Althea: The Legendary Saintess [Shoujo]

On the third day's afternoon, they arrived at the Monte Del Salvador Residence in the royal capital, riding in a carriage.

At the residence, they were greeted by Rohmund, the master, along with his wife, their children Mythril and Lilac.

Mythril and Lilac underwent their 'magic measurements' last year. Mythril exhibited the 'fire attribute', while Lilac appeared to lack any magical prowess.

"Welcome, brother-in-law, sister-in-law. It appears Regalus is finally of age for his 'magic measurement'. Congratulations."

"Thank you. But I can't shake the feeling of imposing every time we visit the capital. ...As the children grow, I've been considering the idea of acquiring a separate residence here."

"Why speak of such things, brother-in-law? We're more than happy to have you here..."

"Indeed, and I, too, anticipate returning to our family home... No need for the trouble of a separate residence."

"Your sentiments are touching, but as the children enter the academy, they'll likely spend more time here... The Monclair territory is quite distant..."

"Whenever you're here, our home is yours. Besides, it's quite the honor to host you in front of His Majesty."

"Haha, Rohmund, your flattery hasn't dulled a bit. For now, I'll accept your gracious offer."

"Please, make yourself at home... By the way, I heard Regalus has already shown signs of magic?"

"Yes, about a year ago. He appears to possess the 'wind' and 'water' attributes... Unfortunately, I wasn't present at the time, so I can't say much... During Althea's magic activation, I was called away to dismantle an earthen wall dome, confirming her 'earth attribute.'"

Thomas felt a pang of regret for missing his son's magic activation. Rohmund, noticing his mood, offered comfort, saying, "Truly, they take after you, brother-in-law. Both showing signs of magic before ten. We thought neither of our children had magical abilities, but Mythril's 'fire attribute' is a pleasant surprise."

Rohmund himself lacked magical affinity, and although his wife possessed the 'fire attribute', it wasn't notably potent.

It was a joyful moment for the Monte Del Salvador family to discover Mythril's magical affinity. As above average military family, proficient in swordsmanship, unlocking magical skills widened their combat prowess. Rohmund, the second captain of the Royal Guard, lacked magical abilities but excelled in swordsmanship.

"...You're fortunate, Rohmund."

Thomas patted him on the shoulder, to which Rohmund replied, "Brother-in-law... Thank you... Uh, s-sorry. I tend to get carried away when talking to you... It's not wise to linger here, let's head this way... Mythril, Lilac, please guide Regalus, Althea, and the others to their rooms."

With that, Rohmund led Thomas and Clara to the reception room.

The remaining four children decided to take their luggage to their rooms first.

Regalus would share a room with Mythril, while Althea would stay with Lilac. After settling their belongings, they agreed to meet at the entrance to explore the city.

As soon as Lilac led Althea and Laila into the room and closed the door, she embraced Althea.

"Althea~. It's been so long. Since we came to the capital three years ago, let me recharge~."

With her luggage in one hand, she hugged a puzzled Althea. Seeing this, Laila gently pulled Lilac away from Althea.

"Lady Lilac? First, let me assist the young lady with her luggage."

"What? What??... You're a maid, right?"

With a slightly sharp look, Lilac spoke.

"Yes, I've been serving as Lady Althea's personal maid for three years. My name is Laila."

In a bow, Laila introduced herself.

"...Hmm~... I thought it was just going to be Regalus... Laila, are you a rival too?"

Pointing her finger sharply at Laila, Lilac said.

"Y-Yes, I understand. I've felt a strong connection with Lady Althea since three years ago... Ah, but I don't dare to consider myself her sister... However, I vow to protect her at all times, from the depths of my heart."

"Is it because I'm so cute? I always think, if only she were my sister... But you, and Regalus, always interfere..."

"Lord Regalus? Ah... I understand."

Looking somewhat distant, Laila said, and Lilac, finding a kindred spirit, leaned forward with joy and said, "See? Because he's my cousin, he always monopolizes Althea... He's really cunning..."

While observing as Laila and Lilac seemed to hit it off,

I'm glad~. I'm happy they're becoming friends... I love both Lady Lilac and Laila.

thought Althea, interrupted by a knock on the door.

"Althea, is everything alright? It's getting late, so I came to fetch you..."

It was Regalus's voice.

Lilac and Laila exchanged glances, and before Althea could respond, Lilac answered, cutting her off.

"...Not yet. We're still unpacking... Can't a gentleman wait a bit longer?"

"It's Lilac... Althea, leave the unpacking for later and come. Lilac, you too..."

"What do you mean 'too'!"

Lilac, provoked by Regalus's words, impulsively opened the door.

Seeing Regalus's smiling face, Lilac thought to herself,

Lord Regalus is quite charming...

And then, with Jean and Laila as escorts, the six of them ventured into the city. Of course, they had parental permission, but Althea was required to "always hold someone's hand."

Observing Regalus and Lilac bickering at the entrance, Laila patted Althea's shoulder sympathetically, saying, "You're in for it..."

"When both of you hold Althea's hands, how about that? If you keep arguing, it'll be dark before we can explore the city."

It was Jean who suggested. The two nodded in agreement.

"All right..."

haaa... finally, we can go out...

thought the composed Laila.

