“…….”
Zion and Hanette read the letter in silence.
They read it several times, still unsure how to interpret it.
Could a single letter contain so much?
“Sis.”
“…Yes?”
“Should we be happy about this?”
“If it feels burdensome, you can be sad.”
“…Are you joking?”
“Yes, it’s a joke.”
Zion chuckled dryly and stepped back.
Hanette stared at the letter a bit longer before slowly turning her head.
“Should I congratulate you first?”
“Because I became a Setinos Quasar?”
“And the knights were promoted?”
“That doesn’t mean much.”
“Ah, because you became a Setinos Quasar?”
“Having a Setinos Quasar as the commander makes it an official knight order.”
Zion slumped into a chair, glancing at the letter.
He had no particular desire to become a Setinos Quasar.
He believed the Lychness Knights could continue operating with a small number of members.
Of course, hearing the long-awaited news was satisfying enough.
“So, should I be sad now?”
“Are you worried about the 3rd Princess and Barhen?”
“I have to make sure they don’t get hurt.”
“They won’t get hurt. They’re strong.”
“The opponents are the Three Demon Kings and the Four Calamities.”
“But you and Cardinal Serenine are here. What’s there to worry about?”
“I’d feel safer with you by my side.”
“I am included.”
“But your name isn’t mentioned.”
“That’s because I’ll always be by your side.”
“…Is that so?”
Zion pondered Hanette’s words, chuckling softly.
Hanette had been making unexpected remarks lately.
Though they were common words, they stuck with him.
“There must have been a reason for us to read this together.”
“It doesn’t seem to be related to the vow.”
“Setinos Quasar is a royal knight. Since you vowed your life to me, that vow must be broken.”
“Then should I refuse?”
Zion responded casually, looking at Hanette.
Hanette pondered for a moment before furrowing her brow.
“Is there a way to handle this?”
“I’m thinking about it now.”
“Shouldn’t we go and think it over?”
“The king might offer other terms?”
“Yes, he knows we vowed our lives to each other. Appointing you as Setinos Quasar could be his way of negotiating.”
Zion nodded slightly, agreeing with her.
The king had never tried to induct him into the royal knights after abandoning him.
Mentioning the Setinos Quasar appointment now must have a reason.
“If I refuse, I can’t bring the 3rd Princess and Barhen?”
“You’ll need to negotiate well.”
“Becoming a Setinos Quasar will increase my workload.”
“Look at Cardinal Serenine.”
“There’s also the Silver Phantom and the Purple Divine Archer.”
“Want my opinion?”
“Tell me freely.”
“I don’t think the king will assign you specific tasks. He’ll call you if something urgent arises.”
“Hmm…”
Zion stared at the letter before slowly putting it back in the envelope.
Since the ruler of Alain Kingdom called him, he couldn’t ignore it.
Involving the 3rd Princess and Barhen gave enough reason to consider.
Moreover, becoming a Setinos Quasar would allow him to manage troops, which could be helpful.
“If the Setinos Quasar duties allow me to prioritize you, I might consider it.”
“…Do you think that’s realistic?”
“It’s our vow. The king permitting it wouldn’t be an insult.”
“But it’s unlikely he’ll allow it. You can’t be above the king just because you earned merit.”
“…Should I just refuse?”
“What about the 3rd Princess then?”
“I’ll have to think it over.”
“Will thinking lead to an answer?”
“It’s better than not thinking at all.”
“Sigh…”
Despite her displeased look, Hanette felt satisfied with his answer.
He was prioritizing her, no matter what.
She, too, planned to stay by Zion’s side, even if he became a Setinos Quasar.
“We can’t ask others about this, right?”
“Revealing the letter’s content would be an insult to the king. Even if we ask, would we get an answer?”
“Did the Setinos Quasars recommend you, leading to this?”
“They must have recommended me and discussed it with the officials.”
“There are only three likely candidates.”
“I can guess, but the other two must have agreed. If three recommended, it’s hard to refuse.”
White Apostle, Purple Divine Archer, and Silver Phantom.
All three had fought the Abyssal King as Setinos Quasars.
They likely pushed for this, convincing the remaining two.
“I think… you were also considered for recommendation.”
“You mean as a Setinos Quasar?”
“Yes.”
“Why recommend me?”
“You earned merits alongside me. But there might’ve been significant opposition.”
“…Why?”
“Because of the political marriage. Making both of us Setinos Quasars would seem like favoring our families. They likely deliberated and chose me.”
Zion understood why the king also mentioned Hanette.
While the vow was a reason, there were other considerations.
The king had once stirred the capital by appointing the Silver Phantom directly.
