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“A white cat with wings, huh? There are cat Familiars like black cats with bat wings, and even a yokai called Ye Xingzi¹, but I can’t think of any monsters that fit this description.”

After a light sparring session, where we neutralized each other’s magic bullets with equal force as a warm-up, I asked Mei Iroha, the chairwoman, if she knew anything about the creature that had hatched from Luke’s egg. She merely tilted her head in thought.

Despite me using my full power, chanting the spells, and boosting my fire-and-water composite Napalm with my trusty staff (capable of obliterating an ogre in one hit), Chairwoman Mei intercepted all my attacks using only her bare hands and the general fire magic spell ‘Fire’—without chanting. Normally, ‘Fire’ could only burn a goblin at most.

Furthermore, if any of my shots missed and were about to hit the ground, she would decompose and revert them to mana mid-air while still having the leisure to munch on the cookies I had brought as a gift. It’s unfathomable how vast the difference in our abilities is.

“Ashimi—ah, my elf friend—suggested that it might be a hatchling of an ancient dragon.”
“Hmm, can elves really tell, though? Dragons have so many mysterious aspects to their biology. They mate indiscriminately with other animals and humans, and it’s questionable whether they’re even oviparous. It’s all very suspicious.”

She lightly tilted her violet short hair and gave a wry smile.

“—? When I think of elves, I imagine elegant and knowledgeable Sages of the Forest.”

“Yeah, no way. Despite living long lives, they lack personal desires or curiosity, which leads to some drawbacks. They tend to cling to outdated knowledge, like ‘This is how it is!’ or ‘That must be the case!’ They’re surprisingly ignorant in some ways. A hundred years ago, they almost went extinct because they couldn’t adapt to changes. The Superempire even tried to designate them as an endangered species and protect them… though they were refused.”

The chairwoman looked somewhat distant.

“It was quite a hassle back then. Our leader even said, ‘The world is just smoke and mirrors anyway. It might be better to let nature take its course and allow them to go extinct.’ Some even suggested we should just put them out of their misery. Thankfully, the Fairy King was reasonable enough to talk things through. So, while there are some like your friend who engage with humans, as a race, they’re a declining lot stuck in a dead end of evolution. And, honestly, you, Jill, are much more beautiful than they are.”

I stared intently at the chairwoman, who looked no older than a teenager for someone who spoke of such an ancient time.

“I see… —Do you perhaps dislike elves?”

Chairwoman Mei averted her gaze for a moment.

“…Well, not really. I just had an unpleasant experience with someone who looked very much like an elf a long time ago, so I have a slight aversion to them. But that doesn’t mean I have any prejudice or see them through tinted glasses. I might have given you a weird impression, but that was just my personal opinion, so don’t take it too seriously. Mixing up individuals and entire races is misguided, and it usually ends up causing trouble.”

“That might be true…”

It seems there are some complicated backstories between the world’s greatest and most powerful magician, Chairwoman Mei, and the elves.

“Well, if I see that winged cat in person, I could probably identify its species with my appraisal skills…”

Chairwoman Mei trailed off, her face scrunching up in thought.

She realized that the academy rules strictly prohibit bringing familiars onto the premises without special permission for research or other purposes. This is one of the most prestigious royal academies, attended by children of many noble and influential families across the continent.

To prevent any accidents or incidents, students are only allowed to bring their uniforms and approved materials onto the grounds, and not even a single magical device without permission (although the space we’re using for our training is a private subspace overlooked as it’s used by the headmistress and professor-level instructors).

This rule was emphasized during the entrance orientation. However, according to the chairwoman, “The academy’s security isn’t so lax that it can be easily breached. It’s just a show for outsiders, and I didn’t make that rule anyway.”

“As it’s a familiar, we’ll need to get special permission if we want to bring it to the school premises.”
“Hmm, I’ll need to come up with a reasonable excuse as a special case… But considering it’s for an imperial royal, it might actually be a hassle. Some might start prying too much.”
“Indeed.”

I sighed involuntarily.

Special treatment often leads to discrimination, and if it comes to that, people will likely start speculating about the relationship between the academy and Luke—or rather, the Graviol Empire.

There are already some unsavory rumors because Luke and I live under the same roof. For me, it feels like staying in separate rooms in a large hotel, so there’s nothing to feel guilty about. But still, strange rumors (though I don’t know the specifics thanks to the efforts of Sir Daniel, Viola, Princess Lieselotte, and others who have been skillfully shutting them down, I can pretty much guess) are circulating, and I worry it might damage Luke’s reputation and career because of me.

“By the way, isn’t that young prince currently cohabiting and running the café with you? Maybe I should check it out as a regular customer.”

Chairwoman Mei seemed quite eager, a smile spreading across her face.

As expected, there are indeed rumors flying around.

Despite our seemingly casual conversation, our sparring session didn’t let up. Chairwoman Mei remained stationary, while I moved around her, trying various spells and maneuvers, though it felt more like I was being toyed with.

“—It’s coexistence, not cohabitation. Besides, now that the egg has hatched, there’s no reason for Luke to stay at Letindüte anymore, so he might be changing his accommodation soon.”

I hadn’t considered this possibility until I voiced it, but it’s true. With the cause gone, there’s no longer a reason for Luke to stay at my place. He might even be packing his things right now.

“……”

For some reason, my focus wavered, and my control over my magic became sloppy.

I expected a reprimand, but the chairwoman just smiled mischievously—no, maliciously.

It was the kind of look you’d expect from someone gossiping with gleeful curiosity, much like a nosy neighbor.

“Oh, youth is wonderful. This is a quintessential memory of youth, the promise between a boy and a girl in love, a classic flag. This is why I can’t quit this job.”

That line of thinking is disappointing. Am I studying under the wrong person in the wrong place?

“We’re not in that kind of romantic relationship.”
“Oh, come on! There’s no way a young girl and a boy she’s not interested in can live together.”
“…While it’s true we have mutual affection, isn’t it too hasty to equate that with romantic feelings? We respect and honor each other as good neighbors—”
“Nope. Maybe for the girl, but boys that age don’t understand the concept of platonic relationships with girls. It’s definitely a love affair. Not ‘courtly love,’ but a full-blown romance.”

Chairwoman Mei cut me off and proudly declared her point with a self-satisfied expression.

In this context, “courtly love” refers to the poetic, noble, and high-minded love stories often depicted in courtly tales of knights and noblewomen. In contrast, “romance” indicates the more straightforward, passionate relationships between men and women.

Feeling irritated, I channeled all my mana into a barrage of attacks, but they were all effortlessly neutralized before reaching her smug face.

