A hero is someone whose wisdom or martial skill is exceptional, who accomplishes deeds ordinary people cannot. Someone whose real-life achievements, legends, or rumors grew over time until they were elevated into heroism. The protagonist of myths or tales. In any case, it is a word for those whose heroic deeds accumulated the joy and gratitude of the people.

  I am Amsaria Clusilk, a priestess of the Siln Celestial Order who admires the legendary hero Lipti.

  At sixteen, in the season when spring winds scatter flower petals, I was suddenly confronted with the fate of fighting an evil beast. And before performing any heroic deed, I was raised up as the hero I had long aspired to become.

  What I am about to tell is the false hero’s legend that was never correctly passed down to later generations—

  and the truth as I know it.

  Everything began with that incident on the day of the Order’s Founding Festival.

  “Amsaria. Tomorrow is the important day celebrating the founding of the Siln Celestial Order. Are preparations going well?”

  When I turned, Bishop Leila Martin was standing there.

  “Yes, without issue. I decorated every part of the church.”

  “I told you that decorating only the areas the worshippers pass through was enough. It’s good that you work diligently, but don’t get too excited—no, in your case, try to be more modest than usual.”

  Despite being over forty, she looked youthful and dignified, admired by many priestesses. Though a bit strict, she had cared for me since childhood and was like a mother to me, who had no parents.

  “Even so, you know how much I’ve been looking forward to today, Lady Leila.”

  “That is exactly why I’m warning you not to make any mistakes. As a priestess of the Order—and as a woman—you must be mindful. Look, your sleeve is rolled up. Your hood is inside out. Your hair is sticking up. Your beautiful silver hair is ruined. If you can’t keep it tidy, cut it or tie it.”

  She turned me around by the shoulders and began tying my hair.

  “You have a goal and work hard toward it. That is admirable. I accepted your request and made you a Warmaiden trainee a year earlier than usual. That is how much I value your daily effort. But you get overly excited when it comes to Lipti, and that is something to be careful about.”

  In lessons about Lipti’s deeds and the ideals of priestesses, I was often scolded for getting too enthusiastic.

  “I’m sorry. But that too is proof of my devotion as a priestess, so please forgive me.”

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  As I tried to justify myself, Lady Leila lowered her voice.

  “One more thing. Your behavior over the past year concerns me.”

  “My behavior?”

  I tilted my head at her tone.

  “You are achieving results worthy of your effort, and if you continue training, you may earn the title of Arms?Bearer. But as you grow stronger, your behavior has begun to carry… the aura of a warrior. At the same time, I feel your grace and modesty are fading.”

  “There is no problem. Grace and modesty are important, but I will become a Sacred Bearer who supports the weak hearts of the people and inspires them not to lose to negative emotions—just like the legendary hero Lipti.”

  The Sacred Bearer was the highest-ranking priestess of the Order, the hope of the people, and a title granted only to one who possessed unmatched strength.

  “To do that, I must have the pride of a warrior, the confidence to intimidate enemies, and the dignity to reassure those I protect. That is what I was taught.”

  There was someone who supported my path of heroism.

  “Ah, so his influence is strong. Perhaps it was premature to invite an external sword instructor.”

  “Brine is not just any warrior. Being chosen as one of the Ten Valiant at the youngest age in history proves his extraordinary talent.”

  Brine Slyzer, twenty?three years old. No warrior under twenty?five had ever been chosen before, yet he earned the honor two years ago.

  “The Valiant… warriors skilled not only in martial arts but also in intelligence, knowledge, Arcane Art, and Arcane Skill. Among them, ten specialists are chosen—but I’ve heard many of them are eccentric.”

  “It’s unfortunate that many priestesses found his sword?focused instruction unsuitable. But fortunately, he and I were compatible, and I discover something new every time we train. Thanks to him, I can feel my swordsmanship improving.”

  There are many factors in a person’s growth. He had given me the spark I needed.

  “So it is Brine’s influence that has given your behavior the aura of a warrior. At this rate, you may lose your grace and modesty as a priestess.”

  “You need not worry. His swordsmanship is truly wonderful. He abandoned his weak Arcane Art and chose to devote himself to the sword. Before such a straight, unwavering blade, my heart could never warp or darken.”

  “I am not talking about swordsmanship. I am talking about his philosophy!”

  “Despite appearances, Brine is of noble birth. His speech may not sound like it, but he is generous, kind, and a gentleman. His warrior’s ideals often align with my own path of heroism, and I can relate to them.”

  His words quietly burned within my heart.

  “I am telling you not to relate to him.”

  “Why not?”

  Her perfect posture softened slightly with a small sigh.

  “I am not denying all of his instruction. But grace and modesty are important for a priestess. Do not forget that.”

  “Of course. I am not denying that. But a warrior’s resolve is what a hero needs to inspire courage in the people.”

  Lady Leila pressed her fingers to her forehead and looked up at the ceiling.

  “Perhaps it is my mission to raise you two into proper priestesses.”

  “You two? You mean Hal. Yes, she certainly has issues with her conduct as a priestess. I point them out often, but it’s not easy.”

  “Before you criticize her, you should listen to my guidance.”

  Lady Leila sighed softly, then fixed her gaze on me.

  “In any case, the number of worshippers at tomorrow’s Founding Festival will be many times the usual. On the miraculous day when Sacred Bearer Lipti defeated the Ruinbeast, do not tarnish the Order’s reputation with any mistakes.”

  “Understood. I will make sure Hal behaves properly. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I must take care of Grache.”

  “Amsaria, if anything, you are the one I’m more worried about!”

  Using Grache as an excuse to escape her lecture, I hurried away as Lady Leila called after me.