Althea: The Legendary Saintess [Shoujo]

The day following their stay at the Monte Del Salvador family's residence, the Monclair family set off towards the Holy Sacrament Principality. Leaving the Monte Del Salvador mansion behind, they embarked on their journey to Civier Port, the largest port in the Creatchio Grand Duchy.

After a half-day's travel from the Monte Del Salvador estate, they reached Civier Port safely. The bustling port teemed with passenger ships, and amidst the maritime bustle, numerous nobles could be spotted.

While the women proceeded to the ship's cabins, Thomas, accompanied by Regalus, oversaw the loading of their luggage. It was then that they were approached by Duke Civier, the lord of Civier Port himself.

They learned that the duke's son would also be aboard the same ship for this year's "magic power measurement."

After exchanging pleasantries with Duke Civier and his son, Crysolite, Thomas and Regalus retired to their cabin.

Upon entering, Althea and Laila were already exploring the cabin. Clara, sipping tea as she watched them, inquired, "You took quite some time. Did something occur?"

"Well, yes. We encountered Duke Civier and his son. It turns out his son is also participating in the 'magic power measurement.' We thought it best for the children to introduce themselves. It seems Civier's son was a bit shy upon seeing Regalus, but I'm glad he seemed to warm up to him."

"Warm up to him? But I noticed his son avoiding eye contact with me."

"Oh, he simply felt embarrassed, that's all."

"Why would he feel embarrassed?"

"Well, you know, it took quite some time for him to be able to look directly at the Crown Prince too. Perhaps he's easily flustered by handsome faces?"

"Beautiful faces? Me?"

"Yes, you, Regalus."

"But isn't 'beautiful' typically used for women?"

"It's not strictly confined to women. Don't be biased, Regalus. Besides, there's another person your age who's described as beautiful, so fret not."

"Another person?"

"Yes, another person. The Crown Prince. He's quite the charmer as well. Crysolite and the Crown Prince are cousins of the same age, so they've been frequenting the royal palace since childhood, potentially as friends, of course. Speaking of potential friends, it appears you're also on the list of potential friends for the Crown Prince."

"Me?... Befriending the Crown Prince... Even though I'm a member of an archducal family, a militaristic family less powerful than a typical Ducal family?"

"Stop comparing our family in terms of economy and politics. Where did you hear that from, Althea?"

"Sorry..."

"Well, if you happen to meet him and find him disagreeable, you need not force a friendship."

"But is it right to base it solely on my feelings?"

"It's acceptable. Don't fret. If you happen to dislike him, it's permissible. Though, I doubt there will be any issues."

"Have you met the Crown Prince before?"

"Yes."

"So, you believe I can befriend the Crown Prince?"

"Yes, the Crown Prince I encountered was rather mature, unlike during His Majesty's school days..."

"You!!!" (flinches)

"...Phew... Let's cease this conversation in front of the children, alright?" (smiles)

"Y-yes... Anyway, during the 'magic power measurement,' remember it's also an opportunity to meet individuals from the academy. Since the Crown Prince is also present this year, be mindful not to be impolite. And also be proud of our family"

"Understood."

With their conversation concluding, Althea returned from her exploration. Regalus invited her to accompany him to the deck, to which she eagerly agreed, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

"Alright, let's go. I don't think there are any suspicious individuals on the ship, but just in case, Jean, join us."

"As you wish."

"Lord Regalus, I also—"

"Laila, stay close to Father and Mother. We'll only be gone for a short while to get some fresh air. Please prepare some tea while we're out."

"...Understood."

"Laila, stick by Brother and Jean. Also, mind the wind; you might catch a chill. ...I'm eager for both the sea and the warm tea upon our return."

"Lady Althea... I'll prepare the tea and await your swift return."

"Yeah, see you soon."

Regalus and Althea stood together, gazing at the sea, while Jean kept a watchful eye nearby.

"We have seas within our domain, but I've only glimpsed them from afar when we journeyed. It's incredible, big brother. Feels like we're truly amidst the ocean."

Glancing at Althea, who was captivated by the sea's view, Regalus shifted his gaze towards the Holy Sacrament Principality. Something caught his eye in the corner. Squinting, he discerned dolphins.

"Althea, dolphins."

"Dolphins? What are dolphins?"

"They're creatures that dwell in the sea... Creatures? No, not creatures, mammals... they're mammals."

"Even though they live in the sea, they're not fish?"

"Yeah, they're not fish... According to the encyclopedia, they breathe like us."

"I see... Oh, one jumped!"

"Incredible... Far more astounding than described in books. So majestic, leaping like that..."

"Is this your first encounter, big brother?"

"Yes, indeed."

"...It's lovely that we experience this together... Oh, another jump."

They watched the pod of dolphins for a while, until they disappeared in the opposite direction of the ship's course.

"The dolphins have departed."

"Heh... yes. It's been a while, and it's growing late. Let's return to our quarters. Laila may become concerned."

"Yeah, it's getting chilly, and I could use some warm tea... Shall we?"

The trio made their way back to their cabin in search of the comforting warmth of tea.

