Is that so, Lady Ellaine? Why, considering that your father was just elevated to a higher rank, you should have expected that you would receive more attention. Not like you hadnt already.
The invitations have been piling up, Lady Severa. Its gotten to the point that I wish Lady Hestia would drag out to do more Quests, just so I can have more excuses to refuse them all.
Well, it is sothing youll have to just bear with. Even Cernust and I have things to sort out before we can advance to the next phase.
It has been three days since the orphan trafficking incident on the midnight of the 17th. After receiving rather chilling information that a demonkin had infiltrated the lycerepth entourage, most of us couldnt get a real rest that night.
Of course, since it was important for her safety, Hestia did warn Saintess Eshes knights to be wary of them, using Goddess Aurena as an excuse for knowing about it. We swore our loyalty to our Lady. Even if the opponent was the Holy Emperor, we would stand with her, they replied with conviction. They were the ideal knights to .
Still, even with that news, it wasnt as if we could run up to the lycerepthors and denounce one of them as being a demonkin. KleaHatma clarified that demonic mana surrounded all the lycerepthors like cloaks, and assud the demonkin did it to hide their existence. While she could detect the demonic mana, she wasnt capable of pinpointing the source in her current state.
KleaHatma also inford us that her forr compatriot the Demon of Envy could fully transform themselves into whatever form they wanted, making them one of the best infiltrators. If their descendants inherited this power, like the Prince of Envy impersonating the Pope did, then it could be any one of those lycerepthors. Maybe even the judge, Pestrodus.
As such, instead of trying to expose this nace, it was better to take cautionary asures like informing His Majesty. For whatever reason this demonkin was in Griffonpeak at this mont, it couldnt be good.
Also, I heard that his Majesty summoned Hestia and that she had to apologize for endangering herself by going into Shaturein. I was surprised I wasnt punished for not stopping Hestia. She was a very, very important foreign dignitary, even if she didnt act like one all the ti.
Lady Ellaine, is sothing worrying you, again? Snapping out of my thoughts, I turned to face the person I was having my lunch with Severa Moreschi, daughter of Viscount Moreschi of the Lecartiglio duchy.
Ah! I apologize, that was rude of , I responded, embarrassed at having been caught spacing out.
Its fine. You have much to think about, but this is your lunchti. You should eat before, uhm, you have a physical education period today, correct? Your body will need energy for that.
Mhm, thats right. Thank you.
Honestly, she and I beca good acquaintances in such a weird way. While so many other noble ladies approached to get closer to Hestia, and lately to get closer to my house after father beca an arcanuess, Lady Severa approached to deliver a ssage from Hestias acquaintance Cernust.
In the letter, the aforentioned Cernust complained to Hestia that Lord Duke Greenveil had hired him to regrow the woods the rachonoid queen destroyed during the dungeon break in Cedaraille, and that he was recomnded by her to Lord Duke Greenveil. There was so much to do that he could neither visit his Princess, Hestia, nor his beloved, Lady Severa, in Griffonpeak due to this request.
Regardless, while I had ntioned briefly eting Lady Severa the day they encountered the grimgarian battalion, I didnt think I would et her at the royal academy. I ant, actually speaking with her instead of just greeting each other in passing. I havent been particularly popular at the academy for a while now, so I found it surprising that sobody approached without any political agenda.
This all happened after the ball, so I was already on edge with so many noblen and ladies trying to smooth talk themselves into becoming friends. I knew they were only interested in Hestia and the rumors of the partnership between father and Lord Duke Greenveil. I was just their middleman.
Its such a difference now that I have sobody to talk to in the academy. My life really was lonely before, huh?
After my father was honorably elevated to the rank of arcanuess by Lord Duke Greenveil, my ti in the academy had also changed. Despite the royal academy advertising that rank didnt matter here in this educational system, there were still a lot of ways to segregate students from others. For example, the three cafeterias and how they were decorated.
The first, and most lavishly decorated of the lot, was reserved for the children of royalty, greifnobles, and arcanuesses, the second was for the rest of the nobles, while the third was where commoner students ate. From what was explained, this system was there to allow students to comfortably eat and talk with each other, but I guess its just a way to keep those of a similar ranking together to bond with.
