Althea: The Legendary Saintess [Shoujo]

The secret meeting with the king had been scheduled.

The day after Althea began her stay with the Monte Del Salvador family, Thomas received a message that an audience with the king would be possible three days later in a specific time frame, including that day.

As it was unexpectedly soon, the three days leading to the audience were quite hectic. Since they were to go to the royal castle and meet the king, a dress needed to be tailored urgently.

Althea, being only five years old, didn't have a dress for such an occasion, so the plan was to have one tailored in the capital.

Even Thomas, accustomed to Rohmund's competence, didn't expect the audience to be possible in just two days. The unusually speedy realization of the meeting was undoubtedly a testament to the trust both families had earned from the royal family over the ages.

Though impressed by his capable brother-in-law, Thomas wasn't familiar with the tailors in the capital. Could they manage to tailor a dress in such a hurry? Just as he was pondering, Countess Rosa Monte Del Salvador and Lilac offered their assistance, and that's how it came to be.

A designer exclusively for the Monte Del Salvador family from "Madame Precious' Courtyard," a renowned establishment favored by many nobles in the capital, promptly arrived to take Althea's measurements.

Countess Rosa and Lilac were delighted to dress up the adorable Althea. She had been subjected to continuous fittings for half a day, released only when the measurements and fittings were finally completed, leaving her exhausted.

This was the first time Althea had endured such a prolonged changing of clothes, and she thought in a manner uncharacteristic of a young lady, "Running around the estate's garden would be more enjoyable... Being a lady is tough."

"Miss Althea, well done. Shall I prepare hot milk for you?" Observing Althea lying face down on the bed in an uncharacteristic manner, Meema said with a slight chuckle.

Raising only her face while still lying on her stomach, Althea replied, "Hot milk?... Yeah, I'm tired, so I want something sweet to drink."

"Understood... Here you go."

As Althea sipped the sweet hot milk prepared by Meema and took a break, they heard the sound of swords clashing from outside.

Approaching the window, they saw Thomas instructing Mythril in swordsmanship.

How nice... I want to train with a sword too... It's fine if I just watch, right?

Making up excuses and asking Meema for directions to the training ground, Althea observed Mythril receiving Thomas's guidance.

"Come to think of it, I rarely see Father's instruction..."

As Regalus's guidance was mainly handled by SirH anny, even in the remote region, it was rare to witness her father wielding a sword.

Not wanting to miss such a precious moment of her father's instruction, Althea continued to watch.

"Lord Thomas is impressive... And, he's really strong."

Reassessing the greatness of her father by Meema, Althea forgot all about the fatigue from changing clothes.

On the second evening since the exhausting day of changing clothes, the dress arrived just in time.

After Countess Monte Del Salvador, Lilac, and Precious Randall's designer collaborated on their opinions, they settled on a dress mainly featuring a vivid sky blue to complement Althea's silver hair. The high-waisted dress had a pure white ribbon on the back, and the hem was adorned with white and pink lace, creating a masterpiece that exuded the charm of a child.

"Divine! It's already so cute, Althea. Right, Mythril, don't you think so?"

"Yeah, cute."

"Hehe. It's my first time with such a wonderful dress. Is this called 'Sky Blue'? It's so beautiful. Thank you, Auntie Rosa and Lilac, for choosing such a lovely dress."

Expressing her gratitude with a radiant smile, Althea's charm even made Lilac and Mythril, who were accustomed to her, slightly blush.

To divert her embarrassment, Lilac spoke to Mythril, "Regalus is going to be pitied. Not being able to see his cute sister Althea... Let's boast about it later. He'll definitely regret it... But I'm a bit worried."

"Worried about what?"

"About her being so cute. Going to the royal castle, if someone sees her... I think even strangers might fall in love at first sight, and adults might push for an engagement like 'our house's bride.' What should we do... Hey, Mythril?"

"Why are you asking me, Lilac?"

"Oh, aren't you bothered? Even if someone takes Althea away... I don't like that. Look out for her, won't you?"

With eyes that seemed to pierce, Lilac looked at Mythril.

Avoiding Lilac's gaze, Mythril replied, "It'll be fine today. Uncle Thomas is with us, and it's a secret audience."

"That's true. With Uncle Thomas and secrecy, we won't meet unnecessary people."

Thomas waited in the lobby for Althea's preparations to be completed.

"Father, sorry to keep you waiting."

Seeing Althea curtsey after lifting the hem of her dress, Thomas said, "I'm surprised. You look just like the young Clara... No, you might be even cuter. Truly my daughter, born from Clara and me."

Thomas was, indeed, an unabashed doting parent.

Seizing the opportunity, Lilac interjected, "Uncle? Please be careful that Althea doesn't attract any strange bugs. Just a warning."

"Lilac? Of course, I will. Now, Althea, we can't be late. Let's go."

The modest-looking carriage, carrying Thomas, Althea, and Rohmund, set off towards the royal castle, bid farewell by Countess Monte Del Salvador, Mythril, Lilac, and Meema.