Zion signaled Hanette with a glance and cautiously moved forward. Hanette followed him, feeling an unintentional tension. She quickly recognized the figure they were approaching, having met them briefly during her childhood.
“Zion, it’s been a while. You look healthy.”
“Yes, thanks to your concern.”
“Hanette, how have you been?”
“Huh? Oh, yes. Zion has helped me a lot.”
“…I was a bit worried, but I’m glad to see you both well.”
Barhen looked at them with relief. He had been anxious when they left to establish a knight order and venture into the border regions. But they had returned unscathed, achieving great deeds and elevating their family’s name. If they continued on this path, their knight order might soon be officially recognized by the Alain Kingdom.
“You must have heard the news. This is the Third Princess.”
“…It is an honor to meet such a noble lineage. I am Zion Laird.”
Zion, with a stiff expression, turned his gaze. The woman had black hair and faintly shimmering blue eyes. Her skin was pale and flawless, her face devoid of any emotion. She bore a striking resemblance to the king, but her expression seemed subtly off.
“I am Yuter Setbe Endroden, the eighteenth descendant of the royal family and the king’s third child. We haven’t met before, have we?”
“No, we haven’t.”
“I’ve heard a lot about you from my fiancé. They say you’ve already mastered swordsmanship?”
“…I was fortunate.”
Zion answered thoughtfully. Barhen and the Third Princess weren’t supposed to be engaged yet. Even if they were, it should have been early next year at the soonest. Their early engagement must have had a significant reason.
‘It must be because he mastered swordsmanship.’
The king likely viewed Barhen’s skills and character positively, which, coupled with Zion’s achievements in subduing the rebels, had accelerated the arrangement. Moreover, the princess’s clear intentions could have hastened the engagement.
‘This strengthens our family’s position…’
“If it was purely luck, your fiancé wouldn’t have struggled, right? I hope you’re not being modest in front of me.”
“No, I’ve worked hard. I was merely saying that compared to my brother, I was lucky.”
“You defeated one of the Four Calamities, didn’t you? I hope you won’t attribute that to luck.”
“The White Apostle helped a lot. My fiancé did even better.”
“…I see.”
Yuter shifted her gaze to Hanette, who met it with a hint of discomfort.
“We’ve met a few times, haven’t we?”
“Yes, I remember meeting you when we were younger.”
“You’ve changed a lot since then.”
“Yes, I wandered for a long time, but now I think I’ve found my path. I’m sorry I haven’t visited often.”
“It’s okay. I’m glad to meet you again.”
Yuter finally smiled and looked into Hanette’s eyes. As a child, she had admired Hanette’s beautiful eyes. Now, she noticed not just the eyes but the whole demeanor was remarkably different.
‘Has she changed because of her fiancé?’
Hanette hadn’t attended the founding anniversary event last year. People attributed this to her being the Crazy Young Lady, believing she was simply unruly. But this time, she appeared with Zion Laird by her side.
‘Interesting… risking his life before the king…’
The king had spoken of Zion Laird to his children, mentioning how he risked his life for his fiancé and declined a place in the royal knight order. Since his fiancé also risked her life for him, the king had to relent.
‘Why delay their wedding?’
If they cared so much for each other, they should have hurried the wedding. Yet, they intentionally delayed and took risks by heading to the border. They must have had a reason to stall the marriage.
‘At this rate, I might marry first…’
As a direct royal, her engagement period would be longer, but seeing the couple’s situation, it seemed they might continue delaying their marriage. Though their families might not object given their achievements, they would likely want to keep watching for a while.
“Barhen, should we delay our wedding and go on a trip too?”
“…Pardon?”
Barhen looked at Yuter in surprise. Though her expression didn’t change, her blue eyes shone faintly. She wasn’t joking but was genuinely considering it.
“A… that’s not possible. Unless it’s a significant matter, you cannot leave the capital.”
“Barhen, you could protect me, right?”
“I can protect you, but as the Third Princess, you must follow royal protocols. The king won’t permit it.”
“So, I just need to get the king’s permission?”