As much as the royal academy wanted to imitate Aleistunum culture, where students could actually learn without fearing ranks, our academys board of directors proved to be a thorn to this plan. As the board was made up of high-ranking Artorian nobles, it was obvious decisions would be made to favor the nobility. While commoners could still learn here, they certainly didnt have it easy.
At the very least, the food was kept at the sa quality for each cafeteria. The only difference between the cafeteria I used when my father was a count and now that he was an arcanuess was really only the decor and people around. At least I was allowed to invite whoever I wanted to co eat with .
After spending a good lunch break with Lady Severa, the bell struck, signaling the end of the break and the ti to return to class. Ignoring everybodys inquisitive eyes, I said goodbye to Severa and walked over to the classroom for my next period agriculture and farm managent. To a noble from the Greenveil duchy, including this lesson in your schedule was as normal as a Morgiana noble attending magic courses.
Now, as you already know, mana concentration in the soil usually acts as a growth accelerant. Not only does it aid in the harvest yield, but it also nurtures beneficial critters like worms and various insects which help break down fertilizer faster. A simple question to start off the class, then. Why is it recomnded to keep the mana concentration low? the professor asked, pointing at a male student to answer it.
Monster spawning, of course. Since farms are cultivated by serf villages, it is best if we do not risk large monster spawnings and instead save on the pay for guards. So mana is good, but too much, and the risks will outweigh the benefits.
Correct! Moderation is best in this case; however, recent studies done by the researchers in the Magical Capital have discovered that the type and quality of mana can have a significant effect on the end product of a crop.
Sobody raised their hand at this mont, wanting to ask a question, which the professor accepted.
Professor, isnt this already well known? The reason why Belzac herbs are potent is due to the area they grow in. The mana in the Belzac forest is so ripe that the quality of herbs grown there and here in the kingdom differs starkly.
Yes, but do you know what produces this mana? Nobody answered. It is a known fact that different creatures produce different types of mana. The mana from a dragon and a human cannot be compared. Spells also change the property of mana to a different elent, similar to how elentals do it. However
Picking up his mana pen, the professor began writing on the fairnite board, imprinting blue glowing words for everybody to read.
How does this work? What makes the mana in the Belzac forest different from that of the farms in Greenveil Duchy? How is the mana from a monster different from that of a human or beastman? Is there an organ that produces this effect or is our blood and mana connected in so way? From the notes of Goddess Chihiro, research has also been done on uncovering genetics and how it might be involved in the different types of mana.
The revolution queen, Dravlia Kongun, who later beca known as the Goddess Chihiro, was most likely the most important person for Peolyncas developnt in the last 200 years. A transmigrator from the sa world as Hestia and Saori, she was a wellspring of innovative ideas and a champion of progress. Even after her death and apotheosis, her notes and inventions still aided us in research like this.
I do wonder what Hestias and Saoris marks on the world will be. But then again, they will outlast quite a lot of people due to their lifespan. Even .
I raised my hand. Professor, while I do understand this is a very fascinating topic, your excitent might be diverting us from the primary subject for today. How can different types of mana affect crop quality and is there a way to recreate this?
Ahh, I apologize, Miss Ellaine. This is sothing I shouldnt take away from your magic theory professors, haha! Now, to answer your question
As I was about to begin writing down my notes, I overheard so students speaking behind my back. Improving my hearing through skills really helped.
Tch, the teacher actually raised an interesting point and she wants the boring facts weve already read from the textbooks.
Mhmm. Dont you think shes gotten a bit arrogant with her houses recent success? The rumors even say shes beco a retainer to that Lady Hestia.
Flies buzzing around.
I ignored them and continued writing down every word my professor spoke, planning to organize them into proper notes afterward. Mother ntioned this was how she taught herself to make notes since it helped you beco a better listener, a valuable trait for court politicking. Well, not like it will beco useful for .
Do you think she might just be bored from staying here? Why hasnt she requested a ti off yet?
Whether it was during a tea party or at the academy, gossiping was not an uncommon occurrence. However, it wasnt like this one was wrong. I was bored. Every week, five days in a row. Academy in the morning to dull my senses, and more in the afternoon to drive to tears. I would only be introduced to sothing fun and interesting in the evening.