He valued talent, and Hanette was one, leading to the royal command.
“You stood out more than me. You killed the Abyssal King.”
“They chose my family over yours. Strengthening your family might not be desirable.”
“Your family is on our side. It shouldn’t change much.”
“It’s different. Boosting our family benefits yours a bit. But boosting yours strengthens Duke Adelaira’s power. This could unintentionally provoke the king and Duke Ternein.”
“Hmm…”
Hanette understood, nodding slightly.
Nobles align with the royal family while maintaining their wealth and power.
This creates a balance between Duke Adelaira’s and Duke Ternein’s factions, indirectly affecting other nobles.
So, the royal family, Duke Adelaira, and Duke Ternein have maintained an implicit power balance.
“But this isn’t a perfect solution. It still boosts your family.”
“We don’t have to distance ourselves from the king.”
“You’re right. The king wouldn’t want to fight the Duke. He might be using me as a compromise.”
“…Does this involve the 3rd Princess too?”
“Likely. As a Setinos Quasar, I could command direct royal orders.”
Holding the Setinos Quasar title brings authority.
Appointed by the king, they are the kingdom’s strongest warriors.
Even direct royal family members must follow their orders when the system is in place.
“So, becoming a Setinos Quasar is the best option?”
“It’s better. It might bring some hassles…”
“Where’s the hassle? You need to gather Magic Swords.”
“And Magic Sword users.”
“Don’t mess up because of me. Do what needs to be done.”
“……”
Zion hadn’t told Hanette about the Demon God and dragons.
Dealing with the Three Demon Kings and Four Calamities was already challenging; he didn’t want to add more worries.
Yet, Hanette understood its importance, urging him not to hesitate.
“Still, I can’t give up on you. I wouldn’t be here without you.”
“Same for me. I wouldn’t be here without you. I can’t…”
“You said you wouldn’t let me go. Let’s share this moment. I won’t let you go either.”
Hanette remembered her own words and closed her mouth.
With such a stance, she couldn’t argue further.
Continuing the conversation would stretch the day endlessly.
‘…I have to accept. He’s my partner.’
She had to support Zion’s decision.
She trusted him.
Even if his judgment was wrong, she would go with it.
‘Who else can I trust but you?’
Royal Palace, Royal Administration Hall.
Zion and Hanette entered the administration hall, surpassing the royal knights.
Brandish stood in the center, facing the two men and women.
Zion recognized the two figures from their backs.
“I greet Her Majesty, the pinnacle of Alain Kingdom, the ruler of the palace, and a creator of great achievements.”
“…You’ve arrived.”
As Zion and Hanette stood beside the two, Brandish looked on indifferently.
Seeing the pairs worried her.
They were too young for such burdens, and she had to send her child to the frontier.
Although it was voluntary, as a parent, she couldn’t help but worry.
“Did you read the letter I sent?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“I must hear your answer first. Do you intend to become a Setinos Quasar?”
Zion hesitated momentarily, and Hanette’s heart wavered slightly.
The two figures beside them didn’t move, merely listening.
“…Your Majesty mentioned the vow between my fiancée and me in the letter. With all due respect, I cannot break that vow.”
“I expected that. I knew you’d say that.”
Brandish smiled, turning to Hanette.
Despite her internal struggle, Hanette didn’t avoid her gaze.
“What about you? Do you share Zion Laird’s thoughts?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I vowed as well, so I must follow my fiancé’s wishes.”
“Unchanging as ever. How bold. Hahaha!”
Brandish laughed heartily, looking between them.
Despite the time since that day, their bond hadn’t wavered.
That’s why they established the knight order and defeated the Three Demon Kings and Four Calamities together.
“I’ve thought much. You’ve already refused a royal command. Refusing again would undermine my authority and pride.”
“…I apologize, Your Majesty.”
“But… a solution emerged. The officials opposed it, but the Setinos Quasar assisted me. All of them agreed to this. Isn’t that intriguing?”
“…I am grateful, Your Majesty.”
Zion could only repeat the same words.
Using the Setinos Quasar to persuade the officials because of him.
Brandish had put in considerable effort; refusing the solution might invite criticism.
“I promise on my name. Future queens won’t interfere with this command. If they wish to change it, they’ll have to dig up my grave.”
“…….”
The two figures beside them flinched, eyes widening.
No one could desecrate a former queen’s grave.
Doing so would overturn the entire Alain Kingdom.
This was an oath, a command for future queens to follow.
“I propose this. Become a Setinos Quasar and I’ll allow you to protect your fiancé against royal orders. Even if incidents occur, you won’t be punished. Isn’t this enough to accept my command?”