“When will she realize there’s no hope?”

“Oh, by the way, the villain in this novel… it seems like the inspiration is…”

At that moment, someone plopped down across from Ariel and spoke up on her behalf.

“Talking in the library? Do the young ladies of the Holy Kingdom have that much free time?”

“Ahem!”

“Caelo!”

Caelo was one of the friends Ariel made towards the end of her time at the academy. He gestured for the young ladies to leave until they finally did, then he met Ariel’s eyes with a charming smile.

“Don’t listen to them, Ariel. You’re the best accountant.”

“I wasn’t listening anyway.”

“Don’t worry. With your talent, you’ll always be welcome. Not just by me, but my sister would also welcome you with open arms.”

Caelo subtly closed the book Ariel was reading with his hand. Ariel let out a small sigh.

“I’m not planning to leave the Holy Kingdom, Caelo.”

Caelo was the son of a high-ranking official from the Republic of Veloto, not far from the Holy Kingdom. He came to the Holy Kingdom to study, like other foreign students, with the aim of scouting talented individuals with holy power.

In fact, he seemed deeply impressed by Ariel.

“Honestly, I’ve already scouted talented individuals with holy power… but it’s rare to find someone with your dedication and administrative skills, Ariel.”

“……”

“Graduation is not far off. If you really think about it, let me know. It’s harder than you think to find a capable administrator.”

“Is it that hard?”

“I come from a country where they have guillotines because of it.”

The Veloto Kingdom, plagued by long-standing corruption, had purged many nobles about ten years ago and became a republic. This event had caused quite a stir even in the Holy Kingdom. The nobles who survived were those not involved in corruption, and most became high-ranking officials after the republic was established.

“Do you know what’s as scary as demonic beasts? Corrupt and bloated officials.”

Perhaps because he came from a family that narrowly escaped the purge, Caelo often talked about the need for capable and honest public servants. By his standards, Ariel was quite impressive.

“With your skills, you’d be promoted quickly once you start working. I’m not joking, I’m serious.”

Ariel, lacking in holy power, remembered her father, Marquis Tenia’s advice on studying and honed her administrative skills.

She studied the accounting, schedule management, and efficient operation of the subjugation team. She even studied foreign administrative systems to make up for her lack of holy power.

In fact, Ariel’s scores in those areas were the highest in the academy. If the evaluation were based solely on administration and office work, Ariel would have already been at the top of her class. But since the Holy Kingdom valued holy power above all, her talents were undervalued.

In Caelo’s eyes, her skills would shine brightly in the Republic of Veloto, which was constantly undergoing reforms and changes.

“You would quickly become an excellent administrator. Aren’t you wasting your studies?”

“I…”

“After all, being a saintess candidate is just an honorary position. Once you graduate, won’t you become an official?”

“…If I do, it will be in the Holy Kingdom.”

“Officials aren’t treated very well in the Holy Kingdom, are they? Priests are treated much better.”

He wasn’t wrong. Unlike kingdoms where officials could become prime ministers or finance ministers, in the Holy Kingdom, those positions were mostly held by priests with holy power. It was only natural since the Holy Emperor was the ruler.

Ariel sometimes felt it was unfair, but there was nothing she could do in the Holy Kingdom. Caelo hit the nail on the head.

“Your family hasn’t produced a priest, nor are they known for holy power in a long time.”

“Uh…”

“I’m not singling out your family. Most noble families in the Holy Kingdom have seen a significant decline in holy power, and their fortunes have dwindled. Only the Frenderick Dukedom, still strong in holy power, is an exception.”

Caelo stroked his chin and continued.

“In the end, without holy power, there’s no respect. Other abilities aren’t properly evaluated.”

“……”

“You’re too talented to stay in the Holy Kingdom and be treated like this.”

“Thanks for saying that, Caelo.”

“If you’re still refusing because of Lionel Frenderick…”

Caelo suddenly lowered his voice. After taking a sip of water, he whispered.

“He’s not the only man. If you want, I can introduce you to men from the Republic of Veloto…”

“Have you been reading those popular romance novels too, Caelo?”

Knowing what he was about to say, Ariel quickly changed the subject. The topic she grabbed was the romance novels the young ladies had been talking about.

