NOVEL WEB Chapter 1 – The Miraculous Magic
"Once upon a time... There was a kingdom that was peaceful and prosperous. But one day, when seven particularly large stars in the sky aligned in a row, they emitted a light so intense that it seemed as if the heavens were about to split, enveloping everything in darkness.
After being shrouded in darkness, terrifying giant creatures that were considered symbols of malice emerged from remote regions, gradually tormenting the people.
The people despaired in the darkness, feared the attacks of the creatures, and lamented the end of the world.
However, the heavens had left a glimmer of hope.
In the moment before darkness covered the world, two maidens were bestowed with power under the brief light emitted by the heavens..."
One hour later...
"Big brother, why did you stop? Please continue!"
"Wait... I need to drink water first." Regalus reached out for a glass of water served by his butler and immediately gulped it down as if in a hurry.
"Brother...!"
"Okay... okay... ahem... For a moment, the Maiden of Dawn widened her eyes in surprise, but upon hearing the plea of the weakened Maiden of Dusk, she left the room. After confirming that the Maiden of Dawn had left, the prince came forward.
"...Forgive me for speaking so rudely in this condition. ...I don't have much time left. ――― I haven't told her, but on the night when the crest appeared on my chest, I was told that the magical power in my body was meant to be offered to the Maiden of Dawn. Until the prince retrieved the 'Sword of the Sun,' I had been gradually reducing the amount of prayer directed towards her. Otherwise, my magical power would have truly disappeared."
With a slightly sad expression, the Maiden of Dusk continued to speak to the prince.
"Your Highness, tomorrow, I will dedicate all my remaining magical power to the Maiden of Dawn. After the prayer is finished, stand at the entrance of the church with her, raise the 'Sword of the Sun' you brought back to the heavens, and say this:
[We, bearers of the 'Sun Crest.' Hear our wishes and dispel the darkness of the evils!]
The Maiden of Dawn also knows the words you should say, so please practice them later. To dispel the darkness and the monsters, it is necessary for 'two Sun Crests to align' and for 'the aligned crests to perform together.'"
"Understood. ...But if you offer all your magical power... What will happen to you?"
"It's okay. ...However, there is no replacement for 'not much time left'... For now, please think about the welfare of this country. As I mentioned earlier, once everything is settled, this darkness and the monsters should be swept away... Your Highness, please save my precious family and friends."
"...Yeah, I'll definitely save them with the Maiden of Dawn. ...I want you to witness that."
"Yes. ...Um, Your Highness, one last request..."
"What is it? If it's something I can do, I'll listen to anything."
"Tomorrow, when I offer all my remaining magical power to the Maiden of Dawn in the 'prayer,' please don't tell her. At least until the darkness is dispelled... Even if my time is running out, if she were to know, she probably wouldn't accept it. But it's already taking too long. There's no other way to save this country... I understand that I'm asking something difficult at the 'end.' But..."
"...No, I'll accept your determination and request."
"Thank you, Your Highness, I truly appreciate it."
Saying that, whether relieved or not, the Maiden of Dusk closed her eyes quietly.
Carefully leaving the room so as not to wake her, the prince informed the Maiden of Dawn about the events of tomorrow. However, he concealed the fact that the prayer from the Maiden of Dusk would involve offering all her remaining magical power...
The next day, the Maiden of Dawn headed to the room of the Maiden of Dusk as usual. Instead of lying down as usual and holding hands with the Maiden of Dawn to perform the prayer of sharing magical power, the Maiden of Dusk, today, leaned against the bed and sat.
"Oh, today you seem to be feeling good, huh?!"
"...Yes, thanks to the 'Sword of the Sun'... But, it's impossible for me to stand up and perform the ritual together. Ideally, all three of us should offer prayers together... I'm sorry. As always, I'll pray to you here. So please offer a prayer to the 'Sword of the Sun' on my behalf."
"I understand. I'll also pray with all my might. ...So let's dispel this darkness today. And when it's all over... as promised, let's enjoy tea together someday."
Upon hearing those words, the Maiden of Dusk, who smiled back with a smile, gently held the hands of the Maiden of Dawn and offered a prayer. After praying for about 5 or 10 minutes, the exhausted Maiden of Dusk slowly lay down on the bed, facing only the Maiden of Dawn, and said,
"...I'm praying from the bottom of my heart... My dearest friend, please save this country."
