Part 1: Saintess Candidate Arc

10. The First Love of Olivia, the Duke’s Daughter

Translated by: S3

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Olivia, the daughter of the Duke of Gold in the Holy Aurum Kingdom, was visiting the Queen's private chambers for her Saint Candidate duties.

As she applied her healing magic, she checked on the Queen's condition.

「If you feel unwell or sense any discomfort, please inform me immediately.」

「Thank you, Olivia. I am fine. Although it is Magic Affliction Disease, it is still in the early stages, and I am only a little more easily fatigued. I can still perform my duties.」

The Queen's complexion was slightly dull, but she remained dignified since Olivia began her treatment, and was healthy enough to enjoy tea afterward.

「If we could obtain the cure, I would not have to trouble you, Olivia. I apologize.」

「Not at all. It is the duty of one who has been granted Light Magic.」

「The other Saint Candidates are attending to the common citizens who cannot obtain the medicine, like myself. I am truly grateful.」

「It is our role, as we were called upon to be Saint Candidates, so it is only natural.」

While she inwardly felt annoyed that the Queen was praising Poppy, Olivia quickly reminded herself that all their contributions were a collective achievement of the Saint Candidates and reflected well on her own standing.

「Furthermore, the Saint recruitment has been effective enough to overshadow Arthur-denka’s broken engagement. If a Saint is chosen and His Highness becomes engaged, the anxiety throughout the country will abate. It is entirely a good thing.」

「Yes. It must be so difficult for Arthur, not only with the broken engagement but with one problem after another constantly being thrust upon him. But that child is composed. I am certain he will be fine.」

「Indeed. Everything will turn out perfectly when a lady with culture comparable to the Second Imperial Princess of the Auro Empire stands by His Highness's side.」

「Yes. I look forward to it.」

This tea time was never long. But every day, bit by bit, Olivia showed concern for the Queen's health and reported the contributions of the Saint Candidates.

And in the end, she shared her vision with the Queen, praying that the noblewoman with the most flawless conduct among the Saint Candidates would be chosen.

「Well then, Your Majesty. I shall return tomorrow.」

「I look forward to seeing you again tomorrow.」

With a lady’s smile and a perfect curtsy, Olivia left the Queen’s room, her manners impeccable from every angle.

The Gold Ducal House had existed since the Holy Aurum Kingdom was founded and had long been one of the noble families supporting the royal family, both overtly and covertly.

A daughter of a prestigious lineage. That was Olivia's most significant title.

Olivia was born with Light Magic residing within her body. This was an honor for the Gold Ducal House, and she received an elite education from a young age. Since she possessed a disposition that found fulfillment in meeting the expectations of those around her, she quickly blossomed into a talented young woman.

Olivia had an older brother, three years her senior, named Dylan Gold.

He, too, was born with great talent befitting the Gold Ducal House, and at the age of eight, he began serving Arthur, who was then the First Prince.

Olivia first met Arthur when she was five, shortly after Dylan began his service.

Her father, Duke Gold, frequently visited the castle, ostensibly to check on Dylan's work, and always brought Olivia along.

Arthur and Olivia were of the same age and shared similar values as royalty and nobility, so they quickly became friends.

She had fond memories of often playing with her brother Dylan and Arthur as a trio during that time.

When they played tag, Dylan would be the 'oni' and cleverly let the two younger children have fun. When they played hide-and-seek, Arthur and she would work together to shake off Dylan. It was so much fun to hide and watch their older brother panic.

Since Dylan was also good at accommodating the two younger children, the three grew up as close childhood friends.

That relationship crumbled when Arthur and Olivia were ten years old.

Arthur's engagement to the Second Imperial Princess of the Auro Empire was decided.

It was joyous news for a close childhood friend.

While Dylan offered his blessings to Arthur, Olivia also nodded with a smile, but something unsettling was born in her heart. Olivia wanted to offer words of congratulation, but her mouth was dry, and her throat was hoarse as if she had a cold. She couldn't speak.

「C-Congratulations.」

From the moment she finally managed to convey her congratulations, Olivia felt as if her body was no longer her own.

