Althea: The Legendary Saintess [Shoujo]

Through the garden, Althea entered the royal castle using a concealed door at the back without questioning why. Instead, she marveled at the vastness and beauty of the castle.

"Althea, come here."

With a gentle voice, Thomas called, and Althea, now aware of her surroundings, stood next to her father in front of a large door.

"Are you okay? We're going to meet His Majesty... Nervous?" Thomas asked, and Althea replied with a smile.

"No, I'm fine. I practiced the 'courtesy greetings' properly, and you are here. Besides, earlier, I received some 'energy' from the flowers."

"I see... Then it should be fine. Once we're inside, don't lift your face until the King says it's 'good.' Just imitate what I do, okay?"

Confirming her nod, Thomas turned towards the door.

"Now, let's go in."

"I am Thomas Von Monclair, guardian of the western lands of the Royal Grand Central Kingdom, here for an audience with His Majesty. Please grant us passage."

As Thomas introduced himself, Count Rohmund Monte Del Salvador's voice came from behind the door.

"Please, come in."

Thomas opened the door, took a step inside, and Althea, looking serious, followed her father into the room. They both kept their heads down.

When they reached the middle of the room, Thomas stopped and kneeled.

Althea followed suit, kneeling beside him.

"Raise your faces."

For the first time, the authoritative voice of the king echoed, and fearing it, Althea slowly lifted her face. On the throne sat a man about the same age as her father and uncle but with a different kind of 'beauty.'

"To His Majesty, the sun of the Royal Grand Central Kingdom, greetings..."

Thomas began his greeting, but his words were interrupted.

"Ah... never mind, haha. There are only four of us here. No need for such formalities. Just call me 'Adrian.' ...By the way..."

Interrupting the formalities, the king stood up, approached Althea, and gazed at her face.

"Hmm, truly Clara's daughter. You will grow into a beautiful lady in the future."

As Adrian spoke casually, Thomas, somewhat irritated, interjected with hostility shown in his eyes.

"Your Majesty! Even if we're old acquaintances, we are still 'lord and servant.' Moreover, despite this being a secret greeting, we are here for a 'report,' aren't we? Also, let me clarify, Althea is the daughter of both me and Clara!"

"...Brother-in-law, it's difficult. King Adrian dislikes formality, you know? Besides, he behaves properly in public. Just bear with a little lightness."

"Sigh... Alright, I understand. I get it, so please spare me the way we addressed each other in our student days."

Thomas sighed deeply, and Althea, witnessing her father relenting to Adrian, glanced at the three adult men in turn with wide eyes.

Thomas confirmed Adrian's satisfaction with his concession and then opened the door.

"Well, let's go, Thomas. Guide us to Miss Cassandra Nightshade's place. By the way, inform them to prepare tea here."

"Understood... Brother-in-law, this way, please."

Rohmund guided Thomas, showing concern for him.

"Now, Althea. Until your father masters the procedure, it seems I have some free time. How about having tea with me here?"

With a cheerful and harmless smile, King Adrian invited Althea for tea.

"Uh, um?... Oh, yes..."

...Does the king read minds? Is that even possible?

As if reading her thoughts, Adrian winked lightly and continued.

"As I mentioned earlier, you don't need to worry about etiquette. You're only five years old, so just enjoy the tea and sweets, and show me a cute smile. Fortunately, there's no one else here but you and me."

"Um, does Your Majesty read minds?"

"No? I can't, but... well, by looking at your face, I can guess what you're thinking, more or less."

"Amazing... Your Majesty is really amazing! Oh, sorry."

"Haha, no need to apologize. Is that seriousness inherited from Thomas? hahaha~"

With this relaxed conversation and the king laughing, Althea's tension completely melted away.

After a while, tea and sweets were brought in, and the two began their private tea party.

Hmm... I wanted to introduce my son to Althea, but this time it's a 'secret tea party,' so it can't be helped. I'll introduce them eventually. Oh well. When Siegfried sees this girl, I wonder how he'll react... Or better yet, could he fall in love at first sight? If that happens, I could arrange an engagement between Althea and my son... It would be delightful if this charming girl becomes my daughter. My queen would be pleased too, being Clara's daughter...

Adrian, engrossed in such inappropriate thoughts, continued talking, completely unaware of Althea's growing confusion.