"The Order Of Silencio serves as a knight order who almost wholly maintain a vow of silence for some sin or penance that they must fulfill to find themselves worthy of the Goddess's blessing. Its members are masters in the arts of magic and swordplay and often find themselves in service of dignitaries and Astralian officials. A mission to bring the light of Astralis to all who yet remain shrouded in darkness. "

- Deacon Ander Gosroy, Parish Of Huntersdown, "Discussions On Holy Orders"

Evaline Rosengart sat alone in a small room. It was well furnished, admittedly. Ornate bookshelves filled to the brim with various tomes on history, economics, literature, and even warfare. If she hadn't known better, she could even see herself back in her old world, a tired professor, ready to teach a smattering of introductory classes given the strange assortment of books. Maybe she'd even have done some research on warfare, Goddess only knows what she got her masters on, she'd forgotten by now.

"Stars…" She whispered softly to herself, "I've been here almost twenty years, huh? Fuck." She let out a single chuckle, shaking her head in disbelief.

She shuffled in her seat, the chair creaking under her weight. It was wooden but cushioned, not uncomfortable but most certainly not her first choice. With a grunt, she lifted her legs off the ground and rested them upon the desk in front of her, carefully shoving aside a small stack of accumulated papers and books. Above it, a small shelf sat half decorated where a small magitech kettle and containment apparatus, the latest copy of Gunmar and Aurelia, an emergency dagger, and a cork board with pins and papers all over it called the shelf home.

The last one frustrated her to see, but it was a reminder of her responsibility now. That the saints were her responsibility. She had lived here longer, understood some of the nuances, had trained before simply by being a rowdy child, then by being a noble's daughter, then through her own means. Twenty years, she closed her eyes, and they've only been here a little over a year, hah. The weight of it all troubled her greatly. For whatever the saints and saintesses thought about her, she only wanted the best for them, to be able to give them the opportunity to go home.

"...before they start forgetting everything." She mumbled to herself.

Letting out a sigh, she reluctantly pushed herself off the desk. Her boots came down onto the wooden floorboards beneath with a hearty thud. A sliver of frustration vented, she took herself to the task of sorting out more facts. Facts about this world, about their situation, about their goals and the world's needs.

Originally, she had made a deal with the sleazy priest Vitellus to train the saints in what she could in return for the church assisting Sophie somewhat. Now that both parts of their bargain have been fulfilled, she found herself unwittingly drawn to their plight, seeing in them the potential of a future deprived. She had no illusions about herself, she made the choice to stay here, to not seek a way out. That was her own prerogative, but for them, it was different. They're just students, kids even. They can live out what little fantasies they have here but… they have homes, people that care about them. Hope to God time doesn't get all wonky because they were here. I'd hate to imagine what happens going back to a world that's completely different.

Striking the thought out of her mind, she returned to her research. Unlike more dedicated minds or even more talented souls, she wasn't exactly the best at this, but at the same time, there was no one she could turn to. Frederick was an option, though she loathed to put any extra pressure upon him given his current duties alongside their studies. Sophie was another choice, but again, she likely had enough of her own problems. Anyone affiliated directly with the church was also out of the question, their loyalties likely leading to attempts to shut her down. The nobles of the Academy likely would opt to do the same but for the sake of their countries. Even the Gossligers she couldn't rely upon.

She lazily played with a pencil as she lackadaisically trawled through yet another tome. This one detailed the 'Siege of Arteria' and offered little detail of the summoning rituals of the saints and saintesses but at least proved to be an interesting enough read. It did at least confirm some things for her. That the saints and saintesses were usually only present during times of strife, at least outlander ones. More importantly, that there were also saints and saintesses who could rise up on their own from this world's population. Though whether they were those who simply hid their outlander status well enough to escape notice is still up for debate.