“Those novels that many young ladies are reading?”

Caelo squinted at Ariel, realizing she was avoiding the topic again, but he smoothly continued the conversation.

“Yeah. You read a lot of books, right? In all genres.”

“Do I look like someone who reads romance novels too?”

“Yes.”

“…You caught me.”

Caelo chuckled and shrugged.

“Even so, asking me about such steamy novels… Do you not see me as a man?”

“Don’t be silly. So, are they as fun as the rumors say?”

“Hmm… They’re fun, but…”

Caelo hesitated for a moment. His expression turned a bit complicated. Ariel, who rarely saw him avoid a topic, grew curious.

“Is it so interesting that you have to think about it?”

“No, it’s not that… Why? Are you curious?”

Caelo changed his expression and asked. Ariel looked at the pile of books and sighed. She still had a lot to study.

“Oh dear.”

Seeing this, Caelo looked a bit anxious, then pulled out a thin booklet from his pocket.

“How about this? You need to relieve some stress while studying.”

Ariel’s eyes widened as she saw the cover. It seemed to be part of the romance novel series the young ladies had mentioned.

“You’ve been carrying it around and reading it?”

“Shh. I’m giving it to you because it’s you.”

“I’m touched.”

When Ariel carefully took the booklet, Caelo whispered with a bitter smile.

“You know, Ariel, the contents of books aren’t always true.”

“I know that.”

“And, it’s not like there are really… um, physical relationships like in the books.”

Caelo, uncharacteristically, cleared his throat and scratched his cheek. His fairly handsome face under his orange hair turned a bit red.

“Hey, if you like it after reading, let me know. I’ll get you more.”

“I can find them myself…”

“No, no. I’ll get them for you. Got it? You have to get them from me.”

It was a touching display of friendship. It seemed unnecessary to go to such lengths for romance novels, and she hadn’t intended to read it when she changed the subject.

Ding. The bell signaling the start of swordsmanship class rang.

“Then, I’ll get going.”

“Okay, Caelo. See you later.”

“Oh, and think about my offer again. Veloto always welcomes talent.”

“Got it.”

After Caelo, who had to attend swordsmanship class, left, Ariel focused on her studies again. Basics of administration for the subjugation team, budget execution of each temple, the average donations and operating costs of the Holy Kingdom from pilgrims and tourists each year…

How many hours had passed?

‘…I can’t focus.’

The sun was setting, but Ariel’s studies were still sluggish. She stretched and sighed.

“Why is there so much to memorize?”

The scope of this exam was excessively broad. It felt like the range of subjects Ariel had to cover, excluding holy power, was expanding.

‘Of course, it’s absurd to think the scope is expanding just because of me.’

Looking around, she saw that the other students had already left the library. Ariel also stretched, tidied up, and walked back to the Marquis’ house. She decided to continue her studies at home.

But studying at home wasn’t much easier.

“Ugh, this is frustrating.”

Why was there so much to learn in this small Holy Kingdom?

The priests, saintesses, and holy knights always received the glory and honor, but the people who had to work tirelessly behind the scenes…

Thinking that far, Ariel shook her head.

‘Thinking like this makes me no different from Caelo.’

Thanks to Caelo’s constant input, Ariel had subtly developed a discontent with the current state of the Holy Kingdom. But it was an unnecessary discontent for her.

“I joined to be with Lionel in the first place.”

So I need to work harder. I want to see that smile of Lionel’s. The smile he shows so easily to other young ladies…

‘When will you return, Lionel?’

Lionel had been away on a subjugation for weeks. He should be back soon. Seeing him less and less each year made her anxious. They hadn’t exchanged any marriage proposals since reaching adulthood either.

‘We’ve exchanged letters occasionally…’

The letters Ariel sent and the replies from Lionel often got lost in the chaos of the monster subjugations. She didn’t mind much since she could talk to him when she visited, but the lack of marriage talks bothered her.

Ariel sighed deeply and glanced at the booklet Caelo had given her.

“…Should I read it?”

She wasn’t particularly interested in novels outside of her studies, but the fact that everyone was talking about it made her curious.

Ariel decided to read it lightly and started turning the pages.