“It’s perfect, Vim…” Glasses said with a whisper.

Although I figured it would have been, it was still relieving to see it with my own eyes. The leg brace I’d made for her was now a perfect fit. I had only needed to adjust it a few times, surprisingly, and honestly I was glad it not only was working so well but also that it was now over with.

“Odds are it will last several years, but eventually you’ll need to make a new one. In the chance I’m not around to do so for you…” I pulled the small book out from my pocket and held it out to the saint. Her eyes brightened up at the sight of it as she gently took it from me. “It’s a step-by-step process in making the brace. I also drew some illustrations. Between that and the finished product, someone half-decent with leather-work should be able to make a decent replica,” I finished.

She sniffed as she nodded. “Thank you Vim… Really,” she said.

Yes. I was long used to such tears, especially from those like her. But that didn’t mean I wanted to keep seeing or hearing them.

Renn didn’t like it when members of the Society acted indifferent to my assistance and deeds, but honestly I preferred it that way. Seeing them get so emotional made me uncomfortable. Especially when it was someone like her.

This saint wasn’t just a member of her clergy, she was the personification of it. She blushed and panicked over just me seeing her bare legs, and squirmed and fretted when I touched her as to take measurements or check on the brace itself. She hadn’t said anything or hinted at it, but something told me she likely prayed after our little meetings. As if to cleanse herself of sins or something. Like how Light took purity baths.

It upset me to think my mere presence, my touch, of all things caused someone such discomfort. It made me feel like an ass. She might be odd and weird to me, being so bothered by my presence and touch, but she had a right to such beliefs. It was I who was the wrong one in this context, in my opinion.

I shouldn’t even be putting her in such discomfort. But what was I to do? I could ask Renn, and others, for help in many ways… but at the end of the day the best way to get the job done was for me to just handle it myself.

“I suggest not wearing it all the time. I know it sounds odd, but your leg will become worse if you don’t work it occasionally without the brace’s support. I suggest occasionally having a day where you don’t wear it, just to keep your leg in shape,” I suggested.

“Okay. Yes. Like faith, it must always be tested. I understand,” Glasses said with a nod.

“I’ll be around for a few more days, just let me know if anything bothers you about it before I leave. If something serious does happen, you can send a letter of request for me anytime you want. Either Light or Gerald at the Animalia Guild can handle it for you, if you don’t know how,” I said, as I realized these people might not in fact know how to use the Society’s inner systems. At least, the ones who hadn’t been involved in the Society back then might not know.

Glasses nodded again. “We’ve all been taught the letter systems. Same with the code words and banks,” she said.

Right. Brandy had been complaining over that earlier. “That said; is there anything else you can think of? If not I should go speak with Blasco before I leave,” I said, hoping to move on to my next task of the day.

Glasses shifted, and I watched as she put more and more weight on the leg with the brace. It was hidden beneath her thick robe, so I couldn’t actually see it, but I could see her extra surety and confidence in her leg than from before just in the way she stood. Her shoulders weren’t as slumped, her arms and hands not as stiff from pain and her attempt to balance herself. She now stood as if she didn’t have a lame leg at all.

It was actually very relieving to see her so obviously better than before. It made me feel as if I had actually accomplished something for once, in a way.

She nodded, then looked up at me and smiled. “I love it, Vim. Thank you,” she said softly, again, with that voice of pure emotion. She spoke with a tone that made me focus on her, and would no matter the circumstances. It was a tone most people went their whole lives without hearing, or speaking.

It was one of those voices you normally didn’t hear from someone else. Or if you did, only heard it on the rarest of occasions. I didn’t know how old she was, but it was obvious she wasn’t young. Maybe not far from Renn’s age. It made her heartfelt emotions, so clearly written on her face and in her voice, all the more potent. Almost enough to make me forgive and overlook the fact she was a saint. Almost.

Still it made me pause a moment. Renn sometimes spoke like that to me, but I mean… that was Renn. She was an emotional person. Plus she was my wife. Her speaking in such a way to me, or around me, was to be expected. At least, in a way.

At least she wasn’t trying to hug or kiss me. A perk of her chaste lifestyle and personality, I suppose.

I took a small breath, taking note of her smell. It was wildly different from Renn’s. But, like most of the people here, it was similar in the sense it was pure. Unlike many in the Society today, or the humans outside of it, the folks here were thicker in the blood than what was common today. She, like Tundra and the others, smelled noticeably non-human. Made ever more present by their clean lifestyles and simple lives. They didn’t have fancy oils or perfumes, or unique foods from distant lands, to mask their normal smells. It made them ever more obvious.