She let out a frustrated grumble. So they're random, they get summoned, and they could potentially be like me, just living life until the call to action came around. So… her shoulders sagged and she slumped over her desk, nothing useful at all beyond now knowing that

Defeated, she rested her head against the table and gradually let her eyes drift shut. She had originally envisioned her deal with Vitellus to simply run its course at a certain point, for the church to judge the saints worthy enough to be pulled away from her tutelage; after all, she wasn't all that much better at things than they were. Somehow, after learning about her uncertainty about the saints, Vitellus managed to snag her a small office to call her own and appoint her as acting assistant to the saint program. A ceremonial post to be sure, but one that gave her more opportunity to investigate their conundrum.

The downside was that she found herself more and more busy as time passed. Where she could once plot with Sophie and the others, she found less time to adventure or travel, her head burrowed in more tomes and planning. Making life even harder was that her own temporary exile from Carradorian society was soon coming to an end. Whatever admonishments she might face would pale in comparison to the questions and demands that would spring forth. Another headache for the pile. With a grumble, she hastily scrawled another note to pin on her board.

She scratched at her scalp and yawned. Her mind shut itself off from the research and focused itself onto the more pressing issue at hand. Searching for ways in which she could help prepare the saints for their trials ahead.

She operated with a few certainties established by both Vitellus and common sense assumptions: First, that the outlanders would eventually have to encounter combat, potentially even sooner rather than later. Secondly, that there was a high likelihood that they would no be operating as one cohesive unit but rather into their respective squads. Finally, the most worrisome problem of all, that sacrifices might have to be made. A prospect that she in no way wanted any of them to face.

Fortunately, her earlier adventure with Sophie's team and Aoi's squadron had shown that they just needed more refining. To do so they would need more chances to participate in excursions like those and away from church supervision. While she loathed to put them in any more risk than necessary, she needed them to be ready. The church's way of supporting them with templars and inquisitors only created an unnecessary dependance that could potentially develop. Cooperating with allies was important, but in her opinion, that was something they couldn't always rely upon. Like when Sophie got taken in the cave, she was on her own. Thankfully the one who found her was Sigrid.

To that end, she had at least been able to devise a system to give the saints experience without needlessly throwing them into danger. Without full inquisitorial oversight to boot. She chuckled at the thought. A strange turn of events that involved those trusted but still scorned by the church. The few saints who voluntarily chose to leave the church's embrace.

Her current plan involved the two who had left their class even before she had assumed the unofficial position as their teacher. Adventurers Ryo and Jun who formed the party The Dragon Wagon with other capable adventurers. Through them, considering that they were a known entity to the church, and thus allowed Eva to, albeit reluctantly given, receive the permission she needed to send the four saint squadrons on adventuring with the adventurers acting as the supervisors instead of the church. Granting the students a better chance to authentically understand the different forms of threats out there beyond the church's watchful eye. A danger to their lives, but one which was hopefully mitigated by the battle tested Ryo and Jun. It also helped that they all knew each other already, making life far simpler.

Beyond them, her only other option in this regard was Hanabi and Sophie's party. While recent events demonstrated their willingness to cooperate and Eva had no doubt that should she ask, Sophie would readily agree. However, Eva didn't think most of the saints were capable of handling that level of intensity just yet. Heh, maybe in a bit more time. Hell, even I freaked out a little when Sophie fell down the well back then. And seeing Hanabi and Mila just… not panic. Hah, I've got more than a few things to learn myself. Could probably commission her team to track down some leads though, when I eventually find any, heh.

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

A knock on her door sent her scrambling to her feet. The hasty clattering of a small pile of books as she knocked them over in a panic to turn around. Straightening her hair a little, she made sure she was at least presentable before stumbling over and opening it.

"Ah! Sensei!" Aoi's diminutive squeak greeted her.

Eva tried not to appear surprised at first, electing to politely dip her head in greeting and usher the girl into the room. Only after seeing her own disorganized mess did she remember why the girl was here.

"Aoi, no need to be so formal." She chuckled.

