Astral Point: Summoners Dimensional War

Exiting Lord Barthold's mansion, Nina appeared gloomy. The certainty she had hoped for remained elusive, leaving her restless. Though they had managed to secure Lord Barthold's attention, his hesitation was evident. Nina's steps slowed, and she walked slightly behind the group.

"At least I'm safe in this city," she murmured quietly, loud enough for Pierre, walking beside her, to hear. "For now, I don't have to worry about assassins from Prince Calius' faction."

Pierre nodded, though unsure of what to say. "We'll make sure it stays that way," he offered in an attempt to reassure her. Yet, he knew his words were unlikely to erase Nina's anxiety.

As they continued, a familiar voice echoed in the minds of Virginia and Thomas—the navigator. His tone was as cold and direct as ever, skipping any preamble. "Virginia, Thomas. I have a plan. You two need to head to the Kingdom of Esverita."

Virginia furrowed her brow. "Why just us? Why not everyone?" she asked silently in her thoughts.

The navigator explained in his usual unyielding tone. "Because this is an investigation, and two people can move more discreetly without drawing attention. Catherine and Pierre will remain here to protect Nina and observe Lord Barthold. I need you to gather more information about the Church of Mephisa. That goddess is strange, and I don't like not knowing something."

Thomas, overhearing, sighed lightly. "So, you want us to walk into a lion's den without full protection? Why don't you go yourself if you're so curious?"

The navigator chuckled faintly in their minds. "Because I can't leave the main headquarters. That's why I have you. Don't worry, I'll provide sufficient guidance."

Virginia, intrigued by Mephisa from the start, quickly agreed. "I'm in. Besides, I've been wanting to learn more about this church. They're too mysterious to ignore." She glanced at Thomas. "You coming?"

Thomas snorted, clearly reluctant. Yet he knew defying the navigator's orders often caused more trouble than compliance. "Fine," he said. "But if something goes wrong, I'm not taking the blame for this."

Back in reality, Virginia paused, addressing Nina and the others. "We need to discuss a new plan."

Catherine raised an eyebrow, clearly interested. "What plan?"

"The navigator has tasked Thomas and me with going to Esverita," Virginia replied. "We're to investigate the Church of Mephisa and learn more about them. Meanwhile, the three of you will stay here to guard Nina and monitor Lord Barthold."

Catherine narrowed her eyes, clearly skeptical of the plan. "Splitting our strength in a situation like this is a dangerous move."

"That's true," Pierre added, though his voice wavered slightly. "Is this really necessary? Can't we resolve one issue before moving on to another?"

Thomas crossed his arms, looking impatient. "This isn't about what we want. The navigator has already decided, and we have no choice but to follow. Besides, this isn't a combat mission. It's just reconnaissance."

Catherine sighed softly but eventually nodded. "Alright. But you two need to be cautious. Esverita isn't welcoming to outsiders, especially those asking questions about the church."

Virginia offered a faint smile. "I'm always careful." She turned to Nina. "You'll be safe here with Catherine and Pierre. Don't worry."

Nina seemed slightly calmer hearing this, though unease lingered in her eyes. "Thank you. Be careful out there."

The sun began to dip below the horizon over Libenthium, casting a serene but tense atmosphere over those still entangled in their respective dilemmas. Under a sky shifting to orange hues, the group stood at the main crossroads. Virginia and Thomas departed for Esverita to undertake their mission, leaving Catherine, Pierre, and Nina behind in the city.

Nina, with a weary expression, finally spoke, "I need to return to Lord Barthold's mansion. I must ensure he doesn't change his mind. This is too important to leave to chance."

Catherine immediately shook her head, her voice calm but firm. "That's not a good idea, Nina. Give him time to think. What you proposed involves Prince Calius. That's not a decision he can make hastily."

Pierre, standing beside Catherine, nodded. "I agree. Pressuring him for an immediate response will only make this situation harder for you. Don't take unnecessary risks."

Nina hesitated, knowing they were right but still haunted by fears of an unfavorable outcome. "Alright," she finally whispered. "But... I just want this to be over soon."

Catherine studied her for a moment before softening her tone. "Such significant matters require patience, Nina. You've done your best so far. Let Barthold think it over. We're here to help, so don't bear this burden alone."

Nina nodded faintly, though curiosity began to creep into her thoughts. She turned to Pierre with slightly raised eyebrows. "By the way, who is this navigator?"

Caught off guard by the question, Pierre looked slightly nervous. "The navigator... he's the leader of our group," he said, attempting to keep his tone casual.

But his answer only fueled Nina's curiosity. "Your group? So where are you all really from? What kind of group are you?"

Catherine, who had been quietly listening, decided to intervene. Her smile was faint, but her eyes were sharp. "That question isn't relevant right now, Nina. Focus on the present situation. Prince Calius is the more pressing concern. Trust us; we're here to support you."

Nina appeared confused but eventually nodded, feeling she had no choice but to accept the answer for now. "Alright. I'll head back to the inn."

Pierre, sensing the tension in the air, tried to lighten the mood. "You go ahead. I'd like to explore the city a bit more."

