Althea: The Legendary Saintess [Shoujo]

To the royal capital, it takes about 2-3 days by carriage from the western frontier. For Althea, who has never left the domain before, everything she saw seemed new. Although they took a relatively leisurely pace this time, it felt as if they had arrived in the royal capital in no time, even though it should have taken three days.

In the royal capital, they would be staying at the home of her mother's family, the Count Monte Del Salvador residence. The current Count Monte Del Salvador is Clara's younger brother, Rohmund aka 'Aether'. Rohmund serves as the captain of the 2nd Class Royal Guards, and the Monte Del Salvador family, like the archducal Monclair family, has a military background. The difference lies in whether they protect the royal capital or the borders. That's why the two families get along well, and it probably led to the marriage of Thomas and Clara.

The Monte Del Salvador family has twin children, cousins to Regalus and Althea. The twins, named Mythril (boy) and Lilac (girl), are identical and three years older than Althea. Both have brown-blond curly hair and brown eyes.

Mythril, being the heir to the military family, is raised strictly and is serious and dignified. Lilac is an affectionate and adorable young lady with a friendly smile.

As the twins often visited the Monclair residence for summer vacation, they got along well with Regalus and Althea. Especially Lilac, who would say, "It would have been nice if Apphy were my sister..." every time they met, making her a fan of Althea with giggles.

Excited about meeting her close cousins and staying in the Monte Del Salvador family's residence for the first time, Althea entered the lobby with her father.

"Hello, Rohmund. I apologize for the sudden visit. We'll be in your care for a few days."

"No need to apologize, brother-in-law. You seem to be in good health... Our house is at your disposal. Our children were delighted to hear that they would be able to meet their cousins after a long time. However, about this matter..."

Saying that, Rohmund glanced at Althea.

Althea, meeting Rohmund's gaze, hurriedly said,

"H-Hello, uncle. I'll be in your care along with my father."

And she elegantly bowed.

"Haha. You don't have to be so formal, Althea. You've grown quite a bit since the last time I saw you. Well, Mythril and Lilac are waiting for you in the back. Show those adorable faces of yours to my children as well. Meema, guide Althea to her room. After that, go to Mythril and Lilac's place."

"Understood... Young Lady Althea, please follow me."

Meema, after a slight bow to Thomas and Rohmund, offered to guide Althea to her room, carrying her belongings.

Althea looked up at her father, and seeing Thomas smiling, she said,

"Yes. Please take care of me."

She then obediently followed Teema out of the lobby.

In the lobby, Rohmund, confirming that Althea had disappeared from sight, slightly clouded his expression and spoke to Thomas.

"Since we can't talk in the lobby, let's head to my study, brother-in-law... Please come this way."

"Ah... Thank you."

The two headed towards the study.

Guided to her room, Althea quickly went to the window and looked outside. The view from the window did not capture the lively atmosphere of the royal capital that she felt on the way. Instead, she saw a quiet and refined garden. However, if she left the mansion and walked a bit, she thought she would find the bustling city she had seen on the way to the Monte Del Salvador family. Her adventurous spirit couldn't wait. Just as she was lost in her thoughts about the cityscape, Meema, who had guided her here, spoke up.

"Allow me to reintroduce myself... I am Meema, and I will take care of your needs during your stay here, Young Lady Althea. Please feel free to let me know if there's anything you require."

Meema deeply bowed, and caught off guard by Meema's sudden words, Althea said,

"I... I'll be in your care then."

And she instinctively bowed in response.

Meema, bowing slightly, coughed and said,

"Young Lady Althea, there's no need for such formality with a servant like me. A daughter of an archduke shall not lowered herself in such degree"

And she gently admonished Althea.

"Oh... right, sorry. I'll be more careful..."

Seeing Althea's visibly crestfallen expression, Meema wondered if she had said too much and hurriedly added,

"Um, it's not that I scolded you... I apologize if I said too much. You're only five years old, after all. Rather, it's charming behavior. But please be careful from now on. You don't need to be considerate to a servant..."

She bowed again, looking a bit embarrassed.

Observing Meema, Althea thought she must be a good person and responded with a radiant smile.

"Yeah. ...Thanks, Meema."

Seeing Althea's unexpectedly bright smile, Meema became an undisputed Althea fan.

After finishing tidying up her belongings, Lilac burst into the room as soon as there was a knock, embracing Althea.

"Apphy, it's been so long! I'm glad you came! ...And as adorable as ever"

While hugging and rubbing her cheek against Althea, Lilac said,

"Sigh... Lilac, you keep saying 'I'm already a lady,' and yet... Ladies don't burst into rooms without knocking, you know? You seems lively as ever hehe."

From behind her, with a wry smile, Mythril entered the room, raising a hand to Althea.

Adding to the remarks,

"Yes, indeed, Young Lady Lilac. It's not a behavior befitting a lady."

Meema, too, was advising them.

"What... even Meema... It's been so long since I was genuinely happy. Well, Meema will be taking care of Althea? How unfair..."

"Yes, I may be presumptuous."

"Fine... Anything but that. Anyway, let's have tea together. The roses in the garden are beautiful right now. I'll guide you. Meema, please prepare tea during that time."

"Yes, understood."

"Thank you. ...Now, Althea, let's go outside together."

With those words, Lilac took Althea's hand and led her out of the room. Mythril silently followed them.