Maybe I really was becoming spoiled recently. Becoming a mber of Aurora has not only helped deal with so of my personal problems but also helped beco much stronger. In addition, ever since I t them, I cannot tell how often Ive thought, My heart is about to stop! Not in a bad way, but in a good way.
My life after father stopped training with brother was just dull and dreary, to be honest. I lived the life of an average young noble lady by speaking with the people my parents wanted to be acquainted with, learning the skills necessary to beco a proper noblewoman, and just not acting out to sha my house. Well, not like I was that successful with that last part.
But, after Id visited the Cedaraille dungeon and fought that lightning wyvern, my mundane life just seed even more mundane. It is the breaks in between these monts that really invigorated . My training with father, my adventures as a mber of Aurora, and Master Grimnirs loud voice pounding in my eardrums whenever I made a mistake with repairs. Spending ti with genuine friends and surviving through our antics made all of the academy and tea parties just annoying.
Well, speaking of genuine friends.
I looked around the room, trying to find Alia, but it seed like she wasnt here. For a daughter of a commoner woman, Alia always was quite the workaholic and perfectionist. She had to prove herself to her noble peers as the daughter of a duke.
Even if her half-siblings would inherit their fathers titles and land at the end of the day, Alia couldnt escape the life of a noble even if she took over for her grandfather and beca the president of the Sarlenzia company. Their most prominent custors were aristocrats, after all.
As such, it surprised that she wasnt here today. Even if she knew the subject like the back of her hand, she would be here for the sa reason I was here.
Reputation and image.
I promised father to attend the academy to help restore my damaged reputation from rejecting my birthright and handing the inheritance to brother without a proper duel. Outside of Brother dropping from the academy, everything went alright after I returned.
But, Alias business wasnt mine anymore. Considering how much of a selfish friend I was to her, I did not deserve to ddle in her affairs anymore. We had to work together and maintain a good enough reputation for our respective houses, but our friendship was no more.
I shouldnt get distracted. Its still a long way until I can go ho. Haaaaa, I wish I had a way to speed up ti
After what felt like an eternity, I managed to endure through additional classes until it was ti for physical education. Compared to the training I suffered through with either Father or Hestia, this seed more like a warm-up for , even while the non-knight students struggled to catch their breath.
After doing so laps and stretching, it was ti for so Elental Barrage, or, as Hestia called it, Peolyncian tag. Apparently, this exercise was a bit like an Earthly ga called tag, but we could use magic and unard abilities. No weapons or lethal attacks, of course.
[Welp, more training to fight against multiple targets, Ellaine. Get ready.]
[Urgh lets see if I can do it again. Three in a row, I wonder?]
There was also another distinction it was everybody for themselves. The person with the most people tagged out wins. There were no official teams.
After accepting a room key from the receptionist of the training building, I went over and entered a small private changing room. Since privacy was important to nobles, the academy was funded enough to afford rooms for three classes worth of students to change at the sa ti. Inside one, I changed to the academy-issued training outfit.
Should I bring it with today, again? It dangles too much without my chainmail.
I was speaking about my [Necklace of Vampiric Undying]. You could say that Im feeling a bit paranoid after what happened with that lightning wyvern. Even if the Goddess and KleaHatma were ready to save at the last mont, I couldnt argue that I was this close to dying. To , it felt as if ti had slowed down, letting have enough ti to think of everything that occurred up to this mont.
Except when bathing, I havent gone anywhere without this necklace. Even when I sleep, I keep it on. Life is too precious to die this young, and this necklace is here to grant that second chance if that does happen. It doesnt grant any other benefit outside of a single death save.
[If youre that nervous, you should just bring it with you, Ellaine. A humans mortality is far too short for you to worry about death this much,] KleaHatma advised.
[I know,] I acknowledged, putting the necklace back on. [KleaHatma I have a question. Do you fear death?]
[You are asking a being whose only binding to life is this little speck of mana inside your rings. Have you forgotten that Aurena destroyed my soul?] I looked at her bitterly, realizing that was a bit insensitive of , but KleaHatma simply laughed it off. [Hahaha, oh, dont give that look, dear. Ive lived a life too long for you to ever understand. If it werent for my hedonistic tendencies, I would have accepted death as the sweet release from my immortal coil. Mhm, to join my compatriots. It wouldnt be so lonely anymore.]
