Everyone's attention immediately focused on him. Interest sparkled in their eyes as they didn't expect a letter from Amiya so soon.

Joseph carefully opened the envelope, pulling out several sheets of paper covered in neat, flowing handwriting. He began reading aloud, his voice steady and clear.

Amiya opened with warm greetings, asking after each of them by name and expressing hope that they were well. Then she launched into a detailed report about Eastern Hesod's current situation.

She described how the people had been coming along. Seekers returning home with renewed purpose, Precursors finally seeing their life's work validated, while new settlers arriving daily, seeking fresh starts. She talked about the creation of new towns throughout the region, each one carefully planned and positioned.

But the most exciting development was Pioneer Settlement itself. "We've been slowly transforming Pioneer Town into something much larger." Joseph read, channeling Amiya's words. "The plan is to make it a proper city, the new capital of Eastern Hesod. Construction continues day and night while the foundations are being laid for something that will stand for centuries."

The letter shifted tone, becoming more personal.

Amiya asked how they were doing, if everything was alright, and expressed hope that they were relaxing and enjoying themselves back at the Academy. She admitted missing them but insisted they take their time as Eastern Hesod would be there when they were ready to visit.

When Joseph finished reading, everyone smiled.

"They really are doing well," Janus said, relief evident in his voice.

Marie suddenly clenched her hands together, her expression determined. "We should write a letter back to Amiya! Tell her how we're doing and thank everyone for sending us all these letters. They took the time to reach out, and so we should respond properly."

Janus beamed at the suggestion while the others' smiles grew as well, and then nodded in agreement.

Then Reinhard picked up another letter from a different pile. His expression shifted immediately into surprise mixed with amusement, crossing his features. "This one is from Vlad."

The effect was instantaneous.

Everyone paused, turning to stare at Reinhard with expressions mixing surprise and excited curiosity. A letter from the First Ancestor himself wasn't something they were expecting, and made them extremely curious.

Reinhard opened the envelope, pulling out paper of noticeably higher quality than most of the other letters.

He began reading aloud.

Vlad opened by acknowledging the situation they'd left behind. Specifically addressing the influx of nobles, merchants, and opportunistic forces trying to gain access to Eastern Hesod's untapped potential.

His words carried a note of mild frustration. "I admit I find their circling behavior somewhat annoying." Reinhard read in a serious tone. "Like vultures who smell opportunity. But I also recognize the reality, Eastern Hesod needs outside help to fully develop and catch up to the current world. So I plan to allow their involvement, but only to a carefully controlled extent. They will help on our terms, not theirs."

The letter shifted to more personal territory.

Vlad expressed deep gratitude for their help, making it clear that what they'd accomplished together was something he'd carry with him forever.

Then came an open invitation. "You can visit Eastern Hesod anytime you want. Just send word ahead, and I will personally come to pick you up. Consider yourselves honored guests for life."

Finally, the letter concluded with almost paternal advice. "Enjoy your time at the Academy. Try to make more friends, experience things beyond missions and danger. Youth passes quickly, so don't waste it only on missions and classes, go enjoy yourselves, so it can be something you look back on fondly."

When Reinhard finished reading, grins spread across everyone's faces.

Joseph gestured at the letter with obvious satisfaction. "See? Vlad has everything under control. And it seems he's growing as a person as well, becoming more than just a warrior fighting against darkness."

Janus nodded with a faint smile. "I can't wait until summer comes. Going back to visit is going to be amazing."

Marie hummed thoughtfully, then suddenly paused. Her eyes widened with realization, and she practically lunged for the last remaining unopened letter on the table. "Wait! This one is from Veryn!"

The others blinked in surprise, then immediately leaned in closer as Marie tore open the envelope with barely contained excitement.

She pulled out several pages and began reading aloud rapidly, her voice carrying Veryn's words with infectious enthusiasm.

Veryn opened with warm greetings before explaining her current situation.

She'd returned to the Aya Continent alone while the rest of the Luminous Knights stayed behind to continue helping Eastern Hesod's recovery. She'd been chosen as the messenger specifically because she'd been closest to the action and knew the most complete details about what had transpired.

"The welcome back was overwhelming." Marie read softly. "The people of Aya Continent lined the streets when they heard the news. Other Luminous Knights greeted me at the port with full respect before I was escorted from the Port of Nesa all the way to Beacon City. That's the headquarters of the Luminous Knights and also the Aya Continent's capital."

The letter described Beacon City in vivid detail.

