Chapter 267 (1/2)

Once known as the City of Shining Light, the beautiful aesthetic of the Canal Kingdom’s capital Eriark had lost its color due to the long-lasting civil war.

Standing on the highest floor of Fibris Castle in the middle of that city, in the altar room even higher than the throne room, was the Third Princess Celis.

Dressed in robes that covered her eyes, her appearance brought to mind a priestess rather than a member of royalty.

As she was offering a prayer towards the altar, Celis turned around after sensing a presence behind her.

The blonde hair that could be seen from the space in between her robes swayed as her golden eyes gazed at that presence.

「So it’s you, Reina… I was wondering who it was.」

「Fufu, you must be joking. You must have already noticed me.」

「Not at all. There’s a limit to my intuition. Surely you’ve realized that already?」

The person named Reina silently smiled as her wavy hair flowed.

While she didn’t say anything, it could be assumed that she was confirming Celis’s suspicion.

「So what are you doing in a place like this?」

Celis made a wry smile in response to those words.

The only thing to do at an altar was to pray, and considering that Reina had already seen that Celis was praying, it made the question seem all the more mean-spirited.

「I was offering my prayers. Praying that this war would soon come to an end…」

「Ending the war would be quite simple. All you have to do is run into the enemy lines on your own. I’m sure your sister would take no time in coming to take your head.」

「That’s…」

As Celis got caught up in her words, Reina shrugged her shoulders.

「You have taken to the sword because you know that is not the right option, yes? That is exactly why I am lending you my strength for now. Please do not forget that.」

「…I know.」

It was not as if Reina had faithfully pledged her loyalty to Celis. Reina was helping her out out of nothing but pure whim.

But thanks to that Reina, Celis has been able to fight back against her sister’s forces.

The legendary Maid Knight that would not back down even against an entire nation’s army, Reina.

Her ability was not far off from the rumors.

「So, what are you doing here? It’s not as if praying is going to make the God of Light send down a sword from the sky or something.」

「Yes, I know that. But it helps calm me down.」

For those who see the Third Princess Celis as their leader, just knowing that the rightful heir to the throne was where she belonged was enough to make them feel safe. At the very least, it has a positive effect on the troops’ morale.

「I know that, but…」

Seeing Celis stumbling for words, Reina sighed.

「You certainly were born with a troublesome power. What are you feeling this time?」

In response to Reina, Celis began speaking with a hesitant, but clear voice.

「…A strong sense of peace of mind, but at the same time unease. It’s like I’m close to solving something, but at the same time something terrible is going to happen… 」

Upon remembering that sensation, Celis’s body trembled.

Reina moved her eyes from Celis to the altar of the God of Light behind her.

It was an altar that revered the God of Light Raidolg, but as long as Raidolg wasn’t there, there’d be no way for any communication to take place.

But regardless, Celis had no choice but to pray.

Knowing that what she felt would only make others think she’s gone crazy, Celis had to keep it to herself.

「Peace of mind… That must be the letter you sent to your acquaintance in St. Altlis Kingdom. As for the unease, there are numerous things I could imagine it might be.」

Celis made a small nod to Reina’s words.

Reina is the only one that knows about Celis’s hidden power.

And the one that told Celis about it when she wasn’t able to do anything but tremble with anxiety was none other than Reina.

After having Reina calmly analyze her anxiety, Celis felt like a fool after realizing what was happening.

「…That’s right. This situation is already consumed by the feelings of unease.」

「That’s exactly right.」

Celis made a small smile to Reina’s nod, and then looked around her surroundings.

「There’s no need to worry. No one has come here. There aren’t any people nearby, either.」