The First Gravestone
Here you go.
This is your official trial completion certificate approved by [Polaris].
Congratulations. With this, you made a big step forward in your Journey.
Thanks. But what about the thing I asked for...?
Ah, yes, about that...
Lady Alicia is currently away, so meeting her right now isn't possible.
But don't worry.
She left word saying you'll meet again soon.
And regarding your [Journey], she said you should act according to what you believe is right.
Lady Alicia always believes in you, [Captain].
...Okay.
Then I'll return to the remaining paperwork.
I'll see you tomorrow at Candle Square.
I watched Lisa leave, then remained a little longer, waiting for someone else.
When stars began to rise into the night sky, someone approached from the direction of the mansion.
Captain...?
How long have you been waiting? You could've told me if you'd arrived.
It's fine. I didn't wait long.
I-it's not like I was worried about you!
I-I just wanted things to proceed efficiently, that's all!
I never said you were worried.
Anyway!
Something in Bell's demeanor felt slightly different from usual.
Come with me, Captain. There's something I want to show you.
Bell led me to a modest yet beautifully kept garden behind the Rhys family estate.
At its center stood a single gravestone with nothing engraved on it yet.
This is...?
House Rhys family has a rite called the [First Gravestone].
It's the first gravestone a descendant creates after beginning their study of hexomancy.
Is it different from the others?
Yes. The first gravestone is usually made for the person you respect or love the most.
It's a vow that you'll never forget that person—that you'll honor their passing, and carry on their will.
Outsiders might find it morbid, though...
No. I think it's a beautiful tradition.
R-really...?
...You're not lying, are you?
H-hmph. At least you're... more understanding than the other idiots.
I'm honored.
W-wait! That doesn't mean I think you're special or anything!
Of course it's a great tradition! Anyone who doesn't get it is the weird one!
Yeah! Obviously!
I wouldn't go that far...
Ahem!
A-anyway... I still haven't completed my [First Gravestone].
On the day I tried to finish it... Carnelia made her first [attempt to find out whether she was truly alive].
And I kept putting it off after that...
But today, I want to finish it.
And... I want you to watch, Captain.
...
Before the trial began... I thought it was my duty to kill her.
But... not anymore.
Someday, I want to bring her home.
And far in the future... when she's lived a happy life to its end... I want to mourn her properly.
As her only sister, the one who loves her the most.
That's why I'm going to carve her name into this gravestone.
So please... be my witness.
So I never forget this resolve.
...Okay.
It will happen. One day.
With steady focus, Bell brought down the hammer against the chisel.
Bit by bit, elegant patterns formed across the once-empty stone.
In that moment, the stars above watched over Bell's heart.