Nobles usually pass on the position of head of the family to the eldest child. Being the firstborn and having already established their position, they could lead the family stably. However, not all firstborns were competent, giving other children a chance.
‘Barhen can’t leave the royal palace once he marries the third princess.’
Although only the engagement ceremony was held so far, Barhen was unlikely to cause any trouble, and Freed didn’t want to clash with the royal family. It was just a matter of time before Barhen and the third princess would be wed.
‘It’s not that I don’t trust Barhen, but he shouldn’t be the head of the family.’
As the head of the Marquis Laird family, Freed had to take responsibility for the family and its members. While Barhen was a family member, if he sided with the royal family, there would inevitably be some distance. Although Barhen might work for the family now, he could later be swayed by the king or the third princess.
‘Kaltz is doing well, but he can’t rise higher.’
Kaltz had consistently worked as a palace administrator, and with time, his position would gradually rise. He might even become a high-ranking official, involved in Alain Kingdom's major policies. However, this was a distant future, and he couldn’t leave his current position soon.
‘Zion has room to grow. He’s leading a knight order and has made great achievements.’
Freed hadn’t expected much from Zion initially. He just wanted him to make a brief sacrifice for the family and then live a modest, comfortable life. However, Zion had quickly brought about many changes and was now a knight who had fought and triumphed over the four great disasters. He had greatly enhanced the family’s name, and his accomplishments placed him at the center of Alain Kingdom.
‘And he’s set to marry Hanette... This could be beneficial.’
Freed and Duke Adelaira were closely linked through Zion and Hanette. They had mutual goals, most of which were nearly achieved. Supporting Zion would mean more assistance from Duke Adelaira.
‘I don’t want to lose Hanette either. Where else could I find such a daughter-in-law?’
Initially, the arranged marriage was to connect the Marquis Laird and Duke Adelaira families. It was a mutually beneficial arrangement. But now, with Zion and Hanette’s increased value, neither family wanted to let go.
‘Hanette’s personality isn’t bad. She just wandered for a bit.’
Zion had always followed Hanette, even persuading Duke Adelaira directly. Because of Zion, Hanette had given up drinking and gambling, mastering magic to a high level. Zion had influenced Hanette’s growth significantly.
‘The wedding should be postponed, and they shouldn’t have children yet.’
Duke Adelaira likely shared the same thoughts. For both families' benefits and the couple's future, the marriage should be delayed. Just starting their knightly activities, spending time on other matters could hinder their momentum.
‘The issue is with the knight order admissions...’
Many nobles and knights had sent letters expressing their desire to join the Silenian Knights. Most were interested in leveraging the order’s prestige or achieving their goals through it. However, even after careful selection, there weren’t many with adequate skills.
‘If they can’t meet the standards, it’s better not to have them.’
Freed had lent the family’s name to support Zion and Hanette’s vision but didn’t want to overreach. Admitting unsuitable members could lead to injuries or deaths, creating more problems.
‘I can’t sacrifice my son and daughter-in-law just to maintain my pride.’
Freed had already sacrificed his pride for the arranged marriage with Duke Adelaira and had asked Zion to sacrifice as well. Given the Duke’s status, it was acceptable. But beyond that, he was determined to respect Zion and Hanette’s wishes.
‘If Zion excels further, our family could become a Duke’s house. It’s not impossible.’
**Duke Adelaira’s Mansion, Reception Room.**
Enrite, a cardinal of the Kinesien Sacred Sect, visited Duke Adelaira’s house with holy knights. He had served as the vice-captain of the Silenian Knights in the borderlands but had to reveal his identity upon returning to the capital. As a formality, he brought holy knights but was now meeting Zion and Hanette alone.
“Have you been well?”
“Yes, we’ve been resting well.”
“Are you both staying here until the wedding?”
“It seems so, until we get married.”
