The First Grand Holy Maiden Of The Lakisen Kingdom (1)

The brilliant music played by the orchestra and the booming sound of celebratory cannons rang out. The clamor, as if embodying the people’s excitement, even reached the royal palace. Naturally, the inside of the palace itself was just as crowded with people coming and going.

“The parade will reach the palace any moment now!”

It was Lily who whispered that with an excited face.

The commemorative parade held only on this day was the highlight of the Founding Festival, and the perfectly synchronized march of the formally dressed knights made it wildly popular with people of all ages.

“I’m sorry, Lily. You were looking forward to it, but it seems you won’t get to see it because of me.”

While being surrounded by many maids as they prepared her, Cordelia spoke apologetically. She knew Lily secretly wanted to watch the parade.

“No, seeing milady up close makes me happier than the parade! Truly, you look even more beautiful today…! Elrina-sama is wonderful as well, but the Grand Holy Maiden of this country can only be milady!”

“Thank you. I’m happy to hear that.”

The parade began at the outer gate of the royal capital and eventually arrived at the palace. The climax came when the king, the prince, and the Holy Maiden appeared on the front balcony leading to the palace plaza. Cordelia was making her final preparations for that moment.

She had seen the ceremonial Holy Maiden attire in the game’s ending, but wearing it herself, she was surprised by its weight. The white velvet and taffeta outfit was heavy, and the large number of diamonds tied into her hair shone brightly enough to astonish any princess.

(Since the Holy Maiden also serves as queen, it’s luxurious… but my neck hurts and it’s hard to move. I wonder if El—Hina is alright?)

Even Cordelia, accustomed to dresses as a duke’s daughter, felt she needed support just to walk. Elrina, who was not used to dresses, must have it far worse.

“Kana-chan! This dress is super heavy!?”

Elrina, whom she encountered in the waiting room leading to the balcony, was struggling just as expected. Several maids lifted the hem of her dress, and two others supported her hands so she could barely walk.

“Kick the hem as you walk. Really swing it forward. It’s made so it won’t flip up easily.”

When Cordelia taught her the footwork trick, Elrina nodded and tried hard to put it into practice. Just then, cheers rose as the knights’ parade seemed to arrive at the palace.

As if that were the signal, the king and Isaac appeared briskly onto the balcony. Their appearance intensified the excitement even further.

“Kana-chan… Hi— I mean, I’m getting nervous.”

“It’s alright, I am too.”

As she spoke, Cordelia tightly clasped her hands. Her fingertips had grown completely cold from tension. She had met many people at the Healing Gathering, but this was her first time appearing publicly as a Holy Maiden.

Elrina muttered uneasily.

“Hey… could you hold my hand for just a bit?”

Dragging their heavy garments while helped by maids, the two approached and gently held hands. It was impossible to tell whose trembling was whose. Perhaps both were shaking just the same. Yet as they held tightly, their hearts mysteriously calmed.

“…Kana-chan, no hard feelings no matter which of us becomes Grand Holy Maiden, okay?”

“Of course. And you mustn’t say you’ll destroy the country again if you throw a tantrum.”

“Don’t bring that up! It’s my dark history!”

Cordelia spoke, Elrina puffed her cheeks, and then they looked at each other and laughed.

“Holy Maiden Hi·na-sama, it is your turn.”

At the attendant’s call, Elrina turned around.

Since changing the name suddenly would confuse everyone, it was intentionally kept as Hina — like a stage name.

Elrina slowly began walking. Thanks to Cordelia’s advice she only needed one maid’s support, and her steps seemed steady. The balcony doors opened and she stepped into the sunlight.

At that moment, a huge cheer erupted.

“Long live Holy Maiden Hina-sama!”

“Long live!”

Voices calling Hina’s name echoed everywhere, as though the entire palace was wrapped in cheers.

It must have been far greater than expected. The glimpse of Elrina’s profile showed her eyes wide with surprise. She shyly waved her hand, and another wave of cheers rose.

“—That surprised me. I thought I might get booed.”

After returning from her turn, Elrina said with flushed cheeks and a puzzled expression.

“Everyone properly saw how hard you worked. Of course.”

When Cordelia said that, Elrina laughed like a small child.

“Holy Maiden Cordelia-sama, it is your turn.”

This time the attendant called Cordelia’s name.

(I spoke boldly to El, but when it’s my own turn, I’m incredibly nervous…)

Cordelia lifted her face and walked forward.

—She had done everything she could. She had widely promoted her name using all her skills and took pride in behaving day and night in a manner worthy of the title of Holy Maiden. Even so, her body trembled.

But the moment Cordelia appeared on the balcony, a tremor shook the palace — and seemingly the entire kingdom.

“““Long live Holy Maiden Cordelia-sama!!!”””

At first she could not understand what was happening under the roaring sound.

Gradually, as her ears adjusted, she realized it was a flood of the people’s voices.

“Make Holy Maiden Cordelia the Grand Holy Maiden!”

“Grand Holy Maiden Cordelia-sama!”

Who started it was unknown — what must have begun as a single small voice became a massive wave. The chant “Grand Holy Maiden Cordelia” spread endlessly throughout the kingdom.

The passionate support shook her heart, and before she knew it, tears ran down her cheeks.

“Oh dear… I’ve been crying a lot lately…”

Lily smiled encouragingly and gently offered a handkerchief.

After wiping her tears, Cordelia put on her brightest Holy Maiden smile and waved her hand. In response, a roar of cheers burst forth.

That day, in the royal capital where the Founding Festival was held, the Grand Holy Maiden call never ceased — forever and ever.