Althea: The Legendary Saintess [Shoujo]

While Althea was away for her reassessment, Regalus and Rohmund were extracting information from Richt, who had been purified. The information they gathered consistently pointed to one ominous conclusion: "The Kingdom of Fulltale has fallen into the hands of monsters."

The news of Fulltale’s fall spread quickly to neighboring nations. In response, these countries fortified their borders, bracing for potential attacks. However, the fallen Fulltale made no aggressive moves; instead, it maintained an eerie silence, cutting off all diplomatic communication.

As tension simmered, life continued, and a new term began at the academy.

Those aware of the current situation—Siegfried, Duke Sivia, Count Norland, Archduke Monclair’s children, their attendants, and Lily Gresha—returned to the academy on high alert. However, they noticed that Miss Persephone and Philip were nowhere to be found. Strangely, students from Fulltale, who should have been affected by the fall, returned and continued their studies as if nothing had happened.

Only nine people remembered Persephone and Philip: Siegfried, Regalus, Oliver, Cartlis, Lily, Althea, Jean, Laila, and the recently purified Richt. Yet, the memory of these two began to fade rapidly. Jean and Laila forgot the next day, Oliver and Regalus two days later, and within a week, even Siegfried, Althea, Cartlis, and Richt had no recollection. By the end of that week, only Lily Gresha remembered.

Initially, Lily tried to remind everyone about Persephone and Philip, but her efforts were met with confusion. Those who had forgotten could not understand her pleas, leaving Lily feeling increasingly isolated and uncertain about her sanity. Eventually, she stopped mentioning them, fearing for her own mental state.

Life returned to normal, and attention shifted to the upcoming Martial Arts Tournament. The registration period lasted a week, and as the tournament bracket was posted, it became the hot topic across the academy.

The main attraction of this year’s tournament was Althea Monclair. Female students were only allowed to participate in their third year. While a few notable girls had entered in the past, most were already renowned for their martial prowess. However, Althea, previously seen as a delicate beauty, had entered the tournament, surprising everyone.

It made sense, considering she was a lady of beauty, but her gentle appearance led many to think it was a mistake. They repeatedly checked the tournament bracket to confirm her entry.

Althea's friend, Kaera, who was the student representative and aware of Althea’s participation before the brackets were made, decided to confront her.

“Are you sure this isn’t a mistake? Maybe they mixed you up with Laila,” Kaera asked.

Standing beside Althea, Laila shook her head, and Althea smiled.

“It’s no mistake. I’m entering. After all, I am a Monclair,” Althea replied confidently.

“But you’ve never mentioned being able to fight,” Kaera countered.

“Well, no one ever asked,” Althea said with a smile.

Kaera thought for a moment. It was true; no one had asked because they assumed Althea couldn’t fight. They believed her constant companion was a necessity for her protection.

“Alright then, but know this—I’m aiming to win. If we face each other, I won’t hold back,” Kaera said firmly.

“I wouldn’t want it any other way,” Althea responded with her usual serene smile.

Althea Monclair’s participation in the Martial Arts Tournament became a hot topic, even among the magic students.

“Hey, Monclair!” A loud voice called from behind Regalus as he walked down the hallway. It was Yugg Starry Stars.

Regalus wanted to ignore him but realized it was unwise to slight a prince, especially in such turbulent times. Reluctantly, he stopped and turned around, looking irritated. Yugg caught up and remarked, “You’re so obvious. Try not to wear your feelings on your face.”

“I do it on purpose,” Regalus replied.

“Fine. Anyway, I need to talk to you. Come with me,” Yugg said, gesturing for Regalus to follow him.