The News Release Is Ready (2)

The other day, an official proclamation was finally issued that a second Holy Maiden had appeared.

The method of choosing the Holy Maiden had not yet been mentioned, but it was revealed that one of the two would become the Grand Holy Maiden, and apparently the whole town was talking about it.

According to Jean, who went to observe while hiding his status,

“So? Which one is which?”

“The names are too long to understand.”

“I heard one is a commoner and the other is a noble lady.”

“Then maybe I’ll support the commoner. She’d probably understand us.”

The reactions of ordinary citizens were mostly as Cordelia had expected.

(But thinking Hina understands ordinary people is a big mistake… She’s exactly the type who lives with a ‘let them eat cake’ mindset.)

Thinking about people gossiping without knowing Hina’s reality made her give a dry laugh.

As if pulling Cordelia back from her thoughts, Isaac spoke. He, in his own way, had been using spies daily to investigate the movements of the nobles.

“At present, most nobles are still waiting and watching. Some ambitious ones have already joined the Hina faction, but the rest can likely be drawn to our side depending on the conditions.”

“In that case, all that remains is effort.”

Cordelia clenched her fist in determination. When it came to effort, she had the cheat skills given by the goddess (supposedly) on her side.

“Also, the Hina faction has another weakness.”

“A weakness?”

Cordelia asked curiously at Isaac’s words.

“After the Holy Maiden is decided. Right now the nobles of the Hina faction are united against you, but if Hina-dono becomes the Holy Maiden, the nobles who were allies will quickly turn into enemies competing for the throne. Of course, the same could be said for us, but it will be even more pronounced in the Hina faction. I already hear they are probing and restraining one another.”

“Ugh… It’s unpleasant to think today’s allies might be tomorrow’s enemies.”

(Being surrounded by such people must be hard for Hina too…)

About a month had passed since the Sacred Beast rampage incident. Was Hina doing well? Cordelia still couldn’t forget the stunned look she last saw.

“Um… Your Highness. May I ask something unrelated?”

“What is it?”

“Is Hina doing well?”

When she timidly spoke the name, he looked taken aback for a moment, then slowly answered.

“…She seems to have recovered, and as always she appears energetic. Recently I heard she is always together with the heir of the Count Lavori family—shall I arrange a meeting?”

“Ah, no! Just hearing about her is enough. If she’s doing well, that’s fine.”

Cordelia hurriedly waved her hands. Though she was concerned, she had no idea what she should do even if she met Hina now.

(The heir of the Lavori family… He should be in a hero position, yet I can’t remember him at all.)

She searched her memory desperately, but unfortunately found nothing. He might be a later-added type like that gloomy man from somewhere.

(More importantly! I have to prepare for distributing the newspapers.)

To ride the wave of the second Holy Maiden announcement, the Kentonis and Sphida companies were now hurriedly preparing distribution. Even though the first announcement would only be distributed in the royal capital, preparing the number of copies alone was quite difficult.

(While they’re printing, I must quickly procure that. Only with it will everything be complete.)

Cordelia immediately began preparing to go out and obtain the item she needed.