KleaHatma had been imprisoned inside that dwarven ruin for over 2000 years, and was only recently released by Hestia and the others. Her soul was destroyed and she was made to do my biddings in order to continue surviving. It was pitiful, to say the least.
Stop. As a demon, one of the creatures deed enemies by the Origin Gods, I shouldnt feel sympathy for her. I should rember that she will do anything to free herself and restore her soul and body.
I gave a solemn nod of understanding to KleaHatma and exited the changing room and went outside to the training grounds. As I entered it, the effects of the mana barrier began to affect . This was a barrier designed to temporarily reduce Strength and Intelligence, while raising Vitality and Wisdom. It was there to reduce the likelihood of death.
After doing so laps and stretching as a warm-up, it was ti for Elental Barrage. After making sure I was limber enough, I turned around to see all my classmates glaring at . If I had arrived earlier at the academy, I could have joined the PE classes suited for the knight students. However, as I didnt, the ones I was facing were those with little to no combat experience.
Still, they knew I was their biggest threat. It has been like this for nearly a month now. I have participated in this four tis now. In the first, I dominated everybody since they didnt expect to have improved too much, while I lost the second before I realized too late that everybody was aiming at . For the last two, I was prepared and went in to win.
Today, for the fifth match, it wouldnt be any different. Three wins in a row, that was my goal.
The potency of the barrier has been increased. Everybody ready themselves Begin!
It wasnt even a contest.
Even without my sword, Ive more experience fighting as a mage due to Mothers and Hestias training. Even with all the projectiles shot at at the beginning of the fight, I managed to use wind and earth magic tactically to escape everything.
There were fire, water, wind, and earth mages as well as those from knight houses amongst my classmates. However, unlike a well-practiced party, they werent able to show enough coordination to defeat a single superior opponent. I wasnt fighting against 22 nobles, I was fighting against a mob.
The match is over! Final tally Lady Ellaine Helvas at 18 points, Lord Oliver Farsrein at two points, with Lord William Colhan and Lady Beatrice Catrina at one point each. The winner is Lady Ellaine Fierro Helvas!
When the match looked unbeatable, the remaining nobles turned against each other to gain so points before I could finish them in a clean wipe. Well, not like it mattered to . A win is a win. And with that, the day ca to an end.
Without changing my clothes, I picked up my belongings from my private room, intending to leave before everybody else finished changing. My classmates would shower with worthless flattery and other gestures if I didnt leave imdiately. I wanted to avoid that as best as I could.
As I was about to leave, I noticed a few young n waiting outside. Nobles were allowed to enter the academy with their retainers, that was why the academy also had a sizable commoner population amongst the students. Those who ca from humble hos and those who swore loyalty to a noble house either by themselves or through their family.
If these students were the retainers of my classmates, then that probably ant my noble peers noticed avoiding them. These young n were here to stop , most likely. As such, I went over to the back entrance and used the stealth training I received from Saori to its fullest, sneaking away from everybody right under their noses.
As I let out a sigh of relief, I suddenly noticed two people hanging out in the shadow of a nearby building, the one Principal Thyra was building for her new classes. Since it was afternoon, the construction work has stopped. Still, entering the building wasnt allowed for safety reasons.
Probably should leave. Not worth getting in trouble for eavesdropping.
Turning around, I began making my way to the entrance. Usually, after all the classes were over, most students would et up at the communal building to spend ti with each other, while the knight and magic-focused students left for training.
I had training with my father. Gargoyle usage was only allowed at specific locations to prevent air traffic, and one of those places was the academy entrance. I heard Hestia was coming back to the city today after testing out her portal system, so I definitely have to
Well, my dear Lady Alia, I hope we have a deal~
I imdiately activated my stealth skills and snuck behind a corner, perking my ears in the direction of that voice. I took a peek, recognizing a tall man in silver-gold armor speaking with a young girl with green and lilac hair. The mans grood light green hair was pretty noticeable, even without his armor.
