Althea: The Legendary Saintess [Shoujo]

"Ah, what a beautiful morning," Althea mused, stretching her body as she stood by the window, basking in the sunlight that streamed through the curtains. The events of the previous night played in her mind.

"Would you consider forfeiting the match?" Lloyd Insula had asked.

Kaera was the first to respond to Lloyd's unexpected request. "What are you saying? Encouraging a competitor to forfeit is disgraceful. If you're so lacking in confidence, perhaps you should be the one to forfeit."

"I have confidence," Lloyd replied calmly. "But I cannot risk injuring Lady Monclair. She is, after all, the beloved of Prince Yugg."

"Who is the beloved of whom?" Kaera asked, her tone incredulous.

"Lady Monclair is Prince Yugg's beloved. It would be unthinkable to harm her in the tournament," Lloyd explained.

"Wait a minute," Kaera interjected, turning to Althea, who had remained silent. "Althea, is this true?"

"I don't think so," Althea responded uncertainly. "I mean, he does ask me to marry him every time we meet, but he's never actually said he loves me. And besides, that has nothing to do with the tournament."

Resolving her thoughts, Althea turned to Lloyd. "I will not forfeit. If you intend to 'beat' me, then go ahead and try. I accept your challenge."

Standing by the window, Althea murmured to herself, "Did that sound like a declaration of war? Well, it doesn't matter. All I can do is my best in each match."

She lightly slapped her cheeks to energize herself and glanced at the clock. "Oh no, Kaera will be here soon. I need to hurry."

With renewed determination, she began changing into her combat uniform. As she finished tying her hair into a ponytail, there was a knock on the door.

"Lady Althea, are you ready? May I come in?" Kaera's voice called from outside.

Althea opened the door, and Kaera, upon seeing her, was momentarily stunned before enveloping her in a hug. "You look incredible—so cute and fierce. Honestly, I feel a bit sorry for your opponents."

Althea, dressed in the same standard combat attire as Kaera, was taken aback. The only difference was her ponytail.

"You really suit that hairstyle," Kaera said, releasing her. "It's different from your usual elegant look, but it suits you well. And to think I was the first to see it—it gives me a bit of pride. But we can't linger here; the opening ceremony will start soon. Let's head to the waiting room."

Hand in hand, they left the room together.

When they entered the waiting room designated for participants, all eyes turned to them. The tension in the air was palpable, and the boys, seeing Althea's new look, were momentarily captivated. However, the realization that this beautiful girl might get hurt sobered them quickly, leaving their expressions conflicted.

Kaera, noticing their reactions, spoke provocatively, "Come on, this isn't the face of someone about to fight. None of you stand a chance against me with that attitude."

A boy stepped forward and addressed Althea directly. "Lady Monclair, please, reconsider withdrawing. We cannot bear to see you injured."

The other boys nodded in agreement, their concern evident.

"This tournament is filled with aspiring knights. We cannot afford to hold back for your safety. The physical and strength differences make this a daunting challenge for you. Please, reconsider for your own sake."

Their concern was genuine, reflecting the harsh reality of the competition. Yet...