Book Release Celebration Side Story

“Congratulations, kitten! You’ve won the honorable first Best Shiny Award!”

With a pop, sparkling flower petals scattered through the room.

Cordelia realized Sphida had fired a magical cracker only after she was trapped within Isaac’s arms.

Apparently startled by the sound, he had instinctively shielded her. Beside them, Jean pointed his drawn sword at Sphida.

—This was Cordelia’s room in the royal palace.

Though the furniture and layout remained the same as her former temporary residence, the Chrysocolla Chamber, she had now officially been granted it again as the “Grand Holy Maiden.”

“Wh-what is this ‘Best Shiny Award’?”

Still enclosed in his arms, Cordelia twisted and peeked out. Isaac remained wary while Jean kept his sword trained on Sphida.

Unbothered, Sphida continued cheerfully.

“You see, I’d been thinking how to excite readers through the newspaper. Then it hit me! Why not hold a reader poll for ‘the person who shined the most this year’? Brilliant, even if I say so myself!”

“That… sounds like a wonderful idea!”

Cordelia clapped her hands.

(Come to think of it, there were all sorts of awards in my previous life…)

Judge-selected awards, reader-voted awards, or combinations of both.

Any method that gathered attention created buzz and benefits.

(To think he came up with it alone… he truly is capable.)

Before her admiring eyes, Sphida dramatically raised his hands toward the ceiling, eyes sparkling.

“Yes! The newspapers with voting tickets achieved amazing numbers, the mid-results issue brought wonderful profit, and the final results issue sold so fantastically and excellently we couldn’t keep up even mobilizing the whole company!”

Cordelia smiled.

“That’s incredible.”

“What are you saying! It’s all thanks to you, kitten! Our Grand Holy Maiden is famous even in neighboring countries! We sold translated editions too!”

“It is thanks to Cordelia’s effort and popularity.”

Isaac said proudly.

Even though the cracker threat was gone, he still held her in his arms.

(It should be fine if he let go by now…)

She gently pushed him, but he only smiled innocently. He had no intention of releasing her.

Sphida continued.

“And of course, you won the first Best Shiny Award! Though honestly I expected it.”

Isaac nodded firmly. Cordelia touched her chin thoughtfully.

(This year I certainly stood out…)

She was originally the Crown Prince’s fiancée and a Sage-rank dark mage.

Then she became a Holy Maiden and promoted herself through Healing Gatherings and charity to obtain the Grand Holy Maiden seat.

Naturally she drew attention.

“Thank you for the lovely award. Will there be a ceremony?”

(If so, I must prepare attire.)

Sphida’s eyes glittered again.

“A ceremony!? What a marvelous idea! Publishing that would boost sales even more! I’ll prepare it immediately!”

(I might have said too much… but if it livens things up, perhaps it’s good.)

Strong sales meant many people were interested. A ceremony could even revitalize the capital.

Sphida continued excitedly.

“Now! I have one more request — tell me how you feel after winning!”

“Understood.”

(An interview.)

She had arranged many interviews in her previous life — though Hina answered while she prepared the venue.

(To think I’d be the one answering…)

“Shall we start now!?”

Producing pen and memo, Sphida moved swiftly.

Cordelia sat on the sofa laughing softly. Isaac also sat beside her for some reason despite pending duties.

“First, tell me about your upbringing.”

The interview began.

Sphida’s questioning was smooth — timely responses, building excitement, probing interesting topics.

“—So what drove you to work so hard?”

“That would be…”

She was about to say “for the citizens,” but stopped.

(It sounds proper… but I don’t want to lie about this.)

Cordelia raised her face.

“…Everything was for Isaac-sama.”

Sphida’s shoulders trembled with amusement.

“Oh? The Grand Holy Maiden worked not for the people but for a single man?”

“Yes, for him.”

Looking into eyes like shimmering sphene, she smiled.

“I wanted him to become king and to stand beside him myself. Becoming Grand Holy Maiden was the only way.”

Her eyes shone strongly.

“I wanted to protect the world where the one I love lives — a world where he can smile. That is my greatest treasure.”

Sphida laughed.

“Haha! I’ve been thoroughly treated to romantic boasting! Look — your beloved seems embarrassed.”

Isaac sat expressionless but red-faced. Realizing her boldness, Cordelia blushed too.

“S-sorry…!”

“No, that was perfect! The theme shall be ‘The Grand Holy Maiden’s Love’ — dramatic and moving!”

Jean interrupted tiredly.

“That’s just bragging.”

“Exactly! People don’t care about pretty words — stories move hearts! The Grand Holy Maiden’s hidden feelings for His Highness! Passionate and dramatic!”

Sphida scribbled furiously. Jean sighed.

“Reporters are weird. Next you’ll make Best Couple Awards and Best Gentleman Awards—”

“Best Couple!? Wonderful! Tell me more!”

“I just made it up…”

Jean faltered as Sphida leaned in.

Watching them, Cordelia and Isaac laughed together.

Then lapis-colored eyes gazed gently at her.

“…This country with you in it matters to me. Above all, you matter. So let’s protect it together, Cordelia.”

“Of course.”

They held hands.

And for a long while — until Jean interrupted — they simply smiled at each other.