Lord Charleslyt, there is no deal. If you wish to make your fiance, go to my father and ask him for my hand. My marriage is not for alone to decide on!
Huh?! Marriage?! Hold on, who is marrying who? Alia?! Lord Charleslyt?! What?!
But, Lady Alia, was my proposal not very enticing? Considering my standing and how the church supports my every action, it would boost your own image even more. Think of the acknowledgent and respect you can gain by joining .
I couldnt stop myself. I couldnt look away nor stop eavesdropping. The mont I heard Alias na, my body just instinctively hid behind this corner and began listening to what was going on.
It was even more surprising when Lord Charleslyt was nad. Who was he but the most popular noble in the kingdom right now? Even the crown prince, an incredibly handso and capable man destined to rule the kingdom one day, is less on the mind of young ladies than Lord Charleslyt.
Although he wasnt the heir, he still was Duke Equevannas second son. He was not only a B rank adventurer but he was also supported by the church in the effort to beco a champion of the Goddess. If you heard this, any father would want this person as a son-in-law. Even if his reputation wasnt the most stellar thanks to the rougher mbers of his party, he was known to be cordial and a smooth talker inside the court.
And he is also the one who took in Jonathan. He is my brothers party leader. And now he is speaking with Alia about marriage.
However, without any warning, Alia pushed Lord Charleslyt back. E-Enough. I dont care what you have to offer or whatever you think I need, Lord Charleslyt. You shouldnt drag an unmarried woman into a lone place like this. Please, if you want my hand, talk with my father!
Mhmm, I see, Lord Charleslyt nodded, raising his hands as he walked back slowly. I apologize, but please see this as a gesture of my feelings for you. Still, I promise you, if we were to be wed together, I would make sure that the Sarlenzia company never faces any hardships ever again. I shall help you make it the best rchant company in the west. Please, consider this when you inform your honorable father, Lord Duke Greenveil.
And with a flamboyant bow, Lord Charleslyt left Alia. Graduated nobles were allowed to visit the academy, but Id never seen one of them visiting just to offer his hand to a girl. Maybe Im just not popular enough to know about it.
After he left, I watched Alia, who let out a deep sigh and began leaning her back onto the wall, looking unnerved as she tried to calm her breathing. Noticing sothing was wrong, I walked over to speak with her. Shes not my friend anymore, but that doesn't an our past friendship was a lie.
Alia?
Kyaaaak! Alia scread, covering her mouth with her hands. E-Ellaine?
Im sorry! So sorry, I didnt an to scare you like that, Alia. Uhm, well, I saw that you werent looking very well, and we arent allowed to enter this building so Well, are you alright?
Y-Yes, thank you for worrying about , but, why are you here in your training clothes? Why do you sll like sweat? She pinched her nose, making conscious of what I was wearing in front of her.
I-I ran away before I could take a shower. To avoid everybody, you see. The changing room had a small restroom with a toilet and shower. I could have showered, but that would have delayed my escape.
I see You have it hard, too, she nodded before eeking out a sentence, Uhm, uhhh, d-did you hear anything?
I guess that would be sothing you wouldnt want to get out of. The other girls would tornt her if they knew Charleslyt had offered her his hand.
Dont worry, my mouth is zipped. If my word isnt enough, then Ill swear it on my houses honor, Alia, I replied.
T-Thank you, Ellaine. She smiled softly.
But, what was that about? Why did Charleslyt ask for your hand in such a forceful manner? He should have formally asked for you by making the request to your father. Even if Lord Duke Greenveil and Lord Duke Equevanna do not have a good relationship, it would be better than this.
Rumors could start if sobody else saw this scene. Considering how Alia was currently viewed by the noble lady society, rejecting Charleslyt would be a massive blow to her reputation and image. You cant just reject the most popular bachelor in Artorias without people speaking about it.
Please, I dont want to talk about it. As expected, Alia was less inclined to bring the topic back up. We should leave before a professor finds us here, and, uhm, Ellaine, I apologize.
I raised a brow. Hmm? Why are you apologizing, Alia? If soone should apologize, it should be for selfishly aband
No! she interrupted. Im really sorry that I couldnt stop him. Im really sorry, Ellaine. And with that, she left in a hurry, as if she was running away from sothing.
