Vlad chuckled despite emotional turmoil. "Maybe I have been... I should start interacting with them more instead of relying on rumors and reports."

Janus and Amiya's eyes lit simultaneously, expressions transforming to delight at the prospect of improved relations. The others smiled faintly, approval evident in subtle expressions.

Veryn stepped forward slowly, and she said softly after hesitating for a bit. "The Saint... He said he created the Chimeras and planned everything?"

Reinhard nodded in confirmation. "He planned to die after wiping away Eastern Hesod's past."

Veryn trembled violently before anguish flashed on her face, and then her gaze dropped to the ground, unable to meet anyone's eyes.

"Did it really have to come to this?" Words emerged barely above a whisper. "The Luminous Knights have lost both our Red Priest, Saint, and Casseo… Is that why you already named his heir before coming?"

Silence fell across the group.

Joseph, Janus, and Amiya clenched fists simultaneously, grief at Casseo's death alongside Naraku Town people striking fresh. Marie and Vlad frowned but knew there was nothing they could say to make the wound better.

Reinhard said gently. "Charles's fate was sealed long ago, since his body was that of a Chimera and already breaking down. The only reason he lasted this long was that he wanted to end the Dark Silence and fulfill the promise he made."

Vlad trembled at words. His gaze dropped to the ground, staring at the grass beneath his boots without seeing it. "That idiot..." The mutter carried affection beneath exasperation. "He should have taken better care of himself."

Veryn's trembling intensified. Her hands clasped together, fingers intertwining until knuckles showed white from pressure.

Reinhard inwardly sighed; he wanted to talk about Honor and Casseo, but he stopped himself as there was nothing. He could say something about Honor and Casseo to make her feel better, as he lacked information.

Veryn then asked in a desperate tone and plea. "Can you guys... Keep the last actions of the Saint and Honor secret?"

Everyone blinked before confusion rippled through the group as they processed unexpected requests. Only Brunhilde and Vlad showed no surprise, both staring at Veryn with blank expressions suggesting they'd anticipated this moment.

Reinhard hummed thoughtfully, and then he smiled. "Sure. It would be pretty dangerous for me if the whole world found out I killed the Saint of Aya Continent."

Marie hummed in agreement, a grin appearing. "I can see the Mori Empire rushing to drag you into military service."

Joseph's smile was faint but present. "Or those who loved the Saint directing their hatred toward us for playing a part in his death."

Veryn's eyes widened, clearly not having considered that part, but then, after seeing their grin, she realized something. "You guys…"

The others smiled faintly while Reinhard chuckled.

Brunhilde said softly. "Well, we can count this as the Saint's reward for ending a nightmare. But that's only if everyone here is okay with it."

Janus and Amiya glanced at each other before silent communication passed between them. The expression on their face, which displayed grief shifted into acceptance, anger giving way to gratitude.

Janus spoke first. "While I am still angry at the Saint... I am grateful that he helped free Eastern Hesod and allowed us to create a new chapter."

Amiya nodded before sighing. "Not just for Eastern Hesod but for the Seekers as well."

Vlad's expression softened completely. Lines of age and burden seemed less pronounced as a genuine smile appeared. "I would like that as well, young Luminous Knight. Even though my old friend did terrible things, I at least want him to be remembered as a hero, and in a good light… And also thank him for ending the Dark Silence."

Veryn trembled harder than ever before, and tears formed at the corners of eyes. She bowed her head deeply before saying quickly. "Thank you-"

Marie pinched Veryn's cheek suddenly. The motion was quick and unexpected, pulling flesh until Veryn's face contorted comically.

Marie puffed her own cheeks in an exaggerated pout. "No bowing toward your friends, silly!" Her tone carried mock sternness. "All you need to do is just smile with a thank you!"

Veryn blinked rapidly; her tears were still present, but confusion replaced grief temporarily. Her gaze swept across the assembled group to see Reinhard smiling gently, Joseph grinning, Janus and Amiya nodding encouragement, Brunhilde showing rare warmth, and Vlad watching with a faint smile.

Veryn trembled again, but this time accompanied by laughter, and she nodded her head as a smile appeared on her face.

"Thank you."

Reinhard's smile grew a bit more before he felt Vlad's gaze sweeping over them. He blinked when he saw determination mixing with something unfamiliar, perhaps vulnerability, on his face.

The last Ancestor's crimson eyes glanced at each person before settling on the middle distance, as if addressing the collective rather than individuals.

"It's about time I start looking for the other Seekers, Luminous Knights, and Precursor people..."

He paused, jaw working as if physically forcing the next words through centuries of accumulated pride. His eyes returned to focus on those assembled, meeting each gaze briefly before continuing.

"Could you all..." Another pause. His hands clenched and unclenched at his sides. "Could you all help me?"

So he is beginning to change as well. Reinhard thought as he recalled that Vlad hadn't opened by asking for help or pleading for others.

From what he heard from Brunhilde, he tried to recruit her, but that was only because she wasn't a part of any organization. And based on Charles' words, Vlad truly didn't want to involve any foreign force.

But now he was willing.

Brunhilde blinked before she grinned, and a look of satisfaction appeared. "So the Saint's words did affect you!"

Vlad sighed deeply and said. "It's about time I accept the truth of his words that we have been foolish… It's time we began a change, and it's only right that the leaders start it off."

Marie's grin appeared instantly, and she nodded enthusiastically. "Of course we will help!"

Joseph's agreement came through a simple nod. "We had planned to explore the forest anyway, so we can search for them as well."

Amiya glanced around at the restored landscape. Grass stretched in all directions, interspersed with clear ponds reflecting the blue sky. The forest beyond showed healthy trees standing tall without roots around them. Her eyes lit with sudden inspiration, fingers snapping together as an idea formed.

"Can't we use this area as the first settlement to send people to?"

Everyone blinked.

The suggestion was so obvious in hindsight that they were a bit surprised at not thinking of it first. They looked around with a new perspective, evaluating terrain, water access, defensibility, and proximity to forest resources.

Vlad chuckled, the sound carrying genuine warmth. "Alright, let's start looking for people and sending them over here..." His expression shifted slightly, becoming more pragmatic. "But first, do you guys need to do anything before we start? Once we do, it will be hard to stop or think about anything else."

Marie hummed thoughtfully, and her hand rose to tap her chin in a contemplative gesture. Then she gasped, light-gold eyes widening with realization.

"We should report what happened to the Information Institution!" Her voice carried excitement at practical solutions. "They should be able to send supplies that we can use to help with rebuilding."

Vlad chuckled at the suggestion's simplicity. Amiya blinked in surprise, clearly not having considered external resources, while Janus nodded with a grin.

Reinhard's lips twitched before he sighed in resignation at the prospect of explaining recent events.

Joseph turned toward Reinhard with a grin spreading across features. "Go ahead, Rein." His tone carried a teasing edge. "Let's see the explanation you will give to Vanna."

Reinhard shook his head but didn't protest as his hand moved to Herald Mark hanging around his neck, fingers gently gripping the necklace. The artifact began glowing before the black and white necklace activated.

A projection formed above the necklace.

The light displayed an image that contained the figure of a woman with long silver hair. Grey eyes gazed outward from behind glasses, sharp and analytical. She wore a Memento Mori Academy uniform. Vanna was the Information Institution's primary contact for field operations.

Vanna's eyes narrowed immediately as she began looking around the field. Her expression shifted through micro-expressions too fast to fully track before settling on suspicion.

"Why do I get the feeling something big happened already?"

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