Chapter 12: Astravina

A few weeks had passed since Celestia visited the temple to announce that the Grand Star Festival was around the corner, requesting someone to participate as a representative of the Azure Temple. Since then, things had been going smoothly. Aria continued her usual routine—prayer, rest, prayer—while Shawn spent his free time training himself.

Finally, the day of the festival arrived.

As their carriage—made of white wood with a design clearly showing its religious origin—entered the Aquallia capital of Astravina, the noise of the city greeted them.

"Uhh... So noisy," Aria said, lying on the carriage seat and covering her ears with a pillow.

"I can understand you... Well, it is the festival that their greatest Sword Saint established." Shawn looked out the window to see decorated walls, banners, energetic crowds, and street performers entertaining the people.

The carriage stopped suddenly, causing Aria to drop to the floor. A short window opened from the driver's side: "Sir Shawn, Aria-sama, it is too crowded for the carriage. It seems you'll have to go on foot from here."

"Ah... I see. Well, thank you, child, for leading us this far, hehe," Aria said, sitting up with a faint smile.

Well, that was fast, Shawn thought. Maybe I should hire an assistant so she always acts like this instead of a spoiled brat.

Shawn exited the carriage and offered Aria his hand, guiding her down.

"Now, things are going to get complicated, so make sure you don't let go of my hand—huh?"

Hearing a loud roar from the crowd, Shawn turned his head to see a massive group of people marching toward them.

"Wait... wait... wait!" he raised his voice, but he was quickly separated from Aria. The crowd swarmed around her, shouting praises and expressing their admiration.

"Aria-sama, is that really you? I am so touched... I think I can ascend to heaven in peace now!" an old man exclaimed.

"It's been a long time since we last saw you, Aria-sama! Please visit us; I will serve you your favorite dish!"

"Aria-sama, Aria-sama!"

Aria was overwhelmed by the crowd as everyone kept chanting her name. Shawn tried to intervene, but he kept getting pushed back by the crowd. Accepting defeat, he raised his voice above the noise.

"Hey, Aria—" he paused before correcting himself, "—sama! I am heading toward the competition location. Once you're free from them, just trace my mana to find where I am!" With that, he dashed off toward the venue.

"Hey! That's cheating! Don't leave me... huh?"

Before she could finish complaining, her stomach let out a loud growl.

She lowered her head as she felt a tug at the edge of her clothes, sensing the small, pure white mana of a young girl. Aria leaned down as the little girl used hand gestures to communicate. "Here," the girl said, handing Aria a piece of candy.

Aria smiled gently and accepted it from her hand. "Thank you, child. My blessings will always be with you."

The crowd went quiet witnessing this tender moment. Some people teared up, while others were left speechless. Every person shared the exact same thought:

Cute...

Aria stood up and raised her voice. "Dear children of God, I am truly grateful that you are all here sharing your love with me, but please do not treat me like a deity. Just like you, I am a human who works hard to devote herself to the gods. Please return to what you were doing and ignore my presence here, as it might cause trouble for others."

"Aria-sama..." A man, moved to tears by her words, called out, "Everyone, please, let's do as Aria-sama says!"

"Yeah, we shouldn't cause trouble for others," another person agreed.

"How thoughtful our Sword Saint is," said another.

With that, the crowd gradually dispersed, leaving Aria standing alone.

Phew! That was so intense. I never imagined they would surround me like that. Also, what is the kingdom doing? You invited me here, and now you treat me like this? And Shawn... just wait until I find you. I'll get my revenge for the betrayal you committed right here. Anyway...

"I should trace his mana now..." She concentrated, feeling the mana traces around her fade away one by one until only two remained: a golden trace and a brownish one.

"Found you... wait, if I'm correct, then..." she muttered to herself, beginning to follow the brown trace.

She made several turns through the streets until she reached a dark alley. The familiar sound of clinking coins echoed through the alley as Aria chewed on the candy she had received.

"Nineteen... and twenty! Well, it's a bit low, but at least I'll have a quiet, delicious meal for a few weeks, hehe," Rikka giggled, slipping the money back into her pouch.

"Rikka?" Aria called out.

"Huh?... Arre." She turned around and froze upon seeing Aria. "A... Aria-sama! What are you doing here?" she asked, quickly hiding the pouch behind her back.

"So I was right. How are you, Rikka? I'm surprised to sense you here."

"I was, hehe..." She hesitated, quickly changing the subject. "Aria-sama, where is Sir Shawn? I don't see him here."

"Well, as the representative for me and the Azure Temple, he's probably clearing the preliminary rounds," Aria replied after a moment of thought.

"I see! Well, that's good. Anyway, I need to go somewhere, so I'll see you later..." Still trying to hide her pouch, Rikka attempted to slip past Aria.

Growl.

Aria's stomach growled loudly, forcing her to drop to her knees and support herself against the alley wall.

"Aria-sama!" Rikka ran to her in worry. "Are you alright?"

Growl.

"Sorry, Rikka... but if you have anything to share, could you lend me some food? I'm starving right now."

"I don't have food, but..." Rikka looked at her pouch, feeling conflicted, before letting out a sigh. "I have money, so we can probably get a decent meal. What do you say?"

"Really? Thank you! I might swap Shawn for you as my attendant!" Aria threw her arms around Rikka, hugging her tightly.

"Aria-sama...!" Rikka gasped in surprise at the sudden hug, her eyes widening in disbelief.

Right now, I don't feel any divine aura from her at all. She feels much more human than a god. Maybe the rumors people spread about Aria-sama are wrong after all. Also... she smells divine... wait, huh?

"Aria-sama?"

Aria tightened her grip, stood up, and lifted Rikka completely off the ground.

"Now that I have a good grip, it's time to fly!" Aria declared.

"Fly? Wait! I just said I don't want to—!"

Before Rikka could finish her sentence, Aria launched herself into the air. Swirling winds burst from her boots, leaving a cloud of dust behind in the street.