Countdown To The Vote

“The vote for the Grand Holy Maiden will be held on the day of the Founding Festival.”

Looking around at everyone in the room, Isaac spoke slowly.

Everyone, including Cordelia, widened their eyes in surprise for a moment before immediately adopting serious expressions.

“…So it will finally be decided.”

Two weeks remained until the Founding Festival.

These two weeks would be the final period left to Cordelia.

(I have done everything I possibly can, and I intend to keep doing so… but the vote alone is something I cannot be certain of.)

Hina had fled during the first Healing Gathering and received harsh criticism in the newspapers, yet afterward she worked with astonishing sincerity. It was probably Jean who said, “It’s like something possessed left her.”

While continuing magical training under Cordelia’s guidance, she gradually increased the number of people she healed at the gatherings. Furthermore, thanks to her diligently holding Healing Gatherings even while Cordelia visited the clinic — or perhaps because people recognized her efforts to reform — her popularity in street surveys had slowly risen.

(She started off useless, so when she got serious later the gap hits harder… the classic falling for the earnest delinquent pattern. Powerful!)

In any era, contrast attracted people. All Cordelia could do was continue her efforts steadily without losing heart.

As she encouraged herself, Isaac had moved beside her before she realized, then hesitantly spoke.

“We are entering the decisive stage… I am worried about you. Continuing to wear the mask of the ‘Holy Maiden’ is no easy matter. You should rest sometimes.”

“Are you worried about the nighttime calls?”

Recently, Cordelia had often performed healing late at night.

Many came urgently seeking Holy Magic — children with high fevers, mothers collapsing, and more. Minor cases were handled by the on-duty Water Mage, but severe patients were all carried to Cordelia. Several seriously ill patients had arrived in succession these past few days, leaving her slightly sleep-deprived.

“In that case, I am fine. At most one person per day, and compared to the Healing Gathering, it barely tires me. …Still, yes, I shall accept your kindness and relax a little today.”

No sooner had she spoken than a yawn escaped her. She gently covered her mouth with her hand, and Isaac leaned closer. His long, graceful fingers brushed her bangs aside, and her gaze met his lapis-blue eyes. The sudden closeness made her heart leap.

“I will leave so as not to disturb you today. Rest well. I will have your favorite tea delivered later… and a new tart as well.”

“Hehe, that sounds lovely. Shall we eat it together?”

When Cordelia smiled, Isaac shyly looked away. Despite appearances, he loved sweets, though he seemed embarrassed about it.

‘I hear quite a cheerful conversation. This new “tart,” I would like to try it too.’

At that moment, Fenrir’s voice rang out along with a gust of wind. Holding down her swirling hair, Cordelia turned.

“Fenrir-sama is as elusive as ever. …No, that was not praise.”

Seeing Fenrir lift his chin proudly, Cordelia quickly added, and Isaac stepped away from her to salute him.

“I shall prepare a portion for Fenrir-sama as well by the appointed time. I cannot guarantee quantity, but the taste will be certain.”

‘Very well, very well. I trust your palate. I look forward to it.’

Judging by Fenrir’s satisfied expression, Isaac and Fenrir seemed to share similar food preferences. Or rather, the two had apparently grown quite close without Cordelia realizing.

“Huh? I thought I sensed Fenrir-sama — and there he is.”

Next to peek in were Hina and Jean, who had temporarily become her guard.

In fact, by Cordelia’s suggestion, Jean had been appointed as a temporary guard to act as a shield against the son of Count Lavori.

Isaac had resisted strongly, but unlike Cordelia — who could use dark magic and was heavily guarded by Isaac — Hina was practically defenseless. Once that was explained, Jean surprisingly accepted readily… though Isaac frowned to the very end.

‘Indeed. I heard Cordelia lives in this room, so I came thinking she would be here at this hour.’

(I see… as always, Fenrir-sama and I cannot sense each other’s voices.)

Therefore, whenever Fenrir needed her, he came to this room. Hina, however, could hear him, so she had no such need…

(Fenrir-sama says the barrier makes it safe, but I am still worried.)

Though both were Holy Maidens, one could hear the “voice” while the other could not. With no known solution, Cordelia could only pray it would not become a fatal weakness.

As if perceiving her unease, Isaac gently took her hand.

“…I have continued searching documents concerning the Sacred Beast and the Holy Maiden. Two Holy Maidens is unprecedented, but there may be something that provides a clue.”

“Isaac-sama…”

The warmth reaching her eased her heart slightly.

“For now, you should rest. I will take responsibility for leading everyone else away. …Until later.”

As soon as he said it, Isaac began ushering Hina and Jean out of the room. He even managed to escort Fenrir to the room prepared for him — the Sphene Chamber — with one excuse after another.

Grateful for his consideration, Cordelia nodded to Lily and finally sat down to relax for the first time in a while.