Chapter 35 - Chapter 34: Side Story: The Daughter of the Marquis Leventein
[Leventein Rubalwarus's Perspective]
The Marquis Leventein's domain, the capital city Sarbengeal.
In the northernmost part of that city, on a vast plot of land, stands the Leventein family mansion.
The master of that mansion has just returned from the Royal Capital.
Rubalwarus Leventein, the current head of the Leventein family, visits the Royal Capital about twice a year.
There are many territories bordering the neighboring Gronoir Empire, but the only territory not blocked by mountain ranges is the Marquis Leventein's domain.
The Marquis Leventein, who is the key to defense against the Gronoir Empire, had gone directly to His Majesty the King to explain the situation.
However, Rubalwarus, who enjoys the deep trust of Kernils Ektramze, King of the Kingdom of Ektrem, has been told that direct reports are only necessary once every few years, and that seeing the border situation in person is sufficient.
He sends envoys every month to report the situation, and the King's army is also stationed near Sarbengeal for border defense.
Even if Rubalwarus gathers troops as a domain army, they do not suspect him of rebellion.
Rubalwarus understands this well, but he believes that resting on trust can lead to cracks forming from the slightest misunderstanding.
While this might be acceptable during wartime, he felt it was necessary now, during peacetime, to show his loyalty to His Majesty in a visible way to both inside and outside the domain.
When the carriage arrived at the main entrance of the mansion, the guard knight sitting opposite Rubalwarus opened the door and stepped out first.
From the carriage to the entrance, many servants had formed a line to clear the path.
The knight at the very front of the line saluted to welcome Rubalwarus.
Magnus, the Knight Commander of the Leventein Domain Army, broke his salute and stepped one step forward from the line.
"Welcome home, Your Excellency. We have been waiting with all our hearts for your return from the boring Royal Capital."
He spoke after confirming that Rubalwarus had stepped down from the carriage.
"How was the Royal Capital, your first time in half a year?"
"If you know it's boring, don't ask."
When Rubalwarus answered, Magnus laughed without any restraint.
Rubalwarus and Magnus entered the mansion while talking.
Behind them, several guard knights, the steward, and maids followed.
"My apologies. However, such boring social gatherings are necessary for the peace of the Hailhord Region. ... Shall we have a match later to relieve our boredom?"
"That can wait until tomorrow. I would like to move my stiff body, but I must first finish these boring errands."
Upon arriving at the office, the knights standing on both sides of the door saluted.
A maid opened the door, and Rubalwarus and Magnus entered the room.
The guard knights stood on both sides inside the door, while the steward and one maid entered the office and closed the door.
Rubalwarus sat at his desk and immediately called out to the steward.
"Is there any report from the household?"
"There were no particularly major problems. However..."
The steward, unusually, hesitated in his speech.
"Just what is it?"
"It is regarding Young Lady Cleiria, a little..."
Hearing Cleiria's name, Rubalwarus made a grim face.
"...Is it about the Academy?"
The steward bowed his head and said "Yes."
"Is she still saying that? That was four weeks ago."
They had spoken about Cleiria and the Magic Academy the day before Rubalwarus departed for the Royal Capital.
In just a few more days, the Month of Earth would end, and once the Month of Water began, the Magic Academy would start.
Even though there was nothing that could be done about it now.
Rubalwarus sighed and gave instructions to the maid with just his finger.
The maid silently took a glass from the cabinet and placed it on the desk.
She then poured a finger's width of distilled liquor and returned to her original position.
Rubalwarus drained the glass in one go and exhaled a hot breath.
"I will speak with Cleiria after dinner. ...Leave her alone until then."
The steward bowed respectfully.
"If there is nothing else, you may withdraw."
When Rubalwarus said so, the steward and maid bowed in unison and exited.
After confirming that the stewards had left, Magnus spoke up.
"Wasn't it said that Young Lady Cleiria was blessed with magic power? Is the Academy the problem?"
"She insisted on going to the Academy in Leventein Domain 'here'. ...Really..."
Rubalwarus leaned back against the chair.
