Of course, having the same conditions didn't guarantee equal outcomes.
The head of the Logos Magic Society and a mage with the title of Setinos Quasar.
Comparing the two, the latter was clearly more advantageous.
“You do acknowledge the head of the society’s skills.”
“You can’t disregard the headquarters’ head. They are still a Grand Mage.”
Walter, too, as the head of his society, had a keen eye for evaluating mages.
Moreover, his society’s policy of only admitting talented individuals made the standards even higher.
However, the headquarters' heads were deeply knowledgeable in magic and had spent years researching it, so their experience and pride were to be respected.
“Still, being the daughter of a Duke, she might set conditions.”
“What kind of conditions could they possibly set?”
“Do you think they won’t set any because they’re a Duke’s family?”
“Exactly. What could a Duke’s family lack? The conditions would likely be related to the daughter.”
There were only two Duke titles, the most powerful among the nobles.
Even the royal family and the direct royal line didn’t take the two Dukes lightly.
Their vaults were filled with banknotes issued by the royal palace, and countless servants and soldiers served them devotedly.
A daughter raised in such an environment wouldn’t lack for anything and might even demand more.
“They might ask for escort privileges. Recently, the Duke’s daughter was attacked by thugs, and previously by bandits.”
“…I heard her fiancé stepped in both times.”
“Yes, the youngest son of Marquis Laird.”
“A swordsman who uses swordsmanship at 19?”
“Yes, and there’s a rumor he might join the royal knights.”
The story was well-known among mages, so it couldn’t be missed.
Given the fame of the Duke’s Crazy Young Lady and the Marquis’s genius swordsman, it piqued the interest of many, including nobles.
But Walter had questions beyond that.
“…I heard the Duke’s daughter did nothing.”
“Yes, she was in a position to be protected and couldn’t do anything.”
“It’s strange. Why couldn’t she do anything?”
“What do you mean by that?”
“If she has the talent to become a Grand Mage in a year, she could have used magic. Why didn’t she fight back?”
“……?”
The society mage, though puzzled, began to understand Walter’s point.
Given the results, Walter’s opinion wasn’t entirely wrong.
But talent could be innate or developed later, so various possibilities had to be considered.
“Maybe the shock awakened her magic?”
“We shouldn’t rely on coincidences. In general terms, it’s uncommon, isn’t it?”
“That’s true.”
“But… it could be a coincidence and talent.”
Walter tapped his fingers on the desk, smiling.
Finding new talent after so long was quite exciting.
While she might not meet expectations, the fact that she piqued his curiosity made it worth the time.
‘So she uses fire magic.’
Usually, after learning magic, one’s innate attribute became dominant.
Using multiple attributes required innate talent.
Walter had a rare talent, being able to use all attributes.
‘It shouldn’t be hard. I can use fire magic too…’
Walter Rivdad was the only mage in Alain Kingdom who could implement all attributes.
He awakened his magic from a young age and earned the title of Grand Mage easily upon reaching adulthood.
His unrivaled talent and battlefield achievements earned him the title of Setinos Quasar.
‘I hope she meets my expectations…’
In the indoor training hall of Duke Adelaira’s mansion.
This place was rarely used, and the family members paid it no mind.
No one practiced martial arts, nor did they learn magic.
But recently, two individuals frequented the hall daily, covering one side with their sweat.
‘…Is this how it’s done?’
Zion cautiously moved his foot, slowly stepping forward.
The mana in his legs moved irregularly with each contraction and relaxation of his muscles.
The book described it briefly, but maintaining this state required significant concentration.
‘Something feels off.’
Zion withdrew his mana and took a deep breath.
The book handed over by the silver rogue recorded this footwork technique.
The description claimed it increased the speed of movement and completely silenced footsteps.
However, trying it himself, Zion found it wasted mana and only increased his fatigue.
‘It’s not fake…’
After meeting the silver rogue, Zion received a letter.
Delivered by a royal messenger, the letter bore the king’s seal and brief contents.
It confirmed the person he met was indeed the silver rogue and the book contained techniques of secret arts.
Since it was a royal letter, Zion had no choice but to believe it.
‘This is harder than swordsmanship or enhancing mana…’
“What are you doing to sweat so much?”
Hanette, who had just extinguished the flames surrounding her, approached slowly.
Since Robbenz’s permission, she had diligently practiced magic daily.
She was so passionate she drenched herself in sweat and depleted her mana completely.
This led Yenid to set usage times for the training hall and ensure Hanette rested properly.
“It’s hard for me, so it takes a lot of effort.”
