Chapter 4
Chapter 4
Two Saint Candidates
‘If she hasn’t shown any particular fame or distinction, does that mean Mari of Astraea is neither a reincarnator nor a transmigrator, but simply a native of this world?
Well… if that’s the case, it’s fortunate in a way.
If she were a reincarnator or transmigrator, she would have immediately suspected my identity the moment she heard that I broke off my engagement with the Crown Prince.
But if the original protagonist is just a native… that’s troublesome for me as well.’
Awakened Maiden Concerto is a game designed to encourage spending through its difficulty, so on a first playthrough without spending money, there’s a very high chance of getting a bad ending.
In a game, you can reload after making a bad choice or push through with paid items. But in reality, every choice puts your life at risk—there’s no way to succeed every time without failure.
You’d need paid items, cheat abilities, or at least knowledge from a previous life. Could a completely ordinary person, without any of those advantages, really overcome the brutal difficulty of Awakened Maiden Concerto?
“By the way, Master. Orientation for new students is starting soon. Shouldn’t we go?”
“Ah, you’re right. Let’s hurry!”
Idnia handed the reins of her horse, Heukpae, to Heukrang and headed toward the entrance ceremony.
********
The great center of human magical studies, the ivory tower of knowledge—Dunais Academy.
Though located in the capital of the Holy Eldar Empire, Dunais, it could hardly be said to truly exist there.
Like the sudden descent of the demon realm into reality, the Academy was connected to a demi-plane—an alternate dimension—with its gateway located in Dunais.
One of the most famous entrances was within the Archangel Cathedral, one of the Empire’s three great cathedrals.
This was also where the Academy’s entrance ceremony was held.
The ceremony was famous for the Emperor himself attending alongside the Imperial Knights.
The Emperor, fully armed, stood outside the cathedral with the knights, delivering a speech to the incoming students.
Even now, the Imperial Knights and the Cardinal’s gun corps had assembled in full dress uniform, creating a festive atmosphere. Maidens scattered flower petals while families and students gathered in excitement.
But Idnia, who knew the truth from her past life as a player, understood what lay beneath the spectacle.
‘In truth, the Empire fears the Academy.’
Among the Academy’s professors were not only ordinary instructors…
…but also powerful beings once defeated by past emperors and bound in magical contracts.
—The so-called Five Prisoners of the Empire.
These legendary calamities were bound by powerful oaths, forced to teach magic to humans in exchange for reduced sentences.
Students were not just future leaders of the Empire—they were also sacrifices maintaining these binding contracts.
In this world, oath magic followed certain rules:
‘The fairer the contract, the stronger the oath.’
‘The clearer and more reasonable the completion conditions, the stronger the power.’
Thus, the Academy system existed to prevent the Five Prisoners from breaking their contracts and running rampant.
The ceremony itself was a check to ensure those bindings still held.
The gathered military forces were there in case something went wrong.
Of course, this was top-secret information known only to high nobles and senior clergy—but Idnia knew it all from the game.
‘Still… security feels unusually tight.’
“Hey, Master?”
“Yes?”
“Suppress your aura. Your aura.”
“Ah.”
Idnia realized why the knights and soldiers were staring at her so tensely.
Her overwhelming presence—her “Overlord form”—was triggering their instincts.
‘So they weren’t on edge because of a terrorist threat… it was just me.’
She sighed inwardly.
‘At this rate, I won’t be a villainess—I’ll be treated like a monster.’
Suppressing her aura, her appearance returned to that of a beautiful blonde noble girl.
But to onlookers, it looked as if a giant figure had suddenly vanished.
“W-Where did she go?!”
“Teleportation?!”
“Inside the capital?!”
The commanders panicked.
“Should we explain?” Heukrang asked.
“No, let them misunderstand.”
They quietly slipped into the cathedral.
********
At the entrance, animated suits of armor controlled the flow of people.
These magically animated constructs were essentially Academy staff.
A gatekeeper stood there—a man holding a lantern even in daylight.
Gibbs.
‘Wow… I can’t believe I feel nostalgic seeing Gibbs.’
In the game, Gibbs was infamous for interfering with players—catching them skipping class, sneaking into restricted areas, or doing illegal jobs.
He was widely disliked.
Ugly, ever-present in gacha pulls, and essentially a “junk draw” character.
Worse, he abused his authority, enjoying the power he had over students.
‘Actually… now that I think about it, he’s not that nice to see.’
Still, Idnia composed herself and presented her letter.
“Here is my recommendation letter from the Betelgeuse Archbishop.”
“So you’re the Betelgeuse Duke’s daughter? The one who rejected the Crown Prince to his face?”
Heukrang immediately flared up.
“What did you just call her?”
“Hey, what’s your problem, kid?”
“How dare you speak so disrespectfully! She is Lady Idnia Katche Betelgeuse—heir to one of the Empire’s great noble houses! Watch your tongue!”
“Heukrang!”
Idnia stopped him.
‘He’s not wrong… but this man will hold grudges.’
She bowed slightly.
“I apologize. Thank you for defending me, Heukrang—but within the Academy, all nobles must follow the staff’s authority.”
Gibbs hesitated, then accepted the apology.
“I… I spoke out of turn.”
“You’re Mr. Gibbs, correct?”
“How do you know my name?”
“I’ve heard a lot about you from Academy students.”
His expression darkened.
“…You have?”
“They said you are very dedicated. That students can focus on their studies thanks to people like you.”
His face lit up instantly.
“I-Is that so?! As expected of a noble lady—so gracious!”
He happily directed her to her assigned seat.
‘Well… no harm in gaining goodwill.’
Idnia moved on.
And there—
Her seat was right next to the game’s protagonist.
Mari of Astraea.
Seeing the heroine of the original story in person…
Idnia felt a strange, indescribable emotion.