Althea: The Legendary Saintess [Shoujo]

On the next day after school, Althea and her team headed to the 5th floor of the central building, just like they did yesterday, for their team meeting. Upon entering the room, aside from Claro Raev, five seniors were already gathered.

"Sorry for being late," Althea Monclair bowed as soon as she entered.

"No worries at all. Being the last first-year... and one still hasn't shown up yet?" Erica said sarcastically.

Then, Richt came to the rescue. "Oh come on, Erica. First-years have the farthest class from here, it's not their fault, you know? And why frown so much? It ruins your pretty face. Actually, isn't it amazing they came in just a few minutes after the bell rang? Miss Althea and her friends are amazing, amazing."

Every time Richt referred to "Miss Althea," no one noticed except for Prince Siegfried, who reacted ever so slightly.

"... Seems like everyone's gotten quite friendly all of a sudden. We can probably face the event with ease now," Siegfried said with what seemed like a smile, but his eyes weren't smiling. Kaera and Julia, who had seen his genuine smile yesterday, felt a chill down their spines, but the second-year students just nodded in agreement.

"Do you think the seniors haven't noticed? That his eyes aren't smiling..." Kaera whispered quietly to Julia.

"It seems so. But I think I wouldn't have noticed either if I hadn't seen his smile yesterday."

"... Yeah, maybe I wouldn't have noticed either..."

Though they were exchanging whispers, it seemed Siegfried noticed.

"Is something the matter, Kaera?"

With a wry smile, Siegfried asked.

"Um... Well, I was just thinking that Lord Raev is late..."

They all checked the time. It was already ten minutes past the scheduled time.

"Well, let's proceed with the meeting with those who are present," Siegfried said after checking the clock.

"After listening to everyone's self-introductions yesterday, I've come up with some thoughts... Finis Clove."

Finis, who didn't expect to be called out first, responded with a hesitant "Y-yes?"

"You like reading books, right? How good is your memorization?"

"Um? Well, if it's just memorizing..."

"Alright, good. Then I'd like you to memorize something by the event day."

"What... what should I memorize?"

"Spells. Especially those related to support magic. Even though we have magical abilities, there are still many spells we don't know. I want you to find and memorize the spells for 'gender transformation' and 'height adjustment.'"

"Are... are we going to use those?"

"I'm not sure... but last year, there was a team that was given conditions, so just in case. Oh, and also, familiarize yourself with attribute cancellation."

"Understood."

"Next... Ezreal."

"Yes?"

"It might be a bit challenging for you... but I'd like you to prepare handkerchiefs with embroidery for everyone by the day before."

"... For everyone?"

"Yes, for everyone. The same design embroidered on each."

"Um... What will they be used for?"

"Uh... like amulets, or rather, a means of communication. I just want to make sure if it's possible by the day before."

"Well, there's also the weekend, so I think it's possible..."

As she said this, she glanced at Erica.

Erica, catching her gaze, sighed and said, "I understand. It means I won't have time for the shopping I was planning. Isn't that right?"

"Yes... I'm sorry."

"Well, it's fine. It's my prince's request, so it's okay to prioritize that over my shopping."

"Thank you, Lady Erica."

"Sorry to rush you, Ezreal. ...And then, Tornitorus, I'm not yours."

While giving Erica a light glare, Siegfried negated. ...But Erica seemed to have thought, 'The prince looked at me,' and blushed as she said firmly, "You don't need to be shy... I understand. But... I belong to the prince."

With that statement, Richt seized upon it. "I've been curious since yesterday, but Erica and Prince Siegfried are engaged, aren't they?"

"No." "Eventually, maybe," they both answered instantly, but their answers differed.

"No" came from Siegfried, and "Eventually, maybe," from Erica.

After taking a breath and calming down, Siegfried spoke.

"If I were to answer that question, it would be 'not engaged.' I don't have a 'fiancee' to begin with."

"Huh? Even though you're the crown prince of a great nation... You don't have one?"

"Yeah, I don't."

"...Not even from the king or queen, or from the vassals? You've never had talks of engagement?"

"I don't think so... From the vassals, maybe. My parents met and fell in love at school and got together. Because of that, my parents said they won't arrange my engagement until I graduate from school."

"I see... So, Prince Siegfried, you don't have a fiancee... Shall I introduce some cute girls to you? What's your type? I have many acquaintances, so I'll find someone to your liking."

With a smile, Richt spoke, but Erica, who had changed her expression dramatically, interjected.

"No need for introductions!... Right now, even if there's no fiancee, once His Highness graduates, he'll choose a fiancee, you know? And the top candidate for that fiancee is me. That's the situation."

Confidently stating this, when Richt asked Siegfried, "Is that so?" Siegfried shook his head and replied firmly.

"There's no top candidate. Besides, introductions are unnecessary. I... will decide for myself."

"But... I heard from my father, the Minister of Finance, that he's talked to His Majesty..."

"Anyway!!"

Interrupting Erica's clinging words, Siegfried stopped her.

"...Right now, we're in the middle of discussing the Explorer Exploration Tournament. Let's get back to the discussion. Oh, and about those without magic... Lady Kaera. Since Lady Kaera is skilled in swordsmanship, I want her to continue training. And for those who can use magic and fight, continue your training for the event."

After confirming everyone's agreement, Siegfried added.

"And also... does anyone here know healing magic? Basic healing magic includes... water, wind, light, and darkness, right? This team is all first-years. Claro Raev is the most likely candidate, but... Trinton, Althea, and Laila, what about you? Do any of you have healing spells in your magic adjustment spells?"

Asked by Siegfried, all three of them shook their heads.

After a moment of thought, Siegfried continued.

"Understood. Trinton, Althea, and Laila, come back here tomorrow after school. We'll practice healing magic."

"Then count me in too."

"Trinton, practice on your own... Besides, isn't earth magic's healing magic advanced?"

"But... it's unfair to have individual lessons with His Highness."

"Oh, alright. If it's individual lessons, then count me in too. I want to have a lesson with Miss Althea."

Suddenly, Richt joined the conversation, and with a laugh, he continued, looking at Erica's back.

"Girls are the most beautiful when they're in love, but when it goes too far, they lose their charm, don't they? ...But Prince Siegfried always has a cold face, yet he says he'll choose his fiancee himself. I wonder what he plans to do."

As he spoke, Richt had somehow ended up sitting next to Althea.

"Miss Althea, it's tough for you too... practicing after school. Hey, let's take it easy for today at least. I know a great cake shop. I'll take you there."

"Oh, cake?... Yes, please. We'd love to join you."

Suddenly, in a low voice, Laila stood behind Richt and looked down at him.

"Huh?"

Surprised, Richt was further struck by Kaera's follow-up.

"Yes, please, allow us to join you, Senior Tormandi," her words were polite, but her face didn't smile either. However, Richt seemed to find it challenging as well, as he sighed and retorted.

"Sigh... I understand you're worried about Miss Althea, but doesn't she need her private time too? Always sticking around might make her feel suffocated, you know? Right? Miss Althea, don't you sometimes want to be alone?"

"Huh?... No, I'm happy with everyone, but... If you're going to take us to a delicious cake shop, I'd love to go with everyone."

To Richt's innocent smile, Kaera murmured, nodding.

"...Alright... Let's all go..."

After that, the five of them went to the town outside of Holy Sacrament Academy and compared various cakes.