The Gloomy Bell Tower stood high above Fatan City. Built during the Empire's twelfth generation, it was steeped in the solemn religious style unique to that era. Looking out through the narrow slit window on one side of the tower, one could see the coastal scenery around Faks: the emerald-blue horizon lay level with the sky, while long headlands and lighthouses reached deep into the sea. Yuta had chosen this place as their temporary office because it overlooked the entire city and its surroundings. However, Medisa always felt that Yuta preferred the narrow space because it gave her a sense of security. It was said that her room in the Fir Territory was just such a tiny house—though from the outside, it looked like a fortress.
Working in such a place had many inconveniences, but Medisa had always been the sort to take things as they came, so she agreed. Oni, Duke Viero's daughter, had voiced some complaints, but she had not insisted on opposing it. At that moment, the sun had just risen. Pale light spilled into the room, and long shadows stretched from the corners of the table, making a decorative crystal on its surface sparkle brilliantly. Medisa frowned slightly and reached out to move it aside. The crystal became faintly translucent beneath the sunlight, casting a pale ocher shadow over a stack of parchment on the table.
It was a letter covered in coded writing. This Ancient Language had been passed down through the generations by the Silver Elves. Medisa was currently teaching it, and it was used only within the White Lion Guard. As they waited for the elf princess to decipher the letter, some time passed. Medisa sighed and lowered it. The sunlight outlined her in silhouette. Beside her, a Dragon Rock Wood window frame