Any endeavor requires a strong foundation for a smooth start.
Though one can begin without it, problems are sure to arise later.
A solid foundation allows one to predict the process and the outcome.
‘Enhancing mana is not easy, even for a swordsman.’
While a swordsman’s physical training gives them superior strength and stamina compared to a mage, this doesn’t mean they can handle mana enhancement better.
When it comes to the application of mana, a swordsman can't match a mage.
‘But Zion Laird…’
Only a skilled mage could endure the heat generated by mana enhancement.
Focusing too much on mana enhancement could lead to injury, so it needed to be stopped at a certain point.
However, Zion Laird handled it effortlessly, without showing any signs of strain.
‘If someone has such a solid foundation, they can become a mage.’
Many people forget their foundation after learning advanced techniques.
Since the foundation is built into the learning process, the body and mind adapt to it.
But without a foundation, one cannot reach higher levels and may face difficulties and mistakes.
‘It might take time, but anything is achievable.’
Innate talent, a wealthy environment, unique conditions, passion for magic, and a continuous effort.
These factors shape numerous paths, leading to various outcomes.
Some will quickly reach high levels, while others might never get there.
But those who continue to hone their basics will eventually achieve their goals.
‘If Zion can withstand mana enhancement, he has the potential.’
However, he wasn’t yet ready to be taken as a disciple of the Cetinos Quasar.
He hadn’t deeply studied mana control or mastered elemental magic.
If Zion showed interest in magic and proved his capability, things might be different.
‘It’s a bit late to suggest it now.’
Zion Laird was already on the path of a swordsman.
His use of mana was tailored to a swordsman’s needs, and it couldn’t be changed easily.
Suggesting a change could lead to disastrous results.
‘He uses swordsmanship, so it's best to let him continue.’
In all his life, he had never heard of a swordsman using swordsmanship at 19.
He learned it faster than the current king, showcasing rare talent.
Therefore, people speculated that Zion Laird could become a Cetinos Quasar.
“Zion, do you remember the promise you made with me?”
“…We agreed that if my fiancée becomes a mage within six months, you would support her.”
“What if nine months pass and she still doesn’t earn the mage title?”
“She will achieve it within six months.”
“Are you certain?”
“Yes, my fiancée has that ability.”
Zion answered calmly, turning his gaze to Hanette.
Though he didn’t know much about magic, he knew enough to trust her potential.
Hanette would become a mage within six months, proving his faith right.
“Why are you so confident?”
“Is there a need for a reason to believe in my fiancée?”
“Indeed… I see I was wrong to doubt.”
Walter smiled faintly, impressed.
Zion Laird must be aware of Hanette Adelaira’s current level.
Yet, his unwavering belief suggested deep affection for his fiancée.
‘So that’s why such rumors are spreading.’
Rumors from noble social gatherings had reached the Ribdad Magic Academy.
Crazy Young Lady had changed, no longer indulging in drinking and gambling, often seen with her fiancé, who might be educating her.
While rumors often contained inaccuracies, this one seemed true.
‘Six months will be challenging…’
Walter valued Hanette’s talent but couldn’t overlook her lack of experience.
Gaining that experience would take considerable time, and she might fail the mage exam.
Therefore, he saw six months as a minimum, with the possibility of extending it to a year.
‘It’s not just about desire.’
His judgment was rarely wrong.
He had seen many mages and trained talented students.
Unless Hanette performed a miracle, she wouldn’t become a mage in six months.
‘Wishing alone doesn’t make things happen.’
Marquis Frandique’s mansion, indoor training room.
Zion stepped forward, thrusting his wooden sword.
Halfnon dodged and tried to counterattack, but Zion’s wooden sword was already following through.
The thrust was a feint, using the created gap to his advantage.
‘His skills improve daily.’
Halfnon swung his wooden sword to deflect Zion’s attack.
Zion’s sword slid smoothly, forcing Halfnon to twist his body and use all his strength to tilt his shoulder.
‘Does he never tire?’
Halfnon, sweating, pushed away Zion’s sword.
He then stepped back, swinging his wooden sword at Zion’s left side.
But Zion effortlessly stepped back, avoiding the attack.
