At first, he only intended to observe Zion for a short while, but soon he felt confident enough to entrust Hanette to him.
Though filled with regret and anxiety, trusting Zion helped calm his fears a bit.
If he wanted to completely eliminate these feelings, he needed to fully support Zion's endeavors.
“Are you saying we should trust Zion unconditionally?”
“…Do you think I’m wrong?”
“I don’t think you’re wrong. I just don’t want you to forget that Zion is still young.”
Yenid had also begun to trust Zion more than before.
After getting engaged to Zion, Hanette had become quite calm and even moved away from her melancholic state.
However, considering Zion was only 19 years old, it was likely he would make mistakes from time to time.
“Zion is mature for his age. He doesn’t let emotions control him and knows how to act. Still, do you find it hard to trust him?”
“I agree. He’s mature for his age, but he’s still 19. Sometimes it might be better if you or I step in.”
“…How long must I hold on to Hanette? It’s time to let go.”
“Sir, Hanette is still young too. She’s only three years older than Zion. She’s just starting to change…”
“Yenid, Zion achieved what we couldn’t. What more can we ask?”
“……”
Yenid lowered his gaze, lost for words.
Age was almost an excuse, and the results spoke for themselves.
Perhaps the real issue was his own lack of trust, not Zion's abilities.
“I planned to keep an eye on them after the wedding and intervene if necessary. But now, I don’t want to. Helping them is one thing, but I won’t be a hindrance.”
“So, if they want to live separately, will you allow it?”
“…If they wish, yes.”
By tradition, even after marriage, Hanette would have to stay in the mansion for several years.
Zion and Hanette would share a room, grow closer, and consider having children before thinking about moving out.
But Robbenz had decided not to cling to Hanette anymore, even willing to make concessions.
“What if they decide not to have children?”
“That would be unfortunate… but I’d allow it.”
“Do you really mean that?”
“Even if you oppose it, my decision won’t change. I’ve troubled Hanette enough. It’s time she has the freedom to choose.”
Robbenz took a sip, forgetting that his tears had dried up long ago.
He didn’t want to push Zion and Hanette for grandchildren.
Zion was just starting to make a name for himself, and Hanette was finally learning magic.
It was best for everyone to quietly support them.
“Sir, don’t you think they should have children? It might lead to bad rumors.”
“Rumors? What does that matter? We survived when Hanette was called the Crazy Young Lady. Can’t we handle this?”
“Still, for the sake of the family, they should have a child…”
“My daughter is finally showing promise. If luck is on her side, she might earn the title of mage. Should I stand in her way?”
“Sigh… Becoming a mage isn’t easy.”
“Yenid, do you know what people are saying about Zion?”
“There are many things. They call him a genius swordsman, praise the family bloodline, suggest strengthening ties with Marquis Laird…”
“Those are minor. I’ve heard whispers that he might become a Cetinos Quasar.”
“…What?”
Yenid knew well about the Cetinos Quasar.
A title held by only five people, the strongest knights in Alain Kingdom, with significant achievements, including the current King.
These were revered figures, admired for their prowess and ability to battle powerful beasts.
“Imagine Zion becomes a Cetinos Quasar. What would that mean for Hanette?”
“Hmm… People would say she has a great husband… but also compare her to him.”
“Titles and rank won’t matter then. They need to be at a similar level to help each other.”
“Oh… so Hanette needs to become a mage?”
“She needs to match Zion’s level. To ensure our family isn’t looked down upon, Hanette must excel.”
Robbenz, while considering Hanette, also kept the family’s honor in mind.
Even if Hanette distanced herself, she would still be part of the Adelaira family.
So, by entrusting Hanette to Zion, he was looking at a broader range of possibilities.
“…If that’s your decision, I will follow.”
“You must take good care of her. Without me, you’re the master of this mansion.”
“I'll try, but Hanette doesn’t always listen.”
“What’s the problem?”
“She doesn’t stop practicing magic. She’s always in the training yard, and she only listens when I go there.”
“Haha… she’s that dedicated.”
Robbenz laughed quietly, finishing his drink.
