Hanette couldn't learn magic because Robbenz and Yenid were strongly against it.
This caused Hanette to stray off course from a young age, eventually leading her to run away with the protagonist.
Now that Hanette had stayed at the mansion, Zion had to forcefully change this path.
‘I think he’ll listen to me…’
Robbenz had been supportive since that day, providing resources and soldiers when Zion decided to hunt down the rebels.
While he probably hoped for a smooth wedding, he also trusted Zion's abilities and actions.
If Zion mentioned the marriage and took responsibility, he could probably get permission.
‘If not, I’ll have to teach her in secret.’
Zion had plenty of funds, and nobles indulging in luxuries weren’t seen as wrong.
He could buy books related to magic or arrange for training at different magic academies under the pretext of gaining various experiences.
By secretly helping Hanette while traveling, Robbenz might not notice.
‘The wedding needs to be postponed…’
The engagement period was set for six months, and over three months had already passed.
This meant they had only three more months before the wedding would inevitably happen.
However, time was too short, and the foundation wasn't properly laid, making caution necessary.
‘Marriage will bring many complications.’
For now, with just the engagement, they maintained a suitable distance.
But after marriage, things would become awkward, and plans could be disrupted.
Freed and Robbenz might exert pressure, and Zion might never leave the capital.
‘At best, I can delay it by a year… but no more than that.’
There were many reasons Zion could use to delay the wedding.
Training his sword skills, increasing his magic power, becoming a knight to earn renown, or building a house for him and Hanette on a good piece of land.
If Hanette learned magic and showed potential, that could also be a valid reason.
‘Or I could propose forming a knight order.’
Zion hadn’t planned to form a knight order initially.
His goal was to live his own life, not to expand his responsibilities unnecessarily.
However, unexpected events had occurred, and he needed a contingency plan while observing the protagonist’s actions.
‘If I become the commander, and Hanette becomes the vice-commander…’
The number and skill of the members could be considered later.
The primary need was conditions and an environment that allowed for postponing the wedding.
Hanette, if she became stronger, could handle the vice-commander duties.
‘Even a two-person knight order can achieve a lot.’
Comprising a Marquis's child and a Duke's daughter, receiving full support from both families.
Other knight orders or mercenary groups would be at a disadvantage in terms of background, and even Alain Kingdom’s soldiers wouldn’t treat them lightly.
They might frequently travel to border areas, encountering the protagonist’s knight order.
‘If we act wisely, it won’t be dangerous… and we might even gain achievements.’
Establishing an independent base would grant some freedom from family or surrounding powers.
Hanette would also gain freedom, shedding the Crazy Young Lady stigma.
Zion could achieve his personal goals while observing the protagonist.
‘If Hanette agrees, we should proceed.’
In the Head's Room of Duke Adelaira's mansion.
Robbenz chose his room, not the drawing-room, to drink with Freed.
They were almost family due to the engagement and belonged to the same faction, so Robbenz wanted to show special hospitality.
Especially since Zion had shown great initiative and success, this was a moment to celebrate his achievements.
“You did well. Thanks to you, things went smoothly.”
“No, I just followed Duke’s orders.”
“I did as your son requested. So, you deserve the credit.”
Robbenz, immensely satisfied, downed his drink in one go.
Who would have thought they could wipe out all the rebel hideouts in just two days?
Even the strict capital guard captain acknowledged Zion and the soldiers' accomplishments, making Robbenz even happier.
“Ah, don’t feel bad. He came to me first out of consideration for our relationship.”
“It’s fine. Since he's staying at Duke Adelaira’s place, it’s right to seek Duke’s permission first.”
“The results were good, so it’s all fine. You have a remarkable son.”
“You flatter me.”
Freed smiled slightly, taking a sip.
Even he found it hard to believe when he first received the report.
Combining the soldiers of two families, how could they finish everything in just two days?
“…Since it’s just us, let’s talk about something.”
“Is it important?”
“Hmm… no need to beat around the bush. I want to advance the wedding. What do you think?”
Robbenz had observed Zion and Hanette and pondered a lot.
Zion cherished Hanette deeply, and Hanette had changed significantly because of Zion.
Their special bond seemed to warrant this result.
“Do you think they are getting along well?”
