"Our family has been devoted believers of the Goddess of Fate for generations, and we firmly believe that the Goddess of Fate will grant us her protection and guidance. There's no need for you to thank us so much, Miss Priestess."
Earl Milford leaned on his cane and replied to the several clerics.
When Hughberlian heard herself being addressed as Miss Priestess, an indescribable sense of responsibility welled up inside her.
In her homeland, the Hutton Kingdom, it was rare for a great noble who was her elder to show her such heartfelt respect, from childhood to adulthood.
Instead, she had repeatedly received extremely friendly treatment in a foreign land.
During the brief silence, Earl Milford sat in a vintage leather chair. The curtains behind him had been drawn, and the light outside faintly seeped into the room through the fine, dark gauze.
The reception room was dim and secluded, illuminating the entire space without being glaring. A bronze desk lamp stood on an ornately carved table, its shade painted with fairies symbolizing good fortune. They chased one another as if moving along with the shifting light and shadows.
"Starting today, Miss Priestess, your identity will be Milian Milford, the illegitimate daughter of my late elder brother. You are currently studying at the Milford Magic Research Academy in our frontier territory. Once you've somewhat adapted to this identity, you'll transfer to the Protos Royal Magic Academy in a week and enter your third year. A female guard of the household has played this role for you for quite some time, and all the formalities have already been arranged. You only need to take over from her."
Earl Milford looked at Hughberlian as he spoke.
He knew that these three powerful sixth-rank clerics would remain in the Northwest Province for quite