### *Duke* *Ternein*'s Mansion, Reception Room
Duke Ternein, *Croddin Ternein*, wore a solemn expression as he sipped from his glass. He had wrestled with a headache-inducing dilemma, unsure of how to handle his daughter. In her brief absence, she had grown alarmingly strong and declared her independence from the family. He had made a quick decision to choose the more advantageous option in the moment.
"...It doesn't seem like a joke."
"If it were a joke, I wouldn't have called you here."
"This isn't something that can be conveyed in a letter."
"That's why I arranged this meeting. Besides, it isn't bad to have a meal with an old friend after so long."
An experienced noble finds meaning in every action and always tries to predict the other's moves. Both Croddin and Robbenz did the same, and the royals and other nobles reacted in various ways according to their own policies. Although Croddin had an ulterior motive behind this dinner, his desire to catch up with an old friend was genuine.
"You chose an expensive place to make it hard for me to refuse."
"This much for an old friend is nothing."
"Even if I accept, Marquis Laird might not approve. What then?"
"There's not much I can do with you involved. Even without you, it wouldn't be easy. If it doesn't work out, I'll have to give up."
"How do you plan to convince my daughter and son-in-law? They are knights who fight with their lives on the line. Your daughter might be a hindrance."
"That's something my daughter needs to handle. I'm only introducing her to the *Sylase* Order."
Robbenz watched Croddin with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. This was not the expected answer. While he could overlook Croddin's request, he hadn't anticipated that he would simply introduce her to the Sylase Order.
"This sounds different from what you initially said."
"What's different about it? I'd appreciate it if you let her join after hearing me out, but I can't force you. Your daughter and son-in-law need to think about it, so I said I'd only make the introduction."
"...You're conceding a lot. You must be very upset about a potential refusal."
Robbenz answered nonchalantly while gauging Croddin's reaction. Despite holding a duke's title and bowing to the king, nobles typically don't back down from other royals or nobles. They pursue what they want and are willing to spend generously to overturn what they dislike. Even if faced with a peer, a noble's pride and convictions aren't easily abandoned.
"Sigh... My daughter left the mansion and has only now returned. And upon her return, she declared she would renounce the family name. I tried to restrain her, but all the knights were defeated. What was I supposed to do?"
"You could hire stronger knights or watch her flee."
"Neither option is good. Bringing her back means she'll try to escape again, and if I leave her be, who knows what will happen."
"So you want her to join the Sylase Order?"
"I can't just let her go, so I need to find a place where she can be safe while demonstrating her abilities. A place with strong knights, a record of achievements, and a promising future. The Sylase Order fits all these conditions."
"……."
Robbenz didn't completely buy his friend's words. If you look hard enough, there are surely other orders that meet those criteria. Additionally, it would be more effective to manage the entire order for Oz Ternein. On the contrary, joining the Sylase Order could lead to her being criticized or even expelled by Zion and Hanette.
"If I were you, I wouldn't ask out of pride. I'd look for another order."
"You're right. It's somewhat embarrassing to ask a fellow duke for this. If other nobles found out, they might laugh at me. But I have no other choice."
"…Did your daughter say she wants to join the Sylase Order?"
"She said she wouldn't listen to me unless it was the Sylase Order. She's already quite rebellious, and I can't handle her if she becomes even more defiant."
Croddin had heard his daughter's grievances and realized he could no longer control her. She had grown strong enough to evade capture, so he opted for a compromise and set up this meeting.
"Did you reveal any secrets? If they know, they won't accept her."
"…If they had no intention of accepting her, I wouldn't have said anything."
"Do you think I'll feel sympathy for you? Why should I grant your request?"
"You don't have to. I'm not doing this out of desire. I just thought a friend with a daughter might understand my situation."
"……."
Robbenz suddenly thought of Hanette, feeling a pang of guilt. He had suppressed her talent under the guise of protecting her while pursuing his own ambitions. Croddin seemed to have made the same mistake and faced a dire situation.
'I could have ended up the same way.'
