Althea: The Legendary Saintess [Shoujo]

After meeting with the headmaster, Althea and her friends returned to their room in the girls' dormitory. She asked Laila to prepare tea and then entered her own room to change. Ciel, now in his fairy form, was already there, flitting excitedly around the desk by the window.

"You finally arrived! Hey, Althea! There’s something here... It feels familiar, somehow..."

As Althea pondered, she remembered seeing an old, dusty book that seemed to emit a faint glow.

Opening the top drawer of the desk, she found the 'old black book' she had noticed the day before.

"This book... I don’t think it’s mine. I don't recognize it… Ow..."

Suddenly, Althea's head throbbed with pain.

'My head… Why does it hurt all of a sudden? This book, I don’t recognize it… Do I? No... I do... I remember!'

As the memory returned, the pain vanished as if it had never been there.

"I remember now. This is a 'Special Class Magic Book.'"

It was the day of her magic power measurement when she was ten years old—the same day she met Ciel. The Pope had shown her the 'Special Class Magic Book.'

'They said it would be stored in the royal castle. Why is it here?'

Hesitantly, Althea reached for the 'old black book' she now recalled as the 'Special Class Magic Book.'

The moment she touched it, the book glowed with a brilliant silver light before returning to its faded appearance. Startled, Althea stood frozen with the book in her hands. Noticing the flash, Laila rushed into the room.

"My lady! Are you alright?! What was that light... and this?"

Laila's eyes darted between the silver book in Althea’s hands and her face.

"Umm... It seems you're unhurt. But... that light, was it from an introductory spellbook? An introductory grimoire glowing like that outside of its initial activation... What does it mean?"

To Laila, the Special Class Magic Book appeared as Althea’s introductory spellbook. It made sense, as the silver cover now resembled the one on Althea's introductory grimoire.

"Uh... well..."

Althea struggled to explain when suddenly,

"Are you alright?!"

Regalus and Siegfried burst into the adjacent living room. They had returned from the cathedral and saw the brief silver light as they entered the academy gates.

Following them was the dormitory manager, clearly irritated.

"What is going on here?! You barged into the girls’ dormitory claiming it was urgent. In such dark times, you’re causing unnecessary panic among the students. I expect a thorough explanation!"

Siegfried, having confirmed Althea's safety, turned to the dormitory manager and bowed.

"Dorm Manager, I apologize for the sudden intrusion. I, Crown Prince Siegfried of RGC, will explain. Althea, may we use the living room?"

"Of course."

"Thank you. Dorm Manager, if you please. And could you ensure the other students return to their rooms? The details will be explained later."

Recognizing the significance of Siegfried’s title, the dormitory manager instructed the nearby students to return to their rooms and then followed Althea into the living room, where she sat on a sofa. Regalus sat beside her, while Laila quickly prepared tea and stood behind them.

Once everyone was seated, Siegfried began.

"I must ask that what I am about to share remains confidential for the time being. If anyone cannot comply, please leave now."

The dormitory manager, previously assertive, now raised a hand nervously.

"I asked for an explanation, but... is this classified information?"

"It's not classified, but it’s sensitive. This will become public knowledge in a few days. Please keep it confidential until then."

"I understand. I will comply."

"Thank you, Dorm Manager. Regalus, could you cast a soundproof spell?"

"Yes."

Regalus chanted a spell, and a curtain of wind enveloped the space.

"Now, to the matter at hand. The legend speaks of a maiden who awakens during the darkest of times. She has awakened. Regalus and I confirmed this at the cathedral."

'That explains the commotion when we returned with Ciel…'

Althea listened intently, while Regalus looked down, and Laila paled. Only the dormitory manager seemed joyful.

"Is it true?! Who is this maiden? Ah, it's wonderful news. We might see daylight again!"

"I cannot reveal her identity yet. But I must take her to RGC today."

"Today?"

Althea asked, astonished.

'Just a while ago, Siegfried agreed to help me and said we’d leave for the castle the day after tomorrow. And now this...'

Despite her confusion, she watched Siegfried’s unchanged expression closely.

"She will meet the king and then, through his statement, her existence will be announced to the world. Until then, this remains a secret, Dorm Manager."

Siegfried warned the dormitory manager, who quickly composed herself.

"Understood."

"Regarding this matter, I also need to discuss the monster subjugation plans with the Monclair family. Hence the unannounced visit. I apologize."

The dormitory manager stood and bowed.

"No, no, if it's about countermeasures in these dire times... I understand. I’ll explain to the students. But please, remember this is a girls' dormitory. Don't stay too late."

With that, the dormitory manager left Althea’s room.