Althea: The Legendary Saintess [Shoujo]

After the summer vacation, the campus becomes filled with the atmosphere of a martial arts tournament. The student representatives are extremely busy with the preparations.

Being student representatives, Siegfried and Regalus are also participants as usual, so they are very busy with both the preparations and their own training.

Amidst all this, the martial arts tournament held this year was once again a great success. However, among the first-year students who are newcomers this year, there weren't many powerful martial artists. Therefore, the martial arts tournament ended with Regalus, who defeated Yugg de Starry Stars last year and won, winning for the second consecutive year, followed by Siegfried.

As time passed, graduation for the third-year students drew near, and the selection of student representatives from the current students began. The students who are nominated decide whether to accept or decline, but most of the nominated students do not refuse because it could affect their future paths in various countries.

As a result of the nominations, the student representatives for the next year were selected, with ten students centered around Uryan Amara and the Suoro brothers. From the first-year students, Alicia Cuffs, the daughter of the Duke of Royal Grand Central, and Gray Etherial, the son of the Count, as well as nobleman Bayer Osmond from Starry Stars and Ami Tomoro from FullTale, were selected. Uryan Kaera was selected from Uranos.

Interestingly, Althea's name was also proposed as a candidate from RGC, but due to Regalus's strong opposition, her candidacy as a student representative was withdrawn.

Once the new student representatives are chosen, their first task is to prepare for the "Farewell Party for Graduates" of the third-year students at Holy Sacrament Academy. This party serves not only as a farewell but also as a pre-debut practice for noble sons and daughters who will debut in society in various countries the following year.

It is also an important event for magic users from commoner backgrounds to learn etiquette for future governmental positions. Additionally, for the third-year students, it is an event they must attend with a partner.

Usually, the partner is expected to be a fellow student at the academy, but it was allowed for nobles with fiances to bring their external fiances as partners. Therefore, for third-year students without fiances or from commoner backgrounds, it was a time to eagerly search for a partner.

Althea, who had been summoned infrequently for a while, had started to be called frequently, especially by third-year students, perhaps due to the party.

One night, while standing on the balcony feeling the night breeze, Althea asked Laila, "Hey, Laila, first-year students don't need partners, right?"

"Yes, that's correct," Laila replied as she prepared for the next day.

"By the way, I heard from Lady Kaera, but is it true that you were invited too?"

"...Yes."

Internally, perhaps grumbling against Kaera, Althea's expression twisted slightly. However, Althea, who turned back from the balcony, seemed too far away to notice the subtle expression, so she continued the conversation.

"So, what's the matter? Are you going to accept it or not?"

"...Lady Althea, you'll catch a cold. It's about time you returned to your room."

"Fine... What about it then?"

Even as she entered the room, she was very curious about Laila's unusual statement.

"Whatever it is... My role has already been decided."

"Role? What do you mean?"

"You also need a partner, right, Jean? So, I'll be Jean's partner. That's the reason."

"...I see."

Strangely satisfied, Althea nodded.

"In that case, on the day, I won't be by your side, so it would be good if Lady Althea could be partnered with someone reliable."

"Isn't it fine with Lady Kaera and Lady Julia together?"

"Didn't Lady Julia have a fiance? And, didn't Lady Kaera also receive an invitation from Uranos?"

"Ah... Then, I'll be alone? That sounds lonely... I'll consult with my brother."

"That would be advisable."

After such a conversation, the next day, Althea was having lunch in the cafeteria with Regalus.

The next morning, it seemed that Laila had quickly arranged a promise with Regalus.

Her exclusive lady-in-waiting works too fast...

Thinking such things, Regalus smiled and spoke to Althea.

"So, what's the problem, Althea?"

"Um... Well..."

As Althea became unsure how to broach the topic of her partner, Regalus interrupted her.

"I understand, it's about the partner, right? I wanted to have Althea as my partner, but since it's not allowed within the family... I reluctantly asked Miss Oliver. There could be problems if I chose a powerful noble from another country, and I also thought about Miss Lily, but it seemed like it might cause trouble later. In that regard, there's no problem with her family status, and she seems unlikely to cause trouble in the future, so I chose her... Oh, of course, I've received her understanding."

And Regalus explained.

"Miss Olivier... Isn't she from the Marquess of Norland? I think... she was in the same team as my brother during the exploration expedition, right?"

"Yeah, Miss Olivier... um... has feelings for someone else, but she can't invite that person, so she volunteered. Of course, I've confirmed that she has no ulterior motives."

"I see... By the way, brother, I also have a consultation about my partner..."

"Oh, I'm listening. Of course, I've approved it."

"Huh?"

"Huh?"

As Althea tilted her head in confusion, Regalus also questioned her action.

"...Brother? What are you talking about...?"

"Eh? So, you were asked by Sieg, right?"

"Eh?!"

Surprised, she stood up and raised her voice. Everyone around looked at Althea's table. Feeling the gaze, Althea smiled awkwardly and quietly sat back down.

Regalus, puzzled by his sister's reaction, asked Althea, who had sat back down.

"...Althea, are you perhaps not aware of anything?"

"Yes."

"...Haven't you met with Sieg?"

"Well... We made plans to go out together the day after tomorrow on our day off..."

"Eh?!"

This time, Regalus raised his voice. Feeling the gaze, he cleared his throat and sat back down.

"I haven't heard anything about going out! When did you make such a promise?"

"Um... this morning?"

"This morning... at that gazebo?"

Knowing they met at the gazebo, Regalus inquired in slow voice.

"Yes."

"I thought I invited you to be my partner this morning at the gazebo... I didn't expect to hear about going out... Sorry, Althea. Let's pretend we didn't have this conversation today."

"..."

At that moment, the bell for the next class rang.

"Oh, it's time... The next class is in the Central Hall, so I'll excuse myself first. And... after your outing on the day after tomorrow, make sure to report back."

With just those words, Regalus left with a smile.

Two days later, the promised day for their occasion arrived.