“Oh, by the way, speaking of events, there’s the upcoming field study, right? Have you decided on the groupings for that?”
“Sort of.”

She easily blocked my combined attacks of fire, water, and light magic with her full magical power, then gave me a stern critique, “Such straightforward attacks don’t have much effect, even with variations.” While I timed my next move, hoping to deploy my secret technique currently under development, I answered her question.

“I’m planning to team up with Luke, Daniel, Viola, and Lieselotte.”

I had also invited Cestlavie, but he had prior commitments and had already joined the student council’s group.

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By a twist of fate, Luke received a ‘wyvern egg’—an unusually colorful egg supposedly containing a Familiar—from an acquaintance, the white cat beastman, Chaton.

Initially, Luke struggled with how to handle it, but after learning to communicate with the wind spirits, the egg began to grow rapidly. Within half a month, it reached the size of an emu’s egg, about fifty centimeters in diameter. However, it then ceased growing, and for a time, with no further changes, we began to suspect it might be unfertilized. Recently, it had almost slipped our minds, but it seems it was developing well after all.

I quickly wrapped up my experiments with the talismans and hurried to the guest room, which had somehow become Luke’s personal room.

Originally, Luke was to stay in the academy dormitory—not the common dorms, but a separate mansion reserved for nobles—or rent an entire floor of a hotel that ensured both prestige and safety. However, due to the egg situation, he started living with us over a month ago.

On our days off, he would accompany me to visit the orphanages, and sometimes, for fun, help out at the store. By now, it seems Luke has fully integrated into our daily routines.

Frankly, I expected Luke’s attendants from his home country to object to a genuine prince living under the same roof as someone as suspicious as myself—I mean, I’m a witch—whose background is entirely unknown—officially considered dead. Surprisingly, they responded very positively with comments like ‘We’ve heard a lot about Lady Julia from the Master,’ ‘This place is very safe,’ and ‘Please don’t mind us,’ immediately approving our cohabitation. It’s all quite puzzling.

Fortunately, we had enough spare rooms, so now half of them are used by Luke’s attendants.

In any case, after we got permission from one of Luke’s waiting attendants, Pryui and I entered the guest room. Inside, Luke and Ashimi were anxiously watching the large egg inside a custom incubator, designed to maintain the right humidity and temperature, shaking and rocking back and forth. (For some reason, these two have been getting along well lately).

“Ah, Jill! Look, it’s about to hatch!” Luke turned around, pointing excitedly at the egg.

As if responding to his voice, the egg began to shake even more vigorously, rattling back and forth in an erratic eight-beat pattern.

“What, what is this strange movement!?”

I stopped in my tracks, staring at the egg that seemed to be performing a bizarre dance. When Vier hatched, her egg didn’t move this violently.

Just as I felt it might explode, a crack suddenly ran horizontally around the egg with a loud sound.

“Whoa!!” Luke reflexively recoiled in surprise, and the egg burst apart from the inside.

“Meeoooowwww!” And what emerged from the egg was… a cat with pure white fur.

““““““ …What!?”””””

All of us gasped in astonishment as the newborn cat meowed once and began grooming itself. From its movements to its voice, it was undeniably a cat.

“Why… why is it not a wyvern…?” Luke muttered in disbelief.

“…Come to think of it,” Pryui, who seemed to have regained her composure before the rest of us, looked slightly suspicious as she observed the white cat that had hopped down from the incubator and rubbed against Luke’s leg. She compared it with Luke, who stood there with a dazed expression. “Didn’t the zoan girl who brought the egg say that it was ‘the fruit of our love’ to Luke?”

“—Now that you mention it, the fur does resemble hers.”
“Eh…?”

When I agreed, Luke finally seemed to notice the kitten at his feet and stared at it intently. After a moment, he frantically shook his head.

“N-no! I only have eyes for Jill! I’ve never been unfaithful! This must be some kind of mistake or a bad joke! The real wyvern has got to be hidden somewhere!”

Even though I hadn’t meant it seriously, Luke, clearly distressed and possibly panicking, began frantically sifting through the remains of the egg, repeatedly muttering, “Wyvern, wyvern!” as he searched around.

Meanwhile, the white cat, now meowing softly, weaved in and out of Luke’s legs. As its fur dried, we noticed tiny wings on its back.

“What exactly is this creature?”
“It looks and feels like a cat, but…”

Pryui and I both tilted our heads in confusion.

Ashimi, who had been standing frozen in shock, suddenly muttered something that blended doubt with amazement, though at the time, we didn’t pay much attention.

“…Could it be… not a mere wyvern… but an ancient dragon… impossible…”

Author’s note:

In this world, 『竜』”dragon” is basically a general term for violent and powerful monsters, but 『龍』 “dragon” can also refer to intelligent monsters, and in some regions they are objects of worship or treated as indigenous gods.

The image of White Cat Dragon is a combination of Naru from a certain game and Ryo-ohki from a certain OVA, divided by the “Make a contract with me and become a demon girl!” creature.

Translator’s note:

About 竜 and 龍; They’re both kanji for dragon. They’re honestly interchangeable and used very commonly today. If there is a difference, it is that, in a fantasy setting, 竜 is often used for western dragon (ドラゴン) aka a beast with four limbs and a set of wings, grumpy and hostile and violent most of the time, meanwhile 龍 in comparison is often used for chinese dragons (e.g. shenlong) aka divine beings shaped like a noodle, benevolent and magnanimous.

Who doesn’t love casual racism?

Naru that Author mentioned might be from the game Lunar: Silver Star Harmony. It’s a quadruple white beast with a pair of wings. Ryo-Ohki is a character from Tenchi Muyo! Ryo-Ohki. And the last creature is definitely Kyubey.

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After dipping the pen nib into ink mixed with finely ground magic stones, I soaked a paper strip in water also infused with the magical powder and allowed it to dry naturally. I then proceeded to draw magic circles and runes that Cestlavie had previously taught me.

Although my handwriting is not particularly elegant, I strive for fidelity to basics and readability—a point noted by the librarian who caught me copying a forbidden manuscript from the academy’s library.

My emphasis on legible writing likely stems from the numerous admonitions I received from Regina during my studies at the hermitage in Tenebrae Nemus.

In this world, the script combines hiragana, katakana, and phonetic symbols resembling distorted Roman letters. Logographic characters akin to kanji, known as “ancient characters” or “sacred characters,” are rarely used except by scholars or clergy.

