After the treatment was finished, Christophe and the others returned to the entrance lobby.

Sylvia spun around.

"Christophe-san, let's discuss the future again later. I have a meeting scheduled with the leader of one of the five major clans, the 'Silver Hammer Brigade,' but... what will you do? You mentioned wanting to explore the town freely, so would it be okay to have free time after this? You must be tired after suddenly using healing magic..."

"I'm fine with the fatigue, so don't worry about it... For now, I will take a little walk so I can stroll around the city by myself."

"Got it. Be careful."

"Ah, Sylvia too. Good luck with the meeting."

"Yes!"

As Christophe was about to leave the clan, he was seen off by Sylvia, who was smiling happily.

Just as the entrance door opened, Sylvia turned her gaze towards it.

"...Ah, the 'Silver Hammer Brigade' has already arrived."

Sylvia muttered softly, and Christophe also turned his gaze in that direction.

The heavy entrance door opened, and a person who seemed to be Sylvia's meeting partner walked in.

The person was a very beautiful woman, walking proudly with a massive warhammer on her back, and her silver hair swaying.

Christophe wonders if she is around the same age as Sylvia. Her supple yet well-trained physique is wrapped in a black adventurer's outfit that looks easy to move in.

There were people who seemed to be her attendants following her, but Christophe stopped in his tracks when he saw the woman leading the group.

"...Ah, she is the leader of the 'Silver Hammer Brigade,' Ester."

In a hushed tone, Sylvia whispered to Christophe.

"...Is she, Ester?"

In response to Christophe's question, Sylvia nodded and spoke the name.

"Yes, that's right. Perhaps Christophe-san has heard of it too. The 'Silver Hammer Brigade' led by her is known for being particularly meritocratic among the five major clans of the Labyrinth City."

Sylvia's voice carried a clear respect as a fellow professional.

"That elite unit is quite something. They have the strength to conquer impregnable dungeons that even the national knight order struggles with. Their leader, Ester, was once even hailed as the 'Saint of the Empire.'"

Listening to Sylvia's words, Christophe quietly gazed at her slightly more mature appearance.

Ester, and the woman in front of him.

(...She is definitely the one.)

It was when Christophe was thinking about such things.

Ester and Christophe's eyes met.

"Ester, I have been waiting for you... Wait, Ester?"

Sylvia called out to Ester, but Ester did not respond at all.

She has a face as if she is seeing something unbelievable.

Ester approached Christophe step by step, as if completely indifferent to Sylvia's presence. Her movements were quiet but exuded an undeniable pressure. Ester's attendants were bewildered by their master's sudden transformation and exchanged glances.

Ester stopped right in front of Christophe and trembled her lips and murmured faintly but clearly.

"Impossible... No, it can't be... But this warm, magical presence... this familiar resonance of the soul... There's no doubt about it..."

From those eyes, a large tear fell with a plop. However, it was not a tear of sadness. It was a tear mixed with joy and determination, at the moment when a long-held wish, one that had been wished for far too long, was finally about to come true.

"Christophe... sama...?"

Hearing that name, Christophe also widened his eyes.

"...Ester, after all, back then."

"...Back then?"

At Christophe's murmured voice, Sylvia reacted slightly.

Ester suddenly took Christophe's right hand with a rapturous expression, gently enveloped it with both hands, and then softly pressed it against her forehead.

"Yes, indeed. Christophe-sama. It's been a while, Christophe-sama."

She clings to Christophe's hand, pouring out her passionate feelings as Sylvia, the surrounding clan members, and her own attendants watch in stunned silence.

"Ester, it's been a while. I'm glad to see you're doing well."

"Yes! Thanks to you... I am still full of energy like this. Thanks to you, hehe."

Christophe felt bewildered as he gently grasped Ester's hand in return.

In a state of excitement, Ester's grip on his hand tightened, and she eventually even began to nuzzle his hand.

"Christophe-sama... It's been a while... Ah! Today too, it calms me down, this scent, this texture..."

"I think it's just an old man's dry hands and old man smell... Ester, Ester. I'm really happy we could meet again, but you know, if we keep holding hands like this in front of people, it might affect my reputation. Could you let go now?"

"In front of people? Hehehe, that's a trivial matter."

"It's a big problem for me."

However, Ester doesn't seem to be listening at all.

Ester slowly lifts her face while rubbing her cheek against Christophe's hand.

Then, her gaze turned towards Sylvia.

"That, Sylvia. Why is my Christophe-sama here?"

"...Me? You have been so familiar with him since a while ago... Why are you being so friendly? What kind of relationship do you have with Christophe-san?"

Sylvia's cheek twitched slightly, and the air in the room became tense.

Chapter 15