Author: alyalia

It was not just that.

 

“B-Brother? What’s going on?”

 

She appeared quite startled by his appearance.

 

Theonis’s eyes narrowed as he looked at Selleana. “Why… are you acting like someone who’s been caught plotting a treason, huh?”

 

“What treason?” Selleana pouted her lips as she received the books Theonis handed over to her one by one. The books piled next to her on the ladder were no different.

 

Tactics in Cosmos Battles

The Evolution of Empire Swordsmanship from Asmion Style

 

Theonis’s brows furrowed involuntarily. He decided to believe her for now despite the blunt question, but everything about his sister’s recent actions seemed suspicious.

 

“Have you suddenly become interested in swordsmanship…? I heard you used a wooden sword at the treasure hunt.”

 

Uh, well…” Selleana trailed off, flustered by Theonis’s interrogation. It’s because I’m looking for information about the tower master’s sword… but I can’t tell the truth.

 

Until now, Selleana had freely used the information guild of Doloret as if it were her own and enjoyed the support of Elard to her heart’s content, but this time, she had to find out on her own.

 

“…Lady once asked what my relic was. That is… the founding king’s treasured sword.”

 

Even as he said it, a fearful look was evident on Rakrensius’s face… The moment she saw that, she had an intuition that he shouldn’t share this with anyone. Not even with the friends from the Transmigrator Club. That’s why she hadn’t brought Michi along, especially not to Theonis.

 

Maybe there’s a clue in what brother learned at the academy or as an heir to Elard…

 

“No, Lady. That’s not it… It doesn’t work that way.”

 

In any case, it seemed like a bad idea to create any chance of leaking Rakrensius’s secret.

 

Selleana quickly changed the subject to something Theonis would prefer to hear. “Just, I haven’t looked at the kingdom’s history in a while after borrowing various books from the magic tower.”

 

“Is that so?”

 

Mmm. Anyway, did you search for me?”

 

Selleana quickly tidied up the place and climbed down the ladder, just in case her brother got any wrong ideas. In the meantime, she arranged the books in a way only she would recognize for easier retrieval next time.

 

“What’s going on?”

 

Ah, that’s the thing.” Theonis momentarily remembered his purpose for visiting and lightly shook the letter he was holding. “There’s a letter…”

 

“With the Rondel crest?”

 

“Exactly.”

 

There was a brief silence between the siblings.

 

Ah, damn it… Selleana cursed under her breath, a curse Theonis pretended not to hear. He tapped the corner of the letter envelope against his lips and looked down at his sister before slowly opening his mouth.

 

“Lea, can I ask…?”

 

Hm?”

 

“Why are you avoiding Prince Erenst?”

 

“…”

 

“I was thinking if I could possibly help sort it out.”

 

Selleana bit her lip at her older brother’s gentle tone. Yeah… There’s no way Brother Theo wouldn’t have noticed.

 

The last time when Prince Erenst suddenly appeared, she had lied consistently about Michi’s whereabouts. Getting Theonis’s cooperation would definitely make things easier since Prince Erenst respected him more than her. But she couldn’t just tell the truth.

 

Suppose I mentioned transmigration and the original story, saying that Prince Erenst is such a character. In that case, I might end up being dragged to the great temple again and be exorcized…

 

After a moment’s hesitation, Selleana came up with an excuse that was somewhat true to the facts. “Michi doesn’t want to be swayed by status.”

 

“Swayed by status…?” Theonis’s brow furrowed.

 

Wouldn’t becoming a princess consort normally be considered a good thing?

 

“Michi was originally a commoner.”

 

The fact that Michi was a commoner was a secret even to Elard.

 

“But after hanging out with me, she saw how a lady is treated. Since she’s my maid, nobody dared to mistreat her. She realized how people are treated differently based on their status.”

 

Hmm.”

 

“But what if she suddenly marries someone of much higher status and is looked down upon by her spouse for her humble origins? Even if that person is blinded by love now and willing to do anything.”

 

“… That’s a possibility. And if Lady Branto’s commoner background comes to light, it’ll be even more troublesome…” Theonis seemed to find Selleana’s words somewhat reasonable.

 

Indeed, in the original story, Michi suffered because she was a commoner and a maid.

 

“Well… I’d probably not just congratulate Charlton if he were to marry Lady Gillosen. Not knowing how he would be treated there.”

 

It seemed the lesson on perspective had hit home.

 

Charlton, being the aide to the heir of Elard and a commoner who graduated top of his class from the academy, wasn’t exactly a perfect comparison.

