In the City of Asterisk, spring was filled with events.
Although many students aimed for the Festa, hoping to shine on its grand stage, the reality was that only a small number could make it. Most students were of average ability.
Plenty chose to skip the Festa entirely, instead enjoying their youth. That's where the academy festival came in.
Compared to the Festa, where the strongest gathered, the academy festival was far more beloved by ordinary students. And naturally, the number of ordinary students greatly outnumbered the elite.
"It really is grand," Elise remarked as she walked through campus with Orphelia. Even though classes had ended for the day, preparations for stages and stalls were still going on everywhere.
"Originally, these festivals were unique to the Far East," Orphelia explained. "It started with Seidoukan holding them, but somehow, every academy began hosting one."
She then turned away slightly, looking a little embarrassed.
"I've been in the City of Asterisk for a long time, but… I've never actually attended an academy festival before. I'm sorry I can't show you around, Lady Saintess."
"It's fine. I have a good friend who said she could take us to Queenvail Girls' Academy this time." Elise waved it off, thinking of a certain purple-haired girl.
"In exchange, I'll have to show her around Saint Galahadworth."
"Eh?" Orphelia was surprised. "But… you just transferred here. You haven't even been here for a full semester."
"You've already learned so much about the school? As expected of Lady Saintess!"
"Mm… naturally," Elise said, looking away nervously. Fortunately, her eyepatch hid her eyes.
"Anyway, let's just enjoy the festival for now!" As for giving someone else a tour… she'd find a way.
...
On the second day of the festival—
A brown-haired "saintess" in a hat stood by the school gate, leaning against the wall. The Queenvail school badge on her chest revealed her as a student there.
But she was no ordinary student—
The world's number one diva, Sylvia Lyyneheym.
Right now, she was in disguise.
Originally, Sylvia had planned to go out as herself, since she wasn't trying to hide her social interactions, but Elise had refused.
"We're here to visit the festival—not to have the festival visit us."
It was a good reason and one that persuaded Sylvia. After all, if both Elise and Sylvia, the two most famous women in the world, showed up together, the entire festival would turn into their autograph session.
Sensing something, Sylvia looked up to see three people approaching.
"Finally, you're here. I've been waiting forever."
One of them, a pink-haired girl, clasped her hands together in apology. "Sorry, Sylvia. There were so many visitors at Queenvail that it took us a long time to squeeze in."
Among the six academies, Queenvail was the smallest in size and student body, so there were fewer places to visit.
But don't think that meant fewer visitors.
Queenvail was always the leader in attendance during the academy festivals. After all, it was an all-girls' school—countless people's dreamlike secret garden, home to many stars and idols who were rarely seen except during the festival.
Naturally, anyone would want to come here first.
The pink-haired girl just arriving was Elise herself. She wore a short, lightweight summer dress that ended mid-thigh, its soft fabric skimming the line of her waist and hips before breaking over her legs. High-heeled sandals gave a delicate lift, making the bare lines of her thighs and calves even more prominent.
Her blindfold, so often iconic, was absent today—her eyes simply closed. Somehow, it gave off a mix of Elysia and Aponia vibes.
No need to worry about the Lady Saintess, though—her perception was more than sharp enough.
"Honestly, I'll forgive you this time!" Sylvia said with a hand on her hip and a playful smile. "We finally have time to go out together—we can't waste it!"
"By the way, these two are…?"
Elise had brought two companions, and Sylvia could guess who they were.
The Venom Strega—Orphelia.
Once Rewolf Black Institute's number one, wielding poison as her weapon, Orphelia rarely had chances to attend events like this. It was only thanks to Elise's invitation that she could come today.
And the other… why was 'she' here?
The Thunder Strega—Laetitia.
As Saint Galahadworth's second-ranked among the Page One, she should have been buried in work. The academy festival was a massive event—this time unprecedentedly co-hosted by four academies, making it even more significant. Normally, the Student Council would be swamped.
Yet here she was.
Elise recalled a certain president working alone in the Student Council room and silently offered a second of prayer.
The Lady Saintess was too kind.
"Hello, nice to meet you. I'm Sylvia—just call me Sylvia. You two must be Elise's friends, right?" Sylvia extended her hand first.
"Yes, I'm Orphelia." She was still reserved around strangers, relaxing only at Elise's side.
"So it's true—meeting the Battle Hymn Strega in person." In contrast to Orphelia's shyness, Laetitia reacted as though facing an enemy. "Also… 'Ely'?"
The air turned tense—Elise could feel the chill from Laetitia.
She'd noticed Sylvia's use of "Ely" and clearly didn't like it.
But Sylvia wasn't finished.
"Yes, Ely and I are quite close. That's just how I call her." Sylvia had no intention of hiding their closeness. A nickname wouldn't change their bond.
"Then… Ely?"
"Hi! I'm right here!"
Elise's easygoing response made Laetitia's expression ease slightly, though her gaze toward Sylvia still carried a hint of hostility.
Sylvia couldn't help but chuckle.
"You really remind me of a few of my juniors back at the academy—you're just like them."
Laetitia didn't quite understand, but Sylvia explained anyway.
"Your attitude—it's the same as theirs."
"Alright, let's not waste time. Let's go in!"
Meanwhile, in the grass nearby, a pair of large eyes stared intently at Sylvia and Elise.
"Come quick—we've found Sylvia!"
"Heh, now she won't escape."
"We're definitely going to knock her off her world number one spot!"