Enrite alternated his gaze between Zion and Hanette, subtly sensing the Magic Sword's aura. Zion still had the Dark Magic Sword’s presence, and Hanette’s Fire Magic Sword was becoming more distinct. If Hanette grew stronger as the Magic Sword’s aura intensified, she held great potential.
“I’m sorry, but I must ask. Have you set a date for the wedding?”
“Well... it seems it will be delayed. As you know, we have many tasks.”
“...There might not be a chance later. Isn’t it better to marry now?”
Enrite always considered the worst outcomes. Continuous war or battles could mean they might die without marrying. They should enjoy a brief happiness while they had the time.
“Hmm... It might be difficult. Marriage would bring many things to sort out. It could hinder the knight order’s operations.”
“Ah, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interfere. I brought it up out of concern. I apologize if it upset you.”
“It didn’t upset us. Thank you for your concern.”
Enrite swallowed his words, clearing his mind of those thoughts. Further comments could make Zion and Hanette uncomfortable. They must have their plans, so it was best to observe quietly.
“When do you plan to return to the borderlands?”
“I’m still figuring out the timing, but it might be early next year.”
“Early next year... May I coordinate to join you then?”
“Are you including the Silenian Knights?”
“Yes, that’s the plan.”
Enrite valued moving with Zion. Zion and Hanette had destroyed the immortality of the three demon kings and the four great disasters. If they got hurt, he had to be there to heal them. Moreover, the Silenian Knights were allied with the Silenian Knights, reinforcing the alliance.
“By the way, what happened to the treasure?”
Hanette cautiously asked, having intended to inquire during their last meeting at the palace but missing the chance. Enough time had passed for an update.
“Ah, I forgot to mention. His Majesty decided to take a small portion and return the rest, considering our efforts.”
“Hmm... How small is this portion?”
“He will take only a few items.”
“...”
Hanette felt uneasy but chose not to press further. The king likely took the most valuable items. It was fortunate that the White Apostle and the Silver Thief were involved, limiting the losses.
“I’ll contact you after the treasure is returned.”
“I’ll leave that to Cardinal Kinesien. And... is the sword well secured?”
Zion lowered his voice, cautiously mentioning the Wind Magic Sword. No one else should know about it, and Enrite was also discreet. The sword wasn’t reported to the king, making it a secret.
“It’s in a place only I know.”
“What will you do if the sword’s existence is discovered?”
“If I don’t know, no one else can.”
“Should I take that as it’s well hidden?”
“Yes, there’s no need to worry.”
Enrite relaxed slightly, glancing at Hanette. She seemed as unaware as Zion. Perhaps becoming human had granted her a new ability.
‘The Wind Magic Sword is hidden by the Light Magic Sword. Only the chosen can find it...’
**Near Duke Adelaira’s Mansion, Capital of Alain Kingdom.**
Oz hid, waiting for them to appear. She had heard rumors but needed to see for herself. She sensed the Magic Sword’s aura from Duke Adelaira’s mansion, needing to verify it urgently.
‘...It can’t be. It mustn’t be.’
Oz didn’t want to fight them. She wished them genuine happiness and had admired Hanette. They had what she longed for and could create the future she dreamed of. How could she harm them?
‘This can’t be fate.’
Oz struggled to suppress her anxiety, then widened her eyes. The main gate opened, and a carriage emerged. She saw their faces through the window, feeling the Magic Sword’s aura fading away.
Oz slowly backed away and then turned around.
‘Both are Magic Sword wielders. How...’
Realizing the inevitable fate, Oz clenched her fists. She had to decide whether to fight them or abandon her quest for strength and choose another path. Without a decision, she couldn’t move forward.
‘Yes, let’s postpone it. The answer will come later.’
Oz took a deep breath, seeking another Magic Sword. She couldn’t seal those Magic Swords now. If either of her desires collapsed, so would her heart.
‘I’ll seal the Dark Magic Sword and Fire Magic Sword last. If that’s not possible... I will...’