's words, Phoebe suddenly lifted her head, her eyes filled with disbelief. Seizing the opportunity, Aeron reached out and gently pinched Phoebe's soft cheek.
Seeing this, Cartethyia wisely stuffed her mouth with salad, knowing it was time to leave this matter to Aeron himself.
"Mmph... But... They clearly..."
"Clearly concealed what happened twenty years ago and still want me dead, right?"
Aeron picked up where Phoebe left off. Having spent so much time together, he naturally knew what had been occupying her thoughts lately.
"Phoebe, think about it—why did you join the Order of the Deep?"
"It was... to serve the Sentinels and help those in need."
"Exactly. Now consider—how many priests in the Order diligently perform their rites every day and work to solve people's problems?"
Hearing Aeron's words, Phoebe froze. She had been so blinded by Aeron's situation recently that she hadn't considered such things.
Aeron looked at Phoebe, adopting a rare serious expression as he spoke earnestly: "Those who wish me harm are certain high-ranking individuals with their own hidden agendas. But the Order itself, and the vast majority of people within it who act with goodwill and faith like you, are not at fault. The fact remains that the Order has helped countless people in need throughout its existence."
"But... Mr. Aeron, you've suffered so much..."
Hearing these words from her senior, Phoebe's voice began to choke up.
"People who truly suffer don't bounce around energetically like I do, Phoebe."
Aeron spread his hands and continued: "Your belief is your magic. Only by having kind, lovely people like you who stay true to their hearts remain inside can the Order possibly improve. Who knows—you might even become the Primus someday and bring me some glory by association?"
"Mmph... You're saying things like that again!"
Phoebe puffed her cheeks in mild anger. Even though she was so worried about Aeron, he ended up teasing her as usual.
Yet she understood the point Aeron was making, and all her previous doubts vanished completely.
Indeed, only this senior who had always been by her side could understand her best.
"I'll work hard to become someone who can help Mr. Aeron!"
"That's more like it." Aeron smiled approvingly. He almost habitually reached to ruffle her hair, but suddenly noticed Cartethyia watching them with a "harmonious" gaze from nearby, and withdrew his hand.
"Phoebe, could you go ask Carlotta for some documents about the 'Averardo Vault'? I happen to have something to discuss with little Carte too."
"Ah, okay!"
Phoebe nodded obediently. Though curious about what Mr. Aeron needed to discuss privately with the Blessed Maiden, she dutifully stood up and left.
"...I never thought you'd be so good at comforting girls."
"Flattery will get you nowhere. I was just spouting some random platitudes—you could do the same."
Cartethyia looked at Aeron, and her attitude toward him began to shift.
'Starting from today, I should treat him as a normal person.'
"Speaking of which, it's actually quite strange that Montelli hasn't tried to have me killed these past couple days."
"...."
Cartethyia's impression was confirmed—Aeron remained the same fool who didn't value himself.
"Never mind that. What are you planning to do next?"
"Our top priority is to gain Second Young Lady's trust. How is Fleurdelys doing?"
"The situation... remains unchanged... I'm sorry."
Though Cartethyia was usually lively, whenever Fleurdelys was mentioned, she would still sink into guilt.
"It's alright. I'll find ways to accelerate the process. You just stay here with Phoebe and prioritize your safety."
As Aeron rose to leave, Cartethyia immediately called out to him.
"You said accelerate the process? What does that mean?"
"The meaning is simple—if they won't come to me, then I'll have to go to them."