‘He should be coming in…’
Halfnon, feeling frustrated, watched Zion.
Despite breathing heavily, Zion’s stance remained unbroken.
‘That moment is coming.’
Halfnon placed his wooden sword down, catching his breath.
They had set dates and times for their sparring sessions and often discussed the process.
Their advice to each other had been helpful, reflected in their growing skills.
However, sensing his limits, Halfnon thought it was time to end these sparring sessions.
‘I haven’t mastered swordsmanship yet, but I must stop.’
Swordsmanship required both intuition and experience.
If it could be learned just by listening, it wouldn’t be the pride of swordsmen.
For now, he was satisfied with simply crossing swords with Zion Laird.
“Shall we take a break?”
“No, if you’re up for it, I’d like to continue.”
“Then let’s proceed…”
Zion quickly resumed his stance, charging at Halfnon.
Halfnon laughed quietly, striking back with his wooden sword.
“You both are impressive. Still going at it.”
Raina watched Zion and Halfnon with a curious expression.
By now, they should be tired and have stopped sparring.
But the two continued, relentlessly swinging their wooden swords.
It seemed as if neither would stop until one of them fell.
“They’re respecting each other.”
“Sorry, how is this respect?”
“They both have goals. They’re giving their best to not disappoint each other.”
Hanette observed the sparring, responding indifferently.
Zion and Halfnon were maintaining their manners with the sword, fighting with all their might.
They had made a promise, and this sparring was a step toward their goals.
“Hmm… I think I get it.”
“Some might find it foolish, but I find it admirable. Trying hard is never wrong.”
Hanette squinted, focusing on Zion.
Despite seeing this countless times, she couldn’t help but watch.
His silver hair was drenched in sweat, and his violet eyes occasionally flashed brightly.
As time passed, his appearance and presence were etched deeper into her heart.
“Oh… you just said your fiancé is impressive?”
“…What? No, I didn’t.”
“To Hanette, it’s natural. You love each other, right?”
“I admire his effort…”
“You find your fiancé’s effort impressive. I understand. He must look admirable.”
Hanette couldn’t argue, covering her mouth gently.
It wasn’t that she found Zion impressive.
She was simply proud of his earnest effort in wielding the sword.
She had meant it to include Halfnon, but why was Raina misunderstanding?
“Oh, right! I had something I wanted to ask you, Hanette.”
“Ahem… what do you want to know?”
“How did you get close to your fiancé? It must have been awkward at first.”
“What? Oh, well…”
Hanette turned away, avoiding Raina’s gaze.
She had never thought about it.
From the first meeting, she spoke casually and even picked fights. How did they become close?
“I think your fiancé treated you very well. He had to make a good impression, right?”
“Um… he didn’t seem to treat me that well.”
Thinking back, Zion did take care of her in many ways.
But their first meeting wasn’t great, and only after getting used to each other did they start to care more.
If Zion had acted like other noble heirs, she might have tried to ignore him.
“I bet you got lots of expensive gifts.”
“…They were expensive, I suppose.”
Hanette touched the necklace she wore, recalling the moment.
Zion had infused it with mana for her, and the necklace had eventually brought him to her.
The necklace’s value didn’t matter now; it was her most cherished possession.
As long as she had it, Zion would come to her again.
“He’s handsome and speaks politely.”
“Hmm… is he?”
Hanette feigned ignorance, glancing at Zion.
She knew he was handsome and showed humility in public.
He acted calmly in any situation, understood her feelings well, and kept his promises.
In hindsight, he had more strengths than weaknesses.
“And… oh! I had another question.”
“Another one?”
“Have you held hands with your fiancé?”
“Holding hands is no big deal…”
“Oh, wait. Have you hugged?”
“Uh… well…”
Hanette hesitated, thinking deeply.
Holding hands was already embarrassing, so hugging seemed impossible.
Was it common for engaged couples to be so physically close?
“You’ve kissed too, right?”
“Not that far…”
“You’re just embarrassed, aren’t you? So, you’ve done it all.”
“What?”
“You spent a night with your fiancé!”
“That’s absolutely not…”
“You’re planning to have children before the wedding! Unbelievable!”