According to the laws of Leventein Domain, if a child's magic power reaches a certain level at the age of seven, they must enter the Magic Academy.
However, there are exceptions to everything, and noble relatives are not included in this rule.
This is because the reason for establishing the Magic Academy in Leventein Domain in the first place was for commoners who could not afford necessary education or training due to lack of money.
If they can provide the necessary education and training themselves, there is no need to entrust them to the Magic Academy.
It is troublesome if they ignore the Academy based on their own judgment, but for noble relatives, confirmation is made in advance regarding enrollment.
If they are to be entrusted, appropriate consideration will be given; if not, they will be instructed to train at home.
Either way, it is already decided that they will go to the Academy in the Royal Capital at the age of ten.
"She says the necessary training can be done at home, but she simply refuses to listen."
"To want to go to the Academy on one's own is a wonderful attitude. As for me, I spent all my time thinking about how to avoid the Knight Academy. Unfortunately, it did not come to pass."
"Hahaha, I am similar. I was only thinking about how to escape the dormitory."
Rubalwarus and Magnus laughed together for a moment.
"Well, let's leave Cleiria's matter aside. More importantly... You all, wait outside."
Rubalwarus ordered the guard knights to wait outside the room.
After confirming that the door was closed, Rubalwarus resumed the conversation.
"...After meeting His Majesty in the Royal Capital, I was summoned to his private room. The Minister of Military Affairs and the Minister of Foreign Affairs were there as well."
"My, my. Is this not a Privy Council now? So, the topic of this gathering..."
"Of course, it is about Gronoir. For now, I am telling you, but do not pass this information down further. There is also information currently being confirmed, so the certainty is not high."
"We shall take note of it merely as a reference."
Magnus straightened his posture and listened to Rubalwarus's words.
After the meetings with the captains of the domain army and the officials, and after finishing a long-awaited family dinner, Rubalwarus had returned to the office.
As he was writing letters to the lords of the Hailhord Region, the door was knocked on.
When Rubalwarus called out "Enter," the door opened after a few seconds.
Entering the office was Cleiria Leventein.
She was Rubalwarus's daughter, a beautiful girl with long honey-blonde hair, eight years old this year.
Her slightly purplish-blue eyes and spirited gaze conveyed a dignity beyond her years.
"You all wait there. Cleiria, sit on the sofa."
He ordered the guard knight and attendant accompanying Cleiria to wait outside, and urged Cleiria to sit on the sofa.
Rubalwarus put down his pen and sat on the sofa opposite Cleiria.
Cleiria seemed to guess the reason for the summons and appeared nervous.
It was understandable.
Usually, entry into the office is prohibited, so entering this room might be her first time.
Usually, even when important matters are discussed, they are held in the private room.
Since she was summoned to the office, she must be trembling with fear about how serious the matter is.
"Why did you not come to dinner?"
Rubalwarus spoke to Cleiria, trying to keep his voice as normal as possible.
Cleiria lowered her head and tightly gripped her hands on her lap.
It seemed Cleiria had been conducting a sort of hunger strike for the past four weeks.
The reason for the "sort of" was that while she did not eat meals in the dining hall, she apparently had her attendant secretly deliver light snacks, sweets, and tea.
Since that was not enough to constitute a meal, she would surely be constantly tormented by hunger, and her complexion would not be good.
However, if she were truly on a hunger strike, she could not last four weeks, and the stewards were not standing idle.
If Cleiria's life were at stake, they would have forced her to eat somehow.
In the end, the stewards knew that the attendant was delivering light snacks, so they were just watching this cute protest action.
Day by day, the content of the delivered snacks was being enriched.
"Eat your meals in the dining hall."
When Rubalwarus continued speaking, Cleiria stiffened her body further and pressed her lips together.
Right now, Cleiria was surely gathering all her courage in her heart.
Cleiria had a somewhat spoiled side, but she had never resisted Rubalwarus so stubbornly before.
"............"
Cleiria's lips trembled slightly.
She seemed to say something, but Rubalwarus could not hear it.
"If you have something to say, look at the other person and say it clearly. I tell you this all the time."
