Walter was startled and quickly turned his head.
He hadn't expected the White Apostle to make such a statement.
More importantly, the Setinos Quasar had the authority to recommend candidates, and if he wished, he could make a formal proposal to the king.
“…Are you planning to recommend Miss Hanette as a Setinos Quasar candidate?”
“I’m considering it. If I were more ambitious, I’d like to recommend Zion as well.”
“You mean to recommend both of them?”
“As far as I know, there’s no rule against it.”
“……”
Walter fell into deep thought. Zion Laird and Hanette Adelaira were exceptional talents, recently proving their abilities. However, he wasn’t sure if they were ready to be recommended as Setinos Quasar candidates. Although the White Apostle seemed to have his reasons, it felt a bit premature.
“Have you presented this to the king?”
“Not yet.”
“Are you recommending them just because they defeated the Shadow Dragon?”
“No knight has accomplished such a feat. Thanks to them, I also shared in that glory.”
Enrite had found new potential in Zion Laird and Hanette Adelaira. They weren’t just Magic Sword users but had the capability to destroy the immortality of the three demon kings and the four calamities. Moreover, Zion Laird understood his role, and Hanette Adelaira supported him, working together. If they were given power and troops, they could bring true peace to the continent in the near future.
“The king won’t agree easily. The officials will likely oppose it.”
“…Both of them are young and lack experience. The Laird Marquis is pursuing a political marriage with the royal family, and the Adelaira Duke is backing them. Power is concentrating in one place, so it won’t be easy.”
“You’re aware of this but still plan to make a proposal?”
“My thoughts haven’t changed.”
Only by conveying his intentions could the king consider them. Even if the officials disagreed, they would have to reconsider the two individuals. As they continued to achieve merits and gain fame, the king and the officials would be influenced. In other words, continued attempts could shift the overall situation.
“Do you want my help?”
“If you’re willing to help, I’d gladly accept it.”
“…Even if I step in, the outcome may not change.”
“Two are better than one. If two of us present the proposal, the king might take it more seriously.”
Recommending a candidate for Setinos Quasar was a significant matter. Adding more supporters would make it harder for the king to ignore. The king’s direct knights wouldn’t present the same opinion without a good reason.
“I plan to convince the Purple Archer and Silver Rogue if the opportunity arises.”
“You intend to unify the Setinos Quasar’s opinion?”
“If the Setinos Quasar presents a united front, the officials won’t be able to oppose it.”
“You’ve chosen a difficult path.”
“If we can’t convince them, we wait until the right time. However…”
Enrite couldn’t finish his sentence, envisioning the worst future. So far, they had successfully defended against the beasts’ invasions, and the three demon kings and four calamities hadn’t shown themselves much. But now, with the Shadow Dragon breaking the balance, it could lead to a massive war.
“Six remain. We must destroy them when the opportunity arises.”
Beasts might have long lifespans, but humans did not. Zion Laird and Hanette Adelaira were enjoying their youth now, but as time passed, they would age and eventually die. Once they were gone, who would destroy the immortality of these enemies?
“I wish I had such a connection…”
Enrite had realized emotions for the first time since becoming human. However, he couldn’t fully understand them, seeing them as human characteristics. Thus, even though he recognized Zion Laird and Hanette Adelaira’s relationship, he couldn’t comprehend it emotionally.
“This is difficult. Can I be called human like this?”
When judging humans, he prioritized their strength, magic, character, and values. After that, he decided on their approachability and slowly conversed with them to reach a conclusion. There was no emotional exchange, only logical thinking and efficient processes.
“What is the human heart?”
Enrite closed his eyes, lost in deep contemplation. What mechanism had destroyed immortality? Why did Exceed Rain and Brecht respond to their hearts? What secrets did those two hold?
“Must I abandon being a Magic Sword to understand?”
His identity was born from El Tesoykve and given human form by it. If he abandoned the Magic Sword, nothing would remain. If he died, who would fight the three demon kings and four calamities?
“What should I do…”
The Royal Palace, Banquet Hall.
Hanette found herself separated from Zion for a moment and encountered someone she knew well. They often exchanged personal conversations. Zion might recognize them quickly, but he wasn’t as close to them as Hanette was.
“It’s been such a long time! I heard you went to the border region. You didn’t get hurt, did you?”
