(EP-28.1) Academy Spring Season #3

028 – Heart-Opening Academy Spring Season #3

The Holy Kingdom Gracia was the headquarters of the Church of Light and Salt.

It was about the size of a city-state, similar to Monarch City – the metropolis of Angmar.

This meant its population should be around a million, right?

That was very large for a city, but quite small for a country.

However, its influence spread across the continent, acting as a neutral zone.

“So this is the cradle of countless Champions, huh?”

Following the delegation, Elga looked around like a curious child.

In her eyes were people carrying all kinds of weapons, ranging from pickaxes, scythes, to ropes.

“Are all those people Champions?”

Archbishop Bayona, who was sent to greet the Angmar Queen, chuckled.

“That is correct. They are warriors, forged and trained. Most of them gathered to be baptized by the Saintess.”

“I see, so these guys are like me, right? Is there anyone worth dealing with?”

It seemed that the Lioness was itching to have a go with the Champions and Champion candidates wandering around.

Archbishop Bayona then said.

“Lady Lioness is as curious and courageous as rumored.”

“There are rumors about me?”

“Yes, as one of the largest countries on the continent, all kinds of tales from Angmar will naturally spread throughout the land.”

“Hm, of course. After all, there’s no way my greatness wouldn’t be known all over the world!”

Elga had accumulated many achievements on Angmar’s border.

It was a matter of course that the feats of Elga and her guards would spread to neighboring countries.

“So, what are the rumors circulating about me?”

Hearing this, Archbishop Bayona gave his reply.

“They say that you’re forward and hyperactive, unlike any young lady from a great family.”

“… What do you mean ‘unlike any young lady’?”

Elga frowned slightly.

This reminded me of the fact that Elga had a complex about not being noble enough. Perhaps Elga’s impression of Bayona had declined with this?

“What is not aristocratic about me?”

While the dissatisfied Elga was pursing her lips, Aira, who was silently walking, finally opened her mouth.

“Are there any rumors about me?”

“Of course! In fact, I have to wonder if there is anyone on this continent who doesn’t know about Queen Aira.”

“Hmmm, really?”

“If you hadn’t arrived using the magic circle and instead went through the gate, there would have been a large crowd waiting to witness Your Majesty’s beauty.”

From Bayona’s explanation, I realized that Aira’s fame had spread far and wide.

That said, I was a little nervous about any stories related to me.

If something like those existed, they would probably not be positive…

Aira then asked.

“So, when can we meet the Saintess?”

“That… the Saintess has entered a week-long prayer vigil. So maybe you can meet her next week.”

“You want me, The Queen of Angmar, to wait until next week?”

Aira’s forehead slightly wrinkled. At the same time, I could see Bayona’s shoulders trembling as he walked in front of her.

Perhaps he knew the rumors about what kind of queen his guest actually was…

To prevent something ridiculous from coming out of Aira’s mouth, I decided to intervene.

“Ah, so that’s why Archbishop Bayona is greeting us instead.”

“That’s right! Even though the Saintess is not present, we were instructed to treat you with utmost respect and hospitality. Later, as soon as you finish unpacking and get settled in your dwellings, we will hold a banquet.”

* * *

A grand celebration party was held to commemorate the visit of Aira and Elga in the banquet hall of the church’s headquarters.

“Didn’t the church enjoy frugality?”

Elga looked at her reflection in the golden glass and spoke with a curious tone.

As she mentioned, the church was inherently virtuous of this aspect.

However, the highest dignitary from the great country of Angmar had visited the Kingdom today. Thus, it was understandable that the celebration could not be held frugally.

Apparently, despite not being able to meet the guests, the Saintess still put in efforts to make sure that they would be comfortable.

━Let’s move quickly.

━Yes. Please put away the plates on table 5 over there.

The nuns and priests were busy carrying dishes and food. Meanwhile, the sounds of various chords and accompanying hymns from the white-robed choir filled the background.

Upon looking at them, the image of Marmar flashed through my mind.

━Comrade!

I’d been constantly hearing that woman’s loud voice for the past week. At this point, it felt like I was having auditory hallucinations…

By now, wouldn’t the escort have departed from the kingdom?

There were loads of luggage and stuff, so they would probably get here in a week or so.

“What is with this watered-down wine? How am I supposed to drink it?”

Elga tasted the plain wine and frowned.

It seemed that she didn’t like its remarkably low alcohol content. After all, the Church’s commandments had made a law to prevent people from getting drunk.

“There are no dancers either. I’m honestly a bit bored. Is there any reason I have to attend this banquet? All the interest is over there anyway…”

Seuk.

Elga’s dissatisfied blue eyes turned to the table where Aira was sitting.

━Aira-nim, you’re so beautiful. The Creator’s brilliance is really awe-inspiring!

━How do you take care of your hair?

There were many high-ranking priests and nuns chatting and sitting next to Aira.

This would probably continue for an hour or so.

Seeing this, Elga clicked her tongue.

“I didn’t come here to be a bridesmaid…”

Elga’s presence was enough to be the spotlight wherever she went. However, when she was next to Aira, she would inevitably get pushed into the role of Chunhyang.

This was simply a difference in their statuses.

Seuk.

Elga then got up.

I cautiously opened my mouth, wondering if Elga would interrupt Aira and the people around her before causing chaos.

“Lady Elga, where are you going?”

“I’m going to smoke, why?”

Elga pulled out a rolled-up cigar from the deep cleavage on her red dress. It appeared that she craved to smoke after finishing her meal.

“I don’t think anyone would notice me leaving anyway.”

“In that case, I’ll go with you.”

“Really? Well, whatever…”

We headed to the quiet garden behind the banquet hall.

On the way, the priests wanted to follow us, but I gently waved them away.

The church’s garden had clean tiles laid out like a path.

Whilst the humming bustle from the noisy banquet sounded in the distance, Elga lit the cigar she was holding in her mouth among the trees.