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?”
“……?”
“…….”
Zion was both bewildered and intrigued by the proposal.
Hanette felt a sense of unease, sensing something was off.
“Are you surprised? I understand. It’s rare to issue a royal command that extends to future generations. That’s why I’ve thought about it so much.”
Brandish took a slow step, observing the two.
Her eyes were now clear, reflecting her deep contemplation.
She knew it would have been awkward if they refused this offer, but she hoped she could at least give them time to consider.
“What do you think my intention was in agreeing to this proposal?”
“Your Majesty, I would not presume to understand your thoughts,” Zion replied carefully, maintaining his respect.
He truly couldn’t fathom what Brandish had been thinking when she made this decision.
In essence, Brandish was compromising her royal dignity for Zion and Hanette.
“…You once told me that I was human. So, I looked at you with a human’s heart. There was a time when I, too, was as bold as you.”
Brandish’s eyes grew distant as she recalled her past.
She didn’t want to be confined to the palace, treated merely as a princess.
She trained hard, seeking recognition and a chance to go to the battlefield.
Eventually, she earned the former queen’s permission, cutting down many beasts and reaching great heights.
“On the other hand, I also thought this: I can’t easily leave the palace. Shouldn’t I have a swordsman who can act in my stead?”
Zion listened quietly, suppressed by tension.
Brandish didn’t earn the title of the Golden Sword Saint merely by being queen.
She was the strongest swordsman in Alain Kingdom, with incomparable achievements.
If she designated a successor, it meant she valued that person’s skill highly.
“Your Majesty stands firm over this nation. Who could dare to replace you?”
Yuter broke the silence, meeting Brandish’s gaze.
She wasn’t demeaning Zion or the Marquis Laird family.
She simply adhered to the tradition that the queen must come first in all matters.
“Why do you think I intend to entrust you to Zion Laird? It’s because I know his prowess has reached great heights. However, Zion Laird has other responsibilities and cannot always protect you. That’s why Barhen Laird will accompany you.”
Brandish answered calmly, having already explained everything to Yuter and Barhen.
Entrusting a direct royal family member to someone outside required utmost trust.
Zion and Barhen, being brothers, would hopefully look out for each other.
“…Once you become a Setinos Quasar, I want you to induct the 3rd Princess and her fiancé into the Lychness Knights. If you need anything, ask. I will grant whatever is within my power.”
The Lychness Knights, bearing the names of Duke and Marquis, had proven their worth by defeating powerful beasts.
However, they had no ties to the royal family and focused on beast extermination rather than VIP protection.
Thus, royal family members weren’t typically inducted, and participation in battles was restricted.
The title of Setinos Quasar would resolve these issues, persuading Zion Laird to accept.
‘…Is she offering too much?’
Despite his contemplation, Zion grew suspicious.
It seemed as if Brandish would go to any lengths to make him a Setinos Quasar.
Entrusting the 3rd Princess suggested a hidden agenda.
“Let me tell you something interesting. Each Setinos Quasar had their reasons for recommending you. I’ve already shared mine, so I’ll skip that. The White Apostle said you risked your life for your comrades and soldiers. The Purple Divine Archer added that without you, they might have perished to the Abyssal King.”
Brandish continued, recalling the meeting.
Zion listened intently, head lowered.
“The Blue Knight said you taught them that emotions shouldn’t be restrained but followed. Lastly, the Silver Phantom… gave a very concise response. Hah!”
Yuter noticed a subtle change in Brandish’s laughter.
Unlike before, it carried a different nuance.
What emotions were behind that smile?
“He asked if they’d seen him come to the palace. When the officials said no, he asked them to think about what that meant. When they couldn’t figure it out, he said he came to ensure this proposal passed. Then he told them to agree quickly. The officials were so flustered… Haha!”
Brandish laughed heartily, tilting her head back.
Zion realized the relationship between Brandish and Caden had changed.
The old Brandish wouldn’t have mentioned the Silver Phantom.
“Do you now understand what you’ve done?”
“…I only fought alongside the Setinos Quasar. I’m grateful for their recognition.”
“All the Setinos Quasars moved for you. It was also for your fiancée. Considering their dedication, I hope you’ll accept the royal command.”
Brandish’s expression turned serious.
She had been refused once before and wasn’t expecting much.
She was merely offering different terms to persuade Zion.
If treated this well, Zion might be swayed.
“Your Majesty, could you grant us some time to consider?”
Brandish was sure of her answer.
Unlike before, Zion wasn’t ready to make an immediate decision.
This meant he was considering the offer and wanted to discuss it with Hanette.
“How much time do you need?”
“A week should be sufficient, Your Majesty.”
“…Return to the palace at the same time in a week. I’ll be waiting.”
“I will obey your command.”
Zion bowed politely and turned away.
Hanette followed, leaving the administration hall.
“Barhen Laird.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Are you ashamed to be under your brother? If you wish to change your mind, I won’t stop you.”
Brandish had already received confirmation from Yuter and Barhen before summoning Zion.
However, Barhen might have reluctantly agreed, so she asked again to gauge his feelings.
“…Before joining the royal knights, I might have been ashamed and avoided my brother. But not now.”
“Why not?”
“Because my brother is stronger than me. As a swordsman, I mustn’t be bound by age or lineage.”
Barhen no longer wanted to cling to pride or stubbornness in front of Zion.
He had learned from Zion and Hanette, joined the royal knights, and even learned swordsmanship.
Eventually, he became engaged to Yuter, connecting with the royal family.
If he grew too ambitious, it might harm not only him but also his family.
“I’m not making you your brother’s subordinate. You must protect the 3rd Princess yourself.”
“You’re right, Your Majesty. I can’t let the 3rd Princess go alone.”
“I trust you, which is why I’m sending the 3rd Princess. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Brandish felt both relieved and somewhat regretful.
She wanted to go to the battlefield herself but was instead sending the 3rd Princess and her fiancé.
When could she wield her sword and achieve her goals?
‘Now, the foundation must be laid.’
If Zion Laird paved the way, Brandish and the Setinos Quasar could finish it.
Having fought the Three Demon Kings and Four Calamities, Zion could be trusted.
Hence, she intended to appoint Zion as Setinos Quasar and make him the vanguard.
‘If he needs his fiancée, I’ll step back.’
Since the founding of Alain Kingdom, only Zion Laird had defeated the Three Demon Kings and Four Calamities.
Hanette Adelaira and the Setinos Quasars helped, but Zion’s leadership proved his skill.
If he needed his fiancée to use his full strength, Brandish would honor that even with a vow.
‘I’ll wait for the time I must step forward.’
Duke Adelaira’s mansion, Zion’s room.
Zion lay on his bed, contemplating the king’s proposal.
Three days had passed, yet he couldn’t decide.
Choosing one meant abandoning the other.
‘The conditions are good, but it’s the king we’re dealing with.’
Negotiations only work when both parties have equal status and terms.
Though the king had conceded much now, he might change his stance later.
Complaining then could lead to backlash and retribution.
‘But with Duke Adelaira involved, that seems unlikely.’
If the king broke the vow, Duke Adelaira and the Marquis would intervene.
They were still bound to their respective families.
If the king violated the vow, the two families wouldn’t stand idly by.
‘If I receive an order and can’t protect Hanette…’
“Still thinking?”
“We have four days left, so I’ll keep thinking.”
“You won’t lose anything, so why worry?”
“I don’t know what will happen.”
“…Why always worry first? Do you think the king will break his promise?”
“A situation might arise where he has to.”
“So you’re worried I might get hurt?”
“We’ll be fighting strong enemies. We could get hurt anytime…”
“Then should we run away together? Live in a place where no one knows us?”
Zion hesitated at her words, unable to respond.
Both he and Hanette knew that wasn’t an option.
Hanette knew this too, so why did she say it?
“…We know we can’t do that, right? We came this far because of our beliefs. We must see it through.”
“Sis.”
Zion reached out and grasped Hanette’s shoulder.
Hanette flinched but didn’t resist.
“What should I do? Can you tell me?”
“Will you do what I say?”
“I’ll follow your lead this time.”
“I know what I’ll say.”
“I’ll still follow. You’re involved too.”
“Are you sure you won’t regret it?”
“…No.”
“Haha! What kind of answer is that?”
Hanette laughed and leaned closer to Zion.
She whispered slowly into his ear.
“Let’s see this through together. After it’s over, let’s get married.”