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While returning Usha to you, she also removes the bag over her shoulder that seems to contain a single small item. ''Take it, Rey.'' She gently insists when you hesitate. ''<span class="mu-g">This is my boy's personal journal.</span> I know you haven't known him personally, but I've seen enough of what you do and how you feel to trust you with this.''
''Augustine...'' Another surge of emotions exhausts your brain. ''...I'm not worthy...''
''You are.'' She gently rubs your head. ''I think you'll have a better perspective once you see his words and thoughts.'' She looks over your shoulder, toward your silent parents. ''I'll let you decide if you want anyone else to know. Perhaps I've been too possessive of my little Olin words.'' She doesn't let you place another word. Augustine swiftly departs after a quick bow to your family and friends; her solid back reveals nothing of the turmoil undeniably raging inside her.
''Let's go back.'' Your mother gently plucks Usha out of your hold. Her cool hand caresses your cheek, giving your mind the strangest impression of resurfacing. ''You've done great work today, more than anyone else.''
Your father's hands rub your forehead with a cloth, wiping away your sweat. ''Good work, Rey.''
Tears prickle the sides of your eyes, and you swallow your emotions with pride, the muscles of your throat and heart constricting around a ball of needles.
--
The road back home remains a peaceful jaunt. The lack of general development on this side of Eichenwald, and the apparent halt in new settlers until the city expands, leaves the King's road for your family's use only during this late hour of the day.
''My brief inspection of the patients' souls lines up with Belmont's explanation: weak but still present, clinging to the various patients' bodies...But I spotted something else, too.'' Your father reveals, keeping his eyes firmly ahead. Your little blue one isn't sleeping at her usual hours now because she insisted on being held by him.
''I saw vestiges of intense emotions similar to the trail in the baron mansion; there was also a suspicious, faint golden trail inside the colors that led all the way into the basement.'' Rikard continues smoothly, using two fingers to pet Usha's head. ''<span class="mu-r">It led all the way toward a wall I'm convinced has been hastily bricked over.</span> Belmont was on me like a bloodhound once I traveled downstairs, so I wasn't in any position to demand answers or use higher miracles.''
Your father is better trained, more experienced, and stronger than that bishop. But growing hostile toward what could be a corrupt priest inside his headquarters is how tragedies happen. <span class="mu-i">Had he heard someone call for help, things would have gone very differently.</span>
''If it's been hastily built, I'd be able to open that wall without tools,'' Shigeko comments, rubbing her wrist.