I dedicated her scent to memory, in case there ever came a day I needed to recognize it in a crowd or at a distance.

“I’ll leave you be then. If you see my wife before I do, don’t let her know about all the wicked stuff we did okay?” I said as I teased the saint.

Her huge and thick glasses couldn’t hide the massive blush that instantly took over her face. “Vim…!” she barely got my name out as she began to stammer, as if the mere thought of such a joke was enough to ruin her purity.

I chuckled at her and nodded. “See you later then, Glasses,” I said as I headed for the door.

I left behind the small bag I’d made and gathered, full of leather and tools. I’d not need it anymore, after all.

Glasses groaned and made noises as I left the small room we’d been using. She hadn’t allowed the door to shut, but had wanted it half-closed. She didn’t want people seeing her naked legs, but at the same time didn’t find it proper for us to be alone in a room either.

As I left, I heard her start to giggle a little. Either because of her joy at her new leg-brace, or my joke. I paid the tiny laughs no mind as I rounded a corner and headed for the entrance of the building.

Blasco’s office was near the front. It was where, eventually, an entrance would be made for the Cathedral. Where hundreds if not thousands of people would flow in and out during sermons and ceremonies. Right now though, the large hallway entrance was retrofitted into smaller offices and storage rooms.

It didn’t take me long to reach the man’s office, but I found it empty. A few candles were burning within it, telling me he had likely just been here and would return shortly, so I simply lingered in the area for a moment.

A few people came and went as I waited, but none really engaged with me. Most seemed to just nod at me, or outright ignore me as they focused on whatever task they seemed intent on finishing.

It wasn’t too odd that most of the people here seemed to either want to ignore me, or only interacted with me as little as they possibly could. Most of the people here didn’t really know who I was, having been born on the other continent. And those who did know me, like Less, were the type to not want to associate with me more than needed.

Though I shouldn’t say they didn’t want to interact with me. They did. I’ve spoken to pretty much everyone here, and not a small portion of them had given me requests. Most were simple things, like wanting to know if someone they had known or heard of was still alive or not. For instance one of the younger men had wanted to know if his brother was still alive. I had regretfully informed him that Trek had passed not too long before they had returned.

“Protector!” A younger looking woman smiled at me as she walked past. She entered Blasco’s office, put some things on his desk, and then left again.

Yes. They weren’t scared of me, or didn’t like me, they just… had their own focus. They all seemed hell-bent on getting this cathedral done as fast as possible.

Couldn’t blame them, really. The longer this place took to build the more likely there would be accidents. As it was it’d likely take five or more years for this place to finish, at the rate they were going. Which was funny, since that was how long Light had wanted me to take a vocation…

Speaking of that, I wonder if Renn had spoken with Light more about that while they had traveled together and spent time together. While I’d been gone. I’d yet to hear anything more about it since I had left, oddly. Maybe the suggestion had been abandoned already…? Or maybe Light’s schemes had changed, adjusted, thanks to having gotten closer to Renn while I’d been gone.

I sighed as I crossed my arms and leaned back against a wall. Doing nothing and just standing here was letting my mind wander into places I didn’t want it to go… even if I needed it to.

I really needed to address and handle a lot of things. But at the same time… well…

“Why’re you frowning like that?”

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I turned to find Less, who was giving me an odd look. The kind of look I gave Renn more often than I wanted to admit. As if I was being weird or something.

“What?”

Less studied me for a moment, and then must have decided not abandon whatever thought had just been in her head. She relaxed a little and then gestured at the office nearby. “Blasco’s busy with a shipment of supplies. He’ll not be back for a few hours,” she said.

Supplies for the cathedral, likely. I wonder where they got them from. Odds are it was one of the organizations related to the Society, one of the noble-owned ones that the Animalia Guild used often. Brandy likely would give me an earful about it if I asked. So I decided never to do so.

Still… that meant I either needed to wait here, or go find him and intrude into what was likely an annoying headache. The type that would become mine if I got too close to them all as they dealt with it. I wasn’t in the mood to build this cathedral, even if I really should be involved in it.

“Now you look annoyed. Is there anything I can do for you, Vim?” Less then asked, likely noticing my feelings.

“No… I’m trying to finish up all the little requests I’ve gotten, so I can leave in a few days, and I’m just wondering if I should go finish his here and now and risk getting dragged into more, or just wait until later,” I said. Honestly I’d already finished them all, such as the one that Glasses had given me. I had simply checked up on her and made a few smaller adjustments after she’d worn it for a few days is all.

