Amidst the crowd's attention, six paladins rode their majestic steeds through the gates of the academy and stopped outside the square.
Their faces were hidden behind sturdy golden masks, adorned with vertical crests resembling Corinthian helmets, with short, stiff bristles embedded atop, reminiscent of the valiant Spartan warriors from ancient Greek history.
Through the slits in their masks, their eyes scanned the students gathered in the square. No one could discern where their gaze landed.
Lady Tobias and a bald male professor hurried to the front of the group, placing their right hands over their left chests in a respectful salute.
"May the Sun and Moon God illuminate us. The Siria Magic Academy welcomes the arrival of the esteemed paladins."
The leading paladin, still mounted, returned the salute. "Under the radiance of the Sun and Moon God, we convey greetings to Headmaster Morrison on behalf of His Grace."
Lady Tobias responded, "Headmaster Morrison has entrusted us to guide you. A banquet has been prepared in the dining hall to honor your arrival."
Professor Pence added, "There will also be attendants assigned to care for your sacred steeds. Please rest assured, esteemed guests."
The paladins exchanged glances before dismounting.
"Then we shall trouble you to lead the way."
"Please, follow us."
Lady Tobias and Professor Pence walked slightly ahead of the paladins, leading them into the square.
To reach the academy's dining hall, one must pass through the square.
Luo Wei and her classmates put away their wooden swords and stepped aside, bowing their heads and placing their right fists against their left chests to show their respect to the paladins.
As the paladins conversed with Lady Tobias and Professor Pence, Luo Wei quietly retreated to the back of the crowd, positioning herself inconspicuously several rows behind.
However, standing beside her was Axina.
Axina had also moved to the back row, her golden hair gleaming under the sunlight like a large piece of gold.
As the six paladins passed the line of students, they suddenly came to a halt.
"Esteemed guests?" Lady Tobias turned back, puzzled.
The leading paladin looked toward the back of the crowd, his eyes beneath the mask seemingly probing for something.
"There is a peculiar aura," the paladin remarked, striding toward them.
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The crowd parted instinctively, creating a wide path for him.
Luo Wei's heart raced as she lowered her head, retreating further into the crowd, hoping to blend in once more.
Yet Axina stuck close by her side. Every time Luo Wei moved, Axina followed. If she retreated any further, her movements would become conspicuous.
Inwardly, Luo Wei cursed Axina a million times, her mind racing to devise a plan in case Axina exposed her.
She dared not lift her head, staring nervously at the ground.
The paladin's heavy footsteps drew closer, the clinking of his armor ringing as if right beside her ears.
Soon, a pair of silver metal boots stepped into her view and stopped a moment later.
Luo Wei held her breath, feeling the intense pounding of her heart against her fist placed on her left chest.
"Miss, your hair is quite beautiful."
Luo Wei froze, her stiff neck muscles gradually relaxing.
Through the helmet, the paladin's deep voice carried a metallic edge, adding a touch of coldness.
"Thank you for your compliment, my lord," Axina replied, her voice softer and more alluring than usual, with a faint tremor that added a trace of charm.
"Miss, there seems to be a peculiar aura about you. Can you tell me the reason for this?" The paladin's voice was polite yet distant, reflecting his well-bred manners. Even in questioning, he did not come across as rude or offensive.
Axina's voice softened further. "I don't understand, my lord. What kind of aura are you referring to?"
"The kind that mortals do not possess," the paladin hinted. "You might want to think carefully."
"I understand now, my lord. Perhaps you are sensing the aura of a Blessed One on me?"
"Oh? You are a Blessed One?" The paladin's tone immediately shifted.
"Yes, my lord. I am a devotee of the God of Love," Axina answered.
"I see. My apologies for being presumptuous, Miss. We shall meet again."
The paladin departed.
Luo Wei lifted her head, her peripheral vision tracking his figure. She saw him approach Lady Tobias and Professor Pence, conversing with them briefly.
Both professors appeared hesitant, but the paladin touched the oval gemstone embedded in his chest armor, and the professors eventually nodded.
Before leaving, Lady Tobias spoke a few words to Coach Cumberland, then led the six paladins across the square toward the dining hall.
After the paladins left, the square erupted into lively chatter.
The students excitedly discussed the paladins' attire, accessories, steeds, their commanding presence, and the gentlemanly tone and clear pronunciation of their speech.
Their faces flushed with excitement, thrilled to have seen paladins in person for the first time.
Amidst the jubilant noise, Coach Cumberland approached Axina.
"Axina, after class, please head to the second floor of the dining hall. The paladins wish to join you in praising the glory of the God of Love."
Axina's lips moved slightly, as if she were afraid.
"Don't worry. The headmaster and Lady Tobias will be there," Coach Cumberland reassured her. "Relax, there's nothing to fear."
"Thank you, Coach," Axina replied with a grateful smile.
Hearing their conversation, the surrounding classmates cast envious glances at her.
To pray alongside paladins—what an immense honor! They wished they could take her place.
The morning classes passed in a mix of excitement and restlessness, knowing that the paladins were on the second floor of the dining hall. As soon as class ended, they flocked to the dining hall, eager for another glimpse of the paladins' elegance.
This time, Axina could not stay by Luo Wei's side. She handed her wooden sword to a follower and left the square.
Luo Wei felt a weight lifted from her chest, thinking the ordeal was finally over.
But the relief was short-lived.
As she stepped out of the academy gates, intending to visit a dessert shop, she caught sight of several flashes of silver light on the street.
The paladins' figures were unmistakable. Their polished armor gleamed under the sunlight, making them look like moving beacons.
To the townsfolk, they were the embodiment of holy light.
The people followed in the paladins' footsteps, prostrating themselves along the street, worshipping their arrival.
But there were not just six paladins.
Luo Wei suddenly realized this fact.
Paladins were scattered throughout the city. Six had entered the magic academy, while another six roamed the city, seemingly searching for something.
Luo Wei had a strong sixth sense that whatever the paladins were seeking had something to do with her.
She should have realized it earlier. Why would the paladins' first stop be the small and insignificant city of Siria?
Moreover, wasn't preaching the duty of bishops? Since when did paladins take up this task?
How would they preach—with swords or spears?
Luo Wei had initially thought that the twelve paladins would split up and head to different nations, with Siria receiving at most one. She hadn't expected all of them to come to Siria.
She retreated back into the academy, intending to return to her dormitory.
Passing by the rose garden, Luo Wei noticed two paladins standing by the lake—one gazing at the water, the other watching the garden.
She quickened her pace, detouring around the flowerbeds toward the Romanesque-style dormitory building.
Although light mages couldn't sense dark elements, they might have other means to detect their presence. She dared not take the risk.
She just needed to reach the dormitory. Once inside, she would be safe.
Polite as they were, the paladins wouldn't storm into the girls' dormitory.
Luo Wei stepped onto the cobblestone path on the lawn, nearing the dormitory entrance. Suddenly, an owl flew over her head and perched atop the doorway.
"Luo Wei, this is Professor Tobias. Please come to the second floor of the academy dining hall."