The Laughing Swordsman

Bernard led Eden and Apollo further into the center of the city. The more they traveled, the more luxurious everything looked. This was the case both for the attire that people wore and the buildings.

There wasn't too much of an increase in height, but there was a noticeable difference in how much land each house covered. There was also a minute difference that most houses had additional supports on the side of the walls, but the closer to the center they got, the less frequent they appeared.

Among the people, they would occasionally have some sort of trinket, like a small metal bird hanging from their clothes. It was like a keychain accessory.

A few people from the crowd that believed Apollo was an angel followed behind, but from quite the distance. As for the passerby, they didn't think anything more of Bernard, Eden, and Apollo. This was magnified by how Eden and Apollo appeared to be related to each other.

And so, their trip was relatively uneventful.

Eventually, Bernard made it to a large building. This one was noticeably different from the others because of its height. Among the houses, this was one of the few that stood out simply for that reason.

The overall shape was similar to a watchtower, but a bit thicker than the average one. Bernard pushed aside the wooden double doors without much hesitation, but Eden simply froze outside of the entrance.

In fact, the entire time Eden seemed slightly reluctant. Whatever the reason, she didn't like this place. Eden knew exactly how to get here though, as it was familiar to her.

Which was why it had been a bit strange that Bernard decided to lead the way.

Bernard remained in the doorway, with one hand pushing the door in. He looked over his shoulder towards Eden.

"Come on now."

After a few moments of obvious hesitation, Eden put her foot forward and walked in. Apollo looked at her with a curious expression, but did not say anything.

Upon walking in, they were greeted with a room that had a high ceiling. The wooden floorboards underneath were very solid, making sharp tapping sounds as they walked.

There was a set of wooden chairs on the left and right and a wooden desk at the front. A man was there, sitting there a little absentmindedly. He had what looked like a white gown that a priest would wear along with an overly tall white hat.

The man looked at the group walking into the room and looked a little confused.

"Is something the matter?"

Bernard began shaking his head, then paused.

"In a certain sense, yes. We have found an angel, your holiness."

The man looked at Bernard as though he was an idiot. After a few moments of silence, the man sighed.

"And what exactly makes you believe that?"

Bernard snuck a glance behind him. Eden was trembling slightly while Apollo was just off in another world, thinking about something. Bernard cleared his throat.

"An angel named Apollo has fallen from the sky. He is the child being held over there."

The man looked at Apollo and raised an eyebrow.

"...This boy fell from the sky?"

Bernard nodded.

"Yes. He has the ability to fly, as the tales of angels have said."

Despite hearing what shocked all of the other townsfolk, this man's expression did not change. Instead, he narrowed his eyes ever so slightly.

"This boy can... fly?"

Bernard nodded.

"Yes, he has demonstrated that ability in front of many people."

The man was eerily silent. Right when Bernard thought he wasn't going to speak up, the man cleared his throat.

"Very well. Please leave the angel with us."

Eden frowned and spoke up for the first time.

"My apologies, but I promised the angel that I would show him around the city. As angels are holy beings, it would be too improper to go against their wishes."

The man blinked a few times, slightly taken aback by this response. He took a few moments to formulate his words.

"We shall take care of showing the angel around the city."

The man looked at Apollo and flashed a smile.

"Apollo, was it? Why don't you come with me? I can arrange many events. You can feel rest assured by coming with me."

Eden's grip on Apollo subconsciously tightened. She pressed her lips together before speaking up once more.

"There is no need for that. It is a promise I made, so failing to fulfill it will reflect badly on me."

The corner of the man's smile twitched.

"...Well, we can let Apollo choose."

He shifted his eyes to Apollo.

"Would you prefer a standardized tour, one arranged by the city, or one by a layman?"

Eden bit her lip in frustration.

"I know this city well! I am not a layman."

Bernard sighed.

"Eden, leave the professional things to the professionals."

Eden frowned slightly.

"But..."

The man behind the counter raised his hand in a way that indicated to stop.

"Regardless, it is up to Apollo. Whether or not he wants the superior option is up to him."

Eden's eyelid twitched.

"You-"

"I want to go with Eden."

Apollo cut her off, directly saying his stance. The man frowned slightly, but smiled soon after.

"My friend, I understand you are more familiar with the one that carries you. However, for an overall improved experience, you should come with me."

Bernard nodded.

"They truly understand all the good spots in the city and can properly structure the stay."

The man laughed.

"Exactly, and you would only have to wait a moment as the most suitable tour guide is summoned."

Apollo looked a little interested at first, but lost interest soon.

"Mm... sounds boring. I don't want to wait."

A small smile formed on Eden's face.

"Then that settles it."

She walked outside confidently.

As for the man, a frown slowly formed on his face. He looked towards Bernard with a cordial smile.

"I have to go somewhere.. Please be on your way."