The only ones I’d not finished so far were those like Mono’s. Things I’d not be able to complete anytime soon, or at least, not something I could just handle here and now in Lumen.

“What’d he even ask of you…?” Less asked as she glanced to the man’s office.

I frowned at her. “You know I can’t answer that,” I said.

She startled, and then smiled and nodded. “Right… sorry. I’ve lived so long amongst those who don’t hide anything that I’ve forgotten such a simple thing. Funny.”

It was, in a way. “Oh you people hide more than enough, Less. You can lie to yourself but don’t lie to me,” I said simply.

Less’s eyebrows met, but she nodded. “Yes… I suppose you’re right. I’m sorry Vim, I had not meant it that way. I meant in general,” she said.

“I know. How is this all going, by the way?” I asked. I knew she’d not outright tell me if it was having issues, or something like them, but I still wanted to see the way she responded.

Less gave me a smile, one of confidence. The type that told me even if something was wrong, it didn’t matter to her or anyone else. “It’s going well. It’s going to take a little longer to build this place than we all thought, but it’s fine. We’ll have more hands soon enough,” she said.

Oh…? “When are the others meant to arrive anyway?” I asked.

She shook her head. “I’m not sure. That’s not my department. Light and Frima handle that.”

Sure it wasn’t. I’d believe her, thanks to her personality, if not for the fact I knew Less was standing right beside Light nearly all the time. There was no way Less hadn’t at least overheard such information. She just didn’t want to share it with me.

Likely on purpose. Ordered to by Light. Because of some stupid prophecy…

“Where’s your bride…?” Less then asked as she glanced around.

“Running around with Mono and Tundra,” I said. I was kind of worried about her associating with such kids, but I was also thankful for it. She occupied them, and kept them out of my hair while doing so.

Less knowingly nodded. “She seems to get along well with those who live on the brim. Like Merit and Lilly,” Less said.

“And your sister. You’d be surprised how well those two get along,” I said.

The saint’s knight shifted a little, giving me an odd look as she did. “Yet she’s also able to be friends with those of us who are normal. I wonder how she does it,” she said.

I noted she had outright ignored my comment. It seemed some things didn’t change, at least. “I’d happily argue with you on the definition of normal, but instead I’ll simply say that Renn simply treasures friendship. She was lacking in such relationships for most of her life, if not nearly the whole of it, before joining the Society. Because of that she’s very… serious about her connections,” I said.

“Then there’s you, who is cordial with everyone yet never gets too close to anyone. Until now, at least,” Less said.

I shrugged. “I’m still a man. One who makes more mistakes than most others,” I said. If not all others. Technically thanks to my long life I’ve undoubtedly made more mistakes than any other man in existence has, just by law of numbers. To not say the least to the few mistakes that were… well…

Blinking softly, I felt oddly sad all of a sudden as I thought of my past. The foolish things I’d done, and how little I’ve done so far to make amends for them.

“Saying your love for her is a mistake is rather cruel, even for you. Or is that one of your weird jokes that make no sense?” Less asked.

I hadn’t meant it that way. But it was interesting to think, and know, that Renn would have laughed at me and returned the joke in kind had she been here instead. “By the way…” I changed my line of thought as I glanced at the badger, and noted the scent upon her.

That smell was unmistakable. Especially here in this place that smelled of construction. It was the smell of the sea. Of sails and rope. Of a ship, one seafaring. As if she’d just been at sea herself for weeks. It was a smell that under normal conditions, I’d have dismissed. Since this was a port city, after all. And we, the Society, did indeed have many ships ourselves that sailed the seas carrying cargo and whatnot. It would have been easy to simply assume why she had such a smell upon her.

But I had just yesterday smelled the same scent. One that was unique enough to stand out. One that I recognized without fault or fail.

“Huh…?” Less shifted as she glared worriedly at me, unsure of what I was saying.

“He’s just a human. An employee. But he is also the son of a family I’ve known and been friends with for longer than you’ve been alive. Don’t toy with him,” I warned her.

Less’s face went pale, her mouth going agape in shock… and then, like an ocean wave, a flush of red quickly took over the paleness. I found myself a tad startled, since she was blushing even harder than Glasses had just done. And Less, although a pious woman, was not as thin skinned or weak. Far from it.

I’d never seen her this way before… ever. And it was shocking to say the least.

“I… I!” Less stammered as she tried to get herself under control. I ignored it though as I gently shrugged at her.