Though he still felt regret about Hanette, he was somewhat relieved.
Better now than later.
“Don’t worry too much. Zion is there.”
“…You talk as if you see him as your son.”
“If he’s my daughter’s husband, he’s like a son to me.”
Robbenz poured the last of the bottle into his glass, filling it to the brim.
Once he finished this glass, his feelings for Hanette would ease a bit.
Even if they didn’t, thinking about Zion might help.
“But… what if he doesn’t become a Cetinos Quasar?”
“Even if he doesn’t, his reputation will remain. That alone will open many doors.”
“So, Hanette will benefit from it?”
“If a swordsman and a mage are together, what is there to fear? If they protect each other, our families will prosper. I can only welcome it.”
Ribdad Magic Academy, Second Training Room.
Hanette was training as a student and member of the academy, under the guidance of a Cetinos Quasar.
Magic training focused on manifestation and control, with combat being a separate matter.
The academy aimed to study and apply magic in various forms, avoiding the use of magic to harm others.
However, with the existence of beasts and evildoers who used magic, they had to reluctantly use magic for defense.
‘…This is quite difficult.’
Hanette, dressed in a blue robe, was tirelessly practicing magic.
Walter and other members were teaching her, and she was trying to memorize and replicate their instructions.
But the principles were more complex than expected, and forming the magic was challenging.
Seeing many who were better than her felt both awe-inspiring and discouraging.
‘Even with this effort, some don’t become mages.’
Ribdad Magic Academy had a relatively high number of mages, considering its size and members.
Chosen by the Blue Sage, they quickly learned magic and earned the title of mage.
However, many failed the examinations, some undergoing periodic re-evaluations before eventually quitting in despair.
‘It’s going to be tough.’
Hanette turned her head slightly, meeting someone’s gaze.
Violet eyes were watching her intently.
She knew he had high expectations and couldn’t afford to say she wouldn’t become a mage in six months.
‘Typical of a child…’
Hanette sighed and resumed focusing her mana.
With a blue aura, a red flame began to form.
The flame split into several parts, then merged to surround Hanette’s body.
‘At this rate, she could manage it in six months… or even three.’
Zion confidently observed the surroundings.
Other members were also present, some teaching Hanette, while others watched her practice.
They were likely there to assess her skills, having heard rumors.
‘I can see it clearly.’
Zion had visited other training rooms to gauge the average level.
Not many could manifest magic as well as Hanette, except those with the mage title.
With enough time, Hanette could quickly become a mage.
‘If only she had started learning magic earlier…’
Zion felt regret, shaking his head.
She could have earned the mage title around adulthood.
She might even become an archmage before her thirties.
‘No, there’s still hope. There’s the Magic Sword.’
Using the Magic Sword didn’t directly increase the user’s level.
It boosted magic power, casting speed, and stability, aiding the user.
If Hanette understood how to harness the Magic Sword’s power, she could become much stronger.
‘A knight order with a swordsman and a mage… it sounds perfect…’
“Are you bored?”
“If protecting my fiancée is boring, then I shouldn’t marry.”
“Haha… I misspoke. You’re right.”
Walter approached Zion with a relaxed smile.
As the academy head, Walter had many responsibilities and couldn’t always teach the members.
He would give advice or demonstrations when time allowed.
But even his teachings were akin to those from a Cetinos Quasar, and members humbly accepted them.
“Why not learn mana augmentation? As you can see, there’s no danger to Hanette. I’d have sensed it if there were.”
“Thank you, but I’ll continue to guard my fiancée. I’m here to protect her, not to learn magic.”
“…I see. It seems I misspoke again.”
Walter smiled and turned his gaze to Hanette.
Zion’s mindset was admirable, and his talent was exceptional.
Some members likely sensed faint mana from Zion.
‘He stopped mana augmentation as soon as I arrived.’
Walter was sensitive to mana changes and quickly noticed.
Zion, while enhancing his mana, never took his eyes off Hanette.
Despite the heat, he stood firm, guarding his fiancée without breaking a sweat, likely controlling the intensity.
‘Such talent… he could have become a mage if he learned magic…’