The Maiden of Dawn nodded and left the room.
After the Maiden of Dawn left the room who had received all her magical power from the Maiden of Dusk as proof, had the 'Sun Crest' floating on her forehead, not the 'Dawn Crest.' ――― The fact that the Maiden of Dawn would learn about this would only happen after everything was over.
Outside the room, the prince, holding the 'Sword of the Sun,' was waiting, and when he saw the forehead of the Maiden of Dawn, he momentarily widened his eyes, but without saying anything, he offered his hand to the Maiden of Dawn. The Maiden of Dawn also took the prince's hand without saying anything, and the two headed to the entrance of the church.
Standing at the entrance, the two raised the 'Sword of the Sun' to the heavens, locked eyes, and nodded, saying at the same time,
"We, bearers of the 'Sun Crest.' Hear our wishes and dispel the darkness of the evils!"
At that moment, just when it seemed like the 'Sword of the Sun' emitted a dazzling light, it rushed straight towards the sky, and as it collided with the darkness covering the sky, cracks appeared in the place of impact, and the darkness disappeared in an instant.
According to later reports, as soon as the darkness disappeared, the monsters that had appeared in the vicinity also vanished.
People who witnessed the miracle in front of the church shed tears of joy, truly praising the prince and the Maiden of Dawn.
While ignoring the crowd, the two hurried to a room in the church. ...To report to the Maiden of Dusk, who was the main contributor to this miracle.
However, when the two arrived at the Maiden of Dusk's place, she had already passed away, having taken her last breath with tears of joy.
Unable to stand, the Maiden of Dawn collapsed, and the prince supported her. Seeing this, the prince timidly asked the maid standing by the side of the Maiden of Dusk,
"Did we... not make it in time?"
"No, she watched you dispel the darkness and went peacefully. ...I also have her final message."
"...A final message...?"
When the two looked at the maid, she quietly shed tears and said,
"Yes. ...She sincerely thanks both of you. And she wishes for both of you to lead light to this country.…"
The Maiden of Dusk, a 'comrade' precious to both of them and a 'close friend' to the Maiden of Dawn, had quietly returned to the 'Sword of the Sun' in the depths of the northern cave, protected.
Afterwards, the prince and the Maiden of Dawn got married, contributing to the peace of the kingdom and living happily ever after...~ ...Hey, Althea, why are you crying?"
"Because... dear brother, the Maiden of Dusk is... pitiful. She became a shadow to the Maiden of Dawn, offering all her magical power. Was the Maiden of Dusk born just to offer her life?... If that's the case, it's not fair..."
"Ah... well... this is a 'Story of Two Blessed Maidens,' you know? It's not a true story, so don't cry so much..."
"Brother... if it's a story, wouldn't it be nice to make the Maiden of Dusk happy too? Even if it's just a 'story.'"
Now, Althea was visibly angry.
As the expressions of his sister Althea changed in a cute manner, Regalus, her older brother, smiled wryly and said, "Yeah, that's right. Honestly, in stories, it's nice when everything ends happily."
While saying this, he gently stroked her head and Althea replied, "Yeah."
Looking at her sister's face, which now turned into a bright smile, he thought,
Really, my sister has such an expressive and adorable face...
"Althea , no matter what happens, I will protect you. For that, I'll become stronger, like Father!"
Regalus said, clenching his fist with determination.
"Stronger? But Althea also wants to become strong like her brother."
"What? Well, being a strong noblewoman? Besides, you're already learning self-defense, and Laila is by your side. Isn't that enough?"
"But... I don't know what might happen, and yet Father just says it's no good."
"Well, it's natural... Besides, you can spend more time with your brother... Is that not enough?"
Regalus found it hard to oppose his cute sister, who looked at him with sparkling eyes, pleading. Indeed, there was no man who could resist such a plea.
"Ugh... Alright! Next time, when I'm going to talk something to Father, I'll also ask him..."
"Yay! Thank you, brother! I love you!!"
Saying that, Althea , clinging to her brother Regalus, was being watched with a fond smile by the maid Laila.
This takes place in the western outskirts of the Royal Grand Central, commonly known as the 'Frontier.'
In this world, there are three continents, with the largest one being occupied by the Royal Grand Central kingdom, covering three-fourths of it.
