Just as the group was finishing their preparations to leave, a young acolyte approached Noel near the orphanage gates.
"Sir Noel," the boy said, bowing slightly. "His Holiness would like a moment with you. Alone."
Noel exchanged a glance with Marcus, then gave a short nod. "Alright. Lead the way."
The acolyte guided him through a quiet corridor of the cathedral complex, where the bustle of the morning couldn't reach. They stopped before a heavy wooden door. The boy knocked once, then opened it and gestured for Noel to enter.
Inside, Pope Orthran sat near a sunlit window, dressed in modest white robes without a trace of ornament. His staff rested against the wall, unused.
"Noel," he said with a soft tone. "Thank you for coming."
Noel nodded. "You asked for me."
Orthran studied him for a moment, then motioned for him to sit.
"There's something I'd like to ask of you… personally. Not as a leader of the church. As her guardian."
Noel sat across from him, silent.
