The day after returning home, I pondered my next steps. First was enrollment—I’d report to the academy in a few days. Preparations were complete, no worries there.
Second was Weihui’s situation. After talking with Father Sir, I reasoned that since she’d replace me as heir, she needed basic combat ability—at least enough to protect herself. Though frail and lacking elemental affinity, many professions remained open to her, especially with good gear. Father Sir agreed to arrange tutors and plan her path.
Lastly, yesterday’s missed opportunity. Due to unforeseen events, I hadn’t clarified my identity to Saches in person. It was unavoidable, though. I messaged him via communication disc, inviting him over. I’d hosted him before, but this time I added that the recent turmoil had settled and I wished to discuss its outcome. He replied instantly: *On my way.*
“Weihui, what should I wear to meet a friend at home?” I used to be casual—just trousers and a shirt—but I wasn’t sure about standards now that I was a girl. “Actually, skipping a change might be fine. This house dress feels comfortable enough.”
It was yesterday’s purchase: a thin white silk gown. Soft against the skin, perfect for lounging—though technically meant as sleepwear.
“You can’t wear *that*, Sister!” Weihui protested fiercely. “It’s sleepwear! Utterly unseemly. And so sheer—even a little dampness would make it see-through.”
“But changing is such a hassle. Does it really need to be formal?”
“What you’re about to discuss *is* formal! This is improper. Change now.” She’d stopped asking. Pulling out the formal dress I’d bought yesterday, she moved to undress me.
“Fine, I’ll change myself.” I sighed. *When did my obedient little sister become so bossy?*
Saches arrived promptly—he’d always valued punctuality, preferring to wait rather than be late.
I stood solemnly in the center of the parlor, awaiting him.
“Saches! Welcome. Please, sit and have some tea.” I gestured warmly.
“Oh! Miss Lefur—the Angel from yesterday!” His face lit up. “My deepest thanks again for your aid. What brings you here? Visiting as Weihui’s friend?”
“...Not exactly. I live here.” I gathered my thoughts. “There’s something I must explain.”
“You *live* here?” Surprise flickered across his face. He sipped the tea I’d poured, then focused intently. “Speak freely.”
“First—don’t be shocked. I’m a Rebirth Angel. Reborn just last week.” Starting here felt safest.
“I’ve heard the Breath of the Sun Church employs many such Angels.” He nodded slowly.
“My rebirth was... an escape. A fresh identity.”
“An escape? A new form?” His eyes narrowed, understanding dawning.
“Yes. No one knows the murderer from last time was me.” I smiled lightly, rising. “I’m Wald, my friend. Even you failed to recognize me. Seems no one can.”
“Wald?! You’ve become—” He shot up, then sank back, stunned. “So the ‘resolution’... was rebirth as an Angel? Quite the transformation.”
“Wald is gone. I’m Lefur now—Lefur is fine.” I grinned, enjoying his bewilderment. Teasing him was fun.
“But... why female?” He studied me. “To hide better?”
“Not at all. Have you ever seen a male Angel in the Breath of the Sun Church?”
“True. I’ve heard it’s divine design.” He pondered, then stiffened. “Yesterday’s questions... You were *testing* me?”
His face darkened. No one liked deception.
“Ah... I wasn’t sure. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have lied.” His anger unnerved me—I backed down quickly.
“You always do this.” He downed his tea, temper cooling. “Next time, don’t expect my help. Though I doubt I could assist anyway. Was revealing your rebirth the only reason you called me here? What now?”
“Precisely...” I detailed everything: the nature of Rebirth Angels, recent events, and my upcoming enrollment at the Imperial Kingdom Academy.
