Althea: The Legendary Saintess [Shoujo]

Just before the morning prayer the following day, the Pope visited the Tower of Prayers and instructed Lily on how to channel magical energy through the magic stones.

The method for sending and receiving magical energy through the stones involved touching each stone to the corresponding crest at the same time while reciting the same incantation. The incantation for the prayer time was "Eternal." The allowable time difference was within a one-minute range before or after.

At exactly 7 o'clock in the morning, Lily knelt in the center of the Tower of Prayers and, as instructed, placed the magic stones she held against her forehead, reciting:

“Eternal.”

After about thirty seconds, a strange sensation began to flow from the crest on her forehead where the magic stone was placed. It didn’t take long for her to realize it was the magical energy being sent to her.

The incoming magical energy was incredibly warm and comforting, yet also felt powerful.

She infused her own magical energy into it and prayed towards the heavens as usual.

The prayer lasted about ten minutes. Afterward, the Pope addressed Lily.

“How was it? I felt that the connection was established while I was watching, but was there any physical strain?”

“No, not at all. On the contrary, I felt enveloped and very at ease during the prayer. Even though it’s only the third day since I arrived at the tower, this is the first time I haven’t felt tired after praying. So this is the power of two maidens praying together… I wonder who the Maiden of the Dusk is. I’d like to meet her.”

Lily responded happily, but her expression soon turned wistful. She stared intently at the magic stone in her hand and murmured. Seeing her expression, the Pope gently patted Lily's head and said,

“Indeed. …One day, when the Maiden of the Dusk completes her trial, you will surely meet her. Just as she is striving to fulfill her mission, you too should strive to offer your unique prayers.”

“You’re right. Knowing that I’m not alone even when we are apart gives me strength. I’ll do my best. …Oh.”

“Is something wrong?”

“About aligning our prayer times from now on—how should we manage it? If we’re nearby, we’re on the same time axis, but what if we’re separated? There’s a time difference even between the principality and the kingdom, isn’t there? If we were even farther apart…”

“Well, we should consult His Majesty about that. Synchronizing the incantations is essential to achieve the desired effect. For now, I must take my leave. I’ll visit again soon, so please stay well until then.”

With that, the Pope departed from the Tower of Prayers.

 

---

On the Same Morning, Just Before 7 a.m.

Althea, who had risen and prepared just before 7, was engaged in a tense discussion with Laila as they checked the clock.

“The time is 7 a.m., correct? Your Holiness?”

The previous evening, after dinner, the Pope had visited their guest room and conveyed the method of channeling magical energy through the magic stones that they had learned from the fairy. He had suggested trying it during the morning prayer.

Laila, who stood by, confirmed Althea’s question.

“Yes, indeed. It’s supposed to be 7 o’clock.”

“I reviewed the procedure last night, but it’s nerve-wracking to actually perform it. The allowable deviation for the incantation is one minute before or after, which is quite challenging. If we’re even a moment late, the effect of the prayer could be limited to just the power of the Maiden of Dawn’s magic…”

“Well, if the prayer as a maiden reaches its destination, isn’t that what matters?”

“That’s true, but… it means maintaining the current level of effectiveness, right? Since I’m using this method due to my own stubbornness, I feel compelled to adhere to it properly.”

As they conversed, the time for the morning prayer drew near.

“…Lady Althea, it’s time.”

Nodding at Laila’s words, Althea placed the magic stone against the crest on her chest, closed her eyes, and recited the incantation.

“Eternal.”

As she spoke, a faint, rainbow-colored magical aura enveloped Althea. Though it was barely perceptible unless viewed closely, to Laila, her mistress surrounded by the iridescent light appeared ethereal and hauntingly beautiful. Entranced, Laila held her breath as the rainbow light gathered at the chest magic stone and slowly faded away.

After about three minutes, Althea ended her prayer posture and tilted her head.

“…Is something wrong?”

Laila asked, concerned.