"Ah, sorry. Habit." The girl bowed apologetically.

"Pfft. Always too kind. Anyways, chin up, how are you?" She asked, motioning for the girl to take a seat in a nearby chair.

They both winced a little at the groan the chair made in response.

"I'm alright, sensei. Err, Eva." Aoi awkwardly fumbled out a response.

"Aoi." Eva tutted before instinctively reaching over, only pausing as her brain lag caught up and she realized this wasn't Sophie. And that she should not freely ruffle her hair. Quickly moving herself to grab a book instead, she grinned at the girl, "You're barely a year younger than I am. No need to treat me like an old lady." She teased.

"Ehhh. Will try, milady." The girl joked.

Content that they had established a baseline rapport, Eva moved to fetch the small kettle. Pulling a small lever, the magictech got to work and a small fire came to life to heat it. She looked back to Aoi.

"Tea?" She asked.

"Only if it won't trouble you." The girl cautiously bobbed her head.

Eva just smiled and moved to rummage through a cabinet, pulling out two cups and placing them on her desk.

"No worries." Eva informed her, before also settling down in a chair and letting out a tired sigh as her back rested upon the cushions, "Beyond life at the Academy, how are things with the rest of them?" Eva asked.

"Ehh, about the same as always. Nothing too different from before. Ah! There was a baby scare the other day." Aoi casually replied.

Eva had to do a double take, her eyes widening in shock, "Pardon?"

"Ah, tch." Aoi clicked her tongue, "Did I misspeak?"

"No, no. Just uh… what do you mean by baby scare? Pregnancy?" Eva tried and failed to hide her surprise.

"Oh! Suzuki san and Jonathan san… ehhh…." Aoi bashfully held up her fingers into two v-shapes and pushed them together. The girl pointedly cast her embarrassed gaze to the ground, "Bad timing. Missed monthly and panicked." She muttered, though Eva caught the gist of it.

The girl then froze before realizing something and looking mortified.

"Aoi?" Eva failed to hide her own worry.

"Ah! But fine now! Doctors checked. No children." The girl hurriedly informed her before she got the wrong idea.

At this, Eva laughed in relief, "Haha, I figured as much. Otherwise I don't think you'd be the first one I'm hearing this from."

"Ehhh."

"It's fine. But that's good. That everything seems to be going well, not the scare."

"Hai."

Eva flicked the lever once more, turning the little magitech device off and pouring out some of the tea. A nice trail of steam followed, the tea warmed back up to an acceptable tea time temperature. What followed was a pleasant citrusy scent that slowly filled the room, relaxing the two of them.

The tea itself was purportedly a Potomian blend, whatever that meant. All she knew was that it was a good tasting blend that soothed the soul. A rich, bold yet light flavor that cut through the normal bitterness with that hint of citrus to bring about a more rounded aroma. Having poured it out, she pushed a cup over towards Aoi who gratefully accepted.

"Thank you." The girl mumbled.

"Hah, no worries." Eva beamed.

They both lazed around a little, taking a small break of their respective days. Out of everyone within the saints, Aoi was perhaps the most amenable to be a rebel of sorts, chafing under the church's rigid control. She was quiet, reserved, but sharing similar sentiments with the more outspoken members of the group like Hanabi or Tsugumi. She was good at keeping it hidden though, a fact Eva only managed to learn just a little bit of back when they adventured with Sophie. She also reasoned that it meant Aoi would be more willing to hear her out.

"Hey, Aoi."

"Eh?" The girl immediately snapped to attention.

"No need to be so nervous, just a question for ya."

Aoi squirmed a little in her seat, her face painting the picture clearly for Eva. She was wondering if she had done something to get herself in trouble.

"You're not in any trouble, Aoi. I'm just curious about something."

"Hmm?"

Eva gestured towards her cork board, drawing the girl's attention to it. Though from where she was sitting it was unlikely she could actually read Eva's horrible handwriting.