To the west of the RGC is a small but resource-rich country called Uranos. Although officially a friendly nation, the current king of Uranos is rather passive, and the border management doesn't seem to be very effective, leading to frequent activities of thieves and other criminals on the side of the RGC.
Among the remaining two continents, the second largest one currently has three countries: Radiant Sun Kingdom, Moon Eclipse Kingdom, and the Starry Stars Empire. About a hundred years ago, small nations engaged in frequent wars of aggression, but now they trade and live in peaceful times.
The last remaining continent is the small island nation of the Ecclesiastical Congregation of Sacraments Principality. It is considered a 'sacred' place in this world and serves as the central hub of the Illumi religion, functioning as a 'neutral independent vassal state of Royal Grand Central.'
The principality is governed by the Pope, who oversees the church, and by the Headmaster, who manages the academy. Both hold the special peerage of Grand Duke granted by the RGC kingdom. 1This was similar to Vatican City inside Italy
In charge of guarding the border with Uranos Kingdom from the central hub of the Royal Grand Central is the recently ascended archducal family, trusted by the royal family and possessing the greatest military force and largest land territories. It is the military family where Regalus and Althea were born.
Their father is Archduke Thomas Von Monclair, with platinum blond hair and sapphire-colored eyes, a handsome and strong man. He has held various positions, such as a general and a magic knight in the capital, and is still admired by many.
Their mother is Clara Von Monclair. With brown-blond hair and purple-blue eyes, she attracted attention before marrying into the Frontier as the daughter of retired Count Monte Del Salvador. She was renowned for her beauty, being ranked alongside the current queen as 'Elegance' and 'Butterfly.' Rumor has it that all the unmarried male nobles in the capital cried when she married. While the truth is uncertain, she remains beautiful even now.
The siblings, inheriting the best traits from their parents, had such beautiful appearances that it would be a waste to confine them to the Frontier.
The elder brother, Regalus, two years older, inherited the same platinum-blond hair with a slightly wavy texture, and the purple-blue eyes from his mother. His features were firm, giving off a slightly stern impression.
Althea, the younger sister, had hair that appeared white due to the play of light, and her eyes, like her brother's, were violet-blue inherited from their mother. Her silver hair color was a throwback to Thomas's mother, their grandmother. With round and large eyes, she looked extremely cute, and the entire family, including the servants, loved and cherished Althea sincerely.
The turning point in Althea 's life and her encounter with the story of the 'Two Blessed Maidens' happened on her sixth birthday.
Among the numerous presents from the people in their territory was the story of 'Two Blessed Maidens.' Althea, attracted by the beautiful 'illustrations' in the book, felt an impulse to "read it."
While she could read a bit, being only six years old, the recommended age for the said book was around ten. Unable to read some characters, Althea asked Regalus to read it for her.
Althea had been learning self-defense since the age of five.
The reason she started learning was an incident when she was five years old, where she was almost kidnapped. Due to this "kidnapping attempt," Althea met the maid Laila and, until the age of 10, was unable to leave the territory...
The story goes back one year to when Althea was 5 years old.
Despite her adorable appearance, Althea was a tomboyish and very active child, running around inside the house, the backyard, and all around the fence surrounding the estate, climbing trees without hesitation.
One day, while running around the garden as usual, Althea happened to find a "hole" in the fence at the far end of the backyard, where people rarely ventured. There was just enough space for a child to pass through. Unable to resist the impulse to explore, Althea secretly passed through the "hole" and decided to explore the town on her own.
Although she didn't often go out to the town, she had a fair number of "acquaintances" from smiling and greeting everyone when she went out with her mother and brother.
Moreover, this time was a "secret" outing. There was no way she wouldn't be excited, and in her curiosity, she roamed around until she found herself at the outskirts of the town.
At that moment, she happened to encounter a recently escaped ragtag group from the neighboring country, who were nothing short of thugs.
For the thugs, Althea was the perfect target. A "noble's child" with an angelic cuteness that could be mistaken for an angel. There was no reason not to target her.
The moment Althea made eye contact with the thugs, she recognized them as "people she shouldn't approach" and tried to run away. However, they were adults, and escaping from several of them was impossible.
No!! I'm scared... I don't want to get caught!!
With a strong determination not to be captured, Althea unconsciously activated "magic."
The magic she unleashed was "earth magic," forming a sturdy dome of earth to cover Althea.