“No, I’m fine. How have you been, Laena?”
“I’ve been studying the holy arts at the Kinesien Sacred Sect. It was a bit tough at first, but I think I’m getting the hang of it now.”
“Holy arts… really?”
“I wanted to learn magic like you, Hanette. But they said I’m more suited for the holy arts. So I started studying that instead!”
“Oh, I see.”
Hanette, though surprised, slowly nodded. It was unexpected, but not shocking. Having already awakened her own magic and earned the title of Mage, it seemed quite ordinary.
“I’m a bit disappointed, though. I wanted to be a refined noble like you, Hanette.”
“Learning magic doesn’t make you a refined noble. You already seem quite refined, Laena.”
“But still… I was always jealous of you. Learning magic makes you look so smart. The other noble ladies are just jealous, but they don’t try to be like you.”
“Laena, you’re wise. If you want something, you should strive for it. Jealousy won’t change anything.”
“Right? That’s why I worked hard on the holy arts. The Cardinal said I have talent!”
Hanette suddenly remembered what Zion had mentioned. The Frandique family was on friendly terms with Duke Adelaira’s house. Being close to Laena Frandique wasn’t a bad thing. It was just a guess, but Laena might have hidden potential. Could Zion have sensed this?
“…That’s impressive. The Cardinal wouldn’t say that lightly.”
“Other Cardinals said similar things, but I thought they were just being polite because our family is Marquis.”
“That’s not the case. Cardinals have their own authority and pride. They wouldn’t just say that to please a noble.”
“Really? Do you think I truly have talent?”
“Of course. You could become a Cardinal someday.”
Hanette smiled warmly, offering encouragement. She couldn’t be sure if Laena would actually become a Cardinal, but Zion’s advice seemed meaningful.
“Me? Haha… that might be too hard.”
“It doesn’t matter if you don’t become a Cardinal. The important thing is that you tried.”
“…Did you also work hard, Hanette?”
“Yes, I can’t say I have no talent, but I didn’t achieve anything without effort. Without hard work, you can’t accomplish anything.”
When she secretly learned magic, she thought it was just luck. Later, she realized that some people couldn’t become mages no matter how hard they tried. She was confident she had the talent. With Zion’s help, she joined the Rivdad Magic Society and earned the title of Mage through sheer effort.
“So… if I become a Cardinal, will you accept me?”
“Accept you? What do you mean?”
“I want to join the Rhineth Knights!”
“……?”
Hanette was taken aback and fell silent. Why was the Rhineth Knights coming up now? The decision to join the knights was Zion’s to make, not hers. She could only offer her opinion.
“Hanette, you earned the title of Mage and went to the border region. You defeated the Shadow Dragon and brought back spoils.”
“And?”
“I realized I need to achieve something great too. I thought about how to do that and came up with an answer. If I follow you, I could become like you.”
“No, it’s not that simple…”
“I’ll work hard! If I become a Cardinal, will you let me join?”
“Um… I…”
Hanette hesitated, trying to organize her thoughts. There was so much to explain: why a Holy Knight couldn’t act alone, the process to join the knights, the dangers of the border and monsters. How could she make Laena understand?
‘Looks like she’s doing well.’
Zion, observing from a distance, slowly approached. Laena Frandique had exceptional talent as a Holy Knight. With proper guidance, she could reach a high level quickly.
‘She could become a Cardinal within a year. If we can bring her to our side…’
Karonvelaz Continent, the Fortress of the Undead King.
Undead King Kherermion had erected towering walls in a place shrouded in deep darkness. Thousands of undead knights obeyed the Undead King, and tens of thousands of undead soldiers filled the inside and outside of the fortress. The Undead King sought to expand his territory by deploying his forces, commanding his undead soldiers to massacre the beasts and conquer the surrounding areas.
‘It’s somewhere nearby.’
In this land of the undead, a single human had infiltrated. Moving swiftly and silently, they entered the fortress without being detected by anyone. As long as they avoided confrontation with the Undead King, their mission could be accomplished.
‘The first target is the Earth Magic Sword...’
They had honed their swordsmanship and magical powers while wielding Magic Swords. It hadn’t been easy, but they had managed to endure. Eventually, they had surpassed their limits and learned the true name of the Magic Sword.
‘With the Eighth Magic Sword, I will seal all the Magic Swords.’