Chapter 81
The preliminaries proceeded smoothly. Everyone passed except for me, who wasn't participating (or more precisely, couldn't), and Hertia, who had decided to make her appearance outside of the matches.
Astraia von Kailum struggled a bit in her duel, given her more intelligence-focused build, but she ultimately claimed victory, befitting her imperial blood.
"I'd love to celebrate everyone's wins together, but since we're still in the preliminaries and causing a fuss after every match wouldn't be ideal..."
"You're right. It's good news, but with three or four days left, no need to get ahead of ourselves."
What if someone celebrated too early after a prelim win and then got knocked out in the main round right after? We agreed to offer congratulations now but save the full-blown party for after everything wrapped up. With that, we decided to call it an early night to prepare for tomorrow's main matches.
Knowing they couldn't get complacent after just one win, Polo, Prazia, and Astraia all expressed their desire to train a bit more for tomorrow's duels.
"Alright, if that's the plan. Need any help?"
"Nah. I can't rely on Mars forever, right? I've gotta grow on my own strength."
With everyone heading off, I figured I'd catch some much-needed long sleep for once. But then...
"Um... Brother Mars..."
Hertia, who had been quietly standing by, suddenly called out to me.
"Yes? What's up?"
"Does Brother Mars... have any plans for tomorrow?"
"Oh... yeah. My parents are coming starting tomorrow. I'll probably spend the day showing them around the academy."
A few days earlier, word of the Martial Festival had reached my parents, and they'd contacted me saying they wanted to visit the academy event. They were disappointed I wouldn't be competing, but I promised to play the good son and guide them around the festival.
"I scouted some good spots this morning and planned a route. So tomorrow's all about family time."
"Th-then!"
Hertia latched onto my arm desperately, looking up at me with pleading eyes.
"Hee hee hee, um...! Could I... join you tomorrow too?!"
"What? It's a family outing. You sure that'd be okay?"
"Yes! I don't have anything else to do... and crowded places like this still make me a bit uneasy..."
"Hmm..."
It was meant to be cozy family time, but one guest shouldn't hurt. She wasn't a total stranger—we'd met and exchanged greetings—and my parents, who loved meeting new people, wouldn't mind inviting the Saintess along. Plus, after all the recent events softened our old ideological clashes, she seemed to view me more comfortably now, so no real burden there.
"Sure, why not. Come along if you want. Mom and Dad won't object."
"...! R-really?!"
"Yeah. Having a girl around the same age as a daughter might even make them happier than just me."
"R-right!? Ah... what should I wear tomorrow...?"
With my permission granted, Hertia muttered to herself excitedly, barely containing her joy. Who knew hanging out with people could thrill her so much? I'd checked in on her a few times, offered some mental support, but clearly, it wasn't enough.
I told her the time and place, and as she hurried off, I resolved to pay her a little more attention from now on.
"Haa."
After parting from the group, Hertia returned to her room and flopped onto her bed with a long sigh.
"Is something wrong?"
"Oh, no. Nothing. Just a bit tired from being around people for so long."
She recalled her earlier conversation with the church affiliates while thinking of Mars, whom she'd reluctantly invited along.
'We've come here to bring that man and the Saintess together.'
'!!'
When a woman who seemed to hold a fairly high position in the group dropped that bombshell, Hertia froze on the spot. Was it shock? Ridicule? Panic? A storm of emotions too complex to pin down left her reeling.
The priestess continued, clarifying her intent.
'We are the new pillars supporting the church. It might be hard to trust us right away, but we always prioritize Your Holiness's happiness above all.'
'...'
'We've observed Your Holiness closely these past few days. Your social circle is quite limited, but we've noted regular interactions with a man named Mars Noctus.'
'You show hostility toward other men often, but with this Mars, you appear exceptionally favorable.'
'Your Holiness is at that age where a girl starts yearning for romance. From your behavior, we've concluded you love Mars Noctus.'
'Wh-what makes you say that?!'
Even she was startled by her own loud outburst, but it wasn't displeasure—it was more embarrassment and fluster. Her face flushed beet red, like a shameful old photo had been unearthed, leaving her speechless. Seeing her reaction, they nodded knowingly.
'Your Holiness, we've received word that Mars Noctus's parents, Viscount Noctus and his wife, will visit the academy tomorrow.'
'What, really?!'
'If Your Holiness simply asks him on a date, we'll handle making it happen.'
The priestesses' eyes burned with fierce determination, as if marching into battle.
'D-date?! I don't have feelings like that!'
'...Your Holiness.'
The leader gazed at her with downcast eyes, on the verge of tears, utterly heartbroken.
'In the past, there was a prospective devotee who refused a confession out of pride.'
'What...'
'Blinded by arrogance that she deserved to be chased, she ended up years later surrounded by her peers' wedding invites, never even holding a man's hand—a lonely spinster.'
'...'
She wanted to argue, but the priestesses' eyes brimmed with such poignant sorrow that she could only nod mutely. In a daze, Hertia accepted their proposal.
'A d-date with Brother Mars...! What should I wear to look pretty? This one's too outdated, this one's too plain!'
"Saintess? Why the sudden talk of clothes? Got a date~?"
"Yes! Tomorrow, a date with Brother Mars—"
"?"
"Ah."
In her excitement, the words slipped out unfiltered. Hertia couldn't even turn to face Luna's silent killing intent.
Overwhelmed by Luna's piercing glare, Hertia spilled the story of the priestesses and got threatened: no housework help unless she invited Luna too. Thus, reluctantly joining the Noctus family outing with Luna, Hertia shed invisible tears of despair inside.
What kind of combo is this?
"Oh my~ Going out with daughters was my dream, and here it comes true~"
"It's an honor, ma'am~"
"Y-yes! Anytime you want, we'll go with you!"
This morning at the meeting spot, Hertia and Luna stood together, dressed up nicely. Hertia looked a bit subdued, but since it was a good day, I chalked it up to imagination and approached them.
"Ah, Mars!"
"Brother..."
Apparently, she'd accidentally let it slip to Luna about joining my family outing.
"It's fine. Luna's practically family, so Mom and Dad will be thrilled if she tags along."
"Th-that's not it..."
Hertia seemed even more disappointed at my reassurance, but then my parents called out, spotting us, and she turned that way.
"Son! You came to greet us~"
"You made it?"
"Even coming to the academy takes some stamina~ But when else would we visit if not now~"
As expected, Mom rushed over and hugged me the moment she saw me, chattering nonstop.
"Ahem... dear."
"Oh dear, sorry~ It's been so long, Mommy got excited~"
"It's fine."
"Right... um, and these young ladies?"
At Mom's question, the two bowed hurriedly and introduced themselves.
"H-hello, ma'am!"
"It's been a while."
"Oh... oh my oh my!!"
Mom smacked my arm excitedly, making a huge fuss.
It hurts, Mom.