White buildings that seemed to glow in sunlight. Streets paved with pale stone that reflected light like water. Gardens filled with flowers that only grew in that specific climate. Architecture that prioritized beauty and harmony in ways that made the entire city feel like a work of art.

Then, Veryn described meeting the new Saint, who is called Alucard. He was originally the Crown Prince before taking on his new role.

Marie's voice grew more serious as she continued reading. "Saint Alucard revealed something shocking to me. He said that Charles had talked to him beforehand about what he planned to do. Charles made Alucard take over dealing with the Luminous Knights, essentially preparing his replacement in advance."

The letter explained that Alucard had figured out that Saint Lucian knew he wouldn't be coming back. Charles had set everything in motion for his own succession, ensuring the organization wouldn't collapse in his absence.

"When I told Alucard about what actually happened," Marie read, her voice dropping, "about how the Saint lost his life helping to free Eastern Hesod, he fell completely silent. For a long time, he just stared out the window. Then he sighed and said they would set up a mourning ceremony for the Saint in two months."

After that difficult conversation, Veryn had been dismissed and told to take the month to relax and recover.

She described wandering through Beacon City, speaking with citizens, and helping where she could. She slowly allowed herself to process everything that had happened while mingling with those around her.

The letter took a sadder turn as Veryn described reactions to Honor's death.

Many Luminous Knights had been personally trained by him. He'd instilled in them the core values of perseverance and willpower that defined their order. His loss hit the organization hard, not just as losing a powerful warrior, but as losing a mentor and father figure to dozens of younger knights.

Finally, Marie read about the continental reaction to Saint Lucian's death.

"When Aya Continent learned of Saint Lucian's passing." She read quietly. "All of them went into disbelief first, then sorrow, and then people cried openly in the streets. Loved ones were holding each other's hands while strangers embraced each other in grief."

But the letter emphasized that despair didn't take hold. Saint Alucard had relayed the last words that Lucian had written specifically for the people of Aya Continent.

A final message meant to provide comfort and direction after his death.

"Those words were enough." Marie continued. "They instilled hope into everyone who heard them. And then something remarkable happened… The entire continent, all at once, performed a synchronized bow toward Eastern Hesod. Millions of people, all paying their respects simultaneously towards the final resting place of their previous Saint."

The letter concluded with Veryn explaining that preparations for the funeral were underway. Then, on a lighter note, she offered to act as their guide whenever they were ready to visit the Aya Continent.

To show them the beauty and wonders of her homeland.

When Marie finished reading, silence settled over the study room.

Everyone sat quietly for a long moment, processing the weight of what they'd just heard.

Finally, Janus broke the silence with a soft sigh. "The Saint really was loved, wasn't he?"

Reinhard nodded slowly. "To think an entire continent would bow to him in synchronized respect... I guess he'd been helping people and leaving lasting impacts for three full centuries. That kind of dedication would move anyone and really explain the love his people had for him."

The others nodded in understanding.

Janus sighed again, shaking his head with something approaching awe. "He really did plan everything, even after his death. Making sure his organization would continue, his people would be cared for, and his message would provide comfort. That's the mark of a true leader."

Marie said softly. "It's expected though. As a leader, he still needed to look after his people and Inquisitors. Leadership doesn't end just because you're gone; it extends into preparation for what comes after."

Reinhard fell silent, processing both of their words, and then he asked, "Regardless of everything else, what do you guys think about actually visiting Aya Continent someday?"

Marie's eyes lit up instantly, practically glowing with excitement. "We absolutely have to visit it one day! I want to see the continent known as the most beautiful in the world! Everyone says it's like walking through a painting."

Joseph chuckled at her excitement but nodded as well. "I'm interested in seeing its white cities. The architecture there is supposed to be completely different from what we have here. More elegant, and more focused on aesthetics rather than pure function."

Janus nodded as well, his expression wistful. "I heard Beacon City has one of the most beautiful lakes in the entire world. It's supposed to be so clear you can see straight to the bottom, even in the deepest parts. I really want to see that with my own eyes."

Reinhard nodded his own agreement, a faint smile touching his lips.

Then Marie suddenly clapped her hands together, the sound sharp and attention-grabbing. "Alright! Let's get to writing back to them! We can't leave all these wonderful letters unanswered."

Everyone laughed before nodding and pulling out fresh paper, pens, and ink. Four students settled in to craft responses to people who'd reached out across distance to express gratitude, hope, and connection.

The afternoon passed quietly after that, filled with the scratch of pens on paper.

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