GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation

Vol 2 - Chapter 20.2: Inheritance

As they approached the carriage, the robed woman and the crusader who had been standing guard both gave small, respectful bows, their heads lowering just enough to show deference without taking their attention fully from their surroundings. The crusader's hand remained near the hilt of his sword, ever vigilant despite the seeming peace of the Academy grounds.

Vel stepped into the carriage, and the door closed behind him with a soft click that seemed to shut out the world. The interior was plush with white velvet cushions and gold trim—far more luxurious than anything he'd experienced in Elnor.

The scent of jasmine and something distinctly church-like—perhaps sacred incense—filled the small space. Landre sat across from him, her posture perfect as she regarded him with those serene eyes. She said nothing, simply studying his face with an expression he couldn't quite read.

The silence stretched between them. Vel shifted uncomfortably on the cushion, suddenly aware of how different they had become. The sister who had taught him letters and dreamed of becoming a Saint now embodied that dream so completely she seemed almost untouchable.

"It pleases the Light to see how you have grown in wisdom and strength, dear brother," Landre finally said, her voice maintaining that practiced, musical quality. "May Shizka's radiance continue to guide your path through the hallowed halls of learning."

She maintained the façade for three more seconds before her lips twitched. Then, like sunshine breaking through clouds, her formal expression cracked into a mischievous smile—the same one she had worn when they were children.

Without warning, Landre lunged forward, throwing her arms around him with such enthusiasm that Vel nearly fell backward against the carriage wall. Her formal robes rustled as she squeezed him tightly.

"You don't know how long I've been waiting to do that!" she exclaimed, her voice suddenly free of its measured cadence and full of the familiar warmth he remembered. "All that standing around looking saintly—do you have any idea how hard it is not to scratch your nose when you're blessing people?"

The gesture took Vel by surprise. The formal Saint who had glided across the Academy courtyard with ethereal grace now clung to him like the sister he remembered from their childhood in Oakhaven and Elnor. For a moment, he almost didn't know how to process the sudden shift—this mingling of the divine figure she had become with the familiar sibling he knew.

Then he let out a smile and returned her hug, feeling the tension leave his shoulders.

"That!" Vel said with a chuckle as they separated, "was not necessary. I understand you have to maintain appearances in front of people, but you could just meet me at the lodging, you know."

Landre pulled back, adjusting her slightly rumpled robes with a sheepish grin. "And miss the chance to see your face when I stepped out of the carriage." She attempted to mimic his expression, widening her eyes and dropping her jaw in exaggerated shock.

"I didn't look like that," Vel protested.

"You absolutely did." Landre laughed, the sound light and musical even without the affected saintly tone. "I've missed you, Vel."

The honesty in her voice touched him. Despite the grand robes and the reverent whispers that followed her, she was still his sister underneath it all.

"Well, you're just Lan-neechan to me," Vel said with a grin. "No matter how many fancy titles they give you."

Landre's expression softened as she settled back into the plush cushions, her earlier formality completely dissolved now that they were alone. "The academy gave you any trouble?"