Who is him? What does she an by that? Urgh, what is going on in Alias life right now?
But did I deserve to know about it? Was I qualified to question her any further?
No.
I left the academy by flying on my gargoyle. I returned ho, learning from Josine that father had to call off todays training since so complications happened at the yeast factory. Since he had to check on it, I was free for the afternoon.
After taking a shower, I went over to the RV, noticing it had returned. When I entered, I heard from Tasianna that Hestia went over to Mothers room while Saori went over to Muraina to ask about Tasiannas problem and Master Grimnir continued working on Hestias and Saoris weapons.
How were the tests? Did they work? I asked Tasianna while helping her with the garden.
Perfectly! We only tested it from Cedaraille to Griffonpeak, but it seems like there werent any complications regardless of who used it. The only issue was the mana cost, which was daunting, to say the least.
How much is it from Cedraille to Griffonpeak?
For Lady Hestia? Nothing, since shes the owner. However, for anybody else, well, it used up half of my mana pool, for reference.
H-Half?! You have the second-highest mana pool in our party, even more than Saori in her fenrir form! I cant afford that!
Dont worry, it seems the teleportation also accepts mana from your catalyst. The one I have, which was blessed by Goddess Zephira and Kiiro, has enough to pay for my trip.
Is that so? Then we probably should acquire so more catalysts in that case. My spell rings are used to cast spells, they arent there to store large quantities of mana.
Yup, that is the plan! Tasianna exclaid excitedly. Master Krymdar already showed how to make catalysts, so all we need to do is gather the materials. Ill use this chance to train myself. When Lady Hestias and Miss Saoris catalysts are returned to us with their enchantnts, I must always be ready to repair them!
I gave her an affirmative nod. Seeing Tasianna like this is always a treat.
After that, I left to et up with Mother. Josine inford she had letters for . Inside, I greeted both mother and Hestia, where I learned that Hestia had received a letter from Da Yorshka.
Haaaaa, the letter says the ssage that she sent to my dragon mother was intercepted by two snow wyverns Im supposed to know. Apparently, those wyverns are now taking the letter to the Nordor clan in Loatryx and then will send it to my dragon mother, Hestia explained.
That that ans
Yeah, we need to stick around in Artorias for a while. I an I cant accept her as my mother right now, but she still is, right? I an, if I thought of her as my real mother, I would do my best to et up with her again. Not complicate things by running around.
By your real mother, you are speaking about your human one, correct? Not the Sixth Dragon Empress? my mother asked. There was a lot of mother talk between the three of us.
Yes, that is correct. Im not thinking as Hestia about the situation, but whoever I was back on Earth. lloxtressa is a stranger to , plain and simple. But I do want to soothe her. I cant imagine how much she was suffering after losing my egg.
To a mother, her child is everything. If I had lost Jonathan or Ellaine when they were just a newborn, I would drown myself in sorrow, mother said. You are doing the correct thing, Lady Hestia. Now that Ellaine is here, please, these are the remaining letters for each of you.
Hestia and I both received a pile of letters, all coming from nobles. Most of them were from young noble ladies who invited us to their tea parties while a few asked Hestia to join them for a ball at their domains. Among them, three ca from Lady Duchess Morgiana, Lord Duke Greenveil, and Lord Grand Duke Myrrdin. In other words, the people Hestia should ally herself with.
Jeez, another load of this? Lady Marianne, havent I explicitly stated that I wont be joining any tea parties? I agreed with this statent.
Now, you two, mother scolded us for our responses. While I understand Lady Hestia saying this, you should know better, Ellaine. Tea parties are a great place to form bonds of friendship and make allies. It isnt too bad of a proposition, no?
But they are boring, mother, I stated for the both of us. You should know it best as a lady. All of these tea parties are just social and political battlefields, where becoming true friends is not on anyones mind. It is analyzing your peers, assessing if they are allies, neutrals, or enemies, as you told .
Hestia nodded. Exactly. My first tea party with the Chezaic twins was just a political play for us, right? To uncover their familys role in the Davison problem. Even if I joined now, all of those ladies are expecting to appear just so they can advance their houses ambitions. Everybody wants to speak with , right now, and, once my dragon mother arrives, it will beco even worse!