She searched for the reason behind her unidentifiable physical discomfort, the tightness in her chest, the sudden moments of breathlessness, and the overflowing tears.

It took a long time to realize it, but when she learned the answer, her heart screamed a sound she wished she could plug her ears against.

—I was in love with Arthur-denka.

The moment she became aware of those feelings, the reality that her wish was unattainable wounded the ten-year-old girl's heart severely.

If only she had realized her feelings sooner and asked her father, would something have changed?

If only she hadn't realized at all, would she have avoided such suffering?

Ten-year-old Olivia's first love ended with a multitude of regrets and bittersweet memories.

Then, Olivia wiped her tears and lifted her face.

—If I cannot win him, then I shall surpass her.

She kindled a fighting spirit against the Second Imperial Princess of the Auro Empire, whom she had yet to meet.

If Arthur praised Olivia, if he acknowledged her as superior to the Second Imperial Princess, she would surely be satisfied.

And then, someday, she would marry a man better, far better, than Arthur. To achieve that, Olivia vowed to become a perfect, beautiful, and overwhelmingly capable lady in every aspect.

Using her heartbreak as fuel, Olivia aimed higher and made a marvelous recovery.

And now, before the seventeen-year-old Olivia, Arthur was struck by a broken engagement.

The rival she had sworn to defeat retreated from the field without ever having come closer than a distant acquaintance. A win by forfeit. It was an indescribable feeling, like having the rug pulled out from under her feet.

「What exactly was I striving for?」

The words slipped out, but an answer welled up from the bottom of her heart.

—You strove to become a lady worthy of Arthur-sama, didn't you?

That’s right. If she became a lady superior to Arthur's fiancée, she would prove that she was the one worthy of him. That's why she worked so hard.

—I put in blood, sweat, and tears. That is why I can now fearlessly seize this accidental chance, isn’t it?

In truth, she had always wanted to stand beside Arthur. She had only accepted it as inevitable; she was never truly convinced.

This time, she could proudly and fairly convey her feelings to Arthur.

It was as if everything happening before her was cheering her on, and tears of joy welled up. —But.

「But, I’m not such a ridiculously optimistic person. Still, —」

Olivia was not foolish enough to believe the world revolved around her. Although she thought that, she couldn't discard the possibility. So, she spoke her feelings to her father before it was too late this time, begging that she wanted to become Arthur's fiancée.

Her father neither affirmed nor denied, simply listening to her.

A few weeks later, the news of the 'Saint and Crown Princess Candidate Recruitment' spread throughout the royal capital.

「This is all the help I can give you. You must seize the chance with your own hands.」

Her father didn't say much, but it was enough for Olivia. Seven years ago, it was too late when she realized her feelings. She gave up without even being given a chance.

Being given the opportunity to strive was enough for her to believe that she was truly desired. And she was ready for it.

「Thank you, God. I was finally allowed to try my best.」

She would reach out and take what she truly wanted. This was the reason Olivia became a Saint Candidate. After finishing her work as a Saint Candidate, Olivia returned to her mansion, where her brother, Dylan, greeted her.

「It has been a while, Brother. I congratulate you from the bottom of my heart on your safe return from the Eastern Fortress.」

「I have returned. I’m glad you are well, Olivia.」

Dylan, who had served as Arthur’s aide, was recognized for his excellence and was now taking on the role of the next Prime Minister. He had been temporarily relocated alone to the Eastern Fortress to oversee the massive personnel change there.

「The work at the Eastern Fortress is mostly settled. From now on, I should only need to visit once a month or so.」

「That is wonderful news. If you have time now, how about we have some tea?」

「Ah, that sounds fine. Did something good happen to you, Olivia?」

「Can you tell? Actually—」

Olivia confessed her deepest wish to her brother, whom she hadn't seen in a long time.

She wanted to stand beside Arthur this time and become the Crown Princess who supported him.

For that, she asked her brother, Dylan, for his cooperation.

「I’ve been watching His Highness and Olivia all this time. I will support you wholeheartedly.」

Things were moving forward with surprising speed, and she even gained a powerful ally in Dylan. Olivia was convinced that her dream was bound to come true.

*****

Note: What can i say, these two saints candidate is not inherently evil. They are just normal girl.

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