Althea: The Legendary Saintess [Shoujo]

The martial arts tournament officially began with a declaration from the school head.

As the first match unfolded, Kaera murmured to herself in the shared waiting room.

"Yeah, the school head is right. Of course, I won't hold back. It's my chance to prove the strength acknowledged by your brother, the two-time champion. Lady Althea, I want to fight you. So, let's both make it to the semifinals!"

Althea nodded in agreement. "Yes, I also wish to cross swords with you, Lady Kaera. I'll give it my all to make it through."

If these two were to face each other, it would be in the semifinals. No female student had ever reached that stage before; the best performance had been reaching the top eight.

"Absolutely! I'll win for sure. Lady Althea, meet me there! It's a promise!" Kaera said, firmly shaking hands with Althea before heading towards the entrance for her first-round match.

Kaera's initial match ended swiftly. Though her opponent was a first-year student, Kaera's strength was evident—truly befitting someone aspiring to become a knight. Watching from the athletes' seats, Althea heard a familiar voice from behind.

"She truly lives up to her dream of becoming a knight... Is she your rival, Althea?"

Turning around in surprise, she saw her brother, who had often trained with her, standing there with a smile.

"Brother!"

"How are you feeling? Nervous?"

"Nervous? Hmm, maybe a bit, but more than that, I want to prove myself."

"Prove yourself?" Her brother, Regalus, was taken aback by her unexpected words.

"Yes. I understand everyone is worried about me, but when they tell me to forfeit... it hurts."

"What? Forfeit? An insult to the Monclair name!" Regalus's anger was rare, ignited by his sister's complicated expression.

"It's not an insult... just that they see me as unreliable. I want to show them that I am a Monclair, that I won't lose easily!"

Seeing her determination, Regalus's anger softened, and a smile appeared. He gently patted Althea's head.

"Alright, show them what Monclair is made of. I'll be watching from there." He pointed to the front row, where their parents and, surprisingly, a disguised king sat, along with Siegfried watching from a short distance.

Althea gave a light bow as a greeting, receiving subtle waves in return.

"Thank you, Brother. I'll do my best."

"Yes, your first opponent is a first-year student. From what I've seen, they shouldn't pose much of a problem. But be careful not to underestimate them. And if you advance, you'll likely face Lloyd Insula in the quarterfinals."

Lloyd was the one who had suggested she forfeit the day before.

"I've heard he's a candidate to be the crown prince's retainer. A formidable opponent, according to Prince Yugg."

Three years ago, Yugg had defeated Regalus as a first-year and won the tournament. The next year, Regalus narrowly beat Yugg, proving his true strength. Lloyd, praised by Yugg, was undoubtedly strong.

Seeing her brother's concern, Althea smiled.

"Brother, I will fight with all my strength, no matter who I face. Even if I lose, I want them to say, 'She truly is a Monclair.' Of course, I don't plan to lose. So, watch me closely."

Regalus, a bit embarrassed, replied, "You've got me there... I never expected to be encouraged by you in this moment. Alright, Althea, give it your all and have no regrets. Oh, and a message from Sieg: 'I believe in your strength.' Such a smooth talker. Good luck, Althea! We’ll be cheering for you!"

With a smile, he waved and returned to the spectator seats where Siegfried awaited.

After seeing Regalus off, Althea took a deep breath and walked towards the entrance for her upcoming match.

"Please, enter."

The attendant at the entrance called out.

Althea responded with a firm "Yes," as she watched her opponent enter from the opposite side. She stepped into the arena.

The stadium erupted with cheers.

The rumored beautiful and delicate girl, with her silvery hair that gleamed like platinum in the light, tied in a ponytail, made her way to the center of the arena.

"Lady Althea!!" The crowd cheered her name, mixing in with shouts that mocked her opponent.

"Go easy on her!"

"If you hurt Lady Althea, you won't get away with it!"

Her first-year opponent looked extremely nervous, his face pale, clearly overwhelmed by the atmosphere. This was not a fight he could handle in his current state.

"Are you alright?" The head referee asked the first-year student with concern.

"You won't be able to show your true strength if you're this tense. Take a deep breath... in and out... in and out... Feeling better?"

After a few deep breaths, the first-year student calmed down slightly and thanked the referee. His color improved somewhat.

"Good, you seem alright now. Lady Monclair, you appear ready as well. Shall we begin?"

Both competitors nodded and bowed to each other before taking their stances with their swords.

Despite his nerves, the first-year student held his sword well, though his grip seemed a bit too tight.

"Begin!" The referee's command echoed.

As soon as the match started, both fighters lunged at each other, and within a heartbeat, one sword flew through the air.

Most of the spectators didn't grasp what had happened, but they understood that Althea, with her sword aimed at her opponent's neck, had won.

In the midst of thunderous applause, the two shook hands and bowed before leaving the arena.

Althea continued her winning streak, making it to the top eight without much trouble. Next was the quarterfinals. If she won, she would face her friend as promised. Kaera had already advanced and was likely watching this match from the room reserved for the final four.

Her opponent was, as expected, Lloyd Insula.

In the arena, they bowed to each other before taking their stances. Lloyd spoke first.

"I apologize for my behavior last night. Based on what I've seen so far, you have true strength. I will give it my all."

Almost simultaneously with his words, the referee announced the start of the match.

Immediately, Lloyd disappeared from in front of her. Feeling a presence on her left, Althea leaned back, performing a backflip and kicking up her sword. Lloyd's blade narrowly missed her, and he retreated to keep his distance.

Lloyd prided himself on his speed. Though his mentor had told him to conceal his intent to kill, few had ever kept up with him even when he didn't.

Despite my surprise attack, she evaded so easily...

Realizing that catching her off guard would be difficult, he decided to face her head-on.

"Impressive physical abilities," he commented, swinging his sword.

Althea deftly avoided his strikes, countering swiftly. Lloyd dodged, looking for an opening.

Their rapid exchange of blows was so fast that only a few spectators could follow their movements.

After several minutes of intense fighting, Regalus, watching from the stands, remarked with a confident smile, "Impressive. He's quite skilled."

Beside him, Siegfried murmured, "Most would think Lady Althea is at a disadvantage in such a clash."

Their expressions showed no doubt about Althea's chances.

"With her agility and stamina, she won't lose to any average knight... Look, Insula is starting to tire," Regalus observed.

Just as he said, Lloyd began to retreat slightly, his fatigue becoming apparent.

"Are you alright? You're starting to fall back," Althea said calmly, her face unflinching as she continued their duel.

"Damn... Why are you... still so composed?" Lloyd panted, clearly exhausted after nearly five minutes of fighting.

Seeing her opponent wear out, Althea murmured, "Let's finish this," and increased her attack speed.

"Wha-!" Lloyd tried to fend off the sudden onslaught but eventually dropped to his knees, overwhelmed.

"The winner is Althea Monclair!" The arena erupted in applause.

Panting heavily, Lloyd looked up at Althea as she offered her hand. "How... How can you not be tired after all that? What kind of training do you do?"

"I run for an hour every day, then practice martial arts forms as much as I can. It's all I can manage at school," she replied with a shrug.

"An hour every day? And all that practice? That's... I can't match that..." Lloyd sighed, bowing his head before straightening up to bow formally.

"Dedication, huh? I see. I concede. Lady Monclair, I hope you go on to win. Thank you." They shook hands, and Lloyd headed back to the athletes' entrance.

Althea turned to leave as well. She paused, glancing upward for a moment as if in contemplation, then left the arena.