Catherine glanced at Pierre with narrowed eyes but said nothing. After a brief pause, she added, "I could use some fresh air too. I'll stay out for a while."

Nina nodded again, still puzzled by their behavior. "Alright then. I'll wait for you both at the inn." With that, she walked off, leaving Catherine and Pierre alone on the now-quiet street.

Once Nina was out of sight, Catherine crossed her arms and fixed Pierre with a sharp gaze. "You almost made her suspicious. Your response was too awkward."

Pierre scratched the back of his head, feeling uneasy. "I just didn't want to say the wrong thing. We can't tell her everything, right?"

"Exactly," Catherine replied coldly. "But you need to be more careful with your words. Nina may be young, but she's not naive. If we act too suspiciously, she'll start asking questions we can't answer."

Pierre let out a long sigh. "I'm just trying to help. I know this is important, but it all feels… complicated."

"Welcome to the world of adults, Pierre," Catherine said with a half-mocking tone. "Diplomacy, intrigue, and politics. This isn't new to me, but I understand if it feels overwhelming for you."

Pierre stared at her for a moment before speaking softly. "You talk like someone who's been through this many times. Sometimes I feel like you're more than just someone here to help Nina."

Catherine gave a faint smile, offering no direct answer. "We all have our secrets, Pierre. Just focus on our mission for now. Nina needs protection, and Lord Barthold needs a reason to side with us. If we fail, things will only get worse."

The night grew deeper, yet Pierre and Catherine remained outside, strolling through the quiet streets of Libenthium. The cool evening breeze brushed against their faces, creating a slightly more relaxed atmosphere after a day filled with tension. Pierre, still feeling awkward, tried to find a topic to discuss, but Catherine spoke first.

"Pierre d'Arc," she said suddenly, her sharp yet curious eyes fixed on him. "Your family name… You're Jeanne d'Arc's brother, aren't you?"

Pierre paused for a moment, surprised by her question. "Yes, of course. I'm surprised you know that. Not many people here recognize me."

Catherine gave a small smile, her tone tinged with pride. "Of course, I know. Jeanne d'Arc and you are national heroes of France. How could I not know about you? I was Queen of France."

Pierre's eyes widened in shock. "Queen of France?" he murmured, as if doubting what he had just heard. "You… you're serious?"

"Completely serious," Catherine replied casually, as though her confession were nothing extraordinary. "I reigned as queen long after you and Jeanne had passed. I never imagined I'd meet you here, especially under these circumstances."

Pierre stared at her, a mix of admiration and confusion on his face. "So… you really are a queen. That explains a lot—your way of speaking, your composure, everything feels… regal. But I have to admit, I'm stunned."

Catherine chuckled lightly. "I understand. It's not every day you meet someone from the future, is it?" She paused before adding, "Jeanne was someone I greatly admired. Her courage, her unwavering conviction… She was more than just a hero. She was an inspiration to many, myself included."

Hearing this, Pierre felt a warm pride swelling in his chest, though he tried not to show it too clearly. "Jeanne was incredible," he said, his voice filled with respect. "But I always felt she carried too much for someone her age. She was so young when she led us… too young."

Catherine nodded, her expression softening slightly. "That's true. But perhaps that's what made her so extraordinary. Few could do what she did, especially at her age. And you, Pierre, you were always by her side. I'm sure that gave her great strength."

Pierre fell silent for a moment, reflecting on her words. Memories of those times came flooding back—fighting alongside Jeanne, facing countless enemies. "I just did what I could," he said finally. "I wasn't as strong or as brave as Jeanne, but I couldn't let her face it all alone."

Catherine offered a faint smile. "That was more than enough, Pierre. Whether you realize it or not, your presence meant a great deal to her. She knew she wasn't alone."

They continued their walk, the atmosphere becoming slightly more serene. Catherine, lost in thought, finally spoke again. "When I first saw you in that domain and heard you call Jeanne's name, I was stunned. I wondered if it could truly be the Jeanne d'Arc I had read about in history. And now, meeting you, it feels as if history has come to life."

Pierre nodded slowly, still trying to process their conversation. "I feel the same. It's strange to be here, in this place, with people who aren't from my time. But I suppose fate has its own strange way of bringing us together."

Catherine laughed softly. "Fate, huh? I've never been one to believe in it much, but who knows? Maybe there is a reason we're all here."

Their conversation continued, touching on the past and their individual memories. Pierre spoke of his hometown and growing up with Jeanne, while Catherine, though more reserved, shared glimpses of her life as a queen and the challenges she faced in a world of political intrigue.

Eventually, Catherine sighed lightly and said, "Enough nostalgia for today. I think I need a drink—perhaps some wine to warm me up."

Pierre chuckled. "I think I need some rest after all this."

Catherine smiled, her expression carrying a subtle depth. She looked at Pierre for a moment before saying, "You may not realize it, but Jeanne's courage lives on in you as well. Don't forget that, Pierre."

Pierre didn't respond, but he felt an unusual sense of relief in his heart. They continued their walk, leaving the quiet streets of Libenthium behind, each lost in their own thoughts.

***