It is said that in ancient times, there were tens of thousands of these characters, but now, due to the losses incurred during the ancient Finis Jihad war, even someone as learned as Cestlavie, a full-fledged Priest, only knows about 500 sacred characters.

The rapid decline of cultural knowledge without regular use is a recurring theme, as I’ve noted even the common kanji used to number around 2,000.

On a slightly different note, believers and clergymen are baptized with sacred characters homophonic to their birth names. For example, someone named “Francis” might be officially assigned a name like 腐乱死酢, or Decomposing Death Vinegar, which reads Furansisu—a name as elegant as a biker gang’s graffiti.

Having learned this during a theology class, I immediately decided to remain irreligious.

Interestingly, when I asked Cestalvie about his official baptismal name, he evasively changed the subject and didn’t disclose it.

Once the ink had fully dried, I infused the talisman with the activation incantation and the necessary mana.

“―Wind!”

The charm ignited with a flash and turned to ash in an instant, the remnants crumbling and scattering into the wind.

““Aahhh~~~…””

Eren, Lana, and Pryui, who had been watching anxiously, all sighed in unison, disappointed.

“…Another failure. I thought I had restrained my mana, but it seems the magic circuits can’t handle it.”

Despite Cestlavie’s thorough instruction in Talisman Art, it appears incompatible with me. Every attempt to transmit mana to the talisman results in it either burning out instantly or exploding. Reducing the magical power has not helped, and attempting the activation incantation without mana infusion only produces a faint burning smell and smoke, rendering the charm unresponsive.

When I had others try activating the charm, a small whirlwind appeared with Eren, a gentle breeze with Lana, and a fairly strong wind with Pryui. It seems the activation conditions vary based on each individual’s internal magic capacity and familiarity. In my case, the amount of magic power I unconsciously release is too great for the fragile magical circuits drawn on the cards.

“I didn’t expect it to work perfectly from the start, but this makes learning the talisman magic quite a waste, doesn’t it?”
“I’m surprised that even Lady Jill can fail at something,” Eren’s remark, blending astonishment and slight relief, elicited a wry smile from me.

“Of course. My life has been a series of failures and setbacks from the very start…”

“Talking about life at your age seems a bit odd, though,” Pryui remarked, cocking her head to the side.

“Well, compared to elves who live for a thousand years, that might be true. But believe it or not, I feel I’ve lived quite an intense life.”

Truthfully, the past two or three years have felt as though they’ve compressed about a decade’s worth of experiences for an average person. Is this just my imagination?

“In any case, this art needs fundamental improvements.”

It’s akin to trying to light a rocket firework with a flamethrower instead of a fuse. I should focus on minimizing the initial spark. However, if I already have a flamethrower, there’s hardly a need to bother with fireworks—conventional magic is quicker and more efficient than fussing with talismans.

“This is tricky…”

I sighed, pondering whether there might be a way to harness this knowledge effectively. If the circuits are too fragile to withstand the magic, maybe incorporating more magic stones or enhancing the talisman material’s resilience could be the solution. Yet, the end result might still not be worth the effort if it merely amounted to a flashy, short-lived spectacle.

Just then, Monika approached with a courteous bow.

“Milady, Lord Lucas is seeking you. Could you please come to the guest room?”
“Luke is? What’s the issue?”
“It seems the egg that Chaton gave him is about to hatch.”
““““!!!””””

Everyone in the room gasped at the news.

“Understood. Please tell him I’ll be there immediately.”

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Well then, let’s look at the weekly schedule of Julia Fortuna Gravis, also known as Jill (who still goes by the name Julia Fortuna Brandmüller at the academy). Here’s a summary of her busy routine:

Moon Eye Day:
– Morning: Academic classes at the academy.
– Afternoon: Practical training.
– After Returning Home: Management and new product development at Letindüte III, which also serves as her home, or attending academy-hosted tea parties.
– Night: Review and preparation for both academic and witchcraft studies.

Wing Tiger Day:
– Morning: Academic classes at the academy.
– Afternoon: Special lessons from the chairman.
– After Returning Home: Management and new product development at Letindüte III.
– Night: Review and preparation, and meetings with Curtis about business matters.

Qilin Day:
– Morning: Academic classes at the academy.
– Afternoon: Special lessons from the chairman.
– After Returning Home: Management and new product development at Letindüte III.
– Night: Same as Winged Tiger Day.

Dream Eater Day:
– Morning: Academic classes at the academy.
– Afternoon: Special lessons from the chairman.
– After Returning Home: Management and new product development at Letindüte III, or meeting with academy associates and key figures from the central capital until night.

Celestial Maiden Day:
– Morning: Academic classes at the academy.
– Afternoon: Practical training.
– After Returning Home: Management and new product development at Letindüte III, or attending tea parties hosted by Lieselotte or Viola.
– Night: Review and preparation, and financial management meetings with Curtis.

Mirror Day:
– Early Morning: Herb gathering in nearby mountains.
– Morning: Sword and martial arts training with Norman and other guards.
– Afternoon: Hosting tea parties in Letindüte’s special room or modeling for Mr. Otto in his mansion if no tea party is scheduled. She also visits the Adventurers’ Guild every other week to take on tasks.
– After Returning Home: Review the day’s activities and discuss future plans based on gathered information.

Prayer Day:
– Morning: Potion-making in the laboratory and creating protective charms. Sometimes spent on guild-related work, which can take the whole day.
– Afternoon: If time permits, visiting a nearby orphanage to donate food and daily necessities as part of charity work.
– Night: Checking assignments for the upcoming week.

Amidst this busy schedule, Jill manages various tasks, spending her free time dining with friends, family, and the often visiting Euphemia. She regularly contacts Ms. Christy in Consul, reporting on and checking the status of the western pioneer village and the Elven village, compiling requests, and sending supplies as needed.

Despite the seemingly high frequency of attending tea parties and gatherings, Jill is actually attending far fewer than a typical noblewoman would. In noble society, tea parties are crucial for face-to-face interactions, information exchange, and establishing power dynamics. Nobles who do not attend are often considered non-existent. Thus, Jill attends and hosts these gatherings to maintain her standing and not embarrass Ms. Christy, who arranged her studies in the imperial nation.

Jill believes she does not belong to any faction. However, being an imperial royalty and almost always accompanied by Prince Lucas to tea parties, she is perceived as his future partner. Consequently, like Princess Lieselotte and Princess Viola, she is considered an elite. Therefore, she is seen as someone who hosts tea parties rather than merely attending them, receiving fewer invitations except from notable figures like Lieselotte and Viola.

