It took a long time for Anastasia to fully explain to Asuka what had happened during the ceremony. The Trinity did her best to calm her anger as the princess went on. It did not help when Anastasia broke into tears a few more times trying to get into detail.
"My anger won't help in trying to help her," she thought to herself.
But she couldn't help but clench her fist whenever Sebastian was mentioned. To her, he had manipulated a clearly vulnerable child into involving herself with the most vile of characters. And it was clear from the hurt in her voice when she spoke about him that she had grown feelings for the man. She could only imagine how that kind of betrayal felt. How hurt would she be if Arthur betrayed her?
She did her best to hide it but Anastasia noticed and found delight in that.
But there was another man that caught the attention of the Trinity. Saint Claudius. From the little Anastasia said about him, she figured he must be a high ranking member of the cult. And knowing that someone that important and seemingly that powerful regularly makes visits to the city complicates things.
"Could he know of our mission? I doubt it, but I wouldn't be surprised if he could sense the emotions coming off of Anastasia to know that she's not really one of them."
"Not to mention the fact the Anastasia is still a princess," Annie added, "We don't know the origin of the man so he could be a fallen noble for a we know. Especially with how it seems he carries himself. Her life may have been secluded, but there's no way a noble would have never seen her. And with how strong he seems to be, he would have no problem recognizing the anima of the princess. No matter what seals we used."
That was a major concern that Asuka had yet to think of. But the longer she thought about it, the more sense it made. Despite their sheltered and spoiled lifestyle, there are many reasons a noble would abandon their status. Especially for one higher than their previous one.
She was going to ask for more details, but Annie thought that it would be best to leave it at that.
"It's been a long day for her. She needs to get some sleep first, then get some more details another time. Not to mention you need rest for your "training" tomorrow with Kopika."
"Yeah. I guess you're right. But do you think it's a good idea to leave her with her thoughts? I doubt she's ready for that. I've been and it's not a good place to be."
"She's not," Annie replied coldly, "But when is anyone ever truly ready. If one only does something only when they feel ready, they will accomplish nothing. She must face them now."
Asuka's reservations remained, but she knew Annie was right. As they got ready for bed, Anastasia suddenly spoke up as if she suddenly remembered something. Asuka looked at the girl with a concerned expression waiting for the princess to talk.
"There was a boy. I met him at the meeting. I don't know his name, but he had a lover who died. Bishop Sebastian said that he could've prevented it from happening and it seemed the boy hated him for it."
For a moment she went silent. Asuka practically see the gears in her head turning trying to piece a puzzle.
"At I thought he simply tried to save her and failed. But… what she was actually killed in one of those gatherings. One that he was apart."
That last part was laced with resentment from the princess. But she quickly took a sigh and continued.
"Point is, there is someone part of the cult that can provide us with information and perspective the bishop won't tell or show us."
"Are you saying that you're going to try and talk with this boy," Asuka asked.
"What other choice is their. If we're going to take these bastards done, we'll need all the information we can get. Plus, I want a better understanding of what's happening to these people."
Asuka didn't reply immediately, but she didn't need to. Knowing what she was thinking, Anastasia responded before she could reply.
"I know you're concerned about me. It's appreciated. Truly. But we are still on a mission here. We can't afford to let things like emotions get in our way."
"That's what I'm worried about."
Anastasia's face was stern, but seeing and feeling Asuka's warmth softened her.
"I'll make sure to not push myself too hard alright. But seriously. I want to leave these fucking city."
While her experience in the city was far from the princess, Asuka understood the sentiment. She highly doubted she would ever return to Aboa no matter how much she or time moved on from those events. But she couldn't help but feel the opposite. There was a piece that she had yet to discover that drew her to the city. After the mission was over, she wouldn't have minded staying a while to uncover that piece of her.
But that was something to think about in the future. For, the mission took top priority.
"Alright," she finally responded, "Mission first. Maybe after it's done, I can take you to my home town. There's this place that make absolutely amazing pudding called "Spotted Dick".
The princess politely declined that offer.