Chapter 3: Phoebe's Pizza Day
Dong— dong—!
After the bell tolls echoed through the air, the clerics who had completed their worship filed out of the Cathedral of Mercury.
They discussed recent church affairs and shared their studies of the Holy Book.
Aeron mingled among the crowd, still pondering the events of last night.
Being ambushed, unlocking the System, and then being beaten to his knees by Carlotta—it was truly the most thrilling day since he arrived in Solaris.
But there was no time to dwell on it now; he still needed to figure out who wanted him dead.
He had nearly died because he went to Montelli's territory, and he went there because he received a message from the Order.
Without a doubt, both sides had conspired against him.
Since joining the Order, many people had held grudges against Aeron for various reasons, but he never imagined someone would hate him enough to want him dead.
He wasn't exactly broad-minded, but he believed in repaying every slight—this was a debt he couldn't ignore.
Yet, as an ordinary person with little combat ability, Aeron needed to find a way to strengthen himself while investigating the mastermind behind the plot.
So, in the end, everything came back to that single word: Death.
At this thought, Aeron couldn't help but sigh.
He had tried out the new skill the System gave him last night when he woke up—swinging around the room like in his previous life. After dying, he didn't end up hanging from above but resurrected below.
It was somewhat useful, but not much.
Aeron was still a powerless Muggle and needed to find a way to die.
Having lived two lives, he never thought he'd see the day when he'd be racking his brains to kill himself.
"Mr. Aeron!"
Just as Aeron was contemplating how to off himself, a soft, youthful voice called out to him from behind.
Golden, silky hair, a pristine white top hat, a simple yet dignified cleric's attire, and a pair of beautiful white stockings that faintly revealed the color of her skin...
This was none other than the one and only designated white stockings ambassador of your game, the lofty and noble Lady Phoebe.
Ah, how magnificent is the modeling in our Wuthering Waves!
"Hey, Phoebe, what brings you here?"
Aeron temporarily set aside his "death-seeking" thoughts—hardly suitable for young ears—and greeted Phoebe.
Unlike those who disliked Aeron because of the Holy Book and doctrines, Phoebe was the cleric in the entire Order with whom Aeron got along best.
On one hand, Aeron had helped her a lot when she first joined the Order; on the other, Phoebe had a wonderful personality.
Friendly, devout, steady, proper, white stockings... the list of compliments went on and on. Her adorable appearance was just the cherry on top, and Aeron was quite fond of this junior (and not because of the white stockings).
"Ah... um..."
Phoebe looked up at Aeron, a faint blush spreading across her cute, round face as she broke into a gentle smile.
"Mr. Aeron, are you going to Margaret's Restaurant later?"
"Depends, there's still some time before lunch... Oh~"
With that hint, Aeron immediately understood Phoebe's intention.
"It's 'Pizza Day' today, isn't it? Don't worry, I'm not so busy that I can't make time for that."
"Pizza Day" was a special monthly tradition Phoebe had maintained since her orphanage days. Though no longer bound by such restrictions, the young woman still designated it as a distinctive occasion—a cleric's method of practicing self-restraint.
As Aeron, being Phoebe's senior in the Order and her first friend, naturally received the honor of sharing this day with her.
Coincidentally, Aeron needed some distraction too, along with a dose of positive energy.
"Then... let's go together!"
Hearing Aeron's words, Phoebe's eyes lit up. She followed beside him as they headed toward Margaret's Restaurant.
....
The aroma of golden crispy crust and stretchy melted cheese filled the air.
Phoebe sat primly across from Aeron, carefully removing her top hat and placing it beside her. Clasping her hands before the pizza, she whispered: "Thanks be to the Sentinels' blessing."
Then she picked up her knife and fork, carefully yet eagerly cutting a small slice to place in her mouth. (This may trigger some Italians.)
"Mmm~~ Pizza really does lift one's spirits~"
Phoebe's cheeks puffed up like a little hamster's as she swayed contentedly. Honestly, Aeron couldn't imagine anything in this world more adorable than Phoebe.
Just looking at her face made Aeron feel he could devour three large bowls of rice.
"Well, eating anything becomes enjoyable when you're with the right person."
"Mmph—!"
At Aeron's words, Phoebe's face flushed red. She hurriedly swallowed the pizza in her mouth, then kicked Aeron lightly under the table in mock annoyance.
"Really, Mr. Aeron, you're saying things like that again..."
"I'm just stating facts."
After what happened last night, Aeron needed some emotional buffer.
"By the way, Mr. Aeron, did you know a sister called 'Rover' recently came to Ragunna?"
"Ah, completely unaware (monotone)."
Hearing the word "sister," an image of the Rover already formed in Aeron's mind.
If this were right after his transmigration, Aeron might have reacted to those words, but unfortunately, life had worn down his edges.
In this rare second life, Aeron only wanted peaceful, easy days—the Sentinels and their ceremonies were none of his concern, nor did he want any connection with Rover.
Besides, he didn't want a gacha prisoner crawling into his bed while he slept at night.
(Though... I wouldn't mind meeting her if the chance arises.)
No particular reason—just wanted to witness the "overbearing aura" leaking from the famous Rover.
"I think she resembles you, Mr. Aeron. Both of you are people who solve problems through action, very... reliable!"
"Pfft!"
Aeron nearly lost his composure at his junior's remark. Who was he compared to some protagonist? Did she think anyone could compete at the highest level?
"That's harsh criticism. What I know are just petty tricks—hers is real capability."
"Not at all! You understand so many things and handle matters skillfully. I... I've always thought you were an amazing person!"
Phoebe's cheeks flushed pink at Aeron's words. Her willingness to stay by his side for so long wasn't merely due to official duties, but genuine respect from the heart.
Though others in the Order viewed Aeron as someone with questionable faith, it was this very person who had encouraged and supported Phoebe since she joined the church. Despite being an ordinary individual, he always managed to harmonize the relationship between the Order and the noble families to an appropriate degree.
Phoebe had learned much from Aeron and genuinely believed he was a respected senior.
"Don't, don't, don't—a roadside weed remains a weed no matter how you praise it. If we're talking about true capability, it should be someone like her."
Yet Aeron immediately dismissed Phoebe's praise.
"Wah..."
Having her sincere words rejected, Phoebe seemed somewhat displeased. She couldn't understand why her senior, who was so capable, would downplay his own abilities.
However, for Aeron, this was just right.
Let others bear the hardships of the main storyline—he still had to live his own peaceful life.
Just as Aeron unintentionally shifted his gaze beyond the restaurant, he locked eyes with an unexpected person.
Aeron halted his movements, completely stunned.
A golden crown riddled with thorns, but despite the thorns, it did little to hide its magnificence—even if Aeron started a new game cycle next week, he would never forget it.
"...Cartethyia?"