Attending Jill’s tea parties (where Lucas is also an automatic invitee) is a status symbol, leading to constant inquiries managed smoothly by her butler Curtis and other servants. Jill herself thinks the popularity is due to the Letindüte’s desserts and cuisine served at these events.

Due to her busy activities all year-round, Jill maintains her best weight despite exercising less, she has even lost a bit of weight.

♦♢♦

“Did you join the student council executive board at the academy, Cestlavie?”

“…It was an order from above, so I had no choice,” Cestlavie revealed, displaying his appetite as he tackled a hamburger and mixed fry set (with all-you-can-eat bread, onion soup, and salad), while deftly raising an eyebrow in displeasure. His grumbling tone seemed to reflect his true feelings.

“—Does that mean you’re not keen on it?” I tilted my head, imagining the student council executive board as a student representative body with considerable authority and power based on the impression of terms like ‘student council’ and ‘executive board.’

Cestlavie, who seemed to have high aspirations, might have found the power appealing if wielded skillfully. However, his attitude, more irritable than usual, suggested that the organization might be more complicated and bizarre than I imagined.

“Yeah. There’s no money in it. It takes up time. I have to deal with idiotic nobles. If the cardinal’s name hadn’t come up, I would’ve ignored it right away,” Cestlavie added, his expression reflecting a mix of resignation and defiance, as he hastily devoured the remaining bread and soup. “Right now, I have to put up with their whims. —By the way, this is really good. Oh, and can I get a refill of tea and one of those strawberry trifles?”

“Sure, I’ll have it prepared right away.”

After ringing the bell on the table and placing an additional order with one of the local teenage waitresses employed at Letindüte, I interjected a question that had been on my mind.

“By the way, did you come here today just for the meal?”
“No, my purpose was to invite you to join the student council executive board.”
“…I don’t think many people would agree to join given what you just told me.”
“Is it a no?”
“I simply don’t have the time.”

I counted off my commitments on my fingers, listing out my schedule. Only now did I realize how varied my daily life was, encompassing roles as a ‘student,’ ‘noble,’ ‘witch,’ and ‘businesswoman.’ Each individual role didn’t take up too much time, but cumulatively, my schedule was as hectic as that of a popular manga artist or an overcommitted celebrity.

Adding ‘student council executive member’ to my list of responsibilities and fitting it into my schedule would be challenging. As Cestlavie mentioned, I had neither an obligation nor any benefit to gain from it. If I had any spare time, I’d rather dedicate it to the ongoing search for Lana’s sister, which had proven difficult.

“I see. That’s unfortunate. Well, the executive board members only had a ‘if possible’ expectation, so it’s not an issue if you decline,” Cestlavie added, in a tone that made it clear he couldn’t care less. He said this while enjoying his newly arrived dessert and tea, but it was evident from the beginning that he was steering the conversation to ensure I’d refuse… Was there some ulterior motive?

Perhaps my face betrayed my thoughts. Cestlavie, with a piece of lettuce dipped in mayonnaise in his mouth, let out a sigh.

“― It’s a pain to play into the fools’ schemes, and frankly, they only see me as a means to enhance their prestige with a famous noble. I have no intention of indulging their nouveau riche taste for splurging on high-end branded weapons and outfits.”
“I see. So, as a foreigner, a non-believer, and a lower-ranking noble, I’m not really the type they’re looking to invite.”
“You catch on quick. And on top of that, they see competent women among the nobility as nothing but a hindrance.”

I see. I understand quite a bit now.

I’m merely a pawn here, while their real target is likely to be inviting Imperial Prince Luke or his friend, the heir of the Marquis of Rätinen to the student council.

Knowing this, could it be that Cestlavie indirectly tried to prevent my entry into the student council?

“Thank you for your concern.”
“What are you talking about? I was just venting.”

Cestlavie shrugged nonchalantly.

Seeing his awkward kindness, I couldn’t help but smile unintentionally as I laid out the coins and meal vouchers I had prepared on the table, then broached the topic.

“Well then, since you seem to be finished with your meal, could you teach me about the incantation method we talked about before?”
“…Well, as long as you paid enough.”
“You sound exactly like Chaton.”
“… ”

Upon hearing my honest thoughts, Cestlavie frowned visibly, clearly displeased.

♦♢♦

Returning to the “All-Solutions Firm Capital Branch” with the maid-dressed orc in tow, Chaton muttered,

“Hmm… Something feels strange…”
“Buhi?”

She twisted her neck, sensing an unsettling presence for some reason.

With the maid orc Millefeuille tilting her head curiously, they scanned the surroundings. After confirming nothing unusual, Chaton murmured with a puzzled expression, “Could it be my imagination?” Then, she headed towards the back where the staff entrance was located.

Contemplating how to fulfill the request, she opened the door with familiarity.

“I’m back, Boss.”
“Bufo! Bumo!”

Millefeuille also said her greetings upon their return.

In response, a drawn-out greeting came from inside the store, “Welcome back. Let’s hear how it went right away.”

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The Joy of Birth and The Student Council’s Invitation

Lieselotte seemed to catch on as well and visibly became more displeased.

“In other words, I was chosen through recommendation to add prestige to the student council, while Viola was selected for her outstanding academic performance.”
“No, absolutely not! Your Highness was chosen not only for your reputation but also because of your remarkable academic achievements. That is why I was sent as an emissary to extend this invitation.”

Despite the student council member’s hasty denial, Lieselotte continued to regard him with a cold, scrutinizing gaze. Then, her expression changed to one of suspicion.

“If the selection is based on academic performance, there are at least three other individuals who come to mind. Did you not approach them?”

“Ah, now that you mention it, there were three people ahead of me in the first academic examination,” Viola added, leaning forward with interest.

Both stared intently at the student council member, as if testing him.

“Of course, those three were also on our list. One of them, the second-place Father Cestlavie, initially showed reluctance but eventually agreed to take on the role under our Saintess’ guidance,” he said, making a brief sign in front of his holy symbol. “As for the top-ranked Viscountess Julia, since Father Cestlavie knows her personally, he has been tasked with persuading her. The other individual, Prince Lucas, will be approached for a formal introduction at a later date.”

“Hmm…”
“I see.”

Nodding in unison, the two princesses’ reaction made the student council member believe he had successfully convinced them. He sighed with relief.

However, what the two had understood was the student council’s policy and capabilities. Even within this brief exchange, they had discerned a few things:

The student council viewed Jill as nothing more than an upstart nouveau riche, entirely unaware of her almost-public-secret status as a member of the Graviol Empire’s royal family, revealing their incompetence.