Hanette had probably resented him before meeting Zion. She rejected the customs of nobility and kept to herself. Maybe she had been preparing to flee, waiting for the right moment.
'She still might resent me, but things have improved.'
After Zion came into her life, Hanette smiled more and occasionally initiated conversations. Robbenz found solace in that small change.
'I don't have to help, but it's not difficult.'
The Sylase Order bore the names of Duke Adelaira and Marquis Laird. As it grew in fame, so too would their families, putting pressure on Duke Ternein. If Oz Ternein joined the Sylase Order, they would gain an edge in recognition and status.
"…You just want an introduction?"
"That's all I ask. Whether it works out or not, it will be a headache."
"I'll consider this meal as payment. I'll persuade Marquis Laird, but I'll only introduce her to my daughter and son-in-law."
Robbenz raised his glass, taking a sip. He hadn't touched alcohol since letting go of his hopes for Hanette. But for this occasion, he made an exception. It was a hard-earned meeting and a drink offered by an old friend.
'I must be getting soft, to be swayed by such words...'
### *Duke Adelaira*'s Mansion, Reception Room
Zion and Hanette sat side by side, waiting for their guest. Zion was prepared to meet her, but Hanette had been reluctant and needed much persuasion to join him.
"…You could meet her alone."
"She's the daughter of a duke. We should observe protocol."
"To me, she's not a duke's daughter but the enemy who tried to kill me."
"She said she didn't intend to harm you."
"How can you believe that?"
"Sigh… She kept her promise. Shouldn't we reciprocate?"
"You made that promise, not me."
"Cardinal Serenine agreed too."
"…That should be considered separately."
"Why separately?"
"Would you argue with the Setinos Quasar?"
"I would if I had to."
"Oh, please…"
Hanette turned her head away in frustration. If only Enrite had made the suggestion alone, she could have argued. But with Zion's support, opposition was futile. Zion and Enrite led their respective orders, wielding considerable influence.
"You trusted me and Cardinal Serenine."
"Are you aware of that? And you still say such things?"
"Trusting me led to a good outcome. Without trust, nothing can be achieved."
"…My trust isn't important. You need to do well."
"How can I do well without trust? Hesitation leads to failure."
"That's why you need to do well! I trust you completely. If you falter, I falter."
Since committing to him, Hanette had tried to trust Zion. Although doubts crept in at times, she eventually regained her faith. While Zion's judgment was correct in hindsight, the experience still left her uneasy.
"So I've been trying my best..."
A knock interrupted their conversation. They quickly quieted and stood up. The door opened, and a familiar face entered with a maid.
"……."
Though the maid left, none of them spoke. They hadn't expected to see each other so soon, but here they were, introduced by Robbenz. Freed had given his approval, and if Zion and Hanette agreed, she would join the Sylase Order.
"Nice to... ah, meet you again. I'm Oz Ternein."
Oz bowed stiffly. Zion returned the greeting, while Hanette glanced at her a few times before reluctantly acknowledging her.
'What's with the outfit?'
Hanette observed Oz's attire. The duke's daughter, who always wore dresses, was now in a suit. The blue suit suited her well, making Hanette involuntarily stare. Perhaps she was asserting her independence from Duke Ternein, just as Hanette had done.
"You managed to come here."
"…Yes, it worked out somehow. I'm grateful for the opportunity."
Oz avoided Hanette's gaze, continuing cautiously. Hanette still resented her, perhaps even more so seeing her dressed similarly.
"You wish to join our order?"
"Yes, if not the Sylase Order, I'd like to join the Sylase Order."
"That's possible. However, you'll need to prove your skills."
Zion answered calmly, watching Oz. He had gauged her ability during their brief clash, but he needed confirmation.
"I'd like to spar to verify..."
"I'll fight instead. Is that alright?"
Zion turned slowly. Hanette glared at Oz with icy determination. Clearly, she intended to confront her directly, still holding onto the past.
'Can I trust her? I don't want anyone to get hurt...'