Marina We departed Glinda’s residence in the morning, leaving Ortessa promptly from the northwestern gate. The maids had already prepared our supplies, so there was no need for us to make a trip to the shops in town. My discussion with the court mage was more fruitful than I imagined. She gave me her personal notes on magic, knowledge she had …

“The Greenwood Family… the people responsible for Vera’s death… I have heard all about it, you know,” the Grand Priestess smirked. “We of the Church kept quite the close eye on the Magocracy’s activities after all. One day, they appeared out of nowhere, climbing the icy mountain where Vera resided, and then killed her in cold blood. Two of them …

“…ke up.” “Wake up, boy!” My eyelids slowly fluttered open, as a voice called out to me, pulling me away from the pleasant dream that I had. Ah, I feel this has happened before already. When my sight focused, I saw Fiora standing beside me with a displeased expression. She probably had been trying to wake me up for a …

En route back to our room, I decided to have a little chat with Nicole beforehand—about Fiora naturally. “Nicole, one sec.” “Hmm?” She stopped, turning around to face me. “About Fiora. Can you let me handle it?” “Handle it?” She tilted her head. “You mean you’re going to try to convince her to apologize?” “Yeah, that. No offense, but I don’t …

“I know who you are, Grand Priestess,” Fiora began with a smile. “And your past.” “Heh,” Lunarya replied with a grin. “Everyone already knows that.” She then leaned back on her chair, putting her hands at the back of her head. “Go on. I don’t mind.” “Then, I shall cut the chit chat and go straight to the point,” Fiora …

“Four of our knights were killed and eight were injured. What a terrifying opponent,” the high priestess reported. We were now outside on the field talking to  Michaela, who was overseeing the clean up from the assault. After the two assassins killed themselves, and the other one ran away, she immediately ordered her subordinates to search for the latter, while …

Knock. Knock. “May I come in?” After just a few minutes of waiting, Nicole knocked on my door. I sighed. It was time for me to break the news to her. You know, come to think of it, this is the first time I’ve ever invited a girl into my room. Now I can’t help but feel nervous a little. …

“No,” I answered, folding my hands with a serious look on my face. For a split second, Fiora paused, a clear look of disappointment drawn on her face. Only to turn back into her usual proud expression, as she answered with, “Good. That is really for the best.” “However,” I interrupted her, still keeping up my serious expression. “That doesn’t …

“I see,” the high priestess replied. “I figure it is something like that. The rumours have reached my ears, that your father is growing weaker and more senile at each passing day.” So that’s why they have been so gung-ho at sending assassins over her! The grand priestess’ eyes then narrowed. “You know we of the Church aren’t supposed to be involved …

As we entered through the gate, one of the soldiers was sent off ahead to warn the temple of our arrival. Nicole showed off her emblem to the captain guard, and he immediately understood that she was an official aspirant for the High Priestess position, adding credence to our claim. We didn’t say anything about Fiora being the imperial princess …