Back in the cabin, as they savored the tea brewed by Laila and relaxed, Althea began to drift off to sleep. The earlier excitement and the gentle sway of the ship seemed to lull her into slumber.

"Althea, feeling tired? We still have some time until we arrive; you should rest."

Listening to Thomas' gentle suggestion, Althea allowed herself to succumb to sleep.

When she next opened her eyes, they had arrived at the port of the Holy Sacrament Principality.

The Holy Sacrament Principality, though a small island nation, was revered as the "Holy Land," protected from intrusion by any nation.

This reverence stemmed from two factors: it served as the epicenter of the world's faith, the "Illumina religion," and it was the birthplace of the "Holy Blessed Maidens" who had saved the world.

At the port of the Holy Sacrament Principality stood statues honoring the legendary maidens and the prince believed to have rescued the world. Further inland lay accommodations affiliated with the church, a school, and a bustling city surrounding the school. Though not vast, the city bustled with activity as goods from various lands circulated. Half of the principality was occupied by the school grounds, where nobles and commoners aged 12 to 17, endowed with magical abilities, resided in dormitories and studied.

The selection of the Pope and the head of the school occurred through a sacred process in the "Holy Place" of the Holy Sacrament Principality. Every two years, several candidates ventured to the "Holy Place" with the current Pope and head of the school. Those who discovered the "Thing" at the end became the chosen ones. However, those deemed "unworthy" by the "Holy Place" would mysteriously return to the entrance without reaching their destination. It was a place steeped in mystery.

The church housed a cathedral and lodging facilities. These accommodations were only accessible once a year during the "magic power measurement." As the school closed during this period, the regular staff managed the facilities.

Around 30 rooms were available in the facility, with individual nobles assigned one room each during their visit. Though termed "single rooms," they were spacious, featuring 2-3 bedrooms, a living area, a unit bath, and a modest kitchen. Meals could be ordered and delivered at any time. While a convenient option for short stays, it came with a price tag.

On the other hand, commoner children from various countries congregated in a communal room without partitions. Despite the lack of privacy, the room was furnished with carpets and kept clean, a source of delight for the children, as rumors suggested.

They disembarked from the ship, following the crew's directions.

The first sight that greeted them as they stepped onto the port was the towering statues of the "Maidens and the Prince." Each figure, with one hand raised, seemed to gaze skyward.

Althea dashed towards the statues with wide-eyed wonder, and Regalus followed closely behind.

"Hey, big brother? Which one do you think is the 'Dawn Maiden' and which is the 'Dusk Maiden'?... Maybe this one is the 'Dusk Maiden'?... It's hard to tell with them being in bronze."

"Haha, I think whichever Althea decides is fine... Look, they're both stunning maidens, and I can't discern any differences. They even have the same hairstyle and face..."

"...Really? You see the same face on both?... Could they have shared the same face?... Like twins?"

"Who knows, it's conceivable they were 'twins'... Oh, Althea, it seems they've finished loading the luggage. We should hurry; others are waiting for their turn after us."

"Oh, right."

They swiftly boarded the carriage, bound for the cathedral of the church.

Upon reaching the church, a priest guided them to their lodgings. In the cathedral's center, they encountered another "Maiden and Prince Statue."

Unlike the port statues, this one differed. It depicted "a woman kneeling with clasped hands in prayer, with a pedestal before her, and on each side, a man and a woman reaching towards the sky."

As they pondered the empty pedestal, a guide clarified, "During the 'magic power measurement,' a crystal rests on that pedestal. With it, we assess the presence and attributes of magic."

The priest chuckled softly, noticing their bemused expressions.

Entering their accommodations, Althea eagerly explored the various rooms.

The Monclair family's quarters comprised a living room and three bedrooms, each boasting a sizable bed. Additionally, there was a compact kitchen and a unit bath.

Assignments likely designated rooms for the parents, Regalus and Jean, and Althea and Laila.

While Althea roamed, Regalus conversed with the bishop. After their discussion concluded and the bishop departed, Regalus grasped Althea's hand, proposing, "Althea, let's explore."

"I thought you might want to see various places like the cathedral? I asked the bishop who guided us, and it seems we're free to wander during our stay, except for some restricted areas. Since we seldom stay in accommodations like this, except during the 'magic power measurement,' I'm intrigued too. ...What do you think?"

Eagerly, "I want to go! I want to explore!"

"I figured... Father, would it be alright for Althea to tour the cathedral's interior with me? We won't venture outside the church."

Upon overhearing the children's exchange, Thomas and Clara exchanged nods before speaking.

"However, take Jean with you. It should be fine with the three of you."

"Um... Sir... If Miss wants to go, may I accompany her? I'd like to go too..."

Laila interjected promptly.

"...I'm sorry, Laila. Could you handle packing and preparing tea? ...Since most of the maids haven't joined us."

Clara expressed regret as she apologized.

Seeing the mistress of the house in such a state, Laila reluctantly assented.

"...Understood..."

With a downcast tone, Laila bid farewell to the trio as they departed.