NOVEL WEB Chapter 15 – Regalus’s Magic
Althea had been learning horseback riding for two years and was now eight years old.
Her self-defense training, which she had been practicing since the age of five, had become more than sufficient. She was now capable of handling even attacks from ordinary adult men. Well, as long as they were truly "ordinary" men those extensively trained were a different story, that is.
By the age of seven, she had mastered self-defense techniques, and she was allowed occasional outings to certain areas within the territory. Concurrently, she also began her "ladylike education."
Althea, adept at physical activities, quickly excelled in dancing. However, other aspects of her education posed challenges that troubled her instructors.
It seemed like a daunting task for the young lady who still secretly climbed trees to learn refined manners. She tended to walk with large strides if she relaxed even a little, and progress in piano and embroidery was slow.
Nevertheless, thanks to the patient guidance of her teachers, she managed to grasp at least the basics of proper behavior.
Then came the "Azure Season."
In this world, there were four seasons: the Azure Season, the Vermilion Season, the White Season, and the Dark Season.
The Azure Season was relatively mild and warm, with flowers beginning to bloom, making it a pleasant time of the year. This allowed for various events to take place.
For instance, enrollment at the Holy Sacrament Academy was scheduled during this season, and the "Magic Aptitude Test," like the one this time, was also conducted before enrollment.
In this world, all children who reached the age of ten gathered at the Holy Sacrament Church over ten days, during which the "Magic Aptitude Test" was conducted in order of the countries.
The test determined whether a child possessed magical abilities and, if so, what type. Those identified as "magic wielders" would enroll in the Holy Sacrament Academy at the age of twelve, regardless of nobility or common status.
Interestingly, commoners whose children were identified as magic wielders upon enrollment in the Holy Sacrament Academy were thrilled, hoping for their children's future success.
The order of the ten-day "Magic Aptitude Test" was predetermined each year. The first two days were dedicated to children born in Potassio Kingdom, followed by two days each for other three Empires. Finally, the last two days were reserved for children from the Royal Grand Central Kingdom, those within the Duchy, and those affiliated with the church.
This year, it was Regalus's turn for the Magic Aptitude Test, so the family of four planned to visit the Holy Sacrament Duchy.
Normally, Althea wasn't allowed to leave the territory until the age of ten. However, with the king's permission, she was allowed to accompany them to the Holy Sacrament Duchy under certain conditions for this occasion.
Moreover, since this year also marked the Magic Aptitude Test for the Crown Prince of the kingdom, the security arrangements within the Holy Sacrament Duchy were stricter than usual, providing another reason for the special permission.
Nobles heading for the Magic Aptitude Test were expected to arrive at the Holy Sacrament Duchy on the designated day and make their own way there after scheduling their journey. Most nobles typically enjoyed family trips, making detours and stops along the way.
In contrast, it was challenging for common children to travel individually. Therefore, each country brought together children of the appropriate age and escorted them to participate in the Magic Aptitude Test. The chaperones included magicians and knights from each country.
In any case, since the permission for the outing, Althea had been visibly excited, almost to the point of being reprimanded by everyone for being too cheerful.
Three years ago, she had undergone the "Magic Sealing" ritual in the capital, after which she couldn't go anywhere outside the territory. Especially during the first two years, she wasn't even allowed to leave the mansion.
This was her first outing in three years, and she was ecstatic, especially because it was with her family. So, it was understandable that she skipped happily around the mansion, though she was scolded by Clara.
And finally, the day of departure for the Magic Aptitude Test arrived.
"Well then, we're off to Regalus's Magic Aptitude Test. I'm counting on you while we're away," Thomas said to Jude, who was both the butler and his personal attendant.
"Yes, leave everything to me, sir," Jude replied, bowing deeply. All the accompanying servants bowed their heads in unison.
The head maid, Ann, looked worried as she said, "Miss Althea, please, under no circumstances should you be alone. At the very least, take Laila with you... I've entrusted Laila with you."
"Hehe, Ann, you worry too much. Don't worry. ...But thank you for caring. I'll make sure to stay with someone," Althea nodded, smiling at Ann and Laila.
Laila, meeting Althea's gaze, also nodded, responding firmly to Ann, "Yes, I'll protect Miss Althea with my life—"
"Ann, it's okay. During the Magic Aptitude Test, we have to be apart, but otherwise, I'll always be with her," Regalus interjected, coming to Althea's side and embracing her shoulders.
"My lord..."
As Althea murmured, Regalus smiled gently at her.
Sigh... Regalus always has a way of taking over my responsibilities... Really, when it comes to Miss Althea, he even makes me feel competitive. I understand she's adorable, but still. But it's good that there are so many people looking out for her... Well, I won't let any harm come to her.
Watching Althea and Regalus, Laila pondered.
Accompanied by their servants, Althea's family set off for the Holy Sacrament Duchy via the capital.
It usually took two days by carriage or half a day by ship to reach the Holy Sacrament Duchy. However, due to the condition of being "specially permitted," the route via the capital was taken, extending the journey by one day.
This was because the road to the capital was better maintained, and this time, security was tighter, so the king had apparently instructed to take the safer route.
As they headed towards the capital, Thomas and Clara whispered to each other.
"Seriously, His Majesty is overly protective... It's not even his daughter..."
"Hehe, maybe because she's the 'beloved daughter' of his admired 'senior'?"
"No, that was like 15 years ago, wasn't it? ...And besides, 'admired'? Rohmund also said the same thing, but is it true?"
"Oh, didn't you know? When His Majesty was still the Crown Prince, you were his senior by three years, right? It's quite famous. 'The Triple Crown King, excelling in scholarship, swordsmanship, and magic,' is quite rare even in the long history of the Holy Sacrament Academy, so it's not often seen... He seemed to genuinely admire such a senior. With three years difference, there wasn't much interaction, so it was apparently difficult to approach him back then."
"Triple Crown King... that's a blast from the past... I had no idea he looked up to me back then."
"Many others, regardless of gender, admired him, you know?"
"...And what about you? Would you be happy if that were the case?"
"I wonder... Heheh."
"Hey hey, so my one-sided crush was real?"
"...There's no way. I was infatuated with you too, you know? ...Infatuated, not admired."
"What nonsense... Well, it's fine. Either way, I'm grateful for His Majesty's pure concern."
"Yes, it's better if nothing dangerous happens."
Regalus, sitting in the front seat, watched his affectionate parents playing around while gazing outside.
Beside him, Althea, who couldn't sleep the previous night due to excitement, had dozed off shortly after departure.
Knowing that sitting while sleeping was uncomfortable, he gently moved her head, which was leaning on his shoulder, down to his lap. Now, she was peacefully asleep, breathing softly with her head resting on Regalus's lap.
As he stroked his sister's hair slowly, Regalus remembered the moment when he activated his magic.
