"He's a mage! A high-level mage actually possesses the ability to use magic!"
"Although I knew the Frank family was powerful, the fact that they could offer a contract to a high-level mage shows their incredible resources."
"Then the other side is definitely going to lose this match. The mage's buff to the mage is doubled."
Maggie couldn't hear the murmurs of the audience around her; her eyes were fixed on the tiny jellyfish.
The moment the water-elemental spirit appeared, Maggie's gaze never left it. It was a dazzling blue, with a head shaped like a peach blossom jellyfish, and several tentacles that opened and closed as it floated in the air.
She's kind of cute.
Maggie thought.
Although Roy had told her that the forms of each elemental spirit were very different, Maggie was still pleasantly surprised that they were so cute.
She was so engrossed in her love for the water elemental spirits that she never considered that she was the only one who liked elemental spirits shaped like jellyfish.
For people throughout the Middle Ages, looking like this was practically indistinguishable from an alien. If it weren't for the high value of magicians, probably no one would have liked it, except for Maggie.
Laurie basked in the envious or surprised gazes of the crowd, completely unaware that his elemental spirit had been targeted by Maggie.
Although he was forced to reveal his existence as a mage prematurely, it didn't matter. He still firmly believed that even if the Holy Maiden of Light knew he had a mage, she would never be able to defeat him. She might even feign weakness and concede defeat before the match.
Laurie has this confidence, which comes from the support of his family.
After the water mage appeared, Witt began to suffer defeat after defeat. No matter how strong his control over magic was or how economical he was, he could not defeat a mage of the same level who had a continuous supply of magic.
Susie was frantic with worry below, but she couldn't help at all. She could only watch helplessly as Victor went from being physically exhausted to being unable to resist at all.
Until... Vittoria was pushed off the field by the water polo ball, both of his feet going out of bounds.
"I hereby declare Laurie Frank the winner of this duel and the first place in the Magic Competition!"
The referee glanced at Vittor with a hint of regret. As a light mage, most would choose to find a faction to be a healer or support, seeking protection.
Only those who have reached the level of a mage dare to participate in various competitions. It is a pity that such a special person still lost in the last match.
When Laurie heard the announcement of victory, his expression didn't change at all, as if it were just an ordinary first place and he didn't care.
As everything settled down, instead of celebrating Laurie's moment, everyone, including those in the VIP area, held their breath and focused their attention on Maggie.
The bet made in front of the public is now up to the Holy Maiden of Light to fulfill.
Maggie, who became the focus of the entire arena, remained remarkably calm. Like Lowry, she appeared completely at ease, as if the upcoming match were just an ordinary friendly exchange.
Meanwhile, two people arrived at the arena, which was neither surprising nor unexpected for Maggie.
Archbishop Ford was followed by High Priest Yarlin. Instead of heading directly to the VIP area, the two entered the arena through the main entrance in a grand manner.
Ford gave Maggie a kind and gentle smile from afar, his voice not loud but just enough to carry throughout the room.
"I heard that Your Highness has a rather special sparring session today. I am also very interested in Your Highness's current strength, so I came uninvited. I hope Your Highness and Young Master Laurie won't mind?"
His aged voice was filled with concern, just like a grandfather coming to watch his granddaughter's competition—kindness that made it impossible to refuse.
If you refuse, it means you don't know what's good for you and you don't respect the elderly.
Maggie wouldn't refuse, but the smile on her lips eventually turned a little cold.
I've never seen anyone offer help in times of need, but I see several people kicking someone when they're down every day. Ford's move is truly disgusting.
Whether she wins or loses, it won't do him any harm.
If Maggie loses, Ford's visit won't be as simple as just watching a friendly match; it will damage the temple's reputation. Ford could use this as an excuse to make her suffer a terrible fate when she returns.
If they win, they'll also gain a good reputation, showing everyone how much the temple values the saintess, even sending an archbishop to attend.
"Of course, I also hope that His Holiness the Bishop can take a look and see if my magic has improved during this time."
Maggie put on a fake but perfect smile again, politely bowed in Ford's direction, and turned to leave the VIP area before Ford could reply, heading off the stage.
Now that the other main character is already in place, if she drags her feet for too long, wouldn't people misunderstand that she's scared?
This is also an opportunity to reaffirm to the world that she was never a pampered, decorative vase treated as a mascot, but a true saintess of light with real fighting power, absolutely no less than anyone else.
Maggie's every step was firm and powerful. As she walked from the sidelines to the center of the battlefield, whether it was her dazzling beauty or her fearless demeanor, she was captivating.
So much so that Maggie drew everyone's attention, and few people noticed the other protagonist of the day, Laurie Frank.
Despite being the victor, he should have been the center of attention, but the moment Maggie appeared on the field, he was relegated to a supporting role, which would be unpleasant for anyone.
Even with Laurie's excellent composure, his complexion turned slightly pale, but no one noticed except Maggie, who was facing him.
It seems they're still young; they can't even handle this little bit of neglect.
Maggie glanced at Laurie's face, thinking casually.
“Young Master Laurie, although I would love to start our sparring right now, you’ve just won, so perhaps you need to rest for a bit. I don’t want to be accused of taking advantage of someone in distress.”
Regardless of her true feelings, Maggie always maintained impeccable manners. She blinked and spoke in a slightly lively tone.
The almost joking remark immediately eased the tense atmosphere considerably, and faint laughter could be heard from the audience.
Laurie, who was still on edge, was taken aback by Maggie's words, seemingly surprised that Maggie was in the mood to joke.
"How about this? It's too boring for us to just spar. While you recover your magic power, we can set a small stake. What do you think?"
Maggie smiled and spoke again.
What's the prize?
Laurie instinctively sensed that something was wrong, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it.
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