Chapter 36: 36
Robbenz realized that from that moment on, Zion Laird held more value than Marquis Laird. While it would be advantageous for the Marquis Laird family to align with the royal family, the benefits weren’t substantial enough to be overly significant. The influence was more indirect, and the results were bound to be faint. Duke Adelaira’s prestige and fame were already significant, only slightly surpassing the Ternein Dukedom.
“Master…”
“Yenid, both you and I have worried a lot about Hanette. She doesn’t listen well, and unlike other noble young ladies, she doesn’t care to groom herself. How often have I thought about what would happen to Hanette if I were gone?”
“…”
“Sure, Dyn could look after her. He’s your son and Hanette’s brother, after all. But what about the other children? What do you think they would do?”
Yenid lowered her gaze, staying silent. She had always believed Robbenz’s concerns for Hanette were more about utilizing her for the family’s benefit. But gradually, as Hanette became the topic of conversation, Robbenz started showing genuine emotions, eventually expressing his true feelings.
“They might try to take what rightfully belongs to Hanette. Do you think I wouldn’t notice? Every time I’m not looking, they dismiss Hanette, and you think I don’t see that?”
“Yes, Master. You’ve often mediated such situations.”
“That’s why I thought it was crucial to arrange a good marriage for her. Marrying into the royal family? It’s important, but do you think it’s more important than my daughter?”
“…”
“Finding someone from a decent family, with a good appearance and personality, who also considers the family’s interests—do you know how much I struggled with that? Even if I found someone, would their family accept Hanette?”
“She’s the daughter of a Duke, but it’s not a given that they’d accept her.”
“Exactly. That’s why her marriage has been delayed. You might have tried, but I could never be satisfied. If an engagement were broken off, it wouldn’t just harm Hanette, but the family as well.”
Marrying off Hanette’s half-siblings was relatively easy. Despite being children of a concubine, they carried the Duke’s blood and behaved in line with other nobles. A respectable count’s family wouldn’t hesitate to accept them, and if negotiations reached a Marquis’s family, they might make a few concessions to meet the demands.
However, Hanette, being the legitimate daughter, presented a more challenging situation, and Robbenz had been waiting for the right moment.
“Is that why you chose Marquis Laird’s family?”
“At the time, it seemed like the best option. They could be swayed, and it opened the possibility of connecting with the royal family.”
“There were options with the eldest or second son.”
“I’ve told you, Hanette couldn’t keep up with someone too exceptional. Conversely, she might be looked down upon. Marquis Laird would never have allowed it against my wishes.”
The promise of compensation to Marquis Laird wasn’t given lightly. Robbenz had tried to both warn and comfort Hanette, balancing his responsibilities as head of the family with his care for Hanette’s future. Zion Laird was chosen with both roles in mind.
“In hindsight, your judgment wasn’t wrong, Master.”
“It was good fortune. Who knew Zion would show interest in Hanette?”
“I was shortsighted.”
“Take better care of them from now on. If we support them properly, they could get married soon.”
“Understood. I’ll pay more attention.”
Robbenz nodded, finishing his tea. The aroma seemed to seep deeply into his being today, slowly erasing a long-held worry.
“I’ve done my duty for the family. Now, if only Hanette could be happy.”
* * *
In Hanette’s Room at Duke Adelaira’s Mansion, Hanette looked around before cautiously opening the door. The corridor was empty, and Zion didn’t seem likely to come out. At this hour, only Zion might visit, but she had to remain vigilant.
‘No one’s coming, right?’
Hanette checked the corridor once more before locking the door. Although it was something she did whenever she had time, today, her emotions were more intense. She wanted to practice what she had learned recently.
“Sigh…”
Hanette sat down, glancing around once more before clasping her hands and closing her eyes. Although she had only glimpsed it, this seemed to be the right posture.
‘Fill your body completely…’
Recalling the mage’s instructions from the magic academy, she began to draw out her mana, spreading it throughout her body.
‘Just hold on a little longer…’
She frowned, controlling the mana. It felt like the mana was writhing, then slowly began to move. It flowed continuously, circulating through her body before returning to its original place.
“Ugh…”
Hanette gritted her teeth, focusing intensely. The faster the mana circulated, the more heat rose from within her. She had to endure the heat while maintaining the mana flow.
