Chapter 300: Chapter 351: The Blue Knight’s Assault
Tokyo, Private Jonan Academy.
When the bell signaling the end of class rang and it was time for dismissal, Mariya Yuri walked out of the academy and headed in the direction of the Shichio Shrine.
Along the way, many people cast glances toward Mariya Yuri. Whether male or female, they couldn’t help but be captivated by the beauty of this girl, making her the center of attention wherever she went.
This had always been the case. Although Mariya Yuri felt a bit puzzled and even troubled by it, after so much time had passed, she had already grown accustomed to such treatment.
But today, the gazes cast toward Mariya Yuri were different from usual, mixed with some other kind of meaning.
Faintly, Mariya Yuri could hear them whispering.
"Mariya-san is alone today..."
"Wasn’t it said that she already has a boyfriend?"
"Why didn’t we see her boyfriend today?"
"Damn it! Who the hell took our Mariya-san?!"
"Mariya-san! My Mariya-san! Why do you have a boyfriend?!"
"No way! I have to challenge that guy to a duel!"
"Count me in!"
"A-And me too...!"
Voices like these grew louder and louder until Mariya Yuri could clearly hear the content.
"Boyfriend or whatever... it’s not like that."
Mariya Yuri walked along while sighing.
Actually, this wasn’t the first time something like this had happened.
Throughout the entire day today, no matter where Mariya Yuri went, voices like these followed her.
Even her acquaintances, including friends from the tea ceremony club, were subtly trying to ask about the matter, and their words clearly indicated that they already believed she had a boyfriend.
Even though Mariya Yuri tried hard to deny it, she had never been good at lying. The moment someone asked, "Then who is he?", she would start stammering and couldn’t answer.
This only caused more people to misunderstand, thinking she had a boyfriend outside of school but just didn’t want to make it public.
In response, Mariya Yuri had no choice. She could only watch helplessly as the rumors grew more and more outrageous. Some even said she had already met the guy’s parents, gotten engaged, and would become a housewife after graduation.
"There’s no need to wait until graduation! I’m already doing housewife duties right now!"
Mariya Yuri inwardly retorted without thinking, and then blushed furiously at her own bold thoughts.
"It’s all the King’s fault. Why did he have to come to school?"
Mariya Yuri complained about a certain someone who wasn’t present.
Actually, she should blame herself as well. If she weren’t so eye-catching, this situation definitely wouldn’t have caused such a stir.
She was recognized as the indisputable school beauty by everyone at Private Jonan Academy. That title was far too well-known, and Mariya Yuri didn’t even know how many admirers she had.
Someone like her—once she was seen being overly close to a man, entering and leaving together—it was only natural that people would pay special attention and misunderstand.
More importantly, Mariya Yuri had never interacted with any male students before. Now, a sudden appearance of a guy, and he was an outsider no less—of course he would become the center of rumors.
Mariya Yuri could only pray that the rumors would pass quickly, or else she wouldn’t even dare to stay at school any longer.
Just today alone, she had already been approached by who knows how many boys she had never even met before, all saying strange things.
"What’s so good about that guy anyway?", "I don’t think I’m worse than him!", "I won’t give up!", "The real battle starts now!"... She had heard such lines countless times today, and it left her feeling thoroughly bewildered.
"I’d better head back quickly."
Mariya Yuri shook her head, trying to toss today’s events from her mind, and muttered to herself.
"If I’m not around, who knows what strange things those two will do."
Unfortunately, that wish probably wouldn’t be granted.
Because someone blocked her path.
It was a girl wearing a blue and white outfit, with fairy-like beauty and figure, but carrying a majestic expression like a knight.
"————"
Mariya Yuri couldn’t help but stop in her tracks.
"Long time no see."
The Blue Knight spoke first, casting a sharp yet nostalgic gaze toward Mariya Yuri.
That gaze instantly awakened Mariya Yuri’s memory.
"It’s you?"
Mariya Yuri recognized her.
She was the one who, four years ago, participated in that horrific summoning ritual with her, and who had, by sheer luck, survived alongside her without mental collapse.
"You still remember me?"
The Blue Knight looked straight at Mariya Yuri, with a gaze only those of true integrity would show.
"...Of course I do." Mariya Yuri pressed her lips together and said, "Four years ago, when everyone was afraid of what was about to happen, you alone remained dignified and composed throughout."