They were intimidated by Lucas, openly acknowledging him as a member of the Graviol Empire’s royal family, and likely intended to use Lieselotte’s and Viola’s entry as leverage in negotiations, indicating their cowardly nature.

Despite being a high-ranking priest, they likely looked down on Cestlavie because of his probable commoner origin, revealing their arrogant and condescending attitude.

Lieselotte and Viola exchanged a knowing glance, silently conveying their mutual understanding.

In conclusion, they had no interest in joining such a foolish group.

♦♢♦

“…I see, Lord Eilmer’s wife has given birth to a baby girl. That explains Lord Lucas’ excitement.”

After we clarified our conversation and learned the joyous news, I shared it with Monika, who brought tea while I was changing in my room. She, usually very serious, smiled and made this comment.

“Yes, I had forgotten that Luke’s mother was expecting. Let’s at least hold a party tonight with Luke’s servants as well.”
“Understood. I will make the arrangements. However, it must be painful for Lord Lucas to be in a foreign land and unable to see his baby sister easily.”
“Indeed. Sir Eilmer has written to say that Lucas should return to the imperial capital using both teleporters and shift portals when he has a long enough break.”

Using these methods, one can travel to the imperial capital in about half a month at the shortest. The magic itself is instantaneous, but military considerations mean that teleporters and shift portals are scattered at certain distances. The travel time to these points adds up, so direct transport from the royal capital to the imperial capital isn’t feasible, which is the main drawback of teleportation magic.

Thus, just a round trip takes a month. The next long break is winter vacation, six months away. Despite the good news, it’s frustrating that Lucas won’t be able to see his sister until then, reminding us that even in a world of swords and magic, not everything is possible.

“Additionally, I’ve been asked if I could accompany Luke because his mother wants to meet me. Should I take this at face value?” If it’s merely a social courtesy, it might be an inconvenience. However, she might be considering that the nearest teleporter point to the imperial capital is between the western frontier village and Consul, and thus suggesting that I visit my hometown. Refusing might be rude. “Surely, her invitation doesn’t actually mean she wants to see me. If Luke and I visit his family together, it could look like we’re seeking their blessing for marriage.”

“Father-in-law, Mother-in-law, I may be unworthy, but I intend to build a happy household with Luke. Please recognize our relationship!”— If this were an opera, I’d plead tearfully so, only to be ultimately torn apart by the difference in our statuses.

When I said this, feeling a bit carried away, Monika gave me a rather complicated look and firmly told me, “You should discuss such matters with Lord Lucas.”

No, no, if I really spoke like some starry-eyed maiden, Luke would probably be put off. And if he laughed in my face, my fragile sense of maidenly sentiment, as much of a stretch to say it, would be shattered.

Deciding to keep such thoughts to myself, I shifted my focus to the evening’s party.

“Fortunately, Luke is currently in his room (one of the guest rooms), writing a letter back home. Let’s surprise him. For now, I’ll start preparing to bake a cake.”

I was rolling up my sleeves and heading to the kitchen when Eren appeared with a polite knock.

“Excuse me, Lady Jill. You have a guest claiming to be a school friend.”

Her expression was mixed with suspicion and caution, causing me to tilt my head in curiosity.

“A school friend? Not Euphemia?”
“No, it’s a young man about your age. He doesn’t seem to be very well-dressed.”

Who could it be? Most of my peers are from noble classes, so they usually have recognizable appearances.

“Ah, now I remember. He said to show this.”

With that, Eren produced a familiar talisman.

“!! Ah, yes, he is indeed a friend. Right, I’ll get ready, so please escort him to the shop. Offer him some tea and snacks—or even a meal if he wishes.”

As I quickly gave instructions, I turned next to Monika.

“Monika, I’m sorry, but could you bring some gold coins from my personal funds? About fifty Imperial gold coins, and also twenty to thirty meal vouchers from the shop.”

Though they both briefly showed puzzled expressions, they bowed gracefully and left the room to follow my instructions.

“…Come to think of it, I’ve been so preoccupied with various tasks that I completely forgot. I need to finally learn the talisman techniques as promised.”

I recalled the perpetually weary face of the black-haired boy who was likely now downstairs and allowed myself a small, secret smile.

I wasn’t sure what business he had, but I couldn’t miss this chance to establish a precedent!

For a moment, I considered introducing him to Luke, but since we had the surprise party planned, I decided to postpone the introduction for another day and keep quiet about it for now.

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The Joy of Birth and The Student Council’s Invitation

“(…) Love goes toward love, as schoolboys from their books. But love from love, toward school with heavy looks.”

— “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare —

♦♢♦

Now, according to the principal,

“Your basics are still lacking. Considering individual differences, I prefer to enhance strengths rather than eliminate weaknesses in my students. However, in your case, there are patches of self-taught inconsistencies in your foundation, so it’s better to correct those bad habits first.”

Thus began the hellish training regimen under the pretext of special lesson: I was thrown in a mysterious space with sparse mana and had to desperately counter fireballs casually thrown by the principal, pierce through the tiny weak spots of familiars with absurdly hard exteriors through the usage of magical power, and dodge magic swords flying from all directions using only Search while being blindfolded and wearing earplugs.

Is this really basic training? Or did the principal foresee the revival of a demon lord or an alien invasion or something and chose me to undergo extreme level-up training for that reason? With such doubts in my mind, I somehow managed to complete the training for yet another day and dragged my heavy feet back home.

““Welcome home, Lady Jill.””
“I’m back. Thank you for the welcome.”

Entering the front door through the main gate—not the store entrance—I’m greeted by the household staff lined up: Curtis the butler, several footmen, and the maids including Monika, all bowing on either side.

Initially, these grand greetings felt unfamiliar, but recently, I’ve come to accept them. The sight of everyone bowing in unison is quite a spectacle, almost like watching a coordinated performance.

Well, it seems the number of servants in my household is comparable to that of an upper-class citizen, which is still considered modest—then again I was singled out in the Aulanthia Manor and lived a life far from luxury in the Brandmüller family, so the situation hasn’t changed much for me. However, among the nobility and royalty, it is said that dozens of servants line up in rows, with uniform hairstyles, hair colors, and heights, all greeting in unison.

Rumor has it that when the God Emperor of the Superempire walks, there will be a carpet extending to the horizon, with servants kneeling in reverence on either side… It doesn’t sound like an environment where one can casually go for a walk.

