I was led to the Academy of the Holy Theocracy, following the guides exactly as instructed. It was situated a short distance away from the center of the city.
"...It’s massive."
The words escaped my lips before I could stop them. It was a sprawling complex of white stone buildings, with towers and corridors arranged in perfect, orderly lines. In the center stood a structure that looked like an especially grand auditorium.
"Is this... the Academy?"
"Yes," Elysia nodded. "It is the heart of human resource development within the Holy Theocracy."
"...This is a bit beyond the level of an academy, don't you think?"
It was practically a fortress.
"This is a nation that prizes discipline and faith above all else," Yuka added matter-of-factly. "It seems they invest a significant amount of effort into education."
I see. So it was a "tiger mom" kind of country.
"It doesn't exactly feel like there's much room for freedom here..." I muttered under my breath.
"That carries quite a bit of weight coming from you, Lord Luka."
"What’s that supposed to mean?"
"You are essentially freedom personified."
"Are you praising me?"
"It is a statement of fact."
Guh. I’d just caused a scene earlier, so I couldn't really argue. And Cedric, you’re just standing there like nothing happened, but this is all your fault, you know?
"—Hey."
A familiar voice called out. When I turned around, I saw a young man with beautiful, light-blue hair.
"Caiel."
The name jumped out of my mouth. He was a friend I had grown up with for years at the Royal Academy. It made me genuinely happy that I had managed to form such a bond in this world.
"It’s been a while." Caiel raised a hand in a casual greeting. "I was surprised when I heard you were all coming here."
"Seriously? News travels fast."
"Of course it does." He shrugged. "...I heard things got pretty rough in the Royal Capital. I’m just glad you’re safe."
"Yeah, me too."
I only survived because of luck and the help of others. If I’d been alone, I never would have made it. From beside him, a soft voice spoke.
"Luka."
"Long time no see."
"Selena. It’s been a while."
The silver-haired girl gave an elegant bow. Her noble aura was as overwhelming as ever.
"You look well. I’m happy we could meet again."
"I'm happy, too." It really had been a long time. Back in the Elementary School Division, we were always together.
"We managed to reunite sooner than I expected."
"Yeah. Also... that." Selena pointed toward my neck. Specifically, the ring I’d turned into a necklace.
"Oh, this? Yeah, I keep it on me at all times."
"...Well, that’s fine, but won't you wear it on your finger?"
I was keeping my promise, so I wasn't in the wrong. Besides, which finger was I even supposed to use?
"Well, whatever. Elysia, it’s been a long time."
"It has, Selena. You haven't changed a bit."
"And has something changed about you, Elysia?"
"...Yes. A lot has happened."
I wasn't entirely sure what they were hinting at, but at least the focus had shifted away from me. Then, one more person approached.
"Lord Luka."
With a bright voice, a mature and beautiful girl joined us.
"It has been a long time. And to the rest of you as well."
"Princess Mireille." Elysia lowered her head respectfully.
Crap, I needed to do that too. I hurriedly straightened my posture.
"It’s been a while, Your Highness."
"There’s no need to be so formal. This is a reunion, after all. I’m just glad to see familiar faces."
Mireille gave a radiant smile. She was a total saint.
"We are fellow exchange students now, are we not?"
...Except for that massive status gap! I figured it was probably better not to dwell on it, but that was easier said than done.
"I heard about what happened in the Kingdom." She stepped a little closer. "I am truly relieved that you are all safe," she said softly.
"Thank you," I replied honestly. It had to be agonizing to know your family’s lives were in danger while you were stuck elsewhere.
"Is this everyone?" Caiel asked, looking around the group. "...Cedric has been awfully quiet."
"He’s been acting strange ever since we arrived."
None of us really knew how to handle Cedric, though. Personally, I’d started to like the guy. I knew that when it mattered most, he had been a hero who put his life on the line more than anyone else.
"Well, he’ll snap out of it eventually. Let’s just give him some space for now."
"And what if he doesn't come with us?"
"I’ll worry about that then. I’m tired."
This wasn't me being lazy; it was just the most efficient way to deal with Cedric.
"You haven't changed a bit, Luka."
"I can't exactly transform overnight."
Besides, consistency is important. I was staying true to my convictions.
It was then that a low, commanding voice rang out.
"—Everyone."
All eyes turned toward the front of the auditorium. Standing there was a man clad in a white robe.
"Welcome to the Academy of the Holy Theocracy."
His voice was calm, yet it carried an undeniable weight that commanded obedience.
"From this moment on, you exchange students will come to understand the discipline and the mission of this land."
...Mission?
"Caiel, you and your group return to class."
"Yes, sir. Well, Elysia, I’ll see you later."
With that, the three of them departed. Suddenly, I had a very bad feeling about this.
"It will be fine," Yuka said from beside me. "No matter the environment."
"We are here with you," Elysia added from my other side.
And then, "That’s right, Lord Luka!" Lene nodded vigorously.
Damn, they were so reliable it was bringing tears to my eyes. Someone save me. I did feel safe, though.
We were ushered into the auditorium, which was even more cavernous than I had expected. The seats were arranged in tiers, facing a central podium. A large number of students were already gathered, and the room was deathly silent.
Wait, were we not the only ones getting this briefing?
"It seems that talking is prohibited," Yuka noted calmly.
"I guess that’s the atmosphere here..." It felt incredibly stifling.
"Lord Luka."
"Yeah?"
"Please do not cause any trouble."
"Can you stop talking like it's a foregone conclusion that I will?"
Did she really have that little faith in me?
As soon as we sat down, the man from before took his place on the podium.
"We shall now begin the Basic Lecture."
The mere sound of his voice tightened the tension in the room.
"In this lecture, I will explain the pillars of the Holy Theocracy—"
"The 'Saint' and the 'Hero'."
...Here we go.
"I presume you are all aware, but I shall begin with the Saint." He spoke slowly, weaving his words with purpose. "In this world, she is the sole..."
"...Vessel of God's Will."
The air in the room shifted perceptibly.
"The Saint is absolute. Her existence must be protected at all costs. There are no exceptions."
...That was a pretty intense way to put it.
"And then, the Hero," he continued. "The Hero exists solely to protect the Saint. They are those granted power by God, chosen from the bloodlines established by the First Hero. They are divided into the Six Houses, and from each house, a representative is chosen."
"They are ranked and known as 'Hero Candidates.' Currently, there are twelve."
Right, the rankings Leonis and Elphiria mentioned. That meant both of them were part of the Hero’s kin.
"Their mission is singular: the protection of the Saint. Everything else is merely secondary."
...I have to ask. This isn't just some cult nation, right?