"Thanks for the compliment, but I also remember you very clearly." Liliana lowered her gaze and said, "Four years ago, at the mountain villa in Austria, among the shrine maidens gathered by the Marquis, you were the most quiet and reserved one. You also looked the most delicate and weak."
"But when we arrived at the Marquis’ ritual site, you were the first one to step forward and enter."
"Everyone was scared, and you were no exception. Yet, you were the first to stand up."
"Back then, I knew—you were actually stronger than anyone else, because you understood that everyone was afraid, and so you chose to take the lead, hoping to ease their fears."
Because of that, Liliana had a very strong impression of Mariya Yuri, and even admired her greatly.
In that situation at the time, those who didn’t fear the unknown were exceedingly rare. But someone who felt fear and still stepped forward—there was only Mariya Yuri.
This girl looked weaker than anyone else, yet she was stronger than anyone else.
Realizing this, Liliana had never stopped thinking of Mariya Yuri—not for a single day.
"That’s why... I really don’t want to harm you with my own hands."
Liliana’s eyes looking at Mariya Yuri began to fill with guilt.
"If the Marquis didn’t remember your face, I would’ve found a way to muddle through."
"If the Marquis didn’t remember your name, I would’ve forged a new identity for you."
"As long as there was a way to resist, I would’ve helped you."
"Unfortunately, this time, the Marquis is unusually enthusiastic. Before I could do anything, he had already uncovered everything about you."
Hearing this, how could Mariya Yuri not understand what was going on?
"The Marquis... really did come for me, huh?"
Mariya Yuri couldn’t help but take a step back, her face slightly pale.
"It’s good that you understand the situation," Liliana took a deep breath, her expression turning sharp again. "The Marquis ordered me to bring you back."
"If I don’t follow through, he’ll likely send the servants of death. If luck is bad, he might even send the wolves."
"If it comes to that, the casualties will be too great."
"I have no choice but to take you with me."
Liliana walked toward Mariya Yuri.
"Don’t worry. I’ll join the ritual with you, and I’ll do my best to make sure, like four years ago, we both survive."
"If anything happens to you, I swear I’ll repay this life to you."
"Forgive me."
As she finished speaking, Liliana lowered her body and rushed at Mariya Yuri like a gust of wind.
Her movements were elegant, and her speed even faster than an arrow shot from a bow—just like a real fairy, she closed the distance to Mariya Yuri in an instant.
Mariya Yuri had strong spiritual sensitivity, and her Spirit Vision was second to none, but she only knew some supportive spells and was completely clueless when it came to combat.
So when facing a Great Knight who was on par with Erica Blandelli—a famed prodigy of Milan—she had no chance of reacting.
Having rushed behind Mariya Yuri, Liliana raised her hand, preparing to knock her out.
"...!"
Suddenly, Liliana’s expression changed. She retreated at a speed even faster than before.
"Swish!"
At the same time, an arrow tore through the air and flew rapidly to the spot Liliana had just occupied a second ago, embedding itself into the ground.
"Who?!"
Liliana’s eyes turned sharp as she looked in the direction from which the arrow came.
There, a girl carrying a sword case stood silently atop a tree.
"Just like the King said, Yuri’s being targeted."
The girl spoke in a bold, fearless voice—cheerful and full of vitality.
"In that case, it was worth it for Ena to make this trip."
The newcomer was none other than Seishuin Ena.
"Ena!"
Mariya Yuri looked at her childhood friend who had appeared out of nowhere, and her face lit up with joy.
"So that’s it... a bodyguard, huh?"
Liliana saw that Mariya Yuri knew Seishuin Ena and formed her own conclusion, though her eyes remained just as cold and fierce.
The "Fairy Knight" of the Bronze Black Cross stared at Seishuin Ena with the wariness of facing a formidable foe.
She, too, had participated in the summoning ritual four years ago. Since she had taken part in that event, it proved she was a capable shrine maiden—or someone with shrine maiden potential.
In truth, Liliana Kranjčar was far stronger than the average shrine maiden.
Because not only was she a Great Knight of the Bronze Black Cross and a powerful swordswoman known as the "Fairy Knight," she was also a descendant of witches, capable of using various special magics that ordinary magi couldn’t wield.
Precisely because of this, she could vaguely sense it—
This girl in front of her... was a worthy opponent!