The room had emptied. Only Noel and Charlotte remained.
She was still without her Sancta Veil active, her long pink hair flowing freely, her amber eyes soft under the ambient light.
Noel glanced at her. "How are you feeling?"
Charlotte gave a small smile. "I'm fine. It wasn't that bad, really. I just had to use more power than I expected. It's been a while since I last used one."
She moved closer, speaking more quietly now. "Since Orthran let me go this year, I haven't had to do many. He's the one handling most of the blessings now… especially the monthly one for the entire Holy Capital."
She looked worried. "I'm afraid he's overworking himself. That kind of pressure… can't be good."
Before Noel could answer, Charlotte stepped forward and sat down on his lap, curling herself slightly to fit against him.
Noel let her.
"We need to go let them know you're withdrawing from the tournament," he said.
"I know," she replied softly. "But let me stay like this for a little longer."