The thugs were surprised, but since it was just a child's magic, they thought it would collapse with a little force. They tried to break the dome-shaped earthen wall with a stone nearby.
While they were attempting this, the head of the border guard house, Hanny, and several other guards rushed to the scene, and the thugs were apprehended.
Hanny's timely arrival was because a familiar adult from the estate, upon seeing Althea walking without an escort, contacted the border guard and reported the situation.
Upon receiving the report, Hanny, thinking that the child might be Lady Althea, hurriedly headed to the outskirts of the town. However, when they arrived, there was only the ragtag group pounding on the dome-shaped earthen wall. Hanny arrested the thugs for the time being and questioned them about the girl inside the dome.
"It's a child. The child made it. We just wanted to play with the kid, but she got scared and hid behind the earthen wall on her own. We didn't do anything wrong."
The headstrong Althea, who thought, "I don't want to be caught!" unconsciously activated "magic."
The magic she activated was "earth magic," and it created a sturdy dome of earth covering Althea.
Even as Hanny listened to Althea's half-crying voice, he glared at the thugs.
What did they think they were doing, wanting to play? That energetic and friendly Lady Althea found them 'scary.' I won't forgive these guys. —Before that, how do I rescue her? Maybe asking Lord Thomas is the best option...
Upon seeing the earthen wall dome, Thomas momentarily doubted his eyes.
It was a very first-time magic, and moreover, an unbelievably sturdy earthen wall activated by a 5-year-old, making it seem like an advanced class magic.
This kind of thing... Can it even be made by an intermediate class? And my daughter, still only 5 years old...
Another worry crossed his mind, but first, he needed to rescue her. Placing his hands on the earthen wall, Thomas began chanting what seemed like half-a-minute long incantation.
As soon as Thomas finished chanting, the once formidable earthen wall avoided Althea and returned to the original soil.
Safely rescued, Althea, after being embraced by her father and brother, shed large tears and cried for a while before eventually falling asleep.
The next day, when Althea woke up... of course, everyone in the family... no, even the mansion's servants scolded her.
Initially shrinking at the scolding, Althea started to smile a little when she felt that the scolding was coming from everyone's concern and affection. Consequently, she was scolded even more.
When the scolding settled down, Thomas, her father, called her, saying, "We are heading to the capital urgently. Althea, come along."
Althea wondered why her father suddenly decided to take her to the capital, but being just a 5-year-old girl, she suppressed her curiosity and felt the joy of reuniting with her cousins after a long time and the excitement of seeing the unfamiliar capital, her eyes sparkling.
Contrary to Althea's excited anticipation, her mother and brother, who knew that the worst might happen, and that she might not be able to see Althea for five years once they reached the capital, did not look cheerful. Thomas, noticing their expressions, whispered softly,
"It's alright. Althea will definitely come back. Don't make such faces. ...Althea might get anxious."
He said with a smile to both of them.
"Yeah, it's 'you,' so it should be fine... dear, take care of our child."
Clara smiled and replied, snuggling up to Thomas.
Holding his hands tightly, Regalus listened silently to his father and mother's words, then lifted his determined face,
"...Mother, I also believe in Father and will wait for Althea's return."
After conveying this to his father, Regalus turned to Althea, hugged her with a reassuring smile, and said,
"Althea, could you please tell Mythril and Lilac that I said hello in the capital?... I really wanted to go with you, but I have various classes overlapping, so taking leave suddenly is difficult. I'm sorry."
He said with a slightly melancholic voice, unnoticed by Althea.
"...Is that so? I thought big brother was going too... Father, is it because big brother can't take a break until his day off?,"
"Ah, yeah, it's impossible this time. It's sudden, but we have to head to the capital immediately."
"So, will it be just me and Father going without big brother?"
"That's right. ...Althea, you're not worried being just the two of us?"
"No, I'm not worried. I'm not worried, but... it's just lonely that we can't all go together."
"I see, I see. Well, let's make sure that we all go together next time we head to the capital."
Thomas patted Althea's head and said.
Looking at Althea's innocent smile, Clara and Regalus returned warm smiles while nodding.
The next day, the carriage carrying Thomas and Althea left the Monclair residence.
Clara, Regalus, and all the mansion's servants prayed from the bottom of their hearts for Althea's safe return, watching the carriage depart.