As it turned out, Kelart's reputation for talent wasn't just empty talk.
After spending less than a few hours in Calca's "clutches," she had already found the right sensation. She then immediately and righteously rejected Calca's offer to continue helping her "guide" the flow.
What a joke—just that short session had left her so mortified she wanted to die. She cursed her past self for agreeing so readily. Observe the Princess? At this rate, she'd lose her dignity before she learned a single secret!
Kelart felt her head clear remarkably fast. Her previous obsessive curiosity and slight madness vanished instantly, replaced by a cold, analytical realization of what she needed to do next.
Having barely mastered the basics of the Non-Elemental Magic Aura, the girl made a strategic retreat. She refused to stay overnight in the palace, no matter what.
Remedios watched her sister flee in sheer, unadulterated schadenfreude. As the elder sister, this was the first time she had ever seen her brilliant sibling look so utterly disheveled and embarrassed.
Only after Kelart had vanished did Calca slowly straighten her clothes and step out of the bedroom, a look of exaggerated, mournful disappointment on her face.
"Sigh... why couldn't Kelart stay a bit longer?"
Calca kept casting longing glances at Remedios, but the knight remained steadfast. Remedios kept her eyes on her own nose and her mind on her heart, refusing to take the bait.
She might be a bit reckless, and her memory wasn't the best, but she wasn't stupid. Well, maybe she was close, but there was still a margin. Let's call it "earnest." Besides, she had her warrior's intuition to guide her; she knew exactly when to speak and, more importantly, when to shut up.
Unfortunately, some things weren't up to Remedios to decide.
"Remedios, why aren't you answering me?"
A tiny pout formed on Remedios's pretty face. "Your Highness..."
"Call me Calca."
"Calca..." Remedios opened her mouth, sweating profusely as she struggled to find a way to change the subject. Just as she was about to surrender, a spark of inspiration hit her. "Calca, which element did my sister end up choosing for her Aura?"
Calca gave Remedios a surprised look. She hadn't expected the knight to actually find a way out of the trap.
However, Remedios had hit on an important point. Calca had intended to discuss this anyway, as it concerned the six guards who were due to report for duty the next morning.
"None. Like me, she's sticking with the Non-Elemental Aura for now. Kelart wants to see the effects of the other elements before making a final choice."
Remedios nodded with a look of profound understanding. And she kept nodding. For several seconds. It was a clear attempt to stall for as long as humanly possible.
Seeing this, Calca stopped teasing her and gave a simple command. "Alright, let's go train!"
"By the way, while you're practicing your Aura later, try to summarize your experiences. Tomorrow, I want you and Kelart to share what you've learned with the six guards."
"Help them master the technique as quickly as possible."
"No problem, Your Highness!" Remedios responded cheerfully.
Now this was more like it. This was her domain: training and fighting. In an instant, she was already mentally drafting various "hellish" training plans.
The thoughts didn't interfere with her duties. Since it was still early, Remedios followed Calca to the training room to begin the day's regimen. Because they had spent so much time on Kelart, their session was slightly truncated.
Spear Training: Remedios coached Calca on spear techniques and sparring for 90 minutes.
Magic & Paladin Training: While Calca performed her magical exercises, Remedios focused on her Paladin skills. Calca would offer guidance on the magical aspects when necessary. Another 90 minutes.
Simulation: Calca stood before the private shrine, ready to be "summoned."
Within minutes, the familiar, ragged gasping filled the room. Once again, Calca had "pulled the plug" (exited the simulation) just before the reaper's scythe could claim her.
She used the [Sleep] spell to drift off around 10:00 PM and woke up at 6:00 AM the next morning. After washing up and having a light breakfast, she squeezed in a short magic practice session.
At 8:00 AM sharp, the six chosen guards and Kelart arrived simultaneously.
The six men stood before Calca with solemn expressions. To reinforce her image as a "Favored of the Gods," she chose to receive them inside the private chapel. Remedios and Kelart stood beside her, looking equally austere.
Calca stepped forward, walking slowly down the line of men.
"Hola. Josie. Gavat. Finley. Rimbaud. Alphonse."
As she passed each man, she called out his name. The priests instinctively straightened their backs. Her next words sent a surge of excitement through them.
"I am pleased that the six of you are willing to follow me. As my guards—and my future confidants—there is something you must understand."
"First, I am not a princess meant to spend her life confined behind palace walls. I will eventually step out into the world. According to our royal customs, the moment I step out, I will be granted a territory of my own. In the future, you six will be my left and right hands."
"Lamb, cream, and honor—whatever I have, I will share with you."
"But before that happens, you must carry out my instructions to the letter, without the slightest deviation."
"If you have a problem, you may raise it beforehand. But I will not accept it as an excuse for failure afterward. Do you understand?"
Calca's stern gaze swept over the six men. It was met with a thunderous, synchronized roar:
"Understood, Your Highness!"
"Good. My first order is simple: improve yourselves. Being at the Second Tier is far below my expectations for you."
"To help you grow, report back here after today's training. My personal Guardian Knight, Remedios—who, I might add, is a genius who mastered Magic Aura in a single night and earned my father's praise—will be in charge of your special Aura training."
"Do not underestimate her. To disrespect her is to question my judgment and that of the King himself."
"Furthermore, I will allow you to request magic books from Kelart. I have a collection that includes knowledge up to the Third Tier. Use this opportunity well."
Calca looked at the six men meaningfully. The sheer list of benefits—territory, honor, and high-tier knowledge—briefly made them forget they were technically being managed by two young girls. Or perhaps, because of Calca's own aura, their expectations had already shifted.
They stood tall and gave their assent in unison. Calca then moved to her second order—the real reason she had recruited this specific group.
"I need you to use your spare time to gather intelligence from outside the palace. Your primary focus is the Abelion Hills. Secondly, I want information on the routes connecting the Holy Kingdom to other nations. Finally, general intelligence on our country and the neighboring kingdoms."
"Submit whatever intelligence you have gathered during this afternoon's training."
"This is a long-term mission. For now, tell me whatever you can find."
The six guards blinked in surprise. This order was just as impactful as the first. They nodded quickly, their minds already racing with the implications.
Calca nodded in satisfaction. With these six, she finally had the means to extend her reach beyond the palace walls. Later, she could even pull Spa away from Damian; that would be like adding wings to a tiger.
However... Calca suddenly frowned.
It's been days. I only asked Spa to find a feline creature. Even if this world only has tigers and no small domestic cats, he should have reported something by now. This doesn't match Spa's usual efficiency.
Has something gone wrong? A flicker of doubt crossed her mind.
At that same moment, in front of a luxurious mansion in the capital, Hoburns, a man arrived. He was dressed like a refined merchant-noble. On his clothing was an embroidered pattern—one that looked strikingly similar to the Wind God's crest of the Holy Kingdom, yet was subtly, chillingly different.
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I'm not the Queen Greatsword. (70 Chapters, Ongoing)
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