The next day, the ceremony began at the cathedral. Hundreds of people were in attendance. Outside, thousands more crowded the gates to the cathedral, hoping to get a look inside. The Undine Knights had their hands full keeping the crowd under control. Saito, meanwhile, watched the proceedings inside from a perch on the building opposite. Tabitha had come with him and similarly monitored the crowd. Not much was said between them, both were focused on watching for trouble.
Thankfully nothing had happened, and the two separated. Saito went to bring Louise back to their new room, but she was in deep discussion with the other Priestesses so he decided to leave her to it. The only one not among them was Tiffa, who sat in another room by herself.
"Hey Tiffa, good job out there. I'm sure it wasn't easy," Saito said, walking over. Tiffa smiled at the boy, "Thank you. It was easier knowing you were there watching." Saito sat down next to her, "I hear this whole ceremony is supposed to go on for two weeks. You really are amazing, wanting to go through it." He stretched and yawned, the long day finally getting to him. The boy noticed the Tiffa was regarding him with a strange expression.
"Um, is something wrong?" He asked. The half-elf looked him in the eyes, "Saito, I have a favor. Can I ask you?" "For you? Sure, ask me anything," Saito replied. Tiffa leaned in closer, "Then, can you kiss me?" Saito blinked, "Come again?" "It's really important... Please?" She asked, a bit nervously. "Can I ask why?" He queried.
"Well you see," Tiffa began, hesitantly. "The other night when I was out with Mr. Colbert, he was helping me to do a Summoning Spell. Right when it happened, you fell from above." "Ooohhh," said Saito with understanding. "So that's why you two were out late at night!" He scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "I didn't even see the portal when I fell, my eyes were closed..."
"Because of the circumstances, I have no idea if I did the spell wrong, or if you were whom I summoned," Tiffa explained. "You came down exactly where my portal was made." "I see," Saito replied. "Is it even possible for two Mages to summon the same familiar though?" "I'm not entirely sure," she admitted. "But I have this burning question going through my mind, and I have to find the answer. Do you understand?"
Saito nodded, "I get it. Alright then, since it's that important, I-" He's cut off by the door opening, Malicone and Mon-Mon walked through. "Hey, you two!" said Mon-Mon, raising a hand in greeting. "How was the ceremony today?" Saito sighed, "Thankfully uneventful." "You two look pretty serious," Malicone added. "Did we walk in on something?" "Kind of," he admitted, standing up. "I've gotta go get Louise and bring her back to the room."
Saito turned to the half-elf. "Tiffa, what we were talking about before? Let's pick it up a little later, alright? I promise I'll help you figure this out." Tiffa nodded, not wanting to potentially kiss Saito in front of others anyway. "Let's meet by the fountain," she replied. "Oooh," said Malicone, his hands to his cheeks. "Is Saito planning a rendezvous?" The boy and half-elf turn crimson at the suggestion.
Mon-Mon thankfully ended the issue, punching the young Knight on top of his head, making him drop to the floor and a welt rising where her fist made impact. "Jeez Malicone, use some tact!!" She scolded angrily. Saito sighed, "Thanks Mon-Mon." With that, he left the room to get Louise.