Althea: The Legendary Saintess [Shoujo]

Before the school's highly anticipated day of simultaneous costume festivities, significant changes were unfolding in the international affairs beyond the academy's walls.

Months of silence were broken by a communication from the Kingdom of Fulltale, which had been feared to have fallen to demonic forces. Surrounding nations and neighboring villages of Fulltale expressed relief upon hearing this news.

Meanwhile, King of Fulltale, attending an international summit after a prolonged absence, appeared visibly worn and saddened by the recent loss of his beloved Queen. Representatives from various nations empathetically offered their condolences during his second appearance, but by the third meeting, he regained his composure and started speaking assertively.

"For the defense against demons, it is imperative to locate the Sword of the Sun," he declared.

Considering the current alignment of the five attribute stars and the ancient prophecies, there was a looming possibility of demon attacks in the near future. Reports of demon sightings were already surfacing across different nations, resulting in minor damages. While conventional magic and swordsmanship could confront these creatures to an extent, combating the demon race would require specialized weapons and magic.

The Sword of the Sun, said to be a creation of the world's creator, reshapes itself every millennium to confront the demon race. It stores various powers from around the world in an undisclosed location known only to the High Priest of the Illumi religion and the Headmaster of the Academy. Accessible during emergencies or by the two legendary maidens, its wielder is purportedly a direct male descendant of the Goddess.

Despite changes in nation names over time, the lineage of the God Saul is traced to the present-day Kingdom of Royal Grand Central. With the current direct heir, Crown Prince Siegfried, discussions were crucial but contentious.

"Your Majesty, I understand the trials your kingdom faces with increasing demon incursions, but finding that sword won't be as simple as you think. It remains elusive even to its designated wielder unless dire circumstances demand it," remarked King Adrian of RGC.

"In that case, we should seek cooperation from the Illumi religion," suggested the king of Fulltale.

His proposal met with thoughtful nods from the gathered representatives. Following a collective sigh, King Adrian concluded the meeting.

"...Seems like the sentiments align across other nations. There's no point in further discussion today. We'll send invitations to the High Priest or the Headmaster for our next session. What say you all?"

The representatives nodded in agreement, except for the Fulltale king, visibly discontented. As he left,

"Why can't a decision be made here? Even an independent Pope of the Illumi religion would have to comply if the opinions of all kings were aligned... Truly, a king unable to make such crucial decisions is said to be a descendant of the Goddess!"

His words were spoken in frustration near King Adrian, with Graham Fulank, Commander of the Royal Guard and the king's brother, hearing them nearby. He seemed about to retort when Adrian stopped him.

Observing this with a sidelong glance, the Fulltale king snorted dismissively and left the room.

Alone in the chamber,

"What's his deal? He... doesn't seem like the king who was utterly devastated by the loss of his queen until recently," Graham questioned his brother, Adrian.

"It's understandable why you'd think that. But for now, patience is key," Adrian replied. Just then, a knock echoed at the door.

Adrian glanced at Graham, who nodded and approached the door.

"Come in," he answered.

Entering the room, a member of the Royal Guard whispered to Graham, whose expression changed swiftly. After a brief exchange,

"Understood. Well done," Graham said, dismissing the guard.

After closing the door and sighing deeply, Graham returned to Adrian's side.

"What's wrong? Is it about that matter I asked you for?" Adrian inquired.

"...Yes."

"You seem hesitant. What happened?"

"For the investigation... outwardly to assist in demon suppression, the members we sent to Fulltale... all of them have reportedly vanished."

"!!!" Adrian exclaimed, rising abruptly.

"I was informed they were under the jurisdiction of the First Royal Guard. Why did this happen?"

"They entered Fulltale and for a week, we received updates on nearby demon suppression efforts and their scale. However, yesterday, when the expected report didn't arrive, we requested the Ministry of Magic to investigate magically..."

"...And they found nothing?"

"They only found a magic stone embedded in a sword meant for tracking, concentrated in one place."

"Where was this?"

"It was around a cave in the far north of Fulltale. There were no signs of battle in the vicinity."

"...How many were in the expedition?"

"There were about ten knights from the Guard and around twenty apprentice swordsmen."

"...... For now, we classify this as 'missing in action,' not 'fallen in battle,' correct?"

"Yes."

Adrian fell silent for a moment, contemplating.

"Graham, I know you're concerned about your subordinates. Let's swiftly contact Lord Monclair for verification and updates."

"Understood."

Confirming Graham's acknowledgment, Adrian left the meeting room.