Chapter 17: Blessing

Next Day

The arena for the tournament filled with people as excitement erupted in the air. The entire arena was decorated with ribbons, and outside, various food stalls were selling their products. Aria, along with Rikka, stood at the old lady's stall.

“Uhmm~ That’s amazing!” Aria said, enjoying every moment of it. Every person’s eyes were on the Sword Saint as they witnessed a cute side of their Divine Sword Saint.

Ahh… How generous our Sword Saint is, acting like a child just to spread joy across all her believers, everyone thought, assuming Aria was acting like a child out of consideration for the old lady.

“I am amazed as well. Grandma, where did you get the idea that noodles can be instantly cooked within a minute just by adding hot water?”

“Hehe...” The lady warmly giggled and added, “Well, I was thinking about what to serve in the tournament. I was trying to figure out how to make something that could help adventurers and people who don’t have time to cook fill their stomachs. So, I researched and produced it.”

“I see.” Rikka took a sip, her eyes shining. “It tastes so good, right, Aria-sama?”

“Of course! I knew you could do it, Aunty.” Aria gave her a thumbs up.

“Well, this happened because of you, Aria. The rumors were true that you are capable of creating miracles.”

“Hehe...” Aria blushed, scratching the back of her head.

The old lady noticed something and pointed behind them. “Is that girl with you?”

“Hm?” Aria and Rikka turned as a figure hid behind an alley.

“Is that...?” Rikka took a glance, feeling suspicious.

“Oh... It's Celestis! Celestis...! Come here, you must taste this before it’s finished!” Aria warmly chuckled as she waved at her.

“My name is NOT Celestis! It is Celestia!” Celestia screamed loudly.

Everyone’s gaze fell on the girl, who was wearing commoner clothes and hiding her face with a cloak.

“Celestia...? Is she Princess Celestia?” one whispered.

“But why is the Aquallia princess here?” another whispered.

Seeing everyone whispering, Rikka acted quickly. She ran over, grabbed Celestia’s wrist, and dragged her along, acting as if she were her friend. “Come on, Celestia! You should have told me before you came here, you know! I could have given you a tour of the capital!”

“Oh... so she’s just another beastkin,” one said, as another added, “Well, I was scared wondering why the princess was here, but it seems it wasn't her.”

While walking back to Aria without looking toward Celestia, Rikka apologized in a low voice. “I apologize, Celestia-sama, for dragging you like that! But please understand, I didn’t have a choice right now.”

Celestia’s eyes widened, surprised by Rikka's quick reaction. She nodded and said, “I am giving you a chance here, and...” She paused, turned her face, and said, “Thank you.”

“Huh?” Rikka turned, unable to hear her clearly over the noise as they reached Aria.

As Celestia approached her, she opened her mouth to speak, but was interrupted as the crowd erupted and a voice came through the loudspeakers from outside.

“AND HERE! The first semifinalist for the Grand Star Festival is Leo Valhart, the Hero from another world! Now, we are taking a short break. Later, we will continue with today’s second match: the Vanguard of the Aquallia Kingdom, Sir Marvin, against former Elite Knight and current Sword Saint attendant, Shawn!”

“Isekai Hero?” Aria tilted her head, trying to remember where she had heard that before.

“So, Sir Hero is a participant in this too...” Rikka said.

“Huh? Do you know who he is?” Celestia asked.

“Well, we faced him before. He’s the person who saved my village from goblins using unknown relics.”

“Goblins? Why did we not hear news of this?” Celestia muttered to herself.

Rikka interrupted, “We should go! Sir Shawn’s match is about to start, and we must give him our full support.”

With that, they walked inside the arena. Rikka and Celestia walked to the audience chamber, while Aria excused herself, telling them she needed to go to the washroom. Rikka offered to lead her, but Aria declined, saying she would join them soon.

Focusing her senses, Aria started following the golden mana traces until she reached a room and entered.

Shawn was checking his gear one more time before heading to the battlefield. He was so focused that he didn’t feel her presence.

“It seems like you are ready to face Marvin,” Aria spoke up.

Shawn turned to her as she walked closer to him. “Well, I am not sure myself. Captain Marvin has been a bit of a guardian to me ever since I joined the Elite Knights. He always guided me. But today, I have to face him, and he is one of the strongest knights in the world.”

“So, are you afraid of him?”

“Naa... not afraid, but nervous? I can’t be like that, though. Since I’m representing the Azure Temple here, I should give my best. Even if I lose to him, I will give it my all.”

“Hehe...” Aria giggled, then smiled gently at Shawn.

Shawn, you might underestimate yourself, but based on what I’m sensing right now, I’m sure the result will be unexpected for you—and for others as well.

She muttered internally after sensing an insane amount of mana erupting from him—a pure, bright, golden mana.

“My blessing is with you...” she muttered to him.

“Huh? A blessing? Will it work?” he taunted playfully.

“Well, people say it works, so it might work for you,” she replied.

“Anyway, thanks,” he said, just as the speaker announcement called Shawn out to the field.

“It seems time’s up. I’m going now.”

“Yeah...” She nodded as he left.