While that may be an extreme example, the upper nobility and royalty seem to lead quite formal and rigid lives. I hope to avoid getting involved with them as much as possible. Besides, as an adopted daughter of a lower noble family, I’m unlikely to have much to do with such a world. Unless I somehow marry into a wealthy family—an unlikely prospect—worrying about it is as pointless as fearing the sky will fall.

As I pondered this, I ascended the stairs with Eren and Lana to return to my room. There, Luke, who had arrived home ahead of me, greeted us at the top of the staircase.

He seemed to be in high spirits, a broad smile spreading across his face.

“Welcome back, Jill!”

“I’m back, Luke,” I replied, even though we had only parted ways in the classroom this afternoon.

“Is something the matter? Your voice sounds quite lively.”
“You see, actually, it’s finally happened! It’s born!”

Ah, he must be referring to the dubious object left behind by Chaton; the so-called “dragon egg.” It seems it has finally hatched.

Unlike with my egg, which I carried around all the time, this egg was placed in a special incubator made by a witch (me). Luke would press his hands against it several times a day to infuse it with his spirit energy, allowing it to grow healthily.

“Oh my! Congratulations. I’m glad to hear it’s born safely.”
“Yes, it’s a girl, weighing 3,000 gura!”
“Three kilogura? That’s a bit small, isn’t it? Even subtracting the weight of the shell, I thought it would weigh at least five kilogura.”
“Really? My father wrote in a letter that it’s about standard, or perhaps a little heavy.”

“I’m not sure about the standard, but from holding it the other day, it felt close to ten kilogura… But if Sir Eilmer says it’s fine, then there must be no problem. He is the Dragon Knight, after all.”
“Holding it? When did you get the chance to meet my parents, Jill?”
“Huh? Why would you think I met your parents?”

Both of us looked puzzled, tilting our heads in confusion. It felt like there was a significant misunderstanding between us…

♦♢♦

“You want me to join the student council executive committee? Don’t be ridiculous. The student council is supposed to be a voluntary, self-governing organization by students. The executive committee is a service organization that mediates between students and the school, proposing and implementing solutions to various problems. And you expect me, a member of the royal family, to serve as if I were a mere servant? How dare you?”

Princess Lieselotte of Cilento glared angrily, her followers matching her with equally menacing looks, causing the gentle-looking male student who was a current student council executive to take a step back behind the podium.

“Th-that’s not what I meant, Your Highness. The student council is strictly neutral and maintains an equal stance with both students and teachers. Our activities are aimed at ensuring students have a meaningful school life, and it’s not about servitude but rather goodwill,” he explained, pressing his hand to the holy symbol of the Holy Maiden’s Church that hung around his neck, trying to calm himself as he refuted her claim.

“Hmph. It’s all about how you phrase it, isn’t it? By the way, are you a priest?”
“Y-yes, I hold the rank of deacon from a Baron family in Eunice.”
“I thought so. Your manner of speaking reminds me of my rigid theology teacher, a bishop with a hard head.”

Lieselotte sighed with a look of exasperation.

“Are there many other priests among the student council executive members?”
“Well, not all of them, but there are seven members who hold priestly ranks. Including general believers, about seventy percent are members of the church.”

Given that it’s the state religion of the Livitium Imperial Kingdom, it wasn’t surprising, but Lieselotte’s face clearly showed her distaste for it, even if her royal status kept her from voicing it aloud.

“I see. So, thirty percent aren’t members of the church. May I ask how they’re chosen?”

The question came from Viola, who was sitting next to Lieselotte in the front row of the empty classroom after school. She (he?) had also been invited to join the student council executive committee.

“Yes, of course. The student council executives are primarily chosen based on self-nomination or nomination by others, and academic performance is also a factor. Sometimes, top-performing international students are selected. Even if they are of a different faith, it’s usually not a problem since we’re all students.”

The executive member answered smoothly, as if prepared for the question, casting a brief glance at Viola.

Viola couldn’t help but chuckle bitterly at the slight difference in his attitudes towards Lieselotte, the princess of Cilento Central Kingdom, an axis nation of the Livitium Imperial Kingdom, and herself, a native of the Eastern Federation whose state religion was the Deva Kureha Faith.

(It seems the student council isn’t as unified as they claim. Factions exist in every facet of society, it’s simply inescapable.)

Author’s note:

There are even factions within the church. The Originalist faction and the Clara faction, for example…

Translator’s note:

The originalist is written as the “original scripture faction” in Japanese. I’m guessing that means that this faction prefers the original scripture from Hiyuki, as opposed to following Clara’s iteration.

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In the bustling heart of Frontier County lay Aulanthia, its largest city.

At the center of the newly developed area stood the sprawling estate of the Frontier Count, serving as Aulanthia’s secondary residence.

“Hello there~. I’m Chaton, representing the All-Solutions Firm.”

A girl, seemingly from the white cat tribe of beastmen, greeted with a relaxed tone. Her carefree demeanor, reminiscent of her black-haired employer, irritated Simonetta deeply.

Despite being a mere merchant and a demi-human, Chaton’s presence tested Simonetta’s patience. As the legitimate wife of one of the Empire’s most prominent nobles, the Frontier Count, Simonetta managed to hold back her scorn, looking down on Chaton with barely concealed disdain.

“Hmph. It seems that man has at least a shred of decency. Instead of showing his treacherous face, he sends a proxy. But to think he would send such a lowly savage, it’s truly insulting.”

“I apologize for any disrespect. As a representative, I beg your pardon for any impoliteness,” Chaton replied, bowing with a seemingly polite attitude. Her expression remained blank and her tone flat, which made Simonetta feel subtly mocked.

“…Very well. I will generously overlook it this time. More importantly, have you confirmed the rumors? Is it true that Duke Eilmer’s child has ‘white’ hair?”

“Yes, there’s no mistake. It’s a healthy baby girl, weighing 3 kg at birth, named Angelina.” Chaton answered smoothly, taking out a notepad. Her ability to gather such information was remarkable.

Simonetta clenched her teeth in frustration upon hearing the confirmation.

“White hair… which means she is the strongest candidate for the next emperor. In that case, the engagement talks between her brother, Prince Lucas, and that impostor pig suddenly seem much more plausible. If it were up to me, I would push it forward by any means necessary.” As she muttered to herself, a fierce gleam sparked in her eyes. “I can’t stand it. The impostor pig masquerading as royalty… No, even the idea of Clara’s daughter marrying into the imperial family is unacceptable, even nominally!”

Suddenly, Simonetta turned to Chaton and demanded, “You! Can’t your master arrange an accident to eliminate that fake pig, like before?”

