After agreeing to join the Arabel Restoration Army, Reynard and Disma each took their leave. Both senior schoolmates seemed weighed down by worries.
Thrilled to have roped in two Purple Dragon Knights, Samir whipped out his little notebook and scribbled away. Only Aaron watched their retreating backs thoughtfully.
The snow was still falling, and the atmosphere was far from warm. The cold wind grew fiercer, carrying away the mortal world's warmth, bringing cold and loneliness to this world while delivering warmth and vitality to the other side.
Eleanor had already changed back into her previous outfit: a below-the-knee dress, moon-white deerskin boots, and a white fox-fur coat. Miss Cleric was actually rather sensitive to the cold. The boutique had underfloor heating, so wearing pretty clothes for Aaron to admire had been fine. But if she had come outside in only a winter dress, stockings, and heels, this blast of wind would have frozen her stiff.
Even wrapped in thick clothes and a coat, Miss Cleric still trembled involuntarily. She held Aaron's arm tightly, noticed him watching his two senior schoolmates leave, and said softly, "They have different motives."
"I know." Aaron nodded.
There was nothing surprising about Reynard agreeing to take part in the war for Arabel. He was a paladin. The eldest schoolmate's worries came from having spent the "enormous sum" of 325 Golden Lions. He felt he had let down the refugees who needed help.
That was how paladins were. They enjoyed extremely high social standing and everyone's respect. Merchants let them buy on credit simply on the strength of their reputation. Divine Smite was powerful and straightforward to use. They had melee abilities comparable to fighters, some spellcasting ability, and the protection of divine energy, which made them immune to all diseases and fear spells.
In exchange,