Hanette now stood out more than Seran Sylase, the protagonist, in many ways. From the moment she acquired the Magic Sword, her potential and rapid growth, to her background and origins, Hanette surpassed Seran in numerous aspects. Comparing all these factors, how many could truly outshine Hanette?
‘Anyone can be the protagonist. It all depends on the perspective.’
Of course, a protagonist usually acts decisively and is involved in numerous events. But in terms of sheer strength, even Setinos Quasar or other Magic Sword users could qualify as protagonists. It just depended on the world's settings and the narrative being followed.
‘Is Seran Sylase really the protagonist?’
This was the first time Zion questioned this. Comparing to the original story, nothing seemed off. The Thunder Magic Sword Nailing, the Silaze Knights, the White Apostle, wandering the border regions hunting monsters—all these matched perfectly with his memories.
‘He's not weak, but he feels somewhat lacking as a protagonist.’
Of course, comparing him to Hanette’s strength created a disparity. But for Seran to be considered the protagonist, he would need the potential to grow stronger and eventually reach a similar level to Hanette.
‘Hanette would have become strong on her own.’
Having possessed a Magic Sword from a young age, she would have overcome any danger that came her way. However, as a Duke's daughter, she rarely faced such dangers, living a life of privilege. She probably secretly learned magic, gradually improving, until the Magic Sword awakened during a rebel attack.
‘Hanette would have survived regardless. What would she have done next?’
Thinking from Hanette’s perspective, the answer was clear. She would have adapted to the Magic Sword's power and honed her magic. Eventually, she might have fled the capital, wandering the border regions and hunting monsters. Alternatively, she could have joined a knightly order or a magic academy, building her skills and earning money.
‘She would have quickly gained attention due to her strength. Eventually, news would reach Duke Adelaira…’
From there, two paths diverged: reconciling with Robbenz or never meeting him again. If they reconciled, she might return to the capital, but if she rejected him, she would continue fighting monsters as she always had.
‘She could have become a Setinos Quasar.’
This conclusion was based on the latter scenario. Although the former was possible, as a Duke’s daughter, her activities would have been more restricted. Considering Hanette’s personality and goals, she would likely choose the latter.
‘Then what about Zion Laird?’
If Hanette's storyline and character were altered, Zion Laird would be affected as well. The original Zion Laird’s actions as her fiancé, and his reaction if she fled, were unknown since the original story barely mentioned him.
‘I need to consider both scenarios: if Zion liked her and if he didn’t…’
“Is there a problem?”
“The problem is how we divide these treasures.”
“Shouldn’t we split them with the Silaze Knights?”
“These are related to the Four Calamities. We need to report to the king.”
“Oh, so we need to offer them to the king first?”
“Exactly. We’ll distribute them according to the king’s orders.”
If they had secretly acquired the treasures or if the quantity was small, they wouldn’t need to report it. But these treasures were the spoils from the Shadow Dragon, one of the Four Calamities, and the quantity was substantial, attracting attention. Moreover, with the White Apostle involved, the king was bound to find out.
“But with the White Apostle involved, we might get some leniency, right?”
“And the Silver Rogue too. They informed us beforehand.”
“Oh, right. With both of them, they won’t just take everything.”
“…Do you need money?”
“We risked our lives for this, so of course, we should get our share. I’m not saying I’ll take your share too.”
Zion pondered for a moment before agreeing quietly. Hanette was right; they deserved fair compensation for their efforts. However, with financial support from their families, money wasn’t really an issue.
“Do you need the money for something?”
“Not really. I just don’t like the idea of receiving allowance.”
“Why suddenly?”
“I want to return all the money I’ve received so far and start using my own.”
“……”
Zion realized she wanted to sever her financial ties with Duke Adelaira, to not be bound by her family. With so many treasures, she could return the money and still have plenty left.
“Even if you dislike the family…”
“It’s not about dislike. I just don’t want any lingering attachments. I need to find a new home.”
“A new home?”
“If I’m going to live with you… we need a place to stay, don’t we?”
“……?”
Zion was momentarily speechless, while Hanette glared at him with a displeased look.
“What? Did you not think about this at all?”