“…That would be difficult. She never leaves her mansion in the capital, and the guild master there—Egmond, I believe his name is—has adventurers under his influence guarding her. Bribery won’t work on them. Well, a covert assassination isn’t impossible, but…”

“Absolutely not! I won’t have my estate sullied by the blood of a lowly pig!” Simonetta immediately dismissed the idea, her decision driven by raw emotion.

“Then should we take a more indirect approach? It seems the princess has been indulging in sweets from a certain café in the capital, influenced by her half-sister. We could make her gain more weight and hope she succumbs to illness.”

“That’s too roundabout! How many years would that take? If she won’t come out of her hole, then smoke her out! You must eliminate her at all costs. Or expose her as the impostor she is!”

Chaton nodded and acknowledged, “Understood.” She thought, if things went wrong, Simonetta’s involvement in killing the real Princess Syltianna might be exposed.

“If things go well, we might be able to place my daughter Griselda as the new fiancée of the prince.”

Griselda, the youngest daughter of the Aulanthia family and twenty-one years old, was still unmarried. Described as a sheltered young lady, she was in truth quite insufferable, much like her mother.

Chaton, internally outraged, saw it nearly as a scam to match an eight-year older spinster with a thirteen-year-old boy. Nonetheless, Simonetta was eager about the idea.

“She might be a bit older, but that’s common in noble society. Besides, they do say ‘find an older wife even if you must wear golden shoes.’ There’s no problem.”
“Um, if I may… there are rumors that Prince Lucas already has someone he is personally fond of.”
“Hmph. That’s just youthful folly. Separate them immediately. If she becomes a nuisance, eliminate her.”

With Simonetta’s blunt instruction, Chaton masked her complex emotions, replying, “I’ll do my best.” Images of a beautiful girl, both a friend and a rival in love, lingered in her mind.

(…welp, this is one messy love quarrel.)

♦♢♦

In the grandeur of the Eunice Theocracy, the largest religious state within the Livitium Imperial Kingdom, lay the Holy Palace Sant’Angelo, the seat of the Saintess Church.

“It seems that a stone has been cast into the currently vacant imperial throne.” Cardinal Lawrence, tossing a recently received report onto his desk, spoke to the empty room.

“The birth of a ‘White’ for the first time in over half a century suggests a resurgence of the Deva Kureha Faith, doesn’t it?” his trusted aide—a woman who doubled as a priestess and secretary—posed the thought.

Cardinal Lawrence snorted dismissively in response. “The Deva Kureha Faith has never regarded our criticisms as worthy of their attention. All this time, we’ve merely been making fools of ourselves… The old fools who basked in their self-satisfaction must be sweating bullets by now.”

“Still, as the Saintess Church, we cannot afford to sit idly by.”
“Indeed. From what the report says, Duke Eilmer seems to lack political ambition.”
“Yet, no one can remain indifferent to a glittering treasure right before their eyes.”
“Such a worldly perspective for a member of the clergy.”
“It’s the truth.”

Cardinal Lawrence poured himself a glass of water and downed it swiftly.

“Indeed, it is a possibility. So, what actions shall we take?”
“We might consider conversion. Fortunately, her brother, Prince Lucas, is currently at the Cilento Imperial Academy. Winning him over could prove beneficial…”
“Do you think it will be that straightforward?”
“According to the reports, he appears to be a rather amenable young man. If we begin our efforts now, our chances are good. Even if we can’t sway him ideologically, he is still a teenager. We might ensnare him through indulgence in worldly pleasures.”

The secretary discussed such a plan in a straightforward, almost clinical manner, as if it were just another task.

“Hmm,” Cardinal Lawrence mused, then paused.

“Wait a moment. The name Prince Lucas rings a bell… isn’t he engaged to Princess Syltianna?”
“There was such talk, but it’s currently on hold.”
“Yet, it hasn’t been completely abandoned, has it? Even if they consider pairing him with another, they must acknowledge our stance.”

Princess Syltianna had the backing of two significant patrons of the Church: Count Aulanthia and the Adventurers’ Guild Master of Aulanthia, Egmond Buyer. Cardinal Lawrence considered that ignoring such influential figures could be detrimental.

“We needn’t push Princess Syltianna aside. The Church supports the freedom to love. Perhaps Prince Lucas already harbors affection for another. That angle might be exploitable, don’t you think?”
“Hmm…”
“Moreover, several of our students, including the renowned ‘child prodigy’ Priest Cestlavie, are studying at the Imperial Academy. They could subtly gather intelligence and aid our plans. Your thoughts?”
“Hmph. Well, even if it fails, we lose nothing.”

Contemplating these individuals, Cardinal Lawrence shrugged lightly.

“Very well. You have my permission. Proceed with the necessary preparations.”
“Yes, Cardinal.”

The secretary nodded, bowed, and exited the room. Once alone, Cardinal Lawrence, considering the matter resolved, placed the report atop the pile of completed documents and started perusing another set of papers.

TLN: LMAO not Simonetta trying to assassinate Jill the second time

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It might be a bit late to mention, but the entrance ceremonies for educational institutions on the continent are typically held between the month of the Lion (July) and the month of the Spider (August). This is simply because travel is inconvenient during winter. Additionally, in spring and autumn, people are busy with farming activities, leaving them with little free time and many complaints. Thus, the relatively free summer months were chosen.

For some reason, the higher-ups at the Imperial Academy in Livitium once insisted, “The entrance ceremony should be in spring, obviously!” This nonsensical opinion was ultimately overridden (rumors circulated that it was due to the top authority in the Super Empire throwing a tantrum, although this was highly dubious). Due to the aforementioned reasons, the academy’s entrance ceremony was also held in the month of the Spider (August), right after the summer break.

Now, around the end of the month of the Beast (September), when Jill and her friends had gotten used to their school life in Cilento, a small happiness and a sudden calamity simultaneously occurred in a luxurious mansion near the center of the capital of the Graviol Empire, Conwallis.

The master of the mansion at the center of this turmoil was Eilmer Adelbert Matthew, Luke’s (Lucas’s) father. He rarely ever mentions his surname, as his lineage is that obvious. As a duke in name and a dragon knight in the imperial guard, he is in his prime at thirty-five. Unusually for the noble society, he married for love, to the daughter of a former count’s family. He has a brilliant wife and an heir, a son who inherited the best traits of both parents. Indeed, he had been living a picture-perfect, blissful life.

Eilmer’s wife had given birth to their much-anticipated second child, a daughter, just half a month ago, adding to their happiness—or so it seemed. But an unexpected twist of fate awaited them.