"What do you think?" Eva began, pausing to consider her next words, "About this place? Not the office or Academy, but this world?"

Aoi looked absolutely confused at first, then her eyes slowly narrowed as she began processing Eva's words. She could tell exactly when the girl finally understood by how she set her teacup down and leaned in a little closer like a conspirator. Her voice dropping to a low whisper, questioning, but not repulsed by the inquiry.

"Sensei, what are you trying to ask?" Aoi queried, a hint of curiosity in her voice.

"Hmm... let me think for a moment." Eva hummed, not even bothering to correct the honorific, "Let me start from the top." She reached over for the cork board.

So Eva explained to her about her concerns and worries for the students. A retelling of her own uncertainty about the church's timeframe for sending them back. That wasn't even considering the potential risk of being bogged down in a war that threatened to sweep over the continent, a war that, by her most generous estimates, would most definitely take more than a year or two to simply resolve.

She also loathed the fact that they would be sent into combat, a sentiment that the more timid Aoi seemed to share as well despite her own pretty good performance so far. Clearly her own message seemed to resonate somewhat with the girl, for Aoi began looking more pensive but almost agreeable the more she talked. By the time she began discussing her desires to find a way for the saints to return home, she could tell that Aoi was more than attentively listening.

"That's about the gist of it." Eva finally finished her speech.

As if released from a spell, Aoi's concentration gave way to an exhausted breath, the girl having fully comprehended her spiel. Her brows were knit tight together, her mouth upturned with a small frown. Next to her, the teacup now sat empty, having been already refilled once before being downed quickly. After a few more moments of silence, the girl met Eva's gaze and sighed. Eva just nodded her head in turn and took a small sip of her drink.

"Eva…" Aoi addressed her without hesitation or honorifics.

"Mmhmm?"

"Do you… do you have siblings?" Aoi tepidly asked.

"Yeah, Mortiz and Theodore. Rascals, but they're kin." She mused.

Aoi let out a chuckle, "I mean back home, Eva."

"Ah. No." Eva wistfully shook her head, "Only child." She answered with a whisper. Lived on my own too, huh.

"Me too." Aoi smiled sadly.

"So…"

"But some of the others, like Hikari. You know her?"

"In Jonathan's squad, yeah I know her."

"She has a little sister back home. Who is probably lonely with Hikari here. I would imagine."

"Mmm. I get it. We still don't know what it's like for someone to 'return'. Whether they return to the moment of our… 'disappearance' almost insantly or if time flows in accordance. That is to say, a week here means a week there. And since she's been here a year and some now…"

This thought seemed to depress Aoi a little further. Though judging by the glint in her eye, Eva suspected that the small spark of discontent once present had just been stoked a little further. Hoping she read the moment correctly, Eva continued.

"Whatever the case is, my previous statement stands. I have no wish of simply fleeing, not me anyways. But I want the option to be there for you and the others, whether you take them or not is up to you, of course."

"Of course." Aoi mumbled.

"That's why I need your help and I'm hoping you'll keep it to yourself for now."

"Hmm." Aoi spent a moment fiddling with her feet, her shoes gently tapping against the ground, "Why me?" She asked.

"Because I trust you. Also because you've been there leading the others."

"Ah, the cave."

"Yeah. Fine mess that was." Eva chuckled, "You're also smart, so I have faith in your research skills. Not that Watanabe-s-err, Suzuki is a slouch, but she's always managing the class beside me. She's brilliant, but she's also stressed enough."

"Hah, you do it too. You called her Watanabe-san." Aoi teased.

The two giggled a little. They then shared a small moment of quiet as both contemplated the path ahead. After a few moments, Aoi let out a sigh of her own and sat up a little straighter.

"I'll help." She muttered.

"Good. Good." Eva smiled in relief, "Thanks, Aoi. We'll find a way to let you guys get home, or at least we'll damn well try. That much I promise you."

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.