“Is there something hard for you?”
“Sister, just because I use swordsmanship doesn’t mean I’m good at everything.”
“You’ll be good at it eventually. You’re amazing, after all.”
“Why do you think I’m amazing?”
“Should I list things other than swordsmanship? First, um… you’ve been acknowledged by the Duke, haven’t you?”
“That’s because of swordsmanship…”
“Swordsmanship is a way to get noticed, not a way to gain recognition. Other swordsmen use swordsmanship, but the Duke doesn’t acknowledge them, does he?”
“…….”
With no room for argument, Zion stayed silent.
Indeed, Robbenz had accepted Zion’s swordsmanship positively, but he trusted Zion for his determination to protect Hanette in dangerous times.
“Second, your siblings are too outstanding.”
“Why bring up siblings now?”
“Because they’re outstanding, you are too. You’re actually outstanding.”
“That’s a bit of a stretch, isn’t it?”
“Think what you want. To me, my thoughts are always right. It doesn’t matter if you disagree.”
Zion chuckled, wiping his sweat with a towel.
She wasn’t entirely wrong.
His eldest brother, Barhen Laird, mastered swordsmanship and joined the royal knights, while his second brother, Kaltz Laird, served as a royal administrator.
Marrying Hanette alone was fulfilling his role, but mastering swordsmanship and continuously improving added to his value.
“Third, you’re doing well. You made significant contributions in dealing with those people, didn’t you?”
“It’s not a big deal…”
“See, exceptional people always achieve good results.”
“You’re complimenting me, right?”
“Does it sound like an insult?”
“‘Outstanding’ doesn’t sound good.”
“Should I say you’re amazing, cool, and wise?”
“…Just stick to what you’re saying.”
Despite being baffled, Zion smiled.
It was a simple joke, and they could both take it in stride.
Moreover, Hanette’s tone had softened considerably, and she laughed more often, indicating she was enjoying herself.
‘I knew sending her to the magic society was the right choice.’
Hanette had been curious about magic since childhood and had now been recognized by society-affiliated mages for her talent.
When the head of the society offered to take Hanette as a direct disciple, Zion was understandably surprised.
They wouldn’t make such an offer without confidence in turning her into a Grand Mage.
‘This opens up other possibilities.’
She didn’t have to be tied to the Logos Magic Society.
Other places could teach fire magic.
Zion had suggested Hanette wait a bit to see if other opportunities arose.
‘If she’s to learn, it should be from the best.’
Zion was waiting for another magic society to approach Hanette.
If they didn’t, he planned to leverage the Duke’s authority to visit them himself.
The opportunity was valuable, and it would benefit Hanette.
‘If she learns from the Blue Sage, she can become a Grand Mage.’
Zion aimed for Hanette to grow stronger and gain appropriate fame.
Becoming stronger and earning the title of Grand Mage.
If both were achieved, they could form a knight order together.
‘I must also work hard. I can’t fall behind Hanette.’
Zion was training diligently to become a knight commander.
Mastering swordsmanship at Barhen’s level, using swordsmanship continuously, and pushing Exceed Rain’s abilities to their limits.
Without achieving this, he could never catch up to the protagonist.
‘I must see it through within a year. For both Hanette and myself.’
In the drawing room of Duke Adelaira’s mansion.
Walter, along with society mages, visited Duke Adelaira.
He had already received the Duke’s permission and had personally evaluated Hanette’s level in the indoor training hall.
The society mages recognized Hanette’s talent on the spot, and Walter remained silent until entering the drawing room.
“…Hanette, you heard the head of the Logos Society wants to take you as a disciple?”
“Yes, I said I’d think about it.”
“Do you plan to become the head’s disciple?”
“Hmm… I’m not sure.”
Hanette, aware of Zion’s presence, answered cautiously.
She had already discussed this with Zion and considered their response.
If Walter offered to take her as a disciple, she had a prepared answer.
“The head of Logos was right. You have the talent to become a Grand Mage. He said it would take a year, but I can have you ready for the exam in six months. How about becoming Setinos Quasar’s disciple?”
Upon hearing this, Hanette glanced at Zion.
Zion nodded slightly, indicating she should proceed as planned.
“Becoming Setinos Quasar’s disciple is a great honor, and I can pursue higher realms. However…”
“……?”
Walter realized the moment had come and sharpened his gaze.
But Hanette’s response was unexpected.
“I can’t decide on my own right now. As you know, I got engaged a few months ago. I need my fiancé’s permission. Is that okay?”