My Family in the Novel?

Chapter 190: Peaceful Conflicts 2

"The entire continent must be in shock right now"

I mused, acknowledging the far-reaching consequences of the recent events.

News of what transpired at Estelle Academy would undoubtedly be making its way to every doorstep, sparking conversations and raising questions about the unprecedented incidents.

It's a shame that the whole academy got destroyed…

My aunt had grand plans for Estelle Academy, intending to transform it into our new base.

Yet, the destructive force unleashed and the unexpected power exhibited by Elena had altered the course of our plans.

Plans had to be reconsidered, strategies reevaluated. The destruction left in our wake demanded a shift in our approach.

"At least we accomplished a lot of things"

By now, the shockwaves of the cataclysmic events at Estelle Academy would have rippled across all corners of the continent, triggering widespread fears of a possible demonic and monster invasion.

The erasure of such a monumental institution sent shivers down the spines of leaders and citizens alike.

Estelle Academy, more than just an academic institution, was a colossal city in its own right, surpassing the size of some of the largest cities in any country.

The academy, a melting pot of the world's most formidable mages and swordsmen, housed students whose talents eclipsed even the feats of known legends.

It accommodated descendants of great beings and served as a nexus for the planet's most powerful individuals.

The might of Estelle Academy's military and defensive capabilities rivaled, if not surpassed, those of entire nations. Yet, in a mere day, it had been obliterated from existence.

The destruction, catalyzed in part by the actions of the saintess, whose intentions were deemed for the greater good, begged the question: could her actions be forgiven in the face of such devastation?

Regardless of justification, the irrefutable fact lingered – if a city of Estelle Academy's stature, with its impregnable defenses and military might, could be wiped off the map so swiftly, what hope did weaker and more ordinary countries have in defending against potential invasions?

And there was also the fear of an unknown organization that Gobel was a part of.

While the exact affiliation of this organization remained elusive in the novel, the ominous nature of their actions hinted at a darker, more sinister purpose.

The specter of terrorism loomed over their every move, and it wouldn't be a stretch to assume that they might emerge as the next main antagonist for Tristan.

The prospect of the impending grand meeting hung heavy in the air, a gathering that promised to bring leaders from all walks of life together.

I wondered if even the reclusive barbarian king would receive an invitation.

Despite their nation's lack of recognition by global powers, the barbarian kingdom held sway over a vast expanse of land coveted by both the formidable Empire and the influential Holy Nation.

But even still….

The goddess's unyielding stance cast a somber cloud over hopes for lasting peace.

As long as she remained steadfast in her resistance, the specter of destruction and death would persist.

I just hope mom wouldn't kill her immediately since I still needed to know why I was transmigrated here.

Still, it's a bit sad knowing I won't be able to find out who the other seven virtues of Estelle Academy are. I wonder if they died out back in the dungeon break?

Well, it's not like it matters now; the story was going haywire from the original novel anyway.

I just have to stick with our plans.

'Sis?'

I tried to establish a connection with my sister, but as expected, nothing came back. I noticed it a while ago, but this place truly is fully covered by the goddess's influence; I can practically feel her divinity everywhere. Me sleeping here would've been the perfect time to attack me, yet she didn't make her move. Is she planning something?

"Mm…?" A soft, adorable noise emerged from my chest, accompanied by a gentle rustling.

It was Louise, slowly waking up from her slumber.

As she blinked away the remnants of sleep, her pink eyes met mine.

"Good morning," I said to her casually.

"…. Good—morning…?" she replied rather sleepily.

I guess she was still half-asleep.

Ana mentioned them debating where they would sleep next to me yesterday. Just how long were they even debating for all of them to still be asleep, even though it's lunchtime now?

Louise, in her half-asleep state, used her hand to push herself upright, rubbing her eyes as if still unsure of her surroundings.

Sitting on my abdomen, she exuded a timeless blend of cuteness and beauty.

A soft chuckle escaped me as I noticed one of her stray bed hairs caught in her lips

I've always been accustomed to seeing Louise in her elegant and composed state, so witnessing her in this more vulnerable and unguarded moment was a refreshing sight. The morning light painted a soft glow on her features as she slowly stirred from her slumber.

"Hmm?" Suddenly, her eyes opened wide once again, and it became evident that she had noticed my chuckling.

Sitting on top of me, both of her arms resting on my chest, a myriad of emotions played across her face – surprise, relief, happiness, and finally, a deep blush of embarrassment.

"G-Good morning, Adrian!" she stammered, her cheeks turning as red as a tomato.

"Good morning, Louise," I replied with a gentle smile, appreciating the genuine warmth of the moment.

"T-this is just… I-I was just… ye-yeah, it was because Lilliana wanted—" she hurriedly tried to explain herself, but her fumbling words and panicked demeanor only made me laugh even harder.

"Hahaha" I chuckled, savoring the light-heartedness of the situation. Louise, flustered and adorable, was a stark contrast to her usual composed self.

Before long, the laughter was interrupted as Elena, Aria, and Lilliana woke up one by one.

The room gradually filled with the soft murmur of morning conversations.

Though it didn't take long for them to bicker against each other once again.

Especially Elena and Aria….

I'm just glad Lilliana is quite passive right now though.

….

It's been three days huh.