“—That’s some sour face you got there. You always look like a sloven idiot, but now you just look like a miserable fool. A face that hideous is bad for children’s emotional development. Maybe you should keep that face hidden for ten or fifteen years,” said Regina, who had arrived without warning. Despite her scathing words, she was dressed as an upper-class elderly lady, befitting the setting.

“That’s not true, Your Majesty the Grand Founder. Eilmer always looks dashing, no matter the occasion,” replied his wife, Karina, without hesitation, while soothing their newborn child in a crib. Though somewhat worn from childbirth, her tone and expression were that of a woman deeply in love.

Even though they had been married for fifteen years, the couple’s doting affection remained unchanged. Regina, faced with their unabashed display of love, fell silent, her expression akin to having swallowed vinegar.

The rare sight of the otherwise domineering Regina being somewhat subdued caused the blond knight beside her—clearly a person of some standing, given the pristine white cloak and the formidable sword at his side, even though he wasn’t in armor—to shake with silent laughter.

Regina, glaring at him with a sullen expression, silently downed the tea that had been served to her in one gulp.

Seeing this, the knight stifled his laughter and shrugged his shoulders with an expression that said, “Good grief…”

He appeared to be in his mid-twenties, a strikingly handsome man with a stern and refined demeanor. Eilmer, having never seen him at court before, surmised that the knight might be a personal guard to the Grand Founder herself, as such a prominent figure would not go unnoticed otherwise.

Regardless, Eilmer had to tread carefully with the unexpected visit of the Empress and her companion—though technically, this residence was one of the imperial villas, perhaps Regina saw it as just an extension of her home. Eilmar smiled wryly and responded:

“Well… ha ha ha. Of course, the birth of our daughter is a joyous occasion, and fortunately, Karina is recovering well from childbirth. We should be celebrating wholeheartedly—however…”

He tilted his head, regarding the two uninvited guests with a discerning gaze.

“I can’t help but worry about how the court and the state church will view this child. They might see her as a potential source of conflict…which keeps me from feeling entirely at ease.”

He glanced at his beloved daughter, wrapped in her swaddling clothes, her adorable sleeping face softening his expression. But when his eyes fell on her silvery hair, he wore a more complex look.

The color, heavily streaked with white, was the same as that of her great-great-grandmother sitting before him. This distinctive coloration, which had not appeared since the time of his grandfather, the previous emperor, had now manifested in his daughter.

Of course, Eilmer himself was a direct descendant of Graviol. It was not entirely impossible for this trait to reappear, but given that it hadn’t surfaced in his father, himself, or his eldest son for three generations, he hadn’t anticipated it. This was a lapse in his foresight.

Eilmer was caught between viewing recent events as a promising sign or as a prelude to fresh chaos. The absence of the color “white,” a legacy of the emperors, had led to a deadlock in selecting the next ruler. This dilemma, combined with the criticism from rival sects, particularly the Saintess’ Church, against the state church, the Deva Kureha Faith, for its diminished influence, filled Eilmer with concern about potential reactions to these developments.

Contrary to his fears, the response was unexpectedly positive:

“Hah. What kind of family wouldn’t rejoice at the birth of a child?”
“The birth of a new life, with both mother and child healthy, is certainly a cause for celebration.”

These heartfelt congratulations momentarily disarmed Eilmer, prompting him to scrutinize his two guests more closely.

One knight, in particular, displayed a brief yet profound reverence akin to that of a clergy member, leading Eilmer to ponder:

(Could this man be a Holy Flower Knight of the church?)

Recalling that Holy Knights were among the church’s elite, each with a status at least equal to a priest, Eilmer grew more circumspect, contemplating a more formal demeanor.

“Well, well. Lady Regina, it appears I’ve worried you unnecessarily. Might I trouble you for an introduction?”

With a wry smile, the knight turned back to Regina, who was eagerly indulging in more tea and pastries. His cape, lined with crimson, billowed as he moved.

“…What a hassle. This serious-looking fellow is an old friend of mine, a cleric by title but a swordsman by trade. His name is—”
“Lapoque Allbright. We may have met briefly at your baptism in the main temple when you were four years old, though you likely don’t remember.”

Eilmer automatically accepted the extended hand and, recognizing the name, gasped in surprise.

“…Allbright, the Pope… the Sage of the Sword and the Supreme Leader of the Deva Kureha Faith…?”
“—No, no, not quite that grand. I’m merely a delegate for the Princess—ah, the Heavenly Sovereign, managing everything from church affairs to minor administrative duties.”

His affable grin was nearly convincing enough to make Eilmer agree, yet the notion that the head of the continent’s largest religion—a figure on par or even superior to the emperor—could merely be an errand runner seemed either a significant understatement or a view from someone genuinely beyond such titles.

“Her Imperial Majesty the Grand Founder and His Holiness the Pope, both paramount leaders of the empire, have honored us with their visit. Is my child so pivotal to the empire’s future?”
“Hah, calm yourself. I’ve told you, I’m merely here to meet the new member of your family.”
“I too arrived on a whim, curious about the first ‘white’ born in the empire in some time—forgive me if that comes off as impolite.”
“Hmph. Even with this talk of ‘white,’ it’s just a unique hair color on a child. Fascinating, sure, but saddling her with responsibilities straightaway is objectionable.”
“Truly. Every life holds equal value. To judge otherwise is the pinnacle of folly.”

Together, they sighed, a shared gesture of their mutual frustration.

“By the way, I’ve yet to introduce her to the Great Emperor and the Pope,” whispered Karina, gazing lovingly at her child’s peaceful expression. “Her name is Ange. Angelina Eineas Serena. Her middle name is borrowed from the Great Founder.”

“Ah, magnificent. A beautiful name,” remarked Pope Allbright with a wide smile.

Meanwhile, Oliana Eineas Mirn Graviol, the Great Founder, seemed caught off guard by the revelation. “Hmm… How curious,” she noted sharply.

Oblivious to the adults’ bemusement, Angelina continued to sleep tranquilly.

Translator’s Note:

Something kind of important that I forgot to mention; the Deva Kureha Faith is written as such in Kanji: 天上紅華教

天上 (tenjou) means the heavens
紅 (kurenai) means crimson
華 (hana) means flower
紅華 (crimson flower) can be read as Kureha
教 (kyou) means religion

It is the Religion of the Crimson Flower in the Heavens, which I guess explains why it’s a Holy Flower Knight (聖華騎士) and not a Holy Knight (聖騎士). The Crimson Flower, of course, refers to Hiyuki, the supreme divine being, the Deva Kureha you might say.