Fortunately, Shade had never considered taking the Church's work:
"It's good that your mother is all right. Things were chaotic at the time, and it was difficult for me to look after her during that final battle."
Thinking of the many rumors surrounding the Battle of Moon Bay, the strange celestial phenomenon in which day and night had repeatedly alternated, and the terrifying scenes of the Five Gods War described in those rumors, Eric Follen forced a smile:
"Megan and Aunt Audrey are doing well too, right?"
"They're well, though they've been busy with other matters lately and didn't come to Vesta City with me. They might come after a while. The lady sitting beside me... Never mind."
Continuing would have involved Miss Winslet, and Shade did not want to expose her secret.
Eric Follen tactfully avoided the subject and instead asked:
"Did you come here because you have something to do? Do you need our help?"
"Not for now. Oh, do you know that young blond second lieutenant sitting in the fifth row behind you?"
Though he had not paid particular attention, Eric Follen was still a Ring Arcanist, and after the Green Lake Incident he had already advanced to the sixth ring. After thinking for a moment, he nodded:
"I know him. York Bronte. His father, Baron Bronte, is a staff officer in the First Legion of the army. Though his rank isn't especially high, he's quite well liked because he's generous with money.
The Bronte Family is also one of Creekwood Town's—sorry, Vesta City's—old noble families. York Bronte is the second son of the family. He grew up in Wilundell rather than Vesta City and was only placed in the army by the baron last year."
"So he's from Creekwood Town too. What's his reputation like?"
Shade