“……”
Barhen was left speechless, deeply pondering. Yuter was strong, and with knights protecting her, she wouldn’t be in danger. However, a direct royal leaving would require considerable resources and manpower, and the region they visited would mobilize forces to accommodate them. Knowing this, the king wouldn’t allow her to leave the capital.
“Understood. If you get the king’s permission, I will accompany you.”
“You promised, right? You all heard that?”
“…Yes, we did.”
“Uh… yes.”
Zion and Hanette answered cautiously, exchanging glances. Yuter flashed a faint smile before returning to her usual expression.
“It was nice meeting you. Let’s meet again soon.”
“Goodbye for now. Hanette, see you again.”
Barhen quickly turned and followed Yuter. Hanette watched them leave before speaking softly.
“Barhen must have a hard time. The Third Princess seems stubborn.”
“……”
Zion stayed silent, watching Hanette. She frowned, meeting his gaze.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
“You’re not one to talk.”
“I’m quite accommodating, you know.”
“You were quite harsh before, though you’ve improved now. If we’re nitpicking…”
“Hey, you’re stubborn too. I’m just patient with you.”
“Aren’t you tired of using me as an excuse?”
“Why are you even saying that? Do I look easy to you?”
“When else can I say this?”
“Hah! This isn’t even funny.”
Hanette laughed it off, reflecting on the past. Compared to her first meeting with Zion, Barhen and Yuter were getting along well. They maintained decorum and would likely continue even after marriage. They seemed like a perfect match through a traditional arranged marriage.
“…Should I have been like that too?”
“No, that’s not you.”
“Do you even know what I’m saying?”
“You have your way. Trust yourself and move forward.”
“……”
Hanette hesitated before smiling. Zion respected her beliefs and personality. Despite any trouble it caused, he told her to keep believing in herself. Without Zion, would she have escaped the shadow of the Crazy Young Lady?
“A royal princess is better than a delinquent like me, right?”
“I told you before, you were just lost for a bit. And I’d find a princess like her uncomfortable.”
“What’s uncomfortable?”
“I’d have to be formal all the time. How can I live like that? I’d be watching every move and worrying about everything. You’re much better for me.”
“…You speak well.”
“Why? Don’t you believe me?”
“I can’t be better.”
“Have confidence. You’re a mage now, killed the Shadow Dragon, and brought back spoils. You’re pretty, and the dress suits you. What’s the problem?”
“Ah, stop calling me pretty.”
“If you’re pretty, you’re pretty. What should I call it?”
“People will compare me to the princess.”
“You’re prettier than her.”
“Haa……”
Hanette blushed and turned away. Zion’s words felt comforting. She decided it was best not to encounter the Third Princess again.
‘I’m not there yet.’
Zion watched Yuter, then followed Hanette. The Third Princess wouldn’t just stop at being Barhen’s fiancée. She would soon prove her worth.
‘I’ll see her again after obtaining the Freezing Magic Sword.’
Royal Banquet Hall, Setinos Quasar’s exclusive seats.
“…How did you handle the Shadow Dragon?”
“We were fortunate. I could step in, and… others helped.”
“By others, do you mean the Rhineth Knights?”
“Yes, they were pulled into the Shadow World with me.”
Enrite answered calmly, recalling the two. Zion Laird and Hanette Adelaira. Without them, the Shadow Dragon wouldn’t have been destroyed.
“I’m pleased to hear a member of my society was helpful. It brings me joy.”
“It seems you taught well. I thought she was a Grand Mage.”
“…Can you tell me why?”
Walter tilted his cup, asking cautiously. The White Apostle wasn’t one to speak unnecessarily. If he saw Hanette as a Grand Mage, he had reasons.
“She found where the Shadow Dragon was hiding and fought it alone. Even though we weakened it, she fought well.”
“Alone? That’s quite surprising.”
“Zion finished it. Hanette helped him.”
“From what you say… giving Hanette the Grand Mage title wouldn’t be undeserved.”
However, Walter couldn’t bestow the title of Grand Mage on his own. He needed to discuss it with other Grand Mages, including the Royal Magic Society’s head. Even if they agreed, it required the king’s approval, taking considerable time.
“I think Hanette deserves the title of Setinos Quasar. What do you think, Blue Sage?”