 

It would be hard for a maid favored by Lea in Elard to receive better treatment in the Laten royal family… The Laten royal family would have its own calculations regarding the youngest son’s marriage, and it would be unlikely to welcome a sudden obstacle.

 

Hmm, then there’s this.”

 

“Is it another visit from that prince?”

 

“Yeah. He said he’s brought the herbal tea samples he mentioned last time.”

 

After a moment’s thought, Theonis handed the letter to Selleana. The words in the letter were written in a fancy script, but to Selleana, it seemed like nothing more than pretentious ostentation.

 

“…Though it talks about business, in the end, it’s about arranging a meeting where Lady Branto can join.”

 

Uhm…”

 

“Lea, if it’s alright, could I speak directly with Lady Branto?”

 

“Y-You mean you, Brother?”

 

“I know you care for Lady Branto like a sister… But, after all, Prince Erenst is elevating this to a matter between the Laten royal family and Elard.”

 

Theonis’s words were undeniable, making Selleana frown reluctantly.  So far, Selleana had prevented even her brothers from speaking with Michi, ensuring her maid’s face was seen only in Selleana’s quarters, away from any men of the ducal house, regardless of their status. But if Brother Theo helps, it would be really reassuring…  She couldn’t afford to be petty if Prince Erenst displayed his otherworldly obsession.

 

“Alright. I’ll talk to Michi.”

 

If causing Michi and Theonis to meet created problems, it would still be lesser compared to the troubles of getting involved with the original male leads.

 

* * *

“Blessings on your soul’s journey between life and death. Sister Agnesia, hears the voice of Orot.”

 

“Welcome, Sister Agnesia.”

 

It was in the small chapel prepared within the great temple.  A place set aside within the sanctuary where priests reside for personal prayers and confessions. For a saintess to call her into such a private space…

 

Agnesia sat opposite the saintess with a nervous heart. I didn’t do anything wrong during the hunting competition… She had completed the blessing without issue and hadn’t caused any problems elsewhere.

 

Michi had secretly stayed at the temple’s encampment, but Elard had withdrawn so quickly that it hadn’t been discovered. The closing ceremony’s burnt offering went reasonably well, except for the greasy gaze of Karl Gotenfrid. But…

 

“It’s not for Orot’s followers to deny their destined place. Leakage is out of the question.”

 

Recalling those words that had been troubling Agnesia for over a fortnight, she couldn’t face the saintess with total confidence.

 

“I called you here to commend your dedication during the last hunting competition.”

 

Ah, it’s an honor…”

 

Was it nothing serious? But it was uncommon for a saintess to meet a priestess alone in the great temple.  Agnesia worked hard to think past her serene façade.

 

“You seem nervous.”

 

Arshilla’s black eyes stared intently at Agnesia. Though her eyes seemed to smile with the arcs they formed, no warmth was reflected in that gaze.

 

“May I have your hand for a moment?”

 

“Pardon?”

 

“Let’s pray together.”

 

Arshilla placed her palms up on the table, extending both hands. This wasn’t something Agnesia could refuse. Receiving the saintess’s blessing was a privilege eagerly sought after by many.

 

Mesmerized by Arshilla’s dark eyes, Agnesia placed her hands on top of hers. As their fingers touched, Agnesia gently closed her eyes…

 

“You don’t need to be so nervous. I really came to encourage you.”

 

The word ‘encourage’ sounded a bit significant, but Agnesia didn’t notice.

 

“May Sister Agnesia walk the life of Orot’s daughter with the blessing of equilibrium.”

 

“Orot’s blessing.”

 

The blessing of equilibrium, the highest form of prayer spoken in the order. Maybe it was because of the saintess’s recitation, but Agnesia felt a sense of fullness in her faith. No matter how mediocre Agnesia was considered as a priestess, she had grown up immersed in Orot’s teachings. As she slowly opened her eyes, the kindly smiling saintess’s dark eyes came into view once more.

 

“I hope this helps you, Sister Agnesia.”

 

“Thank you…”

 

Perhaps it was the saintess’s blessing, but as Agnesia left the chapel, her steps felt lighter. It seemed as though she had found a thread to untangle the worries that had been troubling her recently.

 

“You’ll have to throw a fastball directly at least once.”

 

Selleana had given this advice when she mentioned that Karl Gotenfrid had been looking for her again during the hunting competition.

 

Yes. She couldn’t just keep avoiding the situation.

 

My biological father too… I’ll have to stop them, so they won’t bother me anymore. 

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