As they stepped into the city, everything sparkled for Althea. Since their last visit three years ago, she had only seen it as "scenery"; it was her "first tour of the capital."

"Althea, over here, over here. This is 'Madame Precious,' where we ordered dresses last time we visited the capital. It's not an exaggeration to say that the trends of not just the capital, but the entire Royal Grand Central Kingdom, start here. Come on, let's go inside."

Dragging her along, Lilac entered the shop.

As they entered,

"Welcome...? Oh, yes... Welcome. How can I help you?"

The shopkeeper turned around while speaking, then froze.

Without paying attention to the shopkeeper's reaction, Lilac spoke.

"Good day. Is Madame Precious available?"

"U-um, yes... she is... May I ask... who you are?"

The shopkeeper, regaining composure, now kept glancing at Regalus.

Haha, she's curious because my brother looks so charming. I understand, I understand~...

In her heart, Althea boasted about her brother.

"I am the daughter of the 'Count of Monte Del Salvador.' And these are my twin brother... and my cousins. Please inform Madame Precious that the 'Monte Del Salvador Count's children' has arrived."

"Y-yes, of course."

When the shop assistant disappeared into the back, Althea slightly pulled the hand she was holding with Lilac and said,

"Hey, Lilac. I felt like that person seemed scared at the end. Why?"

"Oh, probably because, despite being 'commoners,' they were asked by the 'nobility'?"

"Why would they be scared when asked by the 'nobility'?"

Regalus, who had intruded between Lilac and Althea, answered.

"Because there are some among the nobility who discriminate against commoners."

"Discriminate? Aren't we all just humans?"

"That's true, but... many nobles don't think that way. They treat commoners like possessions of the nobility. It's honestly not pleasant to watch."

"But my father doesn't say things like that, right? He always says, 'We can live like this because everyone in our territory works hard,' and 'That's why, when the time comes, we protect our subjects.'"

"Yeah, I think the same... What about you, Althea?"

"...I'm the same as Father."

"Me too."

Lilac answered as well, and Laila nodded.

"So it's a bit annoying... that we were thought of as 'those kinds of nobles.'"

"Lilac... maybe you're making that face, and that's why people are scared of you?"

Lilac unusually interjected.

"Oh, am I making a scary face?"

Lilac, feeling the pressure of Althea's hands on her cheeks, squirmed slightly before continue, "Well... I did make a slightly scary face... But it's okay now."

Suddenly embraced by Althea, Lilac returned the hug tightly. "Ah! You're so cute!"

"M-Lady Lilac??"

Regalus intervened, separating Althea from Lilac, just as Madame Precious entered the scene.

"Well, well... The young lady from the Count Monte Del Salvador's family, you didn't have to come all the way here..." Madame Precious greeted warmly, her eyes lighting up as she noticed Althea.

"Um... if I may ask... could it be that this young lady here is the one who had a dress made three years ago?" Althea, caught off guard, quickly expressed her gratitude for the dress.

"Yes, thank you for making such a wonderful dress back then. When I showed it to my big brother upon returning to our territory, he praised it so much. I'm glad I could meet you today and express my gratitude properly," Althea said, with Regalus echoing her thanks.

Madame Precious, recalling the dress, thanked Althea and Regalus in return. "Oh, you were the one who wore that 'sky blue and white' dress. It suited my vision of an 'angel' perfectly. But, please, allow me to thank you too."

Lilac cleared her throat, bringing the conversation back on track. "Ah... I apologize many times... So, what brings you here today...?"

Lilac introduced Althea and Regalus, and Madame Precious's eyes sparkled. "Oh... Well... If it's the Margrave's... That's right... Then, the 'angel' also makes sense. They are the children of Lady Clara and Lord Monclair... Again, I am Precious Randall. The name of the shop is just my name. Lord Regalus, Lady Althea, when you come to the capital, please do not hesitate to call on 'Precious Randall.' If there is anything you need, I will spare no effort to assist you."

Regalus, surprised, questioned her generosity. "Thank you, Madame Precious. But we... or at least I, should be strangers to you... Why would you say 'I will spare no effort'?"

Madame Precious shared a heartfelt story of how Lady Clarahad helped her in the past. "Your question is valid... Actually... I also had a bit of magical ability, so I attended Holy Sacrament Academy. At that time, Lady Clara was in the same year as me. Lady Clara was someone who treated nobles and commoners alike, and not only the nobles but also us commoners looked up to her..."

Regalus, comforted by Lilac's gesture, listened as Madame Precious continued her tale.

"Well, she's from a military family... There are several tales of valor from our aunt that have been passed down in our family as well..."

"Valorous tales?!" Regalus exclaimed, intrigued.

Lilac calmed him down, whispering, "You didn't know?"

"I heard a lot about Father's, but... Mother's..."

"Uncle might not know everything either."

"If that's the case, it might be a 'secret.'"

"Yeah, it's a 'secret.'"

Meanwhile, Althea, lost in thought, imagined her mother's victorious battles.

Yes, I definitely want to learn the 'art of fighting' too...

With each harboring their own thoughts, the group left 'Precious Randall' behind and ventured into the city. They ended up visiting weapon and armor shops, spurred by Althea's desire to learn the 'art of fighting.' Of course, they didn't honestly state the reason for their visit...

And so, Althea's first shopping (?) in the capital came to an end.