At Rubalwarus's words, Cleiria lowered her head even more, but she clenched her small hands until they turned white.
"Please let me attend the Academy too."
Gathering her courage, Cleiria raised her face and looked straight at Rubalwarus.
Rubalwarus thought that Cleiria's purple eyes, piercing through him, were beautiful, even though she was his daughter.
"No. Do not make me say it again."
"Such..."
But, ruthlessly, Rubalwarus rejected Cleiria's wish.
This exchange itself had been repeated several times over the past year.
"Why, Father! Why, to that extent..."
"It is not 'why'. I have told you the reason many times. You, why are you so obsessed with the Academy? Training can be done at home. Even better than such an Academy."
Rubalwarus had told her this to the point of exhaustion.
That the Academy in Sarbengeal was for commoners.
That unlike the Academy where several people are educated together, at home one could learn thoroughly one-on-one.
He had repeatedly told her that doing so was suitable for developing Cleiria's talent.
And, although not told to Cleiria, there was a decisive reason why Rubalwarus absolutely would not nod his head.
Many children at the Academy in Sarbengeal had not received proper education.
In fact, such children made up the majority.
No matter how much Cleiria pleaded, Rubalwarus had no intention of throwing his beloved daughter into such a group of children.
The Magic Academy in the Royal Capital was similar, but since it was stipulated by national law, they had no choice but to obey.
However, there were at least some there who had received education for at least two years.
Even in class divisions, such things were taken into consideration.
It could be said to be somewhat better than the Magic Academy in Sarbengeal.
"By forming friendships early on, we can gain even one more mage for the future Leventein Domain, the Hailhord Region————"
"That can wait until you go to the Royal Capital. If you work hard for two years, you will enter a class where excellent people gather. You can form friendships there. Placing someone whose character you do not know near you will only become a shackle on your feet. Now, focus solely on polishing yourself at home."
The Magic Academy in the Royal Capital lasts for six years.
There, one should take time to slowly observe their character, choose those who can be trusted, and then form friendships.
But... Cleiria, who could not yet give up, opened her mouth, but her words did not continue.
The reason Cleiria gave was true, but it was not everything.
Rubalwarus knew that she had a curiosity to interact with children of the same age, as there were no such children around her.
"A teacher I have asked to provide instruction will arrive next week. Prepare properly."
When told to leave, Cleiria bit her lips in frustration, stood up from the sofa, and left the room.
"Bogeiza, stay. Virone, take Cleiria to her room."
Calling out to the guard knight and attendant waiting in front of the room, the guard knight bowed and followed Cleiria, while the attendant entered the room.
"I heard Bogeiza proposed the light snacks and sweets to the steward. Well done."
When Rubalwarus offered words of praise, Bogeiza bowed respectfully.
When Cleiria refused to eat, Bogeiza had proposed delivering light snacks "in secret from everyone."
As a result, one could say the problem was prolonged, but also that it was resolved peacefully.
"I thought you were too young, but you are doing well. Keep up this pace and strive in the future. Also, report if anything else happens."
When Rubalwarus ordered him to withdraw, Bogeiza bowed and exited.
Bogeiza was just over twenty years old and had no experience as an attendant.
Bogeiza's family had served the Leventein family for generations, and Bogeiza's father had also served until a few years ago.
However, he had suddenly passed away due to illness, just having passed forty years of age.
Bogeiza's mother had asked to have her son serve in his place, so they accepted, but they were initially anxious.
However, he turned out to be more excellent than expected, remembering things immediately after being taught once.
So, while having the steward supervise, they made him an attendant for Cleiria.
Bogeiza quickly gained Cleiria's trust and brought information that Cleiria wanted to go to a Magic Academy where there were children of the same age.
Thanks to that, Rubalwarus was able to grasp Cleiria's true intentions without error.
Rubalwarus returned to his desk and picked up his pen.
"...I do not know what will happen outside. At least, I must tighten things up on the inside."
Muttering so, he began writing the continuation of the letters to the lords of the Hailhord Region.
■■■■■■
[Wagnare Shubeist's Perspective]
The Central Plaza, located slightly north of the city of Sarbengeal.
