Althea: The Legendary Saintess [Shoujo]

“Your Highness! We have received a report from Riethonia Harbor... there are flames rising from the port!”

The report came from a patrol officer, and one of the Fourth Knights rushed into the office.

The plan was for Siegfried to disembark at Riethonia Harbor and join the Starry Stars Kingdom’s expeditionary force. Yet, seeing reports of flames rising from the port, which should have been occupied by Starry Stars's forces, Siegfried needed to confirm the situation with his own eyes. Accompanied by Regalus, he hurried to the deck.

Upon reaching the deck, Siegfried saw that indeed, red flames were erupting from Riethonia Harbor. It was unclear whether this was merely a fire or something more sinister.

As he pondered this, Regalus suddenly covered Siegfried's eyes and began chanting an incantation.

“Eye of the Wind”

In an instant, Siegfried's vision was unveiled, revealing the chaotic scene at the harbor.

At the harbor, a fierce battle raged between monsters and humans. The monsters' flames had turned the area into a scorched wasteland.

The Starry Stars soldiers were divided into three groups: one creating paths to evacuate civilians, another focusing on firefighting, and the third battling the monsters to prevent further damage. However, the large number of civilians seemed to be hampering their efforts.

“…Is there any way we can land? If we can offer any assistance…”

Siegfried gritted his teeth and muttered with frustration.

Regalus, still covering Siegfried’s eyes with both hands, asked softly, “I’m sorry, Your Highness, but could you please explain the situation to us?”

“…Ah, right. Riethonia Harbor is currently under attack by monsters. With so many civilians and fires spreading, their defense is faltering. It will be difficult to dock under these conditions. At the very least, we could assist with the firefighting…”

“If it’s just assistance, we who use water magic can help with the firefighting. However, we need to get relatively close, and there is a risk that we might be targeted if we engage,” Regalus answered calmly.

While they wanted to help the Starry Stars forces, landing amidst the battle was extremely risky, and there was a chance they could be wiped out if things went wrong.

The squad leaders who had been listening in fell silent.

“Let’s proceed with that plan!”

A sudden voice came from behind. The group turned to see Althea standing there.

“Fortunately, we managed to arrive from the Principality without being detected by the monsters. We are equipped to withstand minor attacks during docking. However… is it possible to provide support with water magic from specific points?”

“Specific points? …Where?”

Regalus inquired.

“Where is up to you to decide. However, to provide support while maintaining the defensive magic, it would be best to make only one or two small openings. Otherwise, if the monsters launch a coordinated attack, we might not be able to endure it until we dock. Also, please use magical conduits for water magic.”

“Is direct casting not an option?”

“Indeed. Direct casting would create larger openings in the defensive wall. If using a staff, a smaller opening corresponding to the staff's size is preferable. The smaller the opening, the safer it is.”

After listening to the explanation and contemplating for a moment, Siegfried turned to the squad leaders.

“…Let’s proceed with that. Oliver, select two skilled water mages.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Althea, you mentioned one or two points; can we manage with two?”

“Yes, I will try. However, I cannot guarantee how long it will hold. Please ensure you dock as quickly as possible.”

With that, Althea and the two selected water mages, wielding their staffs, began preparing to cast their water magic. They moved to designated points to douse the flames.

The mages positioned their staffs along the ship’s bow, adjusting their aim according to instructions. Althea placed her hand on the staff and whispered a spell, causing the staff to stretch forward. The staff seemed to float in mid-air in the empty space, a peculiar sight since the magical barrier it was hanging on was invisible.

“When casting the spell, please touch the staff to adjust the angle,” Althea instructed.

The two mages nodded in agreement.

Meanwhile, Siegfried issued landing instructions to the Fourth Knights’ commander and the magic squad leader. Regalus, along with his team, proceeded to the helm to coordinate the docking timing and instructions.

After giving the orders, Siegfried announced to his team, “Everyone, take your positions as instructed. We shall cut through the enemy and rescue our comrades!!”

With that motivational call, the team, reinvigorated, roared in response.

The ship accelerated towards Riethonia Harbor.

As they neared the port, less than a kilometer away, the mages began casting water magic to extinguish the fires.

The magic, drawn from the moisture in the air and the sea, shot straight towards the burning buildings in the harbor.

The monsters, startled by the unexpected water from the sea, momentarily ceased their attacks.

Seizing this opportunity, Yugg de Starry Stars, leading the Starry Stars forces, struck down the enemy commander.

“Follow His Highness!!”

Motivated by Yugg’s action, the morale of the Starry Stars forces surged. Simultaneously, the second wave of water magic hit, progressively extinguishing the flames at the harbor.

“Good, with this, the ship can dock!”

Seeing the situation, the helmsman increased the ship’s speed towards the harbor.

While the two mages continued their casting, the rest prepared to disembark and engage in battle. A voice from above suddenly called out.

“There’s a sudden water support; it’s quite intriguing that without getting closer, one would not recognize the ship due to an illusionary magic. But finding the ship at sea and damaging it is quite easy.”