‘Just a bit more…’
Hanette’s face flushed with heat, sweat dripping onto her suit. Her hair was soaked, and her whole body trembled.
‘I can do this. I will do this.’
She straightened her posture, using all her strength. If her posture wavered, the mana would scatter. Although the mana wouldn’t disappear, she couldn’t achieve her goal if she gave up easily.
‘I must endure this.’
Hanette still remembered the emotions she felt when the bandits attacked—fear, terror, confusion, and the proximity of death. Even if she survived, she couldn’t predict what the bandits might do to her. She had wanted to run away, but Zion had steadied her resolve.
‘I should have helped…’
She clenched her fists, recalling Zion’s figure. The purple glow of his sword, the dark purple sword energy, the magic-nullifying strikes. He wouldn’t need her help, but not being able to assist him left a lingering regret.
“Ugh… Ah!”
Unable to withstand the heat any longer, Hanette retracted her mana. As she opened her eyes, she saw her sweat-stained trousers. She couldn’t calm her ragged breathing, and residual heat seemed to spread continuously.
“Ha… Ha…”
Hanette placed her hands on the table, trying to stand. Her knees buckled, throwing her off balance. She barely managed to avoid falling by gripping the table tightly.
‘I can’t even endure this…’
A knock came at the door, followed by the sound of the handle rattling. Hanette quickly put on her jacket and approached the door, pressing her ear against it to listen.
“Sister, are you in there?”
“Ah, it’s the kid.”
Hanette smiled, then cleared her throat and opened the door.
“… Sister?”
Zion frowned as he looked at Hanette. Her hair was drenched, her cheeks flushed red, and the jacket couldn’t hide her sweat-soaked shirt.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
“You don’t look well.”
“Hah! I’m fine. Just did a little exercise. Felt stiff sitting around…”
Hanette took a step back but tripped. She tried to catch herself, but Zion’s arm wrapped around her waist. Her body stopped tilting, their faces almost touching.
“Are you okay? Be more careful.”
“…”
Hanette felt paralyzed, Zion’s arm heavy around her waist, his purple eyes looking only at her. His silver hair almost touched her forehead.
“Sister?”
“Uh? Why are you doing this?”
“You almost fell.”
“Your fault.”
“How is this my fault?”
“Who else?”
“You never admit when you’re wrong.”
Zion chuckled, pulling Hanette upright. Once steady, he released her waist. Hanette stepped back, noticing Zion’s gaze.
“Now what?”
“It’s absurd. You nearly fell, and you blame me?”
“You startled me.”
“I knocked.”
“Knock softer next time.”
“Will you hear it?”
“If not, it’s your fault.”
“…”
Zion sighed, entering the room. Hanette seemed more stubborn than before, but he let it slide. She appeared more like her old self and seemed to be trying something.
‘Probably practicing mana augmentation.’
No amount of physical exercise could have made her sweat like that. There hadn’t been any loud noises, and her face was flushed. She must have been practicing the mana augmentation she saw at the magic academy.
‘She lasted a long time.’
Hanette had exceptional talent for magic—vast mana, application methods, understanding, and execution speed. The White Apostle acknowledged her talent, and the Blue Sage, one of the Setinos Quasar, highly praised her.
‘To be sweating like that and still standing…’
“What brings you here?”
“Just going out for a bit.”
“… Do I need to go with you?”
“No, I’m going alone.”
“Then why come to me?”
“I’m asking you to stay put until I get back.”
Zion walked past Hanette toward the table. Hanette started to retort but recalled something Zion had said before.
“Ha! Trying to follow me around?”
“I keep my promises. I don’t want to be called a liar.”
“Do as you like. Why bother with me?”
“… For your sake. You could go out alone, but it’s better with me.”
Zion glanced at the necklace Hanette wore. She had worn it ever since he gave it to her. It either meant she liked the gift or took his words seriously.
“Do you think I’m a child? Even without you, the guards…”
“Sister, you won’t lose anything by listening to me. Can’t you trust me this once?”
Zion spoke calmly, sitting down. The rebels targeted the royal family, Duke Adelaira, and Ternein Duke. Others were potential allies, but that could change. He needed to keep an eye on things and decide whether to intervene before the protagonist arrived.
“Fine. You win. I’ll humor you.”