“I’m sure of it. They seem to like each other.”
“…Have you confirmed their thoughts?”
“No, I haven’t asked them yet. They might be too shy to admit it.”
Freed didn’t oppose the idea.
Zion had shown remarkable growth after meeting Hanette, and Hanette had become much calmer.
While they could marry them off now, other factors had to be considered.
“Duke, Zion is showing progress. Rushing the wedding might negatively affect him.”
“You have a point. I’ve thought about that too.”
“And they might have their thoughts. Rushing them into marriage might harm their relationship.”
“…That’s true.”
“I think we should stick to the engagement period as agreed. If they express a desire to marry sooner, we can advance the date then.”
Freed wanted to consider Zion and Hanette’s feelings.
He himself had married quickly, but Zion didn’t need to follow the same path.
Even in an arranged marriage, their happiness was most important.
“You’re right. I shouldn’t obstruct someone doing well.”
“Thank you for understanding.”
“Since we’re on the topic, may I ask one more thing?”
“Of course, go ahead.”
Robbenz reached for the bottle, but Freed took it first and poured for him.
After a moment’s hesitation, Robbenz took his drink.
“…Your son suggested teaching Hanette magic. What do you think?”
“Zion really said that?”
“Why would I lie about that?”
Robbenz was quite surprised when Zion mentioned it.
He had long prevented Hanette from learning magic, recently regretting that decision.
Zion must have had a good reason to suggest it.
“What do you think? Should I heed your son’s words?”
“Let me ask first. Does Hanette have a talent for magic?”
“…She does. People often said so when she was young.”
“So, you’ve prevented her from learning magic until now?”
“I’ve kept her from it for 22 years.”
“I think Zion figured that out.”
“Probably. So, I’m wondering what to do.”
Freed paused, finishing his drink.
Maybe Zion acted for Hanette's sake, seeing some potential in her.
“To be honest, Duke, from your perspective, it’s right to continue as you have.”
“…….”
“But from Zion’s perspective, it’s different. If his partner has talent, he can’t ignore it. That’s why he mentioned it to you.”
“Indeed. What would you do?”
“If I were you… I’d trust Zion. Not just because he’s my son. He’s proven himself and cares for Hanette as his partner. If you trust Zion, why not entrust Hanette to him?”
“…….”
Robbenz remained silent, repeatedly filling and emptying his glass.
Letting things be felt wrong, but granting permission also brought unease.
Yet, one thought remained unchanged.
“Hanette is no longer under my care. She belongs to your son now. So, I should trust him.”
“Duke, Hanette still stays at this mansion. Even if she leaves, she’ll always be your daughter.”
“Hanette may be my daughter… but she doesn’t see me as her father. She sees me as Duke Adelaira.”
“No matter what, the bond between parent and child doesn’t disappear. She knows she’s part of Duke Adelaira’s family.”
Robbenz smiled bitterly, putting down his glass.
He didn’t want to pretend to be a caring father now.
He would quietly watch Hanette’s transformation.
“Who knows, my daughter might become a renowned magician. When that happens, I’ll be glad I chose the right son-in-law.”
At the headquarters of the Logos Magic Society in Alain Kingdom’s capital.
The Logos Magic Society pursued the study and application of fire magic.
It was a place every fire mage had to pass through, providing a conducive environment for learning basic and advanced magic.
However, without money, one couldn’t even get the chance to learn magic. With sufficient payment, one could receive one-on-one training from a skilled magician.
“Um… can you try forming it into a dot?”
“Like this?”
“Oh, wow…”
The society’s mage couldn’t take his eyes off Hanette, constantly impressed.
Hanette followed the instructions, using magic with a composed expression.
“Next, try forming a line… oh, you’ve already done it.”
“What’s next?”
“A plane shape… you’re really fast.”
Hanette executed the magic steps effortlessly.
She had learned on her own, naturally mastering it over time.
Though the society mage praised her, it seemed trivial to her.
“Now, a three-dimensional shape… no, wait a moment. I need to check something different.”
The society mage, realizing her talent, hurriedly ran off.
Hanette dispelled the magic, turning her gaze to Zion.
Zion chuckled, approaching her.
‘She’s almost learned everything. She’ll soon sync with the Magic Sword.’