As they looked up, a massive, fiery-red bird soared through the sky.

“What... is that? Could it be... a Phoenix?”

“No way... A divine beast? For a Phoenix to side with demons...!”

“No, wait. There’s someone riding it up there! Is that a demon?”

Upon closer inspection, they saw that a figure resembling a demon was holding the reins attached to the Phoenix.

“How amusing it is that, despite brightening the port, you fools will now perish by the very flames of the Phoenix you revere! Rejoice, for you will be consumed by its fire and meet your end!!”

The Phoenix, manipulated by the demon, let out a scream-like cry, voice so domination across the skies and charged straight towards the ship.

—We won’t make it in time!—

In that crucial moment, the Phoenix was repelled by the defensive magic barrier surrounding the ship.

“Saved...”

“Oh, that’s right. The defensive magic wall was in place.”

As they voiced their relief, Siegfried’s voice cut through from behind.

“Everyone, there’s no time to rejoice. We are protected by the defensive magic barrier, but we don’t know when it might be breached. Should the barrier fail, be prepared for combat.”

At Siegfried’s stern command, they straightened up. Once again, the Phoenix charged at the defensive magic barrier, letting out a shriek as it did.

“That... It must be being forced to comply. How cruel...!”

Oliver murmured. Siegfried turned to him, puzzled.

“What?! Is it possible to control a divine beast like that?”

“If someone with stronger magical power takes control of a weakened beast, yes. Normally, they would ensure the beast loses its self-awareness to make it easier to control. However... they seem to be forcing it to comply while retaining its self-awareness.”

“Retaining its self-awareness...?”

“Yes, the Phoenix does not wish to attack, but its body is being forced into it against its will. Even if the Phoenix can regenerate its body, its spirit will be shattered. A broken spirit will make it a living pet, immortal in body but not in mind.”

“Wouldn't it be easier to control it without retaining its self-awareness? Why not do that?”

“It’s unpleasant to think about, but... the demons probably enjoy watching the divine Phoenix being destroyed.”

Regalus, who had been silent until then, interjected.

“This is too cruel. To be controlled against one’s will and forced to see oneself being harmed, all while tormented by guilt... Is there no way to change this?”

“I wish there was something I could do, but I don’t know how. However, we must first detach the one riding it. Figuring out how to do that is a problem, though...”

“But?”

“Even if we manage to separate them safely, we’ll have to anticipate attacks from the Phoenix while it is still under control.”

“…We could either defeat them all at once or split up to deal with the demons and capture the Phoenix. The former is difficult, but the latter is even more challenging.”

While the students discussed, the Phoenix continued its assault on the defensive magic barrier.

“Damn it! Why won’t there be any cracks?! Is it still not enough?!... Damn it, the time limit is here! I’ll settle this debt on land!”

The demon riding the Phoenix cursed in frustration and withdrew with the injured Phoenix.

Althea, who had been at the stern adding layers to the defensive magic barrier, watched the departing Phoenix with a worried expression.

As the Phoenix departed, the ship docked at the port.

With the docking, the defensive magic barrier was lifted, and each unit quickly assumed combat formation according to their leaders’ orders. They headed towards the Starry Stars forces already engaged in battle.

Regalus’s team disembarked as well, preparing to support the Starry Stars forces, but Althea, who had been at the stern, was nowhere to be found.

Regalus, deeply concerned but needing to lead his team, continued as planned towards the Starry Stars forces. He spoke quietly to Jean, who was close by.

“Jean, please search for Althea and Laila. She should have been on the ship when the barrier was lifted. Find out when she went missing and what she’s doing now. I believe she is safe, but... She is a cherished sister and a chosen maiden. I trust your judgment on what to do once you find her.”

“Yes, sir.”

Jean responded and separated from the squad.

Continuing towards the Starry Stars forces, Regalus spoke to the three members of the Shadow Unit.

“You, Nina, Lanie. Follow us from five seconds behind and stay hidden.”

“Understood.”

The three responded with their voices only, keeping themselves concealed.

“That’s unusual.”

After Jean left and Regalus gave instructions to the others, his cousin Mythril walked alongside him.

“What is?”

“Jean isn’t near you. Could it be related to Althea’s absence?”

“…I’m not sure.”

He couldn’t let it be known that his sister was missing. They were on a mission now, and any untoward action could lead to punishment.

Trying to maintain a calm demeanor, he deflected.

“Did you perhaps send Jean on a mission? Well, I was looking forward to fighting alongside you, so I won’t pry too much. Let’s focus on clearing out the enemies instead.”

Since childhood, they had trained together with swords. Even though their paths diverged after he became a candidate for the crown prince’s friend at ten, and he spent more time in the capital, Mythril had always been his most frequent sparring partner.

“Right, let’s finish this quickly.”

He responded and faced forward.

'Yes, we need to finish this quickly and ensure Althea’s safety...'

With concern for his beloved sister, Regalus plunged into the fray with the Starry Stars forces fighting the monsters.