“I’m usually not one to say such a thing, since it goes against my rules… but I promised his mother I’d keep an eye on him. He’s a good man, or well, he will become a great one if we don’t ruin him. Really, Less, here I thought you weren’t like your sister…” I started to say as I thought of the poor pirate boy, who likely had no idea who he was getting involved with.

I mean, really? Less of all people? I’d not deny she wasn’t good looking, in her own way, and I could see why someone like Ronalldo would find himself attracted to her… the hardiest of sailors usually fell for those like her. The types who seemed soft and gentle, but were as hard as them deep down. But still… he had to at least know she was a non-human, right? I’d spent a little time back then, last time we’d been in Lumen, to explain the Society properly to him and all…

But maybe I was reading too much into it? They could just be enjoying each other, they were adults after all… maybe I should have just kept my mouth shut and…

“Um…!”

Glancing at Less, I hesitated as I found her a little closer. She had lowered her head a bit, still embarrassed, and she was twirling her thumbs around each other as she mumbled something. I made out a few words, but couldn’t understand what she was asking. Something to do with Ronalldo?

“Hm…?” I stepped away from the wall, and stepped closer, to hear her better. Less noticed, glanced up at me… and then groaned a little.

At least she wasn’t as red in the face as she had been. Her ears were still red, though. “Do… do you not want me… to…” she then began to ask.

Ah. She was asking if I wanted her to not get involved with him. “That’s not what I meant, Less, and you know that. I’d never say something like that. I just meant… if you’re just having some fun, please do so moderately. I’m hoping he serves the Society for a very long time, so…” I said, and realized I’d screwed up.

She wasn’t playing around with him at all.

“Mhm…” Less nodded, taking a deep breath as she did.

Feeling like an ass, again, I reached up to scratch the back of my head. “You like him that much?” I asked. How long have they even known each other…? Ronalldo had just gotten back, hadn’t he? Well, no. I shouldn’t think like that. Less and her people had been here in Lumen for a while now, they likely had encountered each other once or twice before then…

“Mhm…!” Less nodded again, this time a little stronger.

I see…

Reaching over, I gently patted the badger’s shoulder. “Stand Tall, Less. You need not hide such a thing. Be proud of your feelings,” I said.

She glanced up, but remained somewhat slouched forward. “You’re… okay with it?” she asked quietly.

“As long as you’re happy, Less. I had just… well… I suppose I had just been rude to you. I had instinctively considered your sister, and well…” I felt bad as I explained why I had assumed she had not been taking her romantics seriously. And as I tried to explain as to the why, I felt more and more like an idiot.

Less gave me a hearty smile, a flash of teeth that reminded me of Landi. “I’d be offended if I didn’t know you better,” she said.

“You can be offended. I’m offended of myself too,” I said. She giggled at that and nodded. I released her shoulder after a soft squeeze, to let her know all was well. “Then, congratulations then… I think? Am I interpreting the moment correctly finally, or am I still misunderstanding?” I asked.

She shook her head. “You are. I plan to wed him as soon as I can.”

“Oh…?” That quickly…? Even if they had met months ago that still seemed…

“I have a good reason for it, Vim,” she said gently with a small gesture. One to her belly.

“What…? Already?” I asked, a tad shocked to learn she was already pregnant.

“Says you?” she responded with a laugh.

My eye twitched, and I quickly changed topics. “Well… congratulations then, for an even better reason. Really…” I said. Less was going to have a child huh…? Scary.

And… well…

Shifting a little, I thought of her sister. And her attempts, over centuries, to do what Less had seemingly accomplish in a fraction of the time.

Happenstance…? Or…

“No one else knows yet,” she whispered. I turned my head, to glance down the hall and heard why she had said such a thing. Someone was coming.

I nodded, and sighed. “You want to become a fast friend of Renn’s…? Tell her,” I said. Less and Renn had seemingly not spent much time together. Renn was still… debating, internally, if she wanted to like Less or not. She was torn between her allegiances, what with Landi in mind and all.

Personally I wasn’t sure which sister I’d prefer. Each had their own issues, and dangers, associated with them. Though in Less’s case most of hers were from guilt by association, than she herself. So…

Less gave me an odd smile. “Is that permission I hear?”

I nodded again. “Sure. I may be a failure in many ways, but I like to think that when it comes to putting a smile on my wife’s face… that is one place I don’t fail at,” I said. Not willingly, at least.

She giggled at me and then reached over to give my arm a squeeze. She gave me a rather gentle smile, tilting her head and looking happily relaxed as she did… seemingly far more relaxed than she’s ever been around me. “I’ll hold you to that, then.”

Great.

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