The two competitors greeted each other with smiles, making it impossible for any observer to tell that there was any friction between them.
After the introductions were finished, the two of them conversed as they walked toward the interior of the manor.
"I heard you are also an elemental mage, Miss Stella?"
"Yes, Ms. Freya. You seem to know a fair bit about me."
"Hoho, please don't misunderstand. I didn't investigate you on purpose. It's just that people I know often mention you, saying what an excellent and ladylike person you are."
"It is my honor to be spoken of so highly by everyone."
The attitude between them appeared very friendly, as if they were two ladies heading off to enjoy afternoon tea together, their every gesture filled with elegance.
Before long, they entered the manor hall.
In the hall, two men were already sitting and talking. One was naturally Baron Gerard Clifford, whom Olivia was familiar with, while the other was someone she was seeing for the first time.
Though it was their first meeting, she knew who this refined, middle-aged man with brown curly hair and gold-rimmed glasses was at a single glance.
Samuel Holf.
He was a noble of significant standing in the Holy Kelidos Empire, holding a rank slightly higher than Gerard's. Currently a marquis, he controlled the empire's security and served concurrently as the director of the Security Bureau.
Director of the Security Bureau—it sounded like such an impressive title! However, in the Holy Kelidos Empire, the position was as awkward as it could possibly be.
Since this was a country dominated by the church, any case that occurred—unless it was extremely simple and did not involve the transcendent—would be handed over to the Security Bureau. Anything involving the transcendent would inevitably see the church sticking its nose in.
In other words, the Security Bureau had very little actual power, and naturally, Samuel, as its director, had little control.
Perhaps this was why he had ultimately chosen to join the Rose Legion.
This director of the Security Bureau was Freya's recommender.
As Olivia and Freya entered the hall, the gazes of Samuel and Gerard shifted toward them.
"You've both arrived." Gerard hadn't expected them to come in together, but it didn't matter. Seeing them arrive, he glanced at Samuel.
Samuel, meanwhile, stared at Olivia, sizing her up. This was the first time he had seen Olivia, and he wanted to know if this person recommended by Gerard was qualified to be Freya's opponent.
However, combat strength was likely a secondary concern. Gerard had told him privately that if Stella could take the position, she might bring a lot of money to the organization.
But that reasoning alone wasn't enough to convince him to let Freya withdraw, because Freya, who came from a pirate background, could also bring a vast amount of wealth to the organization.
During her time at sea, Freya had dominated various factions and amassed countless riches, all of which could potentially become assets of the Rose Legion in the future. This was why he pushed so hard for her.
Therefore, before the two women entered, Samuel and Gerard had actually been discussing whether it was possible to create two new positions so that both could be given the status they deserved.
But that was not easy to arrange.
Although many people in the organization had to step down temporarily, there were many people fighting for the vacated spots. Especially for some of the veterans in the organization, their advancement was a matter of course, and it wouldn't be easy to push them aside.
In the end, after their discussion, they could only decide to let the loser take a slightly lower position.
"The main reason I asked you both here today is because you are both outstanding rising stars in the organization. We want you to spar a bit to show the vitality of our newcomers. There's no other meaning; it's just a simple exchange."
Samuel spoke with a smile, not intending to put the matter on the table at all, prioritizing a harmonious atmosphere.
Freya spoke up sensibly, "I am more than happy to have an exchange regarding combat."
This woman of pirate origin showed not a single trace of her past on the surface. Instead, she looked like a noble with impeccable manners.
"If neither of you has any objections, why don't we have that exchange now?" Gerard said, looking at the two of them.
"I have no objections," Olivia said.
If it had been this time yesterday, she would have had some reservations. After all, dealing with a fellow transcender who was also an elemental mage while only being able to use Elemental Praise was no easy task.
However, the miraculous encounter last night had put her heart at ease. More of the potential of Elemental Praise had been unearthed, making her significantly stronger.
Freya had no objections either.
Seeing this, Gerard stood up and led them toward the open space behind the manor.
Before long, the four of them were standing in a wide, empty field. Gerard and Samuel sat on chairs in the distance, unhurriedly watching the two in the field.
"Gerard, who do you think will win?" Samuel's gaze was deep, making it impossible to read his thoughts.
Gerard shook his head. "I don't know. I've never actually seen Miss Stella in action. But since both are elemental mages and both are transcenders, perhaps this will be a match of equal strength."
Samuel also shook his head. "I suspect this will not be a match of equal strength."
He didn't elaborate, but his heart was clearly biased toward Freya.
Because Freya was a former pirate who had survived countless bloody slaughters at sea and possessed extremely rich combat experience. This was something Stella, who came from a merchant background, could never compare to.
He believed Freya could win everything that belonged to her.
At this time, the two in the field were also silently sizing each other up.
"Miss Stella, why don't you make the first move?" Freya appeared very polite, wearing a smile.
Olivia also wore a smile. "Ms. Freya, it's actually fine if you go first."
"It seems you are very confident in yourself."
"Since we are already mid-level class rank transcenders, it's normal to be a bit confident, isn't it?"
"You have a point."
Freya could have chosen to be modest, but since her opponent was even more so, there was no need for her to continue the courtesy.
In every direction, the wisps of wind suddenly became urgent, causing the surrounding flowers, grass, and trees to sway continuously. The grass on the ground rolled like green waves.
Almost at the same time, Olivia knew exactly what kind of attack Freya was about to unleash. Because in the depths of her heart, upon her inquiry, the magic mirror had already told her exactly how Freya would strike.
Rate on N.U.
