“Maria, what’s wrong?” May asked, getting up from her seat after seeing Maria. “Did something happen on your way here?”

“I am fine …” Maria lied. “I … just have something on my mind. You know the Adventurer’s License Exam is around the corner.”

“Kiddo, I can tell something has shaken you up. Your whole demeanor feels off. The change is subtle, but it’s there.” May was concerned.

“I am not a kid; I am almost 18.” Maria responded.

“You’re the same age as my nephews and nieces. Of course I see you as a kid.” May said. “If you need an ear or advice, I am here for you. I won’t neglect any of the models in my agency.”

“Thanks, it’s just that I need more power. Please become my mentor. I don’t think I have told you before, but I am Half-Lunarian. I want to master Armor Ascension and I have noticed some similarities to your Deus State.” Maria explained.

“Half-Lunarian, this is perfect. The next Saintess has blood of the people the current pope dislikes.Of course, I’ll help you become stronger. Although I don’t have the best of encounters with Armor Ascension.” May said looking at her prosthetic arm. “Well, Aria’s Armor Ascension was quite beautiful.”

“Your injury was caused by someone using Armor Ascension?” Maria asked.

“It was Four. I am sure he will pay for the suffering he has caused. I know I’ll never forgive him.” May answered, her eyes looking down. “He was quite formidable. If you’re planning on taking on the Lunarian Rankers, don’t. I already told one of my nephews he shouldn’t either.”

“I might have to confront them in the future.” Maria said, looking at May. “But I won’t confront them until I have the power to stand up to them. Right now, I am just an ant compared to them. My power will do nothing to them. I only want to bring peace to this world!”

“Then, we’ll have to work harder. Not only do I have to train you, we also have to prepare for all the upcoming fashion shows.” May said. “I believe in you, Maria. That’s why I am doing all this for you.”

“Thanks! You know after spending these past months with you, I can say I see you like an aunt.” Maria smiled. “I heard that during yesterday’s incident, your nephews Oswald and Leon were trapped in a black fog with a monster, how are they doing?”

“They killed the monsters. They are safe and sound now. They just lost consciousness soon after the incident was over. Leon woke up early in the morning and I got a text that Oswald woke up about 15 minutes ago.” May responded. “We better prepare after yesterday’s incident, I believe the current state of the world will begin changing. I don’t know if it will be for better or worse, but we have to confront whatever comes head on.”

“Oswald isn’t he the Duke’s son? The only Magicless Human? I am curious about his condition. If that is a sensitive topic, I apologize for bringing it up.” Maria asked.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

“He is just a regular guy like any other just without being able to use Magic. Most of the Deus Family shuns him, including my father. There is a reason I distanced myself from the Deis Family despite being the daughter of the previous Duke and sister to the current one. I feel bad for my brothers, they have to deal with those people.” May responded. “Just don’t tell anyone what I am telling you about. And how do you feel about being the next Saintess? I mean you’re my late mother’s successor. It makes sense for me to be your mentor in her stead.”

“I don’t know. People say that I am talented and that my abilities go beyond the average. Yet I consider myself normal. Yes, I can grasp things fast, but I also have to put in the work.” Maria answered. “If I was this talented genius, wouldn’t I already awaken Armor Ascension by myself?”

“You're the same as Leon, everyone is placing a lot of expectations on him. But he is just like anyone else. Both you and him are just kids who need guidance. You can’t figure out everything by yourself.” May said. “Let’s get some coffee before going to work. I didn’t mention it earlier, but I love your outfit. I see the effort you put into choosing it.”

“Thanks, I am making my best effort. Now that I am a model, I try to wear fashionable outfits that I like.” Maria smiled. She followed May into the cafe. “I think I just want an iced latte.”

“It’s kind of cold, but if that’s what you want, I’ll get it for you. Maybe I’ll also get something cold.” May said as they approached the counter. “Can I get an iced latte and a cold caramel mocha?”

“Yeah, will that be all?” The girl behind the counter said, She stared at May for a bit. “Are you May Deus? I am a big fan, can I get a picture with you?”

“Of course, you can.” May responded. The girl took out her phone and took a selfie with May. “And that would be all.”

“Thank you so much. Your total is 700 Ix.” The girl said.

May paid with her phone, while Maria looked at May with awe. After the payment was complete, they sat down while waiting for their order.

“You really have many fans. Everytime we go somewhere there are people who want to get pictures with you.” Maria said.

“In a few years, it will be the same for you. Enjoy not being in the spotlight for now.” May said. “You’ll become an incredible model and then there is status as the Saintess. Your fame is guaranteed as long as you play your cards correctly.”

“Then, I’ll be in your care! You know when you first approached me, I was so happy. You presented me with a path that I never considered. My teachers, my classmates, and to a certain point my family were all pushing me to join the Church of Oreto as the next Saintess. But I enjoy being a model. I might be an amateur at the moment, but it’s so fun.” Maria said. “I was considering going with the Church, but that’s when you came. You helped me find my path. I’ll do my best to not disappoint you nor myself.”

“I am glad you didn’t go to the Church. I don’t like the current pope. I don’t have a good feeling about him. It’s the same feeling I have every time I see my father. Make sure that you only communicate with Cardinal Juan when you contact the Church as the Saintess. He is a good man.” May said. SHe heard their order number being called. “Let’s get our drinks.”

“Yeah.” Maria said, still thinking about May’s words. “I’ll keep in mind what you said.”

They grabbed their drinks and promptly exited the cafe. Maria could see May was enjoying her drink. As she drank her iced latte, Maria smiled knowing she was following her heart. She was forging her own path; a path that felt right to her.

What kind of man is the pope? If Miss May doesn’t like him, then that’s not a good sign. Maria thought as she followed May. I wonder when the Church will reach out to me again. Is Goddess Oreto going to ever speak to me? I mean yesterday I felt her presence. She might have helped during yesterday’s incident. I am the Saintess, but what exactly does it mean to be the Saintess? I might not have all the answers, but I’ll keep pushing forward.