Facing that Central Plaza stands the Great Cathedral of the Church of Light.
As befitting the cathedral of the country's third-largest city, it is large, beautiful, and above all, solemn; everyone cannot help but feel the presence of the gods in that appearance.
Wagnare, the Archbishop who had just finished the afternoon prayer in the cathedral's chapel, was returning to his own office.
"You have come here, Your Eminence."
Kararebas, the Chief Priest at the Sarbengeal Cathedral, hurriedly ran after him holding several sealed letters and documents.
This priest, in his mid-forties, is the closest among the priests of this diocese to the position of Bishop, but unfortunately, he has a timid nature.
If not for that, one could confidently recommend him as a Bishop for a middle diocese, but considering his timid nature, even a Bishop for a small diocese becomes a worry.
It seems best for him to remain a priest for his own sake.
Wagnare stopped, thinking such thoughts, while waiting for Kararebas to catch up.
"Why are you in such a hurry, Kararebas? You should try to keep a bit more calm in your heart."
"Haa... haa... I-I apologize. P-Please, look at this."
Saying so, Kararebas handed over a sealed letter.
The Church has established a postal network dedicated to correspondence between churches.
Generally, letters are delivered by requesting the Adventurer Guild, but the Church, to guarantee secrecy, had built its own postal network.
The sealed letter handed over was also delivered via such a unique postal network.
"...Runesarm."
The corner of his mouth involuntarily twisted.
It was a sealed letter from the Great Cathedral in Runesarm, the capital of the Earldom of Latajis.
"Well, what excuse has he come up with this time? What do you think, Kararebas?"
"I, I do not know..."
At Wagnare's question, Kararebas could only answer with a troubled expression.
"We do not care which it is, but the current state of being pulled around is the most troubling. ...If this is being done on purpose, it is quite a sight."
Wagnare's sharp gaze glared into the void.
Even though Kararebas was not being glared at, he felt his body stiffen.
Wagnare thought that since Kararebas was timid, it would be more peaceful for him to remain at the priest level.
Wagnare's assessment was correct; in fact, Kararebas himself did not want to bear heavy responsibilities.
However, that timid Kararebas had not realized that training under Wagnare would be the most stressful thing of all.
————The origin of the matter was one year ago, when a new Saintess appeared in Runesarm.
There are several saints and saintesses recognized by the Church, and they suddenly receive a [Blessing] on a certain day.
There are various types of [Blessing], and a representative one is "wounds heal immediately."
It is close to the [Heal] of [God's Miracle], but [Blessing] does not even require praying to the gods.
It is as if the person is always under the effect of [Heal].
However, in reality, it is not as dramatic an effect as [Heal].
Still, wounds heal much faster than normal, and the effects of [Blessing] are not limited to that.
There are also several other effects bestowed upon saints and saintesses.
By the way, saints are male and saintesses are female.
Those bestowed with [Blessing] regardless of gender are sometimes called "Saints."
There is also a ritual in the Church called "Blessing," but this is a simulation of the original [Blessing].
Long ago, it seems there were high-ranking bishops who could bestow effects similar to [Blessing], but currently, there is not a single person who can do so.
It has become a ritual that merely mimics the form.
Most saints and saintesses are monks or deacons, but they are special beings not bound by church rules.
For example, church ranks and hierarchies are "things determined by people in the human world," but saints and saintesses are "beings recognized and determined by the gods."
Even the Pope cannot order them to do anything.
However, saints and saintesses do not live eating mist. They live ordinary lives in the human world.
Therefore, the Church recognizes and protects saints and saintesses.
Saints and saintesses also cooperate with the Church and help spread the teachings of the gods.
Such a relationship had been built.
That new Saintess said she wanted to visit the Great Cathedral of Sarbengeal.
The Great Cathedral of Sarbengeal is solemn and beautiful precisely because it is in the country's third-largest city.
The only cathedrals more magnificent than this are those in the Royal Capital and the country's second-largest city.
It is normal for a believer of the Church of Light to want to visit at least once.
It takes quite a few days to go to the Royal Capital or the country's second-largest city, but from Runesarm to Sarbengeal, it takes about three days.
