Good morning! Today is another wonderful day for the kind and beautiful Saintess Elise to make her appearance!
Now, everyone, raise your hands and cheer! Cheer for the arrival of the Saintess!
If you don't… beware, the Saintess might just hit you with a blast of loving attention.
Hmm… Though Elise has maintained her saintess-like demeanor for a long time, when she's alone, she occasionally lets herself loose a little—doing things like overly dramatic poses and gestures. After all, it would be a waste not to take advantage of such perfect looks and figure.
Anyway!
As long as she doesn't act out of character in public, it's all fine!
If someone did witness something, well—it would simply come down to who eliminates whom first.
And now…
The long-awaited Lindvolus Festa has finally begun!
Even Elise's body was trembling with excitement. She couldn't wait to showcase her saintess radiance on stage.
Unfortunately, before the matches, the organizing committee gathered all participants for the opening ceremony at a public venue.
Madiath Mesa.
That was the name of the committee chairman. His speech reminded Elise of those soporific principal addresses from school—excellent for inducing sleep.
But this was a public setting!
As the Saintess, she mustn't show any unsightly behavior. She had to maintain a composed smile! Curve those lips a little more… and the eyes… ah, right, the blindfold. Ehehe!
But it's okay! The Saintess's perception was equal to her divine light—no need to worry about not being able to see.
With that, she only needed to keep a proud and upright posture. Though… certain parts of her would also end up sticking out more when doing so…
Hey!
You over there, student! Your eyeballs are about to fall out! Don't you see the cameras nearby? You're about to get publicly roasted!
...
At the central area of the six-pointed star layout stood the primary multi-purpose stage, commonly referred to as the Sirius Dome. The Festa was held here across eleven major and mid-sized stages.
Right now, the opening ceremony was underway.
Elise had passed by before and had seen photos of the Sirius Dome online, but this was her first time actually standing on the Festa stage.
The central platform was massive, and the audience seats surrounding it were just as overwhelming. There wasn't a single empty spot to be seen—not even for standing.
Though it was just a rumor, they said this dome could hold over 100,000 people!
That's absolutely insane. The audience tiers reached so high above that you had to crane your neck just to see them. From that height, anyone on stage must've looked absolutely tiny.
Well, the Lindvolus Festa was a major global event. And as the one with the most emphasis on individual power, it attracted tremendous attention. The flashing cameras in the crowd could easily rival the stars in the sky!
"Good morning, everyone. I'm delighted to see you all here at the Festa once again this year. I'd also like to extend a greeting to the new students participating for the first time. I am Madiath Mesa, chairman of the Festa Organizing Committee."
The man spoke in a clear voice, with a kindly expression on his face.
While his prana output was kept extremely low, Elise's perception wasn't something to be underestimated.
There was clearly an incredible power hidden beneath the surface!
As expected of Laminamors from the original work!
Even with part of his strength sealed, he was still a force to be reckoned with!
"—And now, I hereby declare the opening ceremony of the Lindvolus Festa officially concluded. Contestants from Zones A through I scheduled to compete today, please proceed to your designated match stages within the allotted time."
Due to the sheer number of participants in the Lindvolus Festa, Elise didn't have a match scheduled for today at all!
But don't expect Elise to be discouraged—such trivial things wouldn't bother the Saintess! If anything, mystery only adds to a woman's charm!
Even if her heart said otherwise, on the outside she was still a woman—and that alone met the criteria. Miss Saintess would only grow more charming!
As Elise exited the stage, she caught sight of a long-missed friend—now a globally renowned songstress.
"Long time no see, Ely!"
Sylvia was the first to wave. She had come specifically to see Elise. Aside from catching up, she had something important she wanted to talk about.
"We literally chatted online just last night, Sylvia."
Elise smiled teasingly. The two of them usually caught up every couple of days through messages or video chats.
"But that was online. Seeing you in person like this—it's been a whole year, hasn't it? Aren't you going to invite me in? I brought some food. We can snack while watching the matches."
"I made everything myself!" the diva added proudly.
"You made it yourself?" Elise was visibly delighted. She'd never had Sylvia's homemade food before, and she had high hopes.
A few minutes later—
"Mmm! This is amazing! Absolute heaven!"
Elise praised her without reserve. She could taste the care Sylvia had put into the sushi.
Very nice, Sylvia!
With just another two and a half years of practice, you might even reach half my level!
"No way!" Sylvia let out a wry laugh. She tried a piece herself, and her expression visibly fell.
"Ugh… It's still not as good as the sushi you made that time. What even was your method? It tasted unreal."
"How I made it…? Even if you ask me, I don't really know. I just made it the normal way."
Sorry, Sylvia. That's actually something you won't be able to replicate. To avoid unnecessary trouble, I'd better keep it a secret. After all…
Sacred Speech!
Simulation: Erina Nakiri.
With the gourmet heroine's masterful culinary skills, Elise had once crafted a dish that shattered Sylvia's understanding of food.
To this day, Sylvia hadn't stopped thinking about it.
And it was all thanks to the almighty Sacred Speech!
With enough faith, Elise could do anything!
If this were a certain world, she'd probably get slammed by karma instantly and be reduced to "I can't do anything…"
What a terrifying world that would be!
Compared to that, Elise preferred cheerful, optimistic stories—ones that brought people hope! Stories that gave you a sense of healing!
"The reason I came to see you today, Ely—there's actually something very important I want to ask."
After the meal, during a break in the matches, Sylvia finally brought up the reason she had come.
"Hmm? What is it?"
Go ahead, ask! For a friend, the generous Saintess hides nothing! If it's something I know, I'll tell you anything!
"It's about Laetitia."
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