“Do you think my prayer reached the heavens? Initially, I did feel the magic being absorbed by the stone, but after that, I sensed nothing. Does sending the magical energy complete the task, or should we continue praying at the same time? …I’ll ask Ciel about it later. For now, let’s try praying at the same time.”

With that, Althea once again clasped her hands and continued to pray for about ten more minutes.

 

That afternoon, Althea stood before the doors of the Tower of Prayer with Regalus by her side.

You might wonder why they were here now, at this late hour. After finishing the morning prayers, the King and the Pope had met to discuss the upcoming expedition. During this meeting, the Maiden of Dawn had suggested that Althea be one of her friends to be summoned, which is why Althea found herself here now.

Though Lily and Regalus were friends, Althea didn't consider herself close enough to call Lily a true friend. However, when Lily, who was dedicatedly praying alone at the Tower, had suggested Althea’s name, she felt it was only right to visit the Tower and respectfully decline.

"Are you sure you're okay with this, Althea?" Regalus asked, his brow furrowed with concern.

"What do you mean?" Althea replied, slightly puzzled.

"I’m worried about the possibility of something going wrong, like if the Maiden’s presence here might cause some unforeseen trouble, or if you might experience any physical anomalies."

"Perhaps, but I think it will be fine. Nonetheless, I'll cast a protective spell just to be safe," Althea assured him.

She closed her eyes before the Tower's doors, murmured the incantation of "Desire," and completed the spell. After finishing, she and Regalus pushed open the Tower's doors together.

Inside the Tower, Regalus approached a maidservant and requested an audience with the Maiden of Dawn. The maidservant led them to the reception room and went off to check with the Maiden of Dawn.

After a short while, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed down the corridor. The reception room's door burst open, and Lily appeared, joyfully exclaiming, "Althea, I’m so glad you could come!"

Without waiting for a response, she embraced Althea warmly.

"You agreed to be my conversation partner, didn’t you?" Lily asked, still holding onto Althea.

Regalus cleared his throat and interjected, "Lily, as much as it pains me to dampen your enthusiasm, Althea won’t be able to fulfill that role."

"What? Why? His Majesty said it was okay for me to call a friend..."

"Actually, I don’t understand why Althea is considered your friend in the first place... but that’s beside the point. The thing is, Althea—"

"Brother," Althea interrupted. She gently guided Lily to a sofa and began speaking more formally.

"Lady Greshia, I heard about the request from His Majesty. However, I must apologize as I am unable to accommodate this request."

"Why not?"

"I will be joining the expedition with my brothers," Althea explained.

"Expedition? The one that involves fighting monsters? Sure, you're strong, but... you’re a girl. Is the country really that short on soldiers?"

Regalus sighed, exasperated by Lily’s ignorance. "This is a great nation. Comments like that can be offensive, even if you’re just a Maiden. Such remarks should not be made elsewhere. Althea is joining the expedition not due to a shortage of manpower but because of her exceptional abilities. Her magical power is top-tier, and her sword skills are also highly advanced. There’s nothing unusual about her joining the expedition. The only point of note is that she’s still a student in the general studies department, but..."

"But she’s a girl?"

"She is a girl, but she’s a Monclair. Our father has given his approval too," Regalus stated firmly, his eyes locked onto Lily’s.

Overwhelmed by Regalus’s intense gaze, Lily turned to Althea with a hint of concern. "Althea, are you really okay with this? Are you truly accepting of fighting for your family’s sake?"

"Yes. I take pride in being able to do what I can," Althea said with a radiant smile.

Seeing Althea’s smile, Lily found herself at a loss for words.

As they were about to part ways, Lily, feeling the loneliness of spending time alone again, looked down. Althea took her hand and spoke gently, "Lady Greshia, I will do my utmost to ensure that your time alone in prayer is as short as possible."

Lily felt a strange warmth and a soothing sensation from Althea’s hand. "I understand. I’ll do my best as well, so please... both you and Regalus, return safely," she said, seeing them off with a heartfelt wish.