Final Act: A Fairy Tale — The Story of the Great Saint Lucia

Five hundred years after the passing of the Great Saint.

Deep into the night, footsteps echoed through the mansion in the imperial capital.

The eldest daughter of the household rushed down the corridor.

She burst into her parents' chamber, accompanied by her beloved dog.

"Father, Mother, read me a story before bed!"

Though startled, her parents gently invited her into their sleeping chamber. Her mother took the book she had brought.

"Ahh, well then, there's no helping it. Come here, dear.

Now, what story shall we have? Shall it be 'The Greedy King'? Or perhaps 'The Swordsmaster Who Cannot Die to Atone for His Sins'?"

The girl wriggled between her parents lying in bed, looked up at her mother, and said:

"I want to hear about the Great Saint!"

Her mother smiled softly, a quiet, warm laugh escaping her lips.

“You truly do love this story, don’t you?

Very well, long ago…”

As her mother gently stroked her daughter’s hair, she opened the book and began to speak…

—The Tale of the Great Saint Lucia—

In days of old, there was a noble family with two sisters.

Both grew into beautiful young women.

Yet the elder sister grew to hate her younger sister, who was more beautiful, more gentle, and beloved by all.

With the elder sister’s prompting, their parents and siblings gradually turned cruel toward the younger.

Yet the younger sister’s heart remained kind, pure, unshaken.

When they grew to womanhood, the two parted ways, each choosing a different path.

The elder sister, gifted with rare power, was summoned by the king and married to the prince.

Knowing her younger sister loved the prince, the elder sister persuaded many to secure the betrothal for herself.

The younger sister, determined to serve the goddess, journeyed to the Garden of the Divine Flower.

The younger sister had truly cherished the prince, yet she could not defy the king’s will. Grieved by the thought that she could never stand beside him, she consoled herself by dedicating her service to the goddess she admired.

Luciana served the goddess in many ways.

She informed the goddess of changes in the size of foreign lands, so that great barriers might be drawn.

She requested that the service of the maidens be shortened, as it was burdensome to serve for long durations, and her request was granted.

She also aided in preventing the spread of a sickness unique to her own country.

In return, Luciana served the goddess with unwavering devotion.

At that time, her family mourned deeply at her departure from their side.

Yet she reflected, it was because of their own unworthy deeds that this had come to pass, and so she waited, burdened by guilt, for the day Luciana would return from the goddess’s garden.

Meanwhile, her elder sister fell ill just before her wedding and departed this world for the realm of the divine.

Her final words to the prince were, “I know you truly love your younger sister, Luciana. So please, stay by her side.”

In truth, the prince had long cherished Luciana, who served the goddess.

He became a priest, dedicating himself to the service of the divine.

And he waited, patiently, for the day when Luciana would finish her duties in the goddess’s garden.

The day Luciana finally returned after many long years was one of quiet triumph.

The king, moved by the goodness she had accomplished, bestowed upon her the title of High Priestess.

And the prince had waited for Lucia—endlessly, without pause.

Thus, the High Priestess Lucia and the former prince were married, and lived happily ever after.

The end.

The mother closes the book, but her daughter does not stir.

"Oh… this child has fallen asleep."

Peering over, she sees her beloved daughter breathing softly in sleep.

"Woof!"

Suddenly, the beloved dog, who had been quietly at their feet, barks as if believing it has been noticed by its master and deserves play.

"Fret, no—Stella will wake up."

The father hastily steps down from the bed and gently scolds the dog. The dog, understanding it has been reprimanded, droops its ears and tail.

"Arthur, Fret is still a child—he is young and wants to play. It cannot be helped."

“Spica, I understand that… but wouldn’t it be dreadful if our angel were to awaken?”

“Yes, indeed. Thank you for reprimanding me.”

She spoke, then wrapped her arms around her husband’s neck and pressed a kiss of gratitude to his skin.

“Tomorrow is our first proper day off in ages—Cain and Alex will return from the academy, won’t they? Shall we all go on a picnic beyond the city walls?”

“That sounds lovely. Stella and Fret will surely be overjoyed! Should we inform Father and Mother as well?”

The couple shared a quiet smile, then leaned together to gaze upon their daughter.

“Goodnight, my beloved Stella. Dream well.”

Her sleeping face bore a look of profound peace.

There is no longer a barrier in this land.

Fifty years ago, peace was sealed with all nations, and this country declared itself a perpetual neutral. To demonstrate that intent, the spirit of the First Lady was returned to the heavens.

Thus, there are no longer Virgin of the Barrier.

The tale of the First Lady has become a fable.

In this fairy tale, Spica’s suffering and inner conflict are not recorded.

Nor is the tragedy of the Emmental family, nor the path of regret that followed.

Only the fact remains—that she spent her final years in happiness.

—Fin—

Thank you sincerely for reading this work.

Now that the true daughter has returned, I, the adopted one, shall fade away. Thus concludes the true story of the world.

I am beyond words in my gratitude for your kind attention.

Once more, I offer my deepest thanks. Thank you for reading.