Chapter Text
5.23.1204 - Sunday (Free Day)
Once done reporting on Class VII’s exploration of the old schoolhouse to Principal Vandyck, Rean decided to go into town and relax.
As he walked past the noble and commoner student dorms however, he couldn’t help but get distracted as he neared the town’s chapel.
There seemed to be a new nun sweeping the entranceway, likely to prepare for that day’s evening mass. Although, something about her just seemed familiar to Rean.
I’m probably just imagining things. Rean thought to himself as he neared the chapel. Still, should I stop by and greet her?
Ever so curious, he decided to go say hi the nun.
“Good evening, Sister.” Rean said as he approached her.
“Oh, good evening. You’re Rean Schwarzer from Class VII, correct?” the nun greeted as she stopped sweeping.
Rean was taken aback by how the nun already knew his name and which class he belonged to at Thors.
Oh right, I suppose these red uniforms are a dead giveaway. Rean thought to himself as recalled his class’ unique uniform.
One good look at her vibrant light blue eyes and blonde bangs poking out beneath her coif were enough to make him recognize her despite the change in wardrobe.
It was none other than one of his very own schoolmates.
“That’s me. Ah, now I remember. You’re Rosine from Class V, correct?” Rean asked.
“That’d be correct.” Rosine replied.
“I didn’t know that you were a nun.” Rean commented as he looked the sister up and down.
Not in an inappropriate way, of course.
“Teehee, you flatter me. I’m only an apprentice nun currently.” Rosine revealed. “Still, I plan to give my all to the church. Even if it means that I’ll be too busy to join any school clubs.”
“There’s nothing wrong with not being in a club. I may be biased though, since I’m not in a club myself.” Rean shyly admitted as he scratched his head. “As far as I know, it’s just a school tradition most first years follow if they find the right group.”
“I see, that’s reassuring to know.” Rosine noted.
“You looked busy earlier, I should let you get back to that.” Rean replied upon noticing that she was still holding a broom.
“I’m just cleaning the entrance path, don’t worry.” Rosine assured him.
“It’s getting late though, why don’t I help you out?” Rean offered. “I wouldn’t want to get on Aidios’ bad side for distracting a member of the church from one of their tasks.”
Rosine paused and gave his offer some thought. It really wasn’t that much work she had left. If anything, she’d be the one wasting his time. But still, one look at him proved that his offer was made earnestly. A little help from her schoolmate wouldn’t hurt.
“Well, if you insist. The church always welcomes volunteers.” Rosine replied.
With that, Rean waited outside while Rosine went inside the chapel to look for an extra broom.
“Here you go.” Rosine said as she exited the chapel and handed him a broom.
“Thanks.” Rean replied as he got to sweeping alongside Rosine.
As they cleaned the entranceway together, Rosine couldn’t help but notice that Rean was better at using a broom than she had anticipated given his background as a noble.
“Is something the matter?” Rean asked her upon noticing Rosine staring at his handiwork.
Rosine blinked in surprise that Rean had somehow noticed her staring, her arms freezing mid-sweep. Did he somehow sense her looking at him?
“Oh. Truth be told, I’m just surprised that someone of your status would help me with such a mundane task.” Rosine admitted. “Please, don’t take any offense. It’s just that Lotte sometimes tells me about how some of the noble students she cares for do little to clean after themselves. Since they usually have servants back home cleaning after them.”
“None taken. While my family did have a maid come by to help around the house, Maple didn’t work for us full time. So my sister and I usually would help keep our home clean by doing chores. I would also shovel snow around the village with my dad in the winter.” Rean explained. “I suppose you could say that it was instilled in me as some type of nobleman’s duty to take care of their territory.”
“Duty, huh?” Rosine repeated to herself as she reflected on her own responsibilities given her role in the church.
Looking down at the medallion that hung around her neck whenever she donned her habit.
“Although, I’m sure someone who’s only recently begun their training to become a nun doesn’t need someone like me lecturing them on doing what they’re called to do.” Rean noted as he began thinking about his relationship with his family and his reason for enrolling at Thors.
If Rosine knew, she’d probably think I’m a hypocrite. Rean scolded himself as he turned his head away from her.
“Actually, I-” Rosine began to say before stopping herself.
She had wanted to correct him about mistaking her training starting only recently, but that wasn’t something for him or any of her peers to know.
Was I somehow comfortable enough to share that about myself? Rosine thought to herself before thinking about what else she should say.
“Actually, I began my apprenticeship back in my hometown a few months ago before enrolling here.” Rosine explained to him.
Giving Rean an earnest smile so that he’d take her word at face value.
“Oh, I see. My mistake, sorry.” Rean replied as he turned back to look at her, having no reason to doubt Rosine at her word.
Why did she pause? Rean questioned before dismissing the thought.
The two continued talking, their conversation shifting over to how their classes were going. Before the two knew it, the entrance path was cleaned.
“Well then, looks like we’re done here.” Rean commented.
“Indeed. Thank you very much, Rean. Thanks to your help, I was able to finish cleaning much sooner than I anticipated.” Rosine informed him.
“Alright, here you go.” Rean responded as he handed the nun the broom she had lent him. “I’ll be heading back to the Class VII’s dormitory then. Have a good evening, Rosine.”
“Thank you. Have a good evening as well, Rean.” Rosine replied before retreating inside the chapel.
As Rean made his way over to his dormitory, he couldn’t help but take note of something Rosine had said earlier.
Wait, how did she know that I was noble if I’m not wearing a white uniform? Rean questioned to himself before coming to the most likely answer. Oh right, I haven’t really done much to hide that I belong to House Schwarzer.
Regardless, Rean couldn’t help but feel as if his bond with Rosine had strengthened.