Rachel (Nun-in-training): Joseph!
Upon hearing his name being called, Joseph broke out of his stupor. Looking ahead he saw Rachel and Clarissa looking at him with concerned faces.
Clarissa (Joseph's Aunt): Is everything alright? You had a dazed look for a bit. Don't tell me that the fall you suffered really did some damage…
Rachel (Nun-in-training): WHAT?!
Rachel grew ever more anxious after hearing Clarissa's comment. She had dismissed the likelihood of any lasting damage resulting from her prank before, after all the duke himself had checked Joseph's condition and ensured that everything was alright, which dispelled the worries she had begun to form when at the end of her fit of laughter she saw that Joseph had lost consciousness for a bit.
Feeling a sense of guilt starting to weigh down on her, Rachel approached Joseph and squatted down beside him. Pulling out a white flower that decorated the top of her veil, Rachel held it in her left hand while her right hand made contact with Joseph's chest.
For some time, the world stood still. Clarissa observed Rachel's action, a light of recognition passing through her eyes, while Joseph's stood still closely observing this nun-in-training.
Silence.
And then a murmur… It started to escape from Rachel's lips, Joseph tried to make out the words that were being said with no success, but he recognized the objective of those whispered words… A chant.
In a matter of seconds, the flower that Rachel held in her left hand started to wither, its demise giving origin to a green-colored energy flow that was absorbed by Rachel's left hand and travelled the length of both her arms to reach her right hand where it proceeded to be transferred to Joseph's chest.
Soon, Joseph felt a lukewarm sensation spreading through his body taking his chest as a point of origin. He, who was already resting against the wall of the basilica, started slowly sinking to the ground, his back grazing the cold stone on his descent, his muscles started to relax, and the fatigue accumulated from his numerous learning lessons had seemingly finally caught up with him. He eyes started to close…
And He…
And He… finally caught himself. His eyes opened wide, and he quickly regained his former posture. Joseph looked at Anne in surprise.
Joseph: Magic… and healing magic nonetheless…
Rachel (Nun-in-training): Yes… apparently, I have talent for it. It's one of the primary reasons I was welcomed into the church.
The flower in Rachel's left hand finally dissolved completely, turning into specks of dust blown by the wind.
Joseph: A transference of life-force… The truth behind every healing spell.
Clarissa (Joseph's Aunt): A sad reality… The condemnation of one life to guarantee the health and continuity of another.
Hearing both Joseph's and Clarissa's comments, Rachel, who had already retracted her right hand from Joseph's chest and had started to get up stated: "It is… necessary" and then fell into silence. However, feeling the need to add something more to her comment she soon spoke again.
Rachel (Nun-in-training): We learn, next to the older nuns, to not think to much about it, after all, overthinking it may just compromise the ability to cast the spell and condemning in this manner both of the lives involved in the process.
Before Clarissa and Joseph could fully absorb the sentence delivered, Rachel quickly followed it with a question.
Rachel (Nun-in-training): Anyway. How are you feeling brother ~?
Joseph: Don't call me brother. And I was already feeling well before the spell, I was just lost in my thoughts.
Rachel (Nun-in-training): Oh… Well… Better safe than sorry. Here, let me help you get up.
Joseph: Just wait a---
Before Joseph could protest more, the young nun ended up pulling him back up to his feet by taking hold of his armpits, and after he was supporting himself on his own two legs, she careful dusted the shoulders of his coat, followed by going behind him and brushing off any filth that was stuck to his back.
Joseph: …moment.
Rachel (Nun-in-training): Almost done! God, the amount of dust and dirt that can cling to your coat it's impressive! Don't nobles have some kind of spell that can make you sparklingly clean in a second?
Joseph: They do, but… Let's just say I am not proficient in it.
Rachel (Nun-in-training): Really?!
Joseph: Uhm… Yes.
Joseph's response surprised Rachel. She had not expected a positive response, but now that she, in her view, "uncovered this secret from noble society", she felt the necessity to press for answers not only to satisfy her curiosity but also because having access to such a spell could undoubtedly improve her daily life, and soon a series of rapid-fired questions followed.
Rachel (Nun-in-training): When did you start learning it? Does it take long to master it?
Joseph: I…
Rachel (Nun-in-training): Oh! What's the chant? Is it long? Do you need a catalyst?
Joseph: I don't…
Clarissa (Joseph's Aunt): Rachel, stop it.
Rachel (Nun-in-training): What's wrong, Aunt Clarissa? Oh, I know! Perhaps you could help me, ~brother. What do you say? You want to help your little sister~?
Joseph: I can't use magic!
Silence.
Clarissa (Joseph's Aunt): Damn…
Rachel (Nun-in-training): …What?... But I thought… Oh God! I am so sorry. I didn't mean… I… I thought every noble was capable of magic… I always see young nobles accompanied by their magic instructors when they visit the basilica… I---
Joseph: Don't worry about it. The majority of nobles are indeed capable of using magic, while the ones that can't use it… well… let's just say that those of us that are born without being able to see particles are not very appreciated in the upper circles.
Rachel (Nun-in-training): …
Rachel (Nun-in-training): Joseph, I am sorry… I really didn't---
Clarissa (Joseph's Aunt): Rachel stop! Just let conversation end here.
The young nun was startled by Clarissa's declaration, but upon reflecting on the other party statement she concluded that following the advice given was really the best course of action.
Feeling dejected and unsure of what to do next, Rachel once again appeared in Joseph's field of view, with her hands clasped tightly together and her head sightly lowered, her lips, still visible to Joseph, moved letting escape a low murmur - "I am sorry", and then, this joyful girl simply stopped. She stood there, waiting…
Waiting for someone to take control of this interaction… she who boldy attacked a noble, she who refrained from using honorifics, she who seemingly always had control of the conversation… was now waiting for someone to take the lead… was waiting for forgiveness.
Joseph understood this and that's why he decided to move the conversation forward.
Joseph: Alright. Enough chatting. My mom and grandparents must already be on their way towards us. Let's wait for them at the basilica.
Clarissa (Joseph's Aunt): I agree. Let's enter.
Joseph and Clarissa quickly moved towards the double door that served as the entrance to the building, however Rachel stood still, not daring to move after them. Noticing this, Joseph quickly turned towards her.
Joseph: Rachel, are you coming?
Hearing her name mention, Rachel quickly looked up only to be met Joseph's confused look, which in turn confused her.
Rachel (Nun-in-training): You…You want me to come along?
Joseph: Why wouldn't I? I mean, you have already accompanied me half the way down the path so why stop here?
Rachel (Nun-in-training): I… I am not… I mean… Sure… Why not?
Joseph: Great. Let's go then.
Joseph turned his back towards Rachel and finally entered the basilica. And although he didn't see it for himself, he knew that the girl behind had once again regained her usual smile.
Rachel (Nun-in-training): Right behind you… Brother ~.