Althea: The Legendary Saintess [Shoujo]

As rumors began to circulate about Cartlis and Persephone, the content evolved daily. Whispers like "It seems Cartlis is Persephone's favorite," and "They're always together," started to suggest an incredibly close and intimate relationship.

On the last holiday before the summer break, Althea sat on a bench in the central plaza of the city, listening to the bustling sounds of the town and murmuring to herself.

"It's been quite a while since these rumors started, but is everything really alright...?"

Today, Althea had come shopping with Laila for sweets and trinkets that could only be found within the country, preparing for her return home. Currently, she was waiting for Laila, who was standing in line to buy drinks from a beverage stand in the plaza.

As Althea worried about Cartlis, watching the people passing by, someone suddenly blocked her view. Slowly raising her head, she saw Richt Tormandi standing before her with a smile.

"It's been a while, hasn't it? How have you been, Lady Althea?"

Richt's smile seemed the same as always, not giving off any impression that he was under any enchantment.

However, Richt was a first-year student in the magic department. Yugg's words echoed in her mind: "Half of the first-year boys in the magic department have fallen, to varying degrees." A month had passed since then. According to Jan's report, "It's safe to assume that nearly all the first-year boys in the magic department have succumbed."

Besides, he doesn't called me 'Miss Althea' like he always do but rather 'Lady Althea'.

"What's wrong? You haven't forgotten my face, have you, Lady Althea?" Richt asked, puzzled by Althea's silent stare.

"N-no, that's not it. I was just surprised to see you so suddenly... and I didn't expect to meet you here."

Trying to cover the awkward silence, Althea mumbled.

"Is that so? I'm glad. I thought you had forgotten me," Richt said, his usual smile returning as he sat down next to her.

Did I manage to hide my surprise?

She glanced at Richt sitting beside her. He seemed unchanged. She touched the bracelet, which had been crafted from magic stones, matching those of Kaera and Julia. Just then, Richt turned to her.

"Hey, Lady Althea, there's someone I'd like to introduce to you."

"What...?"

Looking up at Richt's face as she echoed his words, she noticed that his smile was slightly different, more twisted than before. Though his entire face was smiling, his cheeks seemed strained. To Althea, it was an obvious unsettling smile.

Unaware of Althea's distrust, Richt grabbed her arm and pulled her up, almost forcibly.

"Come on, let's go. And keep this a secret from Laila."

He whispered in her ear, attaching something to her arm.

She tried to check what was attached, but Richt, unfazed, pulled her along with surprising strength.

"Wait, Lord Tormandi! What did you just put on me?"

"It's a gift... from Lady Persephone, especially for you. So don't resist. Don't worry, Lady Persephone is very kind. She won't do anything bad."

Every time Richt mentioned Persephone's name, his expression became ecstatic. Horrified by his expression, Althea tried to resist desperately, but Richt's grip was unbelievably strong.

"She won't do anything bad? Being dragged off like this is already giving a bad impression!"

"How could it give a bad impression? Are you saying something bad about Lady Persephone too? She's kind and beautiful, and only envied by those who speak ill of her. You wouldn't be jealous like that, would you? Besides, Lady Persephone wants to meet you. Please, if I take you to her, it'll improve my standing. I won't lose to Cartlis..."

Though the last part was muttered under his breath, Althea caught the name Cartlis, and the way he said it was filled with malice.

He wasn't the type to speak of Cartlis like that...

Richt and Persephone Fulltale were from the same country, Fulltale. Just yesterday, in a regular report, she heard, "Fulltale was the only one absent from the demon countermeasures meeting of countries," and "There's a lot of suspicion about Fulltale."

Remembering how Richt had always reached out and helped her during their general studies days, Althea felt pain seeing him so infatuated. Despite her sympathy, she didn't believe going with him was the solution. She waited quietly for a moment until Richt's grip loosened slightly, then seized the opportunity.

"Let go of me!!!"

She forcefully pulled her arm away. Richt's face, as he turned back, was expressionless, unreadable.

As Richt advanced towards her with an emotionless expression, Althea felt a surge of fear, taking a step back.

Even as she stepped back, she kept her gaze fixed on Richt, speaking to him as she did so.

"Lord Tormandi... do you love Lady Persephone?"

Richt's movement halted abruptly. Then he began muttering to himself.

"...Love... Do I love her? No, that's not it... or is it? Love... adore her? No..."

Something was clearly off about him. However, Althea realized this was her chance to escape. Without hesitation, she dashed away as if there wasn't tomorrow.

Even though Richt had been lost in his self-questioning, he quickly resumed his chase after seeing Althea fleeing. Despite his efforts, he couldn't close the distance. It was no surprise—Althea was the daughter of the Monclair family and had been secretly training every morning, running around the academy grounds to build her stamina.

In contrast, Richt's physical abilities were ordinary. His skills in martial arts were average, his swordsmanship slightly below average, and his magic just a bit above average. While these skills made him an above-average noble, keeping up with Althea's determined sprint was a daunting task.

As the gap between them widened, Althea spotted a Zelkova tree by the roadside and decided to hide there. She swiftly climbed up, positioning herself among the leaves.

By the time Richt turned the corner and reached the street where the zelkova tree stood, Althea had already concealed herself within its branches.

Richt arrived, but Althea was nowhere to be seen.

"Where did she... vanish? Did she use a teleportation spell? No, with that thing attached to her, she shouldn't be able to use magic. Yet... Damn it! This was my chance to reclaim her from Cartlis for Lady Persephone... Oh, Lady Persephone❤️..."

After expressing his frustration, Richt's expression softened as he whispered Persephone's name lovingly and then walked away.

After he left, Althea sat on the branch, pondering Richt's behavior.

Were his affectionate murmurs also due to the enchantment? What are Lord Tormandi's true feelings? If he's genuinely in love, I'd support him, but if even those feelings are fabricated, this enchantment is truly cruel...

As she was about to sink into despair, she heard a familiar voice.

"Althea!"

Quickly descending from the tree, Althea was greeted by Laila, who ran over and hugged her tightly.

"Where did you go?! I was so worried!"

Laila's voice trembled slightly, indicating her deep concern.

"I’m sorry. Actually..."

Althea began explaining what had happened from the moment she was sitting on the bench until she had escaped from Richt.

While recounting her experience, she noticed a strange bangle on the arm that Richt had grabbed. It was different from the bracelet with the magic stone she wore on her other wrist.

After hearing Althea's story, Laila apologized profusely for not being by her side. Her apologies were so numerous that they made Althea uncomfortable.

Back at their dormitory, they discussed the bangle in Althea's room.

"So, this is what he put on you... How do we remove it?"

"...You don't think it can record voices or surroundings, do you?"

"We can't be sure... Wait, I think I heard him say it should prevent you from using magic. Let me try something."

Althea walked to the balcony and cast a simple wind spell.

"Azure breeze."

Nothing happened. Normally, a gentle wind would have stirred the trees before the balcony.

"Laila, this is serious... I really can't use magic."

Alarmed, Laila quickly contacted Jan to report this new development and the day's events.