Mother stayed silent, having already heard this argunt before. Understanding what she was intending to do by accepting these letters, I had to speak up. Mother, I know you want to do this for . Like at the last tea party, having Lady Hestia accompany to a tea party would help my reputation, but Im not interested in such a sche.
Relying on Hestia wasnt the way to go. I would just be considering Hestias retainer at that point. To make my family proud, I needed to achieve my own rits. I needed to change everybodys opinion with my own hands. I didnt want people approaching to et Hestia, I wanted them to be like Lady Severa.
Please, send them back. My mother agreed, reluctantly.
There was still one more letter addressed to Hestia, and this one was surprisingly coming from the cathedral. Specifically, the cardinal.
Burn it, Hestia responded after she read it, looking irritated.
Huh? But why? I asked.
The cardinal wants to invite to et , but sothing tells it wont be as simple. Why hasnt he sent an invitation up until now? I even announced my relationship to Goddess Aurena at the ball. After that ti with the spies, I just dont trust this guy at all. Lets just stay away from him for now.
In Artorias, if the cardinal of the cathedral asked for a eting, even His Majesty couldnt outright refuse it without a proper excuse. However, Hestia was about to burn the letter. Not sending a response, even if it was a refusal, was simply antagonizing the church. Even if Hestia was the Goddesss champion, that went too far.
Lady Hestia, please, reconsider it. Not sending a reply can already be considered extrely discourteous, but this is the cathedral we are talking about. While I agree with your wariness, considering how late it ca, you should still visit the cardinal.
Why, Lady Marianne?
Because you are already known as her blessed, Lady Hestia, mother firmly stated. From your explanation of what an idol was, I understood it as being soone whos well-known and well-loved. Although you are a champion, your description made it sound more like youre actually a saint. You wish to bring people hope and happiness, only without all the sermons and religious justifications. Am I not right?
Hestia scratched her neck, giving a delayed yes, to mothers reply. She did elucidate that an idol on Earth was mostly a musician and entertainer who was extrely popular, who fully embodied the concept of the word idol soone ant to be admired or revered by her fans.
Translating words and concepts from another dinsion or world to ours was a bit tricky. The idea of Hestias aning of idol wasnt sothing we were aware of, although it could be comparable to that of a saint or a popular noble.
In any case, since you are using the Goddesss na during your concerts, it would be best if you got better acquainted with the church. The church and their Gods blessed have always been the supporting foundation for all the six Origin Gods faith, after all. Also, unlike our High Bishop Theodore, the current Cardinal of Artorias, Bennard Bonovier Gillsna, abuses the goodwill of Lord Grand Duke Olivus too much. Usually for bad gossip, from what I heard.
What mother just said could be classified as heresy against a high-ranking clergyman. After all, cardinals who act as the spiritual representatives for a country were usually appointed by the ministers of Aureolis. People like Lord Grand Duke Olivus or His Majesty could give recomndations, but, as ntioned, they were only recomndations.
Lady Hestia, I think it would be good if you accepted it, I supported mother. Uno only found out that the cardinal had been spying on us, but he hadnt discovered the reason. Saori might not have detected any spies since then, but who knows when the cardinal might act again. It might be better to just confront him and learn his motives.
A direct approach, huh? Hmm, yeah, lets do that. Staying too passive wont do any good when I have to stay put until my dragon mother arrives. Still, I have a bad feeling about it.
Well, I dont think its anything unusual. Our partys luck is extrely bad for our health, hiehie.
Hey, hey! Dont say it like that, Ellaine! Youll jinx us at this point! Just because we et giant monsters and weirdly aggressive people sotis doesnt an our luck is that bad!
Hearing all of this Oh my sweet son and daughter. Following in the footsteps of your parents and facing such audacious events. The life of an adventurer is not good for my heart, you two children.
Mother, forgive !
But, even if our luck was that bad, even if our constant confrontations with all of these threats was becoming the norm instead of the exception, I still felt more excitent being an adventurer than being a normal noblewoman. I felt alive here.
I have no regrets.
I was proud to be a part of Aurora.
User Comments
0 comments from readers