Given that the newly recognized Saintess was a nine-year-old child at the time, it could be said to be a reasonable choice.
At that time, Wagnare had also just arrived as Archbishop, so there was no reason to refuse the Saintess's visit.
When he received the letter from the Saintess, he thought nothing more than "I have one more job."
However, someone put a 'stop' to this Saintess's visit.
The Bishop of Runesarm.
The Bishop requested the cancellation of the visit, citing reasons such as the Saintess being too young and having been recognized for only a short time.
Honestly, that was not a valid reason; it was just a pretext.
No matter how much the Bishop interfered, if the Saintess says "I will go," no one can stop her.
Even the Pope has no right to stop the Saintess's actions.
However, this new Saintess seemed quite intelligent despite being a child.
While she wanted to go, she also considered the Bishop.
As a result, the trip to Sarbengeal was decided, but the timing was left undecided and put on hold.
Since then, an unpleasant correspondence had begun between Wagnare, who kept asking "When is the visit? Decide quickly," and the Bishop of Runesarm, who dodged with "Currently adjusting."
"Summer..."
Wagnare glanced at the sealed letter from Runesarm and muttered.
In front of his desk, Kararebas waited anxiously for Wagnare to read the letter.
"What did they say over there?"
"They said they will send the Saintess in the summer."
"Summer, is it? That is sudden again."
"Earliest is three months, latest is six months. It does not say which day of the Month of Fire, so it is not that urgent."
"However, if it is a visit by the Saintess-sama, we cannot help but consult with the Lord."
Kararebas made a grim face.
It seemed he had become completely unable to deal with lords since meeting them six months ago.
"I will explain to the Lord myself. I cannot afford to leave an official in charge at the Government Office."
It was a Saintess's visit.
It was expected that a considerable number of people would flock from neighboring domains.
This was not a matter that could be resolved with adjustments within the Church alone.
"...But, why did they suddenly agree to the Saintess's visit?"
Kararebas made a suspicious face.
He did not understand the reason for putting a 'stop' to the visit, nor did he understand the reason for suddenly agreeing.
"She is a new Saintess, but she seems to be a young lady with a very strong core."
"Is that so?"
Wagnare leaned back against the chair and laughed mockingly.
"Originally, the fact that a 'stop' was put on it itself had no great reason. That Bishop was just trying to use the Saintess's influence. First, he tried to tame her thoroughly, and then he tried to raise his own status using the Saintess."
Hearing this, Kararebas made a grim face again.
For Kararebas, who had little desire for power, the Bishop's blatant methods were likely unacceptable.
"However, this young lady did not just get tamed; she absolutely refused to be tamed. The Bishop's carrots and sticks were like wind blowing in the wind. ...It seems saints and saintesses are generally somewhat detached from the world, but this Saintess is particularly so."
"I-Is that so?"
Hearing Wagnare's words, Kararebas's face turned pale.
That particular one was coming to Sarbengeal 'here' in a few months.
He must have been imagining a terrible future.
"She is an intelligent young lady. It seems she saw through the Bishop's schemes as well. At first, she postponed the visit to consider the Bishop, but recently, it seems she said 'When will you let me go?' every time they met. She must have been exhausted... both of them."
"Haa~..."
Kararebas exhaled as if impressed.
"...Your Eminence, how exactly did you obtain such information?"
"I just have a wide network. I have been posted to many places."
This was half true and half a lie.
Indeed, Wagnare had been posted to many places, but information did not naturally gather just because of that.
He had built an information network intentionally.
Once, a priest whom Wagnare respected and admired was trapped in a snare.
That priest, who was destined to become the next Bishop, was framed by a rival and demoted.
No matter how seriously and sincerely one guarded the teachings, one can be caught by dirty hands and dragged down.
That incident had made Wagnare realize this.
The only consolation was that the priest was doing reasonably well in his demotion post.
However, Wagnare could not forgive it.
Those who seriously face the teachings of the gods are tripped up by heartless people.
So he decided to gather. Information. Weaknesses.
To crush and pulverize the dirty hands creeping up on him————.