Chapter 50: Folias Awakening

Folia spent peaceful days at the Gardersen Church during her long holidays.

Folia-nne[1]!

When Folia was at the orphanage, the little kids would follow her around so that they could be with her all the time. Although these kids didnt have parents, they were Folias precious family members. Looking at the kids who were eagerly chasing after her, Folia thought they were so cute and she smiled happily.

What is it?

Mii-chan want to play outside.

Okay. Ill play with you all after I finish the laundry.

Un!!

The little girl went away jumping and hopping around while she gathered the other children. Folia went out with a basket of freshly washed laundry. The weather was very nice and her hair fluttered in the wind. It was a perfect day for drying the laundry.

It had been a year and a half since she had entered Centrior. Originally, she was sad that she couldnt spend time with the kids while she was at the academy. But now that she had friends that made school felt fun, she couldnt wait to get back to the academy.

At first, she was worried whether she could fit in with the students in an aristocratic school. Thankfully, another commoner girl had reached out to her right on her first day at the academy, so she was able to enjoy her school life without any trouble.

I wonder if Raze-chan is okay. She seems so busy with her work

A few days earlier, the steering committee had gathered together. When they were about to leave, Folia noticed Raze looked kind of sad and it made her worried.

She has good grades, and work as an adventurer, and her magic is even better than Luca-kun Were the same age but unlike me, shes an independent person.

The 2nd Year students were going to have career counseling soon. Folia had entered the academy with help from Zale but she had not made any decision about her career after graduation yet.

The friends close to her, which were the main casts of the otome game, had more or less decided on their career path. In most cases, the sons of the influential aristocrats who entered the academy would join the Knights.

After becoming a knight, these young men would experience protecting the people from the beasts, and at the same time, learnt about the life of town people with their own eyes. So that when the time comes, they would be able to climb to a new stage.

As for Carna, a woman could be a knight too. Considering that she was good at magic, maybe she might join the Knights.

During this holiday, the children of other aristocrats and wealthy merchants went home and started to learn in preparation to take over their family business, while some enter the laboratory to pursue knowledge.

What do I want to do?

Wisdom was valuable. There was no drawback to have more knowledge. That was what Zale had told her when she decided to enter Centrior. She was also interested in school and was fascinated by the fact that she could learn what she didnt know, so she desperately studied to pass her exam.

Folia thought that if she entered Centrior, then people would recognize her effort even though she was an orphan. Then perhaps people wouldnt give her cold stares if she stood by Zales side.

Folia stopped her hands abruptly. Her face looked somewhat melancholy.

Pursuing knowledge to repay Zale-samas kindness was just a pretense. Actually

Folia just wanted to be by his side. As long as she could do that, she could made decision on whatever necessary without hesitation. But her wish to stand by Cardinal Zales side seemed to be an imprudent thought.

Thats why I cant see my future I know it. I have no choice but to admit it.

Folia was aware that she liked Zale Ile Moldir. However, with her current self, she felt that she didnt deserve to stand by his side, and would even be a stumbling block to him. She grasped the clothes in her hand.

All of a sudden, she heard the warning siren for beasts attack. A sister called out to her, Folia! Hurry and come inside!!

When this siren was played, everyone was required to enter their house immediately.

Behind the Gardersen Church was a forest inhabited by beasts. A few years ago, a stampede occurred in a cave inside the forest and caused some casualty. There was a special barrier protecting the church, but when Folia remembered what had happened back then, her face turned pale. She was traumatized when she saw the injured soldiers and villagers carried into the church.

But I can use healing magic. I need to get it together.

After taking a head count of the children who were about to go out and confirming the safety of everyone, Folia began preparing to take in injured victims.

Folia, please take care of this one.

Yes, Im coming!

Folia was swamped with injured knights brought to the church. Unlike the previous stampede, there was no one with injury that would make her nauseous. However,

Hurry! This one also need an antidote!!

What came out of the forest this time was a poisonous insect-type beasts. Even though the wound was small, it would be life-threatening if not treated quickly. Folia continued to apply her healing magic incessantly on the wound that had turned blue.

Anyone!! Hurry I need help!!

A man entered the church screaming loudly. Folia turned to look when she heard the blood-curdling scream.

Huh She was dumbstruck with terror.

The stoutly built man was carrying a familiar figure in priests robe with black hair. It was Zale Ile Moldir. Folia felt the blood drain from her face as everything happened in slow motion.

Folia!

As if the voice had struck her, she promptly rushed towards Zale.

How could this happen? Zale-sama!

Hed finished his job early and was on the way to this church to meet you. He saved a kid who was out on the street and was stung by a poisonous bee. Im sorry, I didnt protect him well

Zales bodyguard, Hans bowed his head with teary eyes.

Ugh! Zale was half conscious and quivering while sweating profusely. Then he began to convulse uncontrollably.

Zale-sama!! Folia applied her healing magic to the wound on his side. She took off his shirt to check his condition and saw black bruises emerged like it was eroding his body.

Unlike any other injury she had healed before, her magic had no effect this time. Folias hands were trembling. Hans bit his lips as he held Zale down.

What should I do? What should I do?! How did it become like this? If I dont do anything, Zale-sama is going to die

The black bruise spread slower than before, perhaps due to Folias magic. But it seemed that Zale wouldnt be able to hold on much longer.

Zale was stung by a poisonous bee in the previous stampede too and almost died. But the poisonous bee that stung him this time is unlike the normal one. It was jet-black

What?! I never knew-

He didnt tell you because he doesnt want to make you worried. He had bad reaction to bees venom.

Hans had a distressed look on his face. Folia felt like he was trying to tell her that it wouldnt be her fault if she couldnt save Zale.

I wont give up!! I will save him!! Folia yelled loudly. The other sisters were stunned as they had never seen her yelling at anyone before.

I need more power. More!

She activated her magic stone forcefully. Her head hurt like it was going to split open. Her jaw trembled as she clenched her teeth against the pain that flooded through her. Despite the pain, Folia didnt stop. The person that she liked was about to die right in front of her. She had no time to complaint about pain or difficulty. Just when she had strained her power to the point that her brain might boil over, a blazing light flowed from her hands as she held it over the wound.

Huh?! Hans exclaimed in surprised when he saw the dazzling, gentle holy light enveloped Zales body. He closed his eyes involuntarily. When he opened his eyes again, he saw the black bruises was gone and there wasnt a single scratch on Zales body.

M- Miss Folia?! This is?!

Hans saw Zale had stopped trembling and had a peaceful expression on his face. He looked at Folia with excitement.

Im glad

Miss Folia!

Seeing that Zale was saved, Folia felt relieved and her body collapsed without any strength left.

Folia! Right before Folias body was going to hit the floor, a young girl rushed over and caught her. Stay with me. Ill apply a healing magic to make you feel better.

Folia heard the voice of a friend who couldnt be there. Folia looked up at her in a hazy state.

Razechan?

Without waiting for a reply, Folia closed her eyes and fell unconscious.

[1] nne is a child language for onsan (elder sister).