Althea: The Legendary Saintess [Shoujo]

Regalus's magic measurement proceeded smoothly, and they returned to the Monclair territory via the capital.

Upon their return, a straightforward test assessed the current level of manners and education. Clara would be the one to judge.

Clara, once known as the "Butterfly and Flower" of a great nation alongside the current queen during her unmarried days, now resided in the borderlands after her marriage. Though her beauty remained unchanged, she seldom mingled in the social circles of the great nation. She was also a close friend of the current queen, making her beauty somewhat of a "legend," as recounted by Madame Monte Del Salvador.

Despite expectations for a rigorous test from Clara, it turned out to be rather lenient... quite lenient indeed.

According to Clara,

"Althea seems 'passable' enough at first glance, right? She's adept in self-defense, so dancing presents no issue, and for the rest, there are still seven years until her society debut, during which I'll refine her. As for education... being able to read and write is sufficient for now. It would be beneficial if she could write 'neatly' within the remaining four years before entering the academy."

...or so she stated.

At first glance, one might anticipate a calm reaction from her, but it appeared Clara was still a "doting parent" and an "Althea devotee" after all.

With that said, the test was easily passed.

And Althea didn't... receive swordsmanship lessons from Hanny. No, to be more precise, she wasn't permitted to learn.

Despite her training in self-defense, Althea was merely eight years old and lacked both stamina and strength.

Realizing that merely learning the form wouldn't suffice, Hanny initially suggested building up stamina.

"Hanny, I'm practicing self-defense, you know? ...So I believe I have stamina."

"Indeed, compared to other young ladies, you might have stamina. However... the self-defense you're learning doesn't demand that much stamina. It's about utilizing the opponent's strength to fight..."

"Is that so?"

Observing Althea's crestfallen expression, Hanny, still indulgent, remarked,

"...Why don't we try wielding a sword?"

Althea, brightening up, replied,

"Yes! Alright!"

With a slightly troubled smile, Hanny handed Althea a practice sword.

"Now, grip the sword with both hands. Initially, swing it freely."

Holding the sword with both hands, Althea swung it upward and then downward. After repeating this about five times, she lowered the sword, panting.

"Huff, huff... Hanny, I now understand what you meant. ...Swords are truly heavy, huh? If I'm supposed to wield this in combat, I'll need arm strength too. Also, after swinging it, I realized I need to strengthen my legs and lower body more."

"'Swinging'... haha. Miss, 'swinging'... ahahaha, you're too strong!"

Giggling, Hanny took the sword from Althea.

After laughing for a while,

"Now that you comprehend the need for exercise to build stamina, shall we commence by running around the estate? ...Laila, would you accompany us?"

"Of course, milady."

"While it should be safe around the estate, I feel more secure with you by our side. ...I'm terribly sorry, milady, but I must attend to the knight's order. I need to supervise their training as well..."

"That's understandable. Thank you, Hanny. Let's start by building stamina and strength."

"...Milady, it seems you'll gain stamina and strength quickly. Teaching you the sword doesn't seem too far off. I'll provide Laila with a menu for exercises to enhance stamina and strength. Once you can handle that regimen, let's resume training."

"Yes, I'll give it my all. I'll surprise Hanny by entering training sooner than expected..."

"I'll eagerly await it. ...Well then, I'll take my leave."

Saying so, Hanny departed.

After completing the "Hanny Special Menu" for building stamina and strength in about six months, Althea finally commenced learning swordsmanship as she desired.

Alongside etiquette and education, Althea learned swordsmanship from Hanny and the use of concealed weapons from Laila. Occasionally, she ventured out to the town to engage with common folk, making each day meaningful.

Before they knew it, two years had elapsed, and it was time for Althea's magic measurement.