Althea: The Legendary Saintess [Shoujo]

After the children exited the cathedral and dispersed, Althea began her search for the girl rumored to possess the dark attribute. Concern etched her features as she noticed the girl trembling.

Navigating through the crowded hallway leading to their respective rooms, Althea spotted Julia trying to blend into the corners, attempting to remain inconspicuous. She called out to her.

"Hello. Can I speak with you for a moment?"

Startled by the sudden address, Julia let out a small scream and crouched down on the spot.

"Uh...? Ah, um...? Sorry. I didn't mean to startle you that much... Um...?"

Even Althea, usually composed, was taken aback by Julia's reaction. She hesitated for a moment, then crouched down beside Julia, peering at her face nervously as she spoke again.

"...Are you alright? I didn't mean to startle you... I just wanted to talk to you... But I guess being suddenly addressed is scary. I'm really sorry."

Julia seemed to have calmed down a bit, raising her head and apologizing to the girl who wanted to talk to her.

"I... I'm sorry for being so startled... I didn't mean to... apologize."

"No, I'm sorry. ...My name is Althea Von Monclair. I'm the daughter of the Monclair Family. Um... may I know your name?"

"Ah... um... ...I'm Julia Trinton... the daughter of Baron Trinton..."

"I see, Lady Julia. I wanted to ask you about your 'dark attribute.'"

Upon hearing the term 'dark attribute,' Julia's face tensed up again.

She's probably going to say something bad... because, it's not normal to be interested in a 'dark attribute'...

Noticing Julia tensing up and looking down, Althea said,

"Oh, I'm sorry. I'm interested in the 'dark attribute' because someone important to me also has it... I thought maybe we could relate..."

Someone else with a dark attribute...? Come to think of it, wasn't there someone with a dark attribute mentioned in the magic power assessment about five years ago...?

"Um... about that 'dark attribute'—"

"Lady Althea!!"

Just as Julia was starting to show some interest in the conversation, Laila rushed in. Laila found Althea and hugged her tightly.

"...I'm relieved... that you're safe..."

"Huh? ...Laila?? Safe...? What happened...?"

"Even though the 'magic power assessment' has long ended, you didn't come back, so I... I thought something... something had happened..."

"Oh... I'm sorry, Laila. I didn't mean to worry you..."

"No, as long as you're safe, it's okay... You're not injured anywhere, right?"

Releasing her embrace, Laila looked at Althea.

"Yeah, I'm not injured anywhere...? ...Because there was another child with the 'dark attribute' like Laila, I wanted to talk a little..."

Althea glanced briefly at Julia.

Observing the interaction since Laila arrived, Julia suddenly found herself part of the conversation and blinked rapidly.

Laila turned towards Julia,

"Is this the young lady you were speaking with? The one with the 'dark attribute'?"

"Yeah, that's her... Um, Lady Julia, this is Laila, the person I mentioned earlier. Laila, this is Lady Julia, from the Trinton Barony."

"Nice to meet you... I'm Julia Trinton."

"...Thank you very much for your kindness. My name is Laila, and I pledge allegiance to the Monclair family. I am the personal maid of Lady Althea here. ...But, I see, you're a person of the 'dark attribute'..."

"...?"

Laila's enigmatic remark made Julia curious.

"I apologize. I'll be attending the academy at the same time as Lady Althea. So, having someone else with the same 'dark attribute' in the same year brings me some relief."

With a modest smile, Laila said, "Is that so?... Attending the academy in the same year..."

"Yes. So, you don't have to be afraid of the 'dark attribute,' okay? It might be scary alone, but with two of us, it shouldn't be frightening, right? So, don't tremble anymore, okay?"

"Tremble...?"

"Didn't you notice? You've been trembling since the 'magic power measurement.' That's why I've been really concerned..."

"...And you've been here talking without returning because of that?"

"Uh... I'm sorry, Laila."

"I understand your feelings and circumstances. However, His Holiness is going to be in the room soon. He wishes to speak with the young lady. ...Julia, I'd like to hear more about you being of the 'dark attribute,' but we have visitors at our house... I apologize for this."

"I-It's alright... Um... Lady Althea? Thank you for reaching out to me and even introducing someone with the same attribute... Thanks to you, I feel much better. Let's meet again sometime."

"Yeah, at that time, don't scream, okay?"

With a wink from one eye, she bid farewell with a "Good day" and left with Laila.

Watching the backs of Althea and Laila as they departed, Julia was called from behind. When Julia turned around, she saw her "father" with a stern expression.

"Why weren't you back yet? What were you doing?"

"I-I was... approached..."

"By whom? Who would even bother talking to you?"

"Um... well..."

"Sigh... Honestly, can't you even say the name of that person? Even if being a 'dark attribute' magic wielder is praised, it will give a bad impression to other families. And on top of that, with such a gloomy daughter..."

Baron Trinton, Julia's father, grumbled.

Just as I thought, being of the 'dark attribute' isn't appreciated... No, Lady Althea and Laila said 'it's okay not to be afraid,' so it's alright... Please, just a little courage for me...

"Are you listening, Julia? Who were you talking to? Were you... being bullied?"

"N-No! On the contrary... I gained courage from it."

"Courage? I don't quite understand... So, who were you with?"

"W-Well... Lady Althea, the daughter of Monclair..."

"W-What did you say?? The daughter of the Monclair family...?"

The father, who was grumbling just moments ago, widened his eyes.

"Y-Yes..."

What's wrong with Father...? He seems so flustered...

Baron Trinton, who had been at a loss for words for a while, suddenly grabbed Julia's shoulders and smiled broadly.

"Well done, Julia. I don't know how you got acquainted, but... anyway, it doesn't matter. You must maintain this connection at all costs, understand?"

"Y-Yes..."