That night, Lolan sat at his desk and picked up his pen.
> Dear Big Sister, I hope this letter finds you well.
Spring has arrived again. I imagine the flowers at home must be in bloom. I'm sure those blossoms only serve to accentuate your beauty.
Recently, the daughter of the friend I once mentioned to you has found me. I have taken her in and intend to teach her some magic.
However, I am still somewhat worried about whether I can properly raise her into a qualified young lady. Thus, I would like to ask for your help.
I hope you will reply as soon as possible after reading this letter.
Your younger brother,
Lolan.
With a sigh, Lolan waved his hand. The letter vanished from his desk and appeared in the mailbox outside.
Then he pulled out another sheet of stationery.
> Messiah, I hope this letter finds you well.
How have you been lately? The Holy City is said to feel like spring all year round. I hope your mood is just as constant.
At this point, Lolan couldn't help but laugh.
Her mood really was like the weather of the Holy City—unchanging.
Shaking his head, he continued writing.
> Do you remember Charlotte, the girl I mentioned before? She has officially begun learning magic. Her talent is quite good—though not as absurd as yours—but I'd say she's excellent nonetheless.
After rambling on about a few small, trivial matters, Lolan set down his pen.
> Nothing significant has happened recently. The followers of the Lord of Corruption have been rather active, but it's nothing major. I will handle it.
I look forward to your reply.
—Lolan
After writing the final words, he let out a long sigh.
I look forward to your reply?
Heh.
We both know there won't be one.
His gaze shifted to the slightly yellowed letter resting at the corner of his desk.
It was from long ago—back when they were not yet who they had become.
It was from his dear friend.
From the great Saintess.
> Lolan, I hope this letter finds you well.
Yesterday, heavy rain fell upon my city. Thunder echoed and crashed against the distant mountains, like the tolling of an ancient bronze bell that has stood since time immemorial.
After the rain, the leaves shimmered with the glow of life. The grass lifted its head, brushing dew from its crown, and the flowers bloomed brilliantly.
And in that moment, I thought of you.
—Messiah
Only later did Lolan come to understand—
Her city was the Church's sacred land.
The Holy City.
How could the Holy City ever have rain?
Who knows.
Perhaps only Messiah herself knew why she had written that letter.
Lolan sighed softly.
---
Life in this small kingdom was, overall, peaceful.
The Sicana incident had already been considered a rare major event.
Days flowed by like water, and in the blink of an eye, a week had passed.
Charlotte's magic progressed steadily. Lolan had taught her several beginner spells. She now counted as a first-tier mage.
Mm.
Technically, she could already apply for a job at the Inspection Bureau.
Though Charlotte had become a mage with apparent ease, magic was ultimately something that depended heavily on talent. Sixty percent of people had absolutely no magical aptitude. Of the remaining forty percent, most would stop at first or second tier—Bronze rank.
Beyond that lay Silver rank, which was unattainable for many.
Sicana had been a second-tier mage. He had sought revenge—but his enemy had a third-tier Silver-rank mage. Lacking sufficient talent to break into Silver rank himself, Sicana had turned to the aid of an evil god.
Above Silver was Gold rank—mages of that level could secure prestigious positions in the world's greatest nations.
Beyond that were seventh and eighth tier—those known as Saints, individuals granted honorific titles, standing at the very pinnacle of the world.
As for ninth tier—
That realm was called Demigod.
Among all humankind, only the Saintess Messiah had ever reached it.
In any case, Charlotte had now officially stepped across the threshold of the extraordinary.
---
That day, Lolan was idly lounging in his shop when a group of well-dressed individuals knocked on his door.
"Hello. What can I get for you?"
Lolan spoke lazily. He hadn't slept well the previous night and was still somewhat drowsy.
"Lolan Morganfeller?"
"Mm-hm. What about it?"
"By order of His Majesty the King, you are invited to attend a banquet three days from now."
"…Huh?"