Freed didn’t expect much from Zion. All he wanted was for him to have a harmonious marriage with Hanette. If they could achieve that, it would solidify their relationship with Duke Adelaira’s family, bringing many benefits to Zion.
“…My lord, you shouldn’t support them unconditionally. Even if you show consideration, propriety must be maintained, right?”
“You just mentioned propriety. Do you think what I did to Zion was proper?”
“If they are born as our children, they should accept it. How many nobles do you think marry the partner they desire?”
Rien tried to follow Freed’s intentions as much as possible, but she firmly voiced her opposition when she felt something was wrong. Supporting her husband meant ensuring the foundation of the family remained strong. If the foundation wavered, the family would be in danger, so she had to support it no matter what. She loved Freed more than anyone and cherished the Laird family, which is why she insisted on sticking to the right path.
“That’s why I’m willing to make concessions. I need to do what my parents couldn’t do.”
“My lord, it’s all for the family. Just as you and I have endured, our children must face the same challenges. So why are you favoring Zion alone?”
“Hasn’t he already sacrificed by agreeing to the engagement with Hanette for the family’s sake? The wedding is just around the corner. What more should I ask of him?”
“If they are to succeed, you and Duke Adelaira must firmly support them. If you back down now, things might get complicated again.”
“Duke Adelaira has only observed them. That’s how they got closer. What do you think will happen if we intervene now?”
“That’s why you should take action. Just because the beginning was good doesn’t mean the end will be good.”
An arranged marriage is conducted for the benefit of both families, and the harmony between the parties involved comes later. If both families do not achieve what they desire, the parties involved will also suffer indirectly. If there is no continuous support, they may come to resent each other and blame their families in a short time.
“You should look at it the other way. The beginning wasn’t good, but it has improved significantly. If we interfere now, they might grow apart.”
“They are still young. A little interference won’t cause a conflict.”
“We might see it as minor, but they will take it sensitively. Think about when we got married. Do you really think your view is right?”
“……”
Rien lost her words, hesitated, then sighed. She wanted to argue, but she couldn’t refute that point. After she married Freed, both families constantly interfered. It was fine if it was for important matters, but they were often pestered over trivial issues, which was very frustrating.
“Just because we suffered, does that mean we should treat our children and daughter-in-law the same way?”
“No, it does not.”
“Zion has mastered his sword aura, and Hanette is preparing for her mage examination. What do you think will happen if we interfere?”
“…It would be a hindrance.”
“It might help them. But they’ve done well on their own so far. Do we really need to intervene?”
“You’re right, my lord. But if they don’t have children or pursue other things, shouldn’t we stop them?”
Only by having children could the relationship between the two families be solidified. The mingling of both families’ bloodlines and leaving descendants would make the connection even clearer. If they decided to pursue other endeavors and not have children, neither she nor Duke Adelaira would be satisfied.
“There’s no reason to stop them.”
“What do you mean? Why wouldn’t we stop them?”
“If they have children now, they can’t fulfill their roles. Would you have them forfeit the opportunity to bring honor to the family?”
“They could leave the children with a nanny or a maid.”
“Parents shouldn’t leave their children’s side. While they might get help from a nanny or maid, abandoning their role is unacceptable.”
Freed poured himself another drink, gazing at the glass. If only one parent showed potential, they could leave the child with the other. But if both parents had exceptional talents, they should provide an environment where they could thrive rather than focus on having children. Moreover, if Zion and Hanette worked together, the relationship between the two families would be highlighted, and they wouldn't have to worry about descendants.
“But my lord…”
“I’ve always respected your wishes. But this matter must be done my way. Don’t stop me. If Duke Adelaira objects, I’ll personally convince him.”
“……”
Rien said no more. She wasn’t particularly angry or upset. She just followed Freed’s lead because he had drawn a line.
‘Duke Adelaira might not take this well… How will you handle it…?’
Livdad Magic Association, Training Room 1.
To take the mage examination, a wizard must join the Magic Association. The examination takes place at the associated Magic Association, with all headmasters gathered. They observe and judge the candidate’s performance on the spot.
‘Why does it have to be Headmaster Logos?’
Hanette stabilized her internal magic and observed her opponent across from her. She had met him briefly before, and he had offered to take her as a direct disciple. However, she had chosen the Livdad Magic Association, which made her feel a bit awkward.
‘It’s because I use fire magic… There was no choice.’
The mage examination is based on the candidate’s elemental magic. The headmaster specializing in that element acts as the examiner, while others observe and evaluate. Since the Logos Magic Association focused on fire magic, it was inevitable for Hanette to encounter them.
‘I’m probably going to fail.’
Hanette had joined the Livdad Magic Association barely a month and two weeks ago. It was early, and she wasn’t confident about passing. She applied for the mage examination to get a feel for it, hoping to learn from the experience.
‘Why did they accept me?’
Hanette had applied, thinking her request would be denied. But Walter had readily accepted it, and the other headmasters agreed. Even Zion had been skeptical about the approval, and other members found it surprising.
‘I just need to pass within six months.’
Zion had said that passing the mage examination quickly would make it easier to persuade others. The examination itself was a test of her potential and skills, which could be used to justify the creation of the knight order. She needed to convince Robbenz and Freed to get their approval.
‘There’s not much time.’
The six-month deadline was a condition for leaving the Livdad Magic Association. Apart from that, her wedding with Zion was about a month away. She needed to establish the knight order to postpone the wedding, so she had to pass the examination quickly.
‘I’m not trying to avoid marriage…’
She didn’t dislike Zion or want to avoid the marriage. She just wanted to prove her worth. She wanted to show that she wasn’t a disgrace and could fulfill her role as a wizard. Once she achieved satisfactory results, she would be able to accept marrying Zion.
‘I can delay it by a month or two. Let’s pass within three months. Within three months…’
“I’ll count down from five. The examination begins after that! 5, 4…”
A wizard on the edge of the training room raised his hand and started counting. Hanette drew her magic and found Zion. He stood next to the headmasters, watching her intently.
‘I can do this.’
Hanette nodded slightly and turned her gaze to her opponent. Headmaster Logos moved slowly, wearing a stern expression.
“1. Begin!”
With the shout, two flames flared up intensely. At the same time, wizards on both sides released their magic, ready to intervene if necessary. It was a precaution against emergencies. The crimson flames stretched out, heading toward the center of the training room. Soon, the flames clashed and intertwined, but one side began to be pushed back. Hanette bit her lip and urgently controlled her magic.
‘She’s holding up well.’
Headmaster Logos adjusted his magic from the start, pressuring Hanette. Since it was an examination, not a battle, he only used enough magic to gauge her skills. Hanette kept up well, but the headmaster gradually increased the power and speed of his magic.
‘She’s improved a lot.’
Zion had always watched Hanette practice her magic. She gave it her all, constantly seeking guidance from the members. Her consistent effort, combined with her natural talent, led to rapid growth. If she hadn’t reached a suitable level, the headmasters would have stopped the examination.
‘She’s struggling now.’
Zion reassured himself and let go of his expectations. Headmaster Logos’s flames spread wider, while Hanette’s flames began to fade. The headmasters were still observing carefully but would soon decide she had failed.
‘How should I console her?’
Hanette had been training relentlessly to meet the deadline. She didn’t allow herself to rest and even practiced magic enhancement when she returned to her room. If she failed, she would be deeply disappointed and regretful.
‘What if she overdoes it…’
Zion suddenly flinched, eyes widening. The headmasters reacted differently, focusing on Hanette. Her flames suddenly contracted and then surged forward rapidly.
‘No way…’
The Logos headmaster’s flames began to wane, unable to withstand the surge. Hanette’s flames wavered but surged forward with unstoppable force. Zion watched Hanette, noticing the change immediately.
‘Her eye color has changed. Is she communing with the Magic Sword?’