When I was working as a civil servant, I was found out to be a muscle-brained knight by the princess knight and got sent to the front lines - Episode 171

Episode 171

Two weeks had passed since Seraphina’s announcement of her return to her country. On the day of her departure from the dormitory, many concerned individuals gathered to see her off.

The two weeks had flown by in what felt like an instant. From saying goodbye to classmates to making farewells to those affiliated with the Royal Academy and the church, and everyone else Seraphina had interacted with in the kingdom. Time seemed to slip away quickly.

She had only been in the Tashman Kingdom for about eight months—less than a year. Despite the short time, the large crowd that gathered to bid her farewell was a testament to her popularity.

In addition to students and church affiliates, many ordinary citizens came to see her off. This was due to her involvement in volunteer work outside the academy.

Though Jez and Erin knew she sometimes attended church-related events on weekends, they had not realized how much she was cherished by the citizens.

As a candidate for the Saintess, her conduct had been exemplary. Given that the Tashman Kingdom was a frontline nation, the Saintess stationed here had typically been experienced and relatively older. In this context, even being a young candidate for the title of “Saintess” was quite novel.

Though it was difficult to imagine from her demeanor at the Royal Academy, Seraphina had played the role of the “Saintess” that the people envisioned. Kind, noble, capable, beautiful, and strong, she had fulfilled the expectations of a “Saintess” even though she was an impostor.

How much effort, training, and consideration had she put in to achieve this? Her background as a member of the prestigious Lorentzi family in the politically complex Divina Papal State, and becoming its head at a young age, certainly contributed.

That’s why Seraphina, who had not expected anything from Jez, was drawn to him. The time spent with Erin, Victor, Miriam, and her academy friends had become irreplaceable to her.

She was sensitive to the expectations of those around her and possessed the ability to meet those expectations. In that sense, Seraphina was a natural leader.

With Seraphina leaving the Tashman Kingdom, it was inevitable that there would be a large farewell. Among those with strong religious faith, there were even some who were teary-eyed.

Seraphina exchanged hugs with Erin and Miriam, shook hands with Jez and Victor, and then gracefully boarded her carriage.

“Thank you, everyone!! I hope we meet again! …Though it’s hard to say that, take care! May God’s blessings be upon you!!”

With a beaming smile and a wave, Seraphina’s carriage started to move.

・　・　・

The eight months had passed in a flash. Ideally, she would have preferred to stay until graduation, but the circumstances made that impossible.

Still, coming to this country and becoming someone who was sent off by so many people was not a waste of her life.

She had experienced things she could never have in the Divina Papal State. More importantly, as the head of the Lorenzini family, witnessing the atmosphere, tension, and capabilities of the people in a leading nation was invaluable.

As her grandfather had said, one should experience things firsthand. She would not forget that lesson.

Now, she was no longer a student but returning to her life as a ruler in the politically turbulent Divina Papal State.

In that country, no one would see Seraphina Lorentzi as just a 16-year-old girl.

She was the current head of the esteemed Lorentzi family, one of the Original Five founders of the Divina Papal State, a Saintess candidate, and soon to be Archbishop Seraphina Lorentzi. By the time she reached the legal age of 18, she would likely become a cardinal.

That was Seraphina Lorentzi’s position in the Divina Papal State. She was confident she could manage it well, with both achievements and self-assurance. However,

“…I wish I could have stayed a student a bit longer.”

The carriage had already left the capital, Nevorista. It was heading along the southeastern route to return to the Divina Papal State, which meant passing through Capricia.

She had come to this country via the northeastern mountain pass, but this time she chose a different route via Capricia to broaden her experience, taking several months to return home.

Deciding to pass through Capricia was Seraphina’s own choice, though it was not without its ulterior motives. …Well, she hoped this minor abuse of authority would be forgiven.

On the hill overlooking the port town, Seraphina lingered in the park alone as she bid farewell to the Tashman Kingdom. She found herself unexpectedly sentimental and chuckled to herself.

She had already said her goodbyes to Jez and Erin individually. She was confident they would manage well. As she thought to herself about how being a Saintess wasn’t an easy task, she casually glanced back at the capital.

As if waiting for Seraphina to look back from the carriage window, a sudden roar and explosion erupted. A spectacular display of fireworks began shooting up from various points along the castle walls of the capital. The fireworks, which showed no sign of stopping, were in colors of white and red.

White, symbolizing the Divina Papal State, and deep red, symbolizing the Lorentzi family.

As the city and capital became abuzz with the unexpected spectacle, Seraphina’s carriage continued on its way.

“…Honestly. Those fools. They must have known I’d end up crying, especially after I had been holding back my emotions.”

In the distance near the city gates, Seraphina could see Jez and Victor being chased by soldiers. Scanning the area a bit more, she spotted Erin and Miriam waving from the top of the castle walls.

Noticing them, Seraphina leaned out of the carriage window and waved vigorously.

“Farewell, youth!!!!”

With a tearful smile, she shouted with all her might.