"Seriously?"
"……?"
Hanette and Zion froze, their faces reflecting their disbelief. They could believe that Oz Ternein kept her promise, but Duke Ternein backing down was another matter entirely. It seemed like a baseless rumor or perhaps a joke by Dyn.
"Hmm... I couldn't believe it at first either, but it seems to be true."
"You're not joking, are you?"
"It would be funny if I were, but no, I'm not joking."
"Why would he allow that?"
"How should I know?"
"……."
Zion, initially taken aback, quickly regained his composure. According to the original story, Oz Ternein was supposed to become a monster hunter in the border regions before joining the Sylase Order. Now, she had taken up La Bler and tried to seal the Magic Swords, eventually seeking entry into the order after bonding with the Wind Magic Sword. The process had changed, but the outcome remained the same.
'Why does it seem so reckless?'
Looking at Oz Ternein's actions, she seemed to rush headlong without much thought. Following the mysterious voice, attempting to seal the Magic Swords with La Bler, attacking other Magic Sword users, and boldly confronting Duke Ternein—all these actions painted a picture of someone very different from the Oz Ternein he knew.
'Why did Duke Ternein suddenly agree to it?'
No noble would easily approve of their child striking out independently without proper preparation. Moreover, Oz Ternein was an essential piece in arranged marriages for political gain. Duke Ternein would naturally want to hold onto her to avoid any loss.
'Did he think it was best to let her go, considering her abilities?'
If Oz Ternein had single-handedly defeated the family's knights, she would appear quite strong. However, releasing her didn't necessarily benefit him, and his carefully laid plans would go to waste. In essence, Duke Ternein's decision was a gamble, potentially introducing more uncertainties.
'There must have been some conditions...'
For Duke Ternein to permit Oz Ternein's independence, certain conditions had to be met. These conditions would likely clash with her desires and involve fundamental aspects that couldn't simply be discarded.
"Did Duke Ternein not object to her renouncing the family name?"
"…Huh? How did you know?"
"It just seemed likely."
"Duke Ternein agreed to everything except renouncing the family name. He said something about not disgracing the family's bloodline and the founding head of the house."
Zion nodded quietly, understanding Duke Ternein's intentions. He must have weighed his options regarding Oz Ternein, considering how to best use her and the potential benefits to himself and the family. Ultimately, he chose to grant her request while ensuring she remained part of the family.
'He must have anticipated what would come next, though I can't guess what.'
Being strong didn't guarantee achieving great deeds. It would make him uneasy to leave her alone, yet direct intervention was unlikely to be accepted by her. Perhaps he was even considering future negotiations with her.
'He must have some desires...'
There might be rewards or favors she could grant if she followed his directives. However, he wouldn't force her or try any foolish tricks since the conditions were already set when he allowed her independence.
'It's complicated. What is he thinking...'
"So that's it?"
"He said he would contact her later."
"And he did nothing to her?"
"Yeah, just let her go."
"I don't get it."
"How could he do anything when even the knights couldn't handle her?"
"Then bring stronger knights."
"Do you think they could catch her?"
"What's stopping them? No matter how strong she is..."
Hanette recalled her encounter with Oz Ternein, feeling annoyed. She believed she could have easily won if they had fought properly. Oz Ternein's strength relied on La Bler, and now, without it, she would be even weaker.
"Sounds like you've fought Duke Ternein's daughter before. Have you?"
"Why would I fight her? She's not worth my time."
"…You really don't like her."
"Yeah, I really hate her. I can't understand why I have to put up with her."
Hanette glared at Zion, her voice dripping with emotion. While it wasn't entirely Zion's fault, his decision was rational in many ways. There were few Magic Sword users, and they all despised Duke Ternein's family. If they had handed Oz Ternein back, the outcome would have been the same.
"Am I right?"
"How can you say you're right? Why would he agree to that?"
"You're being stubborn. Can't you just accept it?"
"How can I accept this? It’s just your luck."
"Luck is part of skill..."
"Maybe for you."
"Haah..."
Dyn, who had been listening to their conversation, swallowed his silence. He understood they were talking about Oz Ternein, but the exact details eluded him. Despite their bickering, their natural back-and-forth made them seem closer than they appeared.
'They should just get married already. What's the holdup? Hmm...'
Alain Kingdom's capital, Selzrode.
Robbenz, having been invited by an old friend, entered the restaurant. Before becoming a head of the family, they had been close, but over time they had drifted apart, only exchanging news from a distance. It was inevitable, and his old friend understood this. Responsibility for a family changes one's standing, after all.
"...It's been a while."
Robbenz greeted his old friend calmly. While they might meet in official settings, they seldom sought each other out. Since the establishment of the new dynasty, they had been on opposing sides, and the nobility had followed suit. Today, his old friend had reached out for a private meeting, hence the secrecy.
"It has been. You seem to be doing well."
His old friend rose to greet him. Recently, Duke Adelaira's power had been soaring, and everyone knew it. As friends and rivals, he spoke casually.
"Are you asking because you know, or are you pretending not to know?"
"Both, perhaps."
"You're the same as ever. Nothing has changed."
Robbenz chuckled as he took a seat across from his friend. His old friend followed suit, sitting down with a smile.
"Really? I thought I had changed a lot."
"I used to think so too. Now I see... you've just become the head of the family. The person hasn't changed."
"Ha ha ha! You, my friend, were no fun back in the day, but now you can joke around."
"The position makes the man, doesn’t it? You should know that."
"Or perhaps, the man makes the position?"
"That person was also shaped by the position. You, me, and even the king."
"If you keep going up, it’s just the founding king and heads of houses left. Who made their positions?"
"...Humans and monsters created them."
His old friend burst into laughter, caught in a moment of nostalgia. Before becoming heads of their families, they had shared many laughs. Robbenz had often been stern, but his reactions were an unexpected joy. Had they not become heads, they might have remained close.
"I get what you're saying. But your argument supports me. How will you counter it?"
"Humans had to survive against monsters, so they banded together and fought. Among them, the strongest and most dignified became the leaders, building the foundation of the kingdom. Do you still not understand?"
"...Are you saying humans and monsters were used to create positions?"
"Humans and monsters exist on this land and have been fighting each other ever since. These battles created positions, and the founding king and heads of houses built Alain Kingdom from those positions."
Robbenz finished his argument and took a sip of water. His old friend, with a nostalgic smile, poured himself a drink.
"Effort alone doesn't secure a position. One needs the capability to lead people."
"You, me, the king, and the nobles are all fortunate. We inherit wealth and honor simply because of our lineage."
"...Are you insulting the founders of Alain Kingdom?"
"The achievements of the founding king and heads are commendable. Securing their positions and prospering the kingdom wasn't easy. But we just inherited their accomplishments. Does that make my point any less valid?"
His old friend finally erased his smile, pouring a drink for Robbenz. Robbenz watched him before speaking again.
"Why did you call me? What do you want to say?"
"My friend, you are dull yet intriguing. Your daughter is quite similar in that regard."
His old friend handed Robbenz a drink, hinting at his reason. Robbenz immediately understood, staring at the glass.
"Your daughter and her husband possess remarkable skills. We should invite Marquis Laird, but that’s up to you."
"You called me for this? You could’ve sent a letter."
"Could a letter settle my daughter's entry?"
Robbenz was shocked, his eyes wide. His friend wouldn't ask for his daughter's entry out of pride, especially with recent rumors about her. It was puzzling.
"I hold a duke's title like you. You know my daughter's skills aren't lacking. What do you say? Will you let Duke Ternein's only daughter join the Sylase Order?"