Three days slipped by as if time itself had become a fleeting notion.

It was almost unbelievable that I had been staying in this place for that duration.

When I considered the four days of sleep preceding my awakening, it amounted to a week, a span that felt both surprisingly short and endlessly stretched.

The day I woke up marked the departure of Lilliana and Aria, summoned back by the duke.

Despite their initial protests, they eventually acquiesced when the duke personally called their crystals. Aria, in particular, shot a death glare at Elena, who responded with a smirk.

However, Elena's triumph was short-lived as the pope immediately demanded her attention afterward.

For the past three days, I found myself in the constant company of Louise and Analise, who played crucial roles in helping me rehabilitate.

The realization of the toll on my body only hit me three days ago when I attempted to stand up.

My legs screamed in protest, threatening to crumble beneath me, and my arms contorted in strange cramps. The pain was a stark reminder of the physical strain I had unknowingly subjected myself to.

Fortunately, with the diligent efforts of the priests and nuns who visited daily, my body began its slow journey to recovery.

Despite my initial desire for Elena's personal attention, I understood that her commitments with the pope took precedence.

It had been three days since our last interaction, and the corridors of the sanctuary seemed to stretch endlessly as I made my way toward the central cathedral, leaving Louise and Analise comfortably in my room.

As I traversed the labyrinthine paths, the sheer size of this place became more apparent.

What I once thought was a single building turned out to be just a small fraction of a colossal cathedral complex.

The realization hit me that this sanctuary wasn't just a dwelling but an expansive masterpiece of architecture.

Leaving the confines of the building, I was greeted by the vibrant beauty of the outside world.

Fountains adorned the landscape, and the architecture displayed an artistic touch.

The transition from the pristine white interiors to the colorful, lively outdoors was like stepping into a different realm.

Trees provided shade, forming natural canopies, and patches of gardens added a touch of serenity.

'This feels like an ancient city'

As I strolled through this captivating environment, I couldn't help but marvel at the delicate balance between the human-made structures and the natural elements.

The gardens whispered stories of care and cultivation, and the trees stood as silent witnesses to the passage of time.

As I made my way through the roads and passages, the whispers of curious onlookers trailed behind me like a soft breeze.

"Is that him?"

"He's the hero, right?"

"Wow, he looks so cool."

"I wonder if he's as strong as the news says?"

People clad in attire reminiscent of ancient Rome or Greece adorned the streets, a departure from the more familiar medieval garb.

The clothing was not only captivating but also beautiful, casting a surreal aura in the surroundings.

They weren't priests or nuns of the church, but rather ordinary citizens of the Holy Nation, their clothing reflecting a culture distinct from what I had grown accustomed to.

it seemed that normal citizens were allowed access to this sacred place.

The Holy Nation, known for its stringent measures regarding sacred locations, appeared to make an exception for this grand cathedral. Even though the entire complex resembled a fortress, it was, at its core, still a church.

The allure of this extraordinary blend of architecture and faith seemed to transcend the typical boundaries of the holy cities I've visited in the past.

As I continued my stroll, it became evident that the bustling life in the Holy Nation extended beyond its sacred halls.

The grand cathedral in the distance drew my attention, its doors open wide, welcoming a throng of people.

The hum of chatter and the soft echoes of prayers reached me from afar, hinting at a congregation or perhaps a prayer service within.

"Mr. Adrian?"

"Yes?"

"Good morning, my name is Isabella. I'm here to guide you to the office."

Before me stood a nun, but her attire was anything but conventional.

Instead of the familiar white robes, she wore an all-black ensemble that seemed more reminiscent of a goth aesthetic than the traditional nun attire.

Even her gloves matched the mysterious darkness of her outfit.

With long light brown hair cascading down her shoulders and a black cloth covering her eyes, she exuded an unusual, almost ethereal presence.

As she bowed elegantly before me, I couldn't help but wonder about the purpose behind her peculiar appearance.

Moreover, she carried a walking stick – was she blind?

The notion of being guided to the office caught me off guard.

Besides...

Why hadn't someone attended to me earlier?

Well not that I can complain though, I couldn't deny the enjoyment of discovering bits and pieces of this extraordinary place.

"Please forgive my rudeness for not attending to you much earlier. There were some slight commotions in the office, so please do forgive me" Isabella explained with another graceful bow, her words carrying an air of sincerity.

"It's fine; please take care of me, Miss Isabella" I responded, recognizing that there was no need to voice any complaints.

Despite my lack of knowledge about the exact circumstances, Isabella appeared a bit out of breath, suggesting she had rushed to guide me even though she was blind.

Upon my acknowledgment, she stood up, and a warm smile graced her features.

"This way, please" she said, her voice carrying an air of professionalism as she gestured for me to follow.

As we traversed the intricate passages of the cathedral, the rhythmic tap of Isabella's walking stick echoed through the halls.

I couldn't help but marvel at her adept navigation despite her apparent visual impairment.

The blindfold that covered her eyes remained a mystery – could she see through it in some way, or did she rely solely on her other senses?

I can't detect any mana from her so it can't be mana sense… and asking her about it directly might seem rude...

Now that I think about it, I wondered what Isabella's role in the novel was.

Her unique outfit and the air of significance that surrounded her hinted at a potential importance in the story.

'She's definitely an important character from her attire alone'