“Well, we aren’t married yet.”
“But we will be, right? We need to prepare in advance.”
“Isn’t it a bit early?”
“What’s early? Do you not want to marry me?”
“It’s not that. We just need to follow the right order.”
“You’re saying things that sound wrong. Answer me properly. Are you going to marry me or not?”
“I… I will.”
“You sound like you’re being forced.”
“No, I really do want to marry you.”
“Haa…”
Hanette stared at Zion for a while before reluctantly turning her head. He had planned well for the knightly matters and monster hunting, but not for their marriage. This oversight could cause problems later.
“How much money have you saved?”
“…Not much.”
“Do you even plan on living with me? What about buying a house? What about servants and staff? Are you planning to borrow from your family?”
“We’ll have to rely on them for a while…”
“Do you want to live like that? Are we going to keep depending on them?”
“I’ve never felt dependent.”
“…I’m marrying someone like this.”
Hanette sighed, feeling half-defeated. Zion seemed to see marriage as just another step. If he truly cared, wouldn’t he have thought about things like buying a house, staff, and household needs?
“You really are a kid.”
“You always say that. If you say so, it must be true.”
“Is it the same as before? Don’t you understand what I’m saying?”
“Um… marriage is important?”
“Seriously! Are you joking with me? Think seriously about this!”
“…Even though I sound like this, I don’t take marriage lightly. Our lives are at stake.”
Zion answered sincerely, glancing at the Magic Sword Enrite was holding. While marriage could wait, acquiring the Magic Sword couldn’t. The remaining Three Calamities and Three Demon Lords were still out there, likely targeting Alain Kingdom.
“We need to come back to the border region. We have to gather knights and maintain our alliance with the Silaze Knights. There’s a lot to do.”
“So, you’re saying we need to focus on our current tasks first?”
“Exactly. You have your goals, too. We need to work towards mutual satisfaction.”
Zion felt reassured by Hanette’s presence. She consistently produced unexpected but favorable results. Even if he didn’t become stronger, Hanette could fill that role.
“Thanks to you, things are going well. We can grow the knight order quickly.”
“…And then what?”
“Raise the prestige of our families. Prove our capabilities and gain permission to act freely.”
“You mentioned that before. What about after that?”
“We just need a foundation. From there, both of us can achieve our goals.”
“That sounds like it’ll take years.”
“I think it’ll be done within a year.”
Zion had a rough timeline. After the Shadow Dragon, powerful monsters would start appearing en masse. Next year, the Undead King would invade with his undead army, followed by the Chimera Dragon's rampage. Once these were dealt with, they could consider marriage.
“How do you know that?”
“…It’s just a feeling.”
“A joke?”
“I’m serious.”
“Haa… I don’t know what to say.”
Hanette replied bluntly but eyed him carefully. Zion seemed to be planning for a wedding within a year. His thoughts might change, but within that time frame, they had to settle things.
‘Can I become a Setinos Quasar within a year?’
The deep marshlands of the Caronbellaz continent were untouched by humans and avoided even by monsters. The essence of life had long faded, and even sunlight wasn’t permitted. Bones littered the area, and the stench of rotting corpses filled the air. Despite being a place of despair and death, it was peaceful for one monster.
- …Groshiran is gone.
The center of the swamp trembled as something slowly emerged. A head made of green slime with light green eyes looked around. Having waited patiently, the disappearance of the Shadow Dragon disrupted the carefully laid plans.
- Did humans kill him? Hahaha…
A long, sinuous body slithered out of the swamp. The slime glistened with a strange luster. Despite having a dragon’s form, the interior was filled with slime.
- I thought he’d last the longest, but he got killed by humans.
The Slime Dragon, Monzuro, left the swamp, scanning the surroundings. His plans required all Four Calamities to be alive. With divided power needing to be united, an incomplete form was now all that was left.
- That fool, ruining my plans…
Monzuro identified the locations of the other dragons and began to change form. His four legs retracted into his body, and his head and tail disappeared. Moving stealthily, he aimed to attack the other dragons from the shadows. Direct confrontation would be too risky, so he intended to strike suddenly and end it quickly.
- I am the true dragon. I will consume you and become real.