Chapter 69: Epilogue

The flowers blooming in the garden heralded a serene spring afternoon.

In the grand hall of the Marquis of Harkenberg’s estate, a large crowd of people, almost overflowing the room, solemnly kept their eyes on their documents.

“Yes.”

The first to raise her hand, lifting her face with a dignified expression, was the princess—Bianca von Weizsacker, who had blossomed into a woman of stunning beauty over the past year, often compared to a magnificent rose. 

She returned the documents to the table with a composed manner and solemnly addressed the person seated at the far end.

“I have always paid attention to the episode pointed out in these documents, where the King who abolished class discrimination received the blessing of the Spirit of Light. Recently, I used my final authority as the lower grade head to pass the ordinance abolishing class discrimination in dormitory rooms. I believe this act aligns with the will of the Spirit.”

With a confident declaration, the person at the chairman’s seat—the Marquess Emilia—nodded gravely.

“Wonderful. Let us include this in this year’s presentation. When Leonora’s secular days are increased, I will certainly arrange a tea party with Her Highness.”

“Thank you, Marquess.”

Bianca clenched her fist in triumph under the table at Emilia’s promise. Seeing this exchange, others began raising their hands one after another. Among them were not only those related to the marquis family like Klaus and Kai, but also royals like Albert and Natalia, merchants and lower nobles like Oscar and Rolf, and even clergy members such as Gustav and Chris.

Their faces were diverse in status, gender, and age. But they all shared one common goal—they were all members of a certain group with a specific purpose. 

Emilia, presiding over the meeting, accepted each proposal flexibly and smiled with satisfaction. With a determined look on her elegant face, she addressed the crowd.

“Half a year has passed since the miracle where the compassionate Spirit of Light granted us the secular return of Leonora for a single day, in celebration of the magnificence of the cathedral and our daily deeds. That dreamlike day flew by, and we are beginning to grow accustomed to life without Leonora once again.”

Standing tall, she continued, meeting each person’s gaze.

“Some might say to cherish that single day as a gift of the Spirit’s grace, and to wish for no more. But too many wish to see Leonora again. Is it possible to fulfill all those heartfelt desires in just one day of secular return? No, it’s utterly impossible.”

A textbook use of rhetorical questioning brought nods from everyone present. Emilia, nodding back at them, spoke eloquently.

“Once it happens, it will happen again. If the Spirit of Light grants us Leonora’s return for the joy of the Spirit, then we must offer every possible virtue to the Spirit. We shall refine our souls, cultivate virtues, and lead the world towards light.”

She clenched her fist.

“Thus, we shall extend Leonora’s secular days more and more each year!”

Indeed, they were determined to regain Leonora von Harkenberg, whom they had reluctantly sent away. The event had its roots about nine months ago. After sending the girl to the cathedral, a few weeks later, a beautiful black-haired spirit appeared at Emilia’s bedside.

To the astonished Emilia, the spirit spoke: “Your heartfelt wish moved me. As a reward for the beauty of the dedicated cathedral and the brilliance of your good deeds, I will return Leonora to you for one day.”

The designated day was nothing special—no Spirit Festival or Contract Festival, just a day when the town held a grand year-end sale. But Emilia eagerly accepted it. She spent a dreamlike time with the girl, who appeared close to noon with many spoils—souvenirs.

Even if they couldn’t meet, they were still family. But meeting was always better. Emilia was delighted. However, those who hadn’t met the girl—other than the marquis couple—weren’t silent. They claimed that if such miracles happened annually, they too wanted to see the girl. 

Emilia also felt that one day was far from enough, and they joined forces.

Thus, every spring, they gathered hopefuls for Leonora’s visit and prepared to win the Spirit’s favor. It was like a negotiation for increasing annual leave days through proven achievements—a true spring struggle.

With a keen eye that suited her chairman role, Emilia spread her fan and declared,

“Last year’s achievement was one day. But by accumulating virtues and raising the Spirit’s satisfaction, we aim to achieve thirty days of secular return annually over the next ten years.”

“Thirty days…!”

That was more time than even a married daughter would spend returning home. In fact, it was a longer stay than students who lived in dormitories all year round. But no one questioned her statement, and the discussion heated up, debating whether to allow partial acquisition or to prioritize securing days first.

“Marquess—no, Chairwoman. I’ve heard that the Spirit appreciates the beauty of art. How about mobilizing our knights to perform in the cathedral, not just making a presentation?”

As the debate on the days settled, another member of the spring struggle made a serious proposal. 

Emilia nodded slowly.

“Wonderful. However, it seems the Spirit dislikes the proximity of dragon’s blood to the cathedral. Instead of the Purple Dragon Knights, let’s train civilians with martial skills to perform. We could also recruit those skilled in arts and academics.”

She subtly refined the proposal to better suit the Spirit’s preferences.

“Then let’s extend the range not just to upper citizens but also to lower citizens and the poor.”

“No, let’s extend it to neighboring countries as well, regardless of nationality.”

“Gender too.”

“Age as well.”

To practice the teachings of the Spirit religion, which advocated that all beings blessed by the Spirit of Light are the world’s treasures, they kept expanding the range of the “Spirit of Light’s Joy Division.” 

Unintentionally, they paved the way for the era of the Golden Coin King, which would not discriminate against rank, age, or gender.

***

Leonora von Harkenberg. 

Known across the continent, she was a girl of almost otherworldly beauty and virtuous nature. Born into the harsh conditions of the lower town, she was taken in by the marquis family and fell in a pure love with the pre-coronation Golden Coin King. 

However, her beauty and intelligence brought danger, almost being sacrificed to a dark spirit by a foreign sorcerer. Rescued by the Spirit of Light, she was destined to spend her life in the cathedral at the age of twelve.

Despite such a fate, she never lost her spirit of compassion. While attending the Imperial Academy, she mediated between nobles and citizens and contributed to summoning circles that alleviated the water shortage for the poor. 

She sought nothing for herself and brought salvation to everyone she met. After joining the cathedral, she wrote encouraging letters to the lord of the Elrand district, who once cornered her, and devised plans to revitalize Elrand’s lower town.

Her suggestions turned the lower town into a major tourist destination, bringing in much foreign currency. Her compassionate and clever proposals brought many inventions and exchanges, casting light mainly on the poor. Furthermore, her family’s and friends’ efforts to meet her again and accumulate virtues attracted brilliant individuals to her.

Foremost among them was the Golden Coin King, Albert, who ushered in the greatest prosperity in Weitz Empire’s history. 

Keeping his promise to the girl, he eased the class system, released magic power to the citizens through circles, and encouraged the rise of the common people and cultural advancement through flexible recruitment policies. The great Bernstein brothers, Oscar and Rolf, economically supported his reign by promoting the reforms in the spheres of influence.

Bianca von Weizsacker, who drastically improved women’s status, and Natalia von Klingbale, a female writer who raised the literacy rate throughout Weitz, were also influenced by her. 

Countless others from the academy continued their endeavors, inspired by her, but they will be omitted here.

Leonora von Harkenberg was like a magnet, attracting and spreading her influence wherever she was. For instance, when she was allowed to walk the town annually, an orphan boy known for his greed would show no interest in money, as if transformed. This was undoubtedly because her selflessness transmitted to the boy, changing his nature. People felt her pure personality in such stories and called her the Spirit’s Bride, the Saint of Light.

Or simply—Leonora, the Saint of Selflessness.