“That’s because…”
Zion hesitated, searching for an excuse. Although things seemed calm now, it wasn’t the right time for a wedding. They needed to stay alert for any movements from the Slime Dragon and the Demon God. If they got married now, an urgent situation might arise and ruin everything.
“We’ve decided to postpone it because of some important matters,” Hanette said calmly, stepping in to answer for Zion. Only four people knew about the potential revival of the Demon God and the dragons: herself, Zion, the White Apostle, and the Queen. They decided to keep it a secret until they had more concrete information.
“By important matters, you mean the Four Calamities, right?” Yuter asked.
“Yes, lately, there have been more frequent attacks from the beasts. The Ocean King even attacked the capital. It’s better to delay the wedding to prepare for these threats.”
Rumors of the Abyssal King and Ocean King being defeated had spread throughout Alain Kingdom, but the news about the Immortal King’s demise was not known. Zion had only made a guess, and only those involved were aware. They aimed to respond firmly as they approached the final stages of eradicating their enemies.
“I hadn’t thought of that. I must apologize again.”
Yuter bowed slightly, sincerely apologizing. He had assumed there were personal reasons for Zion and Hanette not getting married. But hearing that they postponed it due to the Four Calamities made him feel a profound respect. Protecting Alain Kingdom and fighting the beasts wasn’t something just anyone could do.
‘They must be aligning with the Black Knight,’ Yuter thought. Zion had been granted the title of Setinos Quasar after defeating the Three Demon Kings and the Four Calamities. Even now, he was likely giving his all to eliminate them, with Hanette supporting him as part of the knightly order. Respecting her fiancé’s wishes, she acted as his partner and supporter.
‘That’s why he became Setinos Quasar.’
Yuter believed that what set Zion apart was his exceptional skill with the Magic Sword. However, Zion’s preparation and commitment to battle were also extraordinary. While Yuter sought the title of Setinos Quasar to gain fame like the Queen, Zion and Hanette focused on defeating their enemies.
‘…They have no greed.’
Wanting rewards for achievements and creating achievements themselves were different. While it wasn’t wrong to seek rewards, viewing achievements as mere steps could diminish their value. Zion and Hanette aimed to contribute to their own honor and the kingdom, making them deserving of respect.
‘Barhen was right. Not everyone can do this.’
Even if one wanted to achieve great things, they needed the power to back it up. Without the determination to risk their life, even power wouldn’t suffice. How far were Zion and Hanette willing to go to fight the beasts?
‘Compared to them, I’m too selfish.’
Yuter had thought only of gaining fame as Setinos Quasar. He also hoped to be chosen as the heir to the throne, using Zion to increase his chances. Driven by ambition, he saw only the benefits.
‘But it’s not wrong. I can’t achieve it otherwise.’
Being a direct royal and Barhen’s fiancé, Yuter could leverage Zion’s support to be chosen as heir. Once he became King, he could offer Zion greater rewards, and the Marquis Laird family would flourish.
‘This is my way.’
Gaining power meant rising higher, but it also involved dirty deeds. Holding the throne gave ultimate power, but maintaining it and passing it down wasn’t easy. Balancing alliances and policies to ensure the welfare of many required constant effort.
‘As King, I’ll achieve great things.’
His mother, Brandish Setve Enderoden, had become Setinos Quasar for her achievements. She then gained the right to the throne and ascended smoothly. Yuter aimed to follow her path, but after some setbacks, he decided to focus on claiming the throne first.
‘For that, I need those two…’
“Anyone would be curious. It’s been quite some time since your engagement,” Yuter said.
“Thank you for understanding. If it seemed like we didn’t get along, you wouldn’t ask such questions. Seeing us care for each other but not marry sparks curiosity,” Hanette responded, smiling faintly and sipping her tea. Others, not just Yuter, might ask similar questions. If there were ulterior motives, they needed to consider them seriously.
‘Do they think our engagement might break?’
A long engagement without marriage might suggest deliberate delay, hinting at discord between the couple or their families. This could lead to assumptions about a possible breakup and the deterioration of the families' relationship.
‘Or maybe they want to bring our family to their side through Zion…’
Her father might have seen this possibility. When Hanette and Zion got engaged, rumors circulated about Barhen joining the royal knights. This could lead to a political marriage with a royal, increasing power and influence.
‘The third princess stands to gain much.’
Zion’s connection with Barhen indirectly tied him to Yuter. The arranged marriage between Marquis Laird and the royal family cemented this link. With Hanette following Zion, Duke Adelaira's family was inevitably involved.
‘The third princess wants the throne, and our family wants to expand.’
Their presence could help achieve each other’s goals. Despite Marquis Laird's involvement, skillful mediation could yield significant benefits. Thus, collaboration would lead to mutually favorable outcomes.
‘If the third princess becomes queen, Zion and I might benefit…’
“At this rate, Barhen and I might marry first,” Yuter remarked.
“…?”
Barhen’s expression stiffened at Yuter’s comment. The palace hadn’t discussed their marriage yet. While it was expected to conclude within the year, the recent invasion by the Ocean King might delay it.
“Your situation is different. Marrying early might be better. Royal bloodlines must always continue, right?”
“…That shouldn’t be. Knights can’t neglect their duties,” Zion said, understanding Yuter’s implication. He must be referring to the texts from the seven Magic Swords, acknowledging the importance of cooperation.
“Thank you for saying so.”
“I must do my best. I may never return to the battlefield.”
Yuter knew his fate as a direct royal. The Queen had permitted him, but other royals and officials would later oppose it. Proving his skill would have made it easier, but now he needed to join the Lychness Knights to participate in battles.
‘I’ll do what I can.’
He hadn’t given up becoming Setinos Quasar, just postponed it. He would claim the title even after taking the throne.
‘I have a Magic Sword. I can do it.’
Ryvdad Magic Academy, Training Room 1.
Hanette visited the academy to seek advice from the Blue Sage. He kindly agreed and arranged a time to meet in Training Room 1. He wanted to personally assess her situation as there were no immediate answers.
“Hanette, many wizards face similar challenges. I am one of them,” Walter said, understanding her feelings.
“I know. But I must become stronger.”
Sensing her determination, Walter gauged Hanette’s magic. Her power had increased and was refined. Despite reaching such heights, why was she so urgent?
“Is it because of the Black Knight?”
“Yes, I can’t keep up.”
“…I heard you almost died fighting the Abyssal King.”
Walter raised his magic, his gaze sharpening. Hanette aimed to match her fiancé’s level. She followed her pure emotions, driven by her heart.
“Show me your strongest magic. Can you?”
“…Can the training room handle it?”
“Don’t underestimate a Setinos Quasar. If I can’t handle it, I don’t deserve the title of Blue Sage.”
Slightly startled, Hanette nodded and released her magic. Blue currents surged, transforming into widespread flames. Impressed, Walter quickly conjured ice.
‘She’s fast. Very fast.’
Walter was intrigued, observing Hanette’s flames. She had left the academy less than a year ago yet wielded formidable fire magic. Her talent was exceptional, and her growth exceeded expectations.
‘If I push harder…’
Walter intensified the cold, enveloping the flames. Her power was impressive but futile against him. No one had surpassed him since he began learning magic.
‘A weakness should appear…’
Suddenly, Walter sensed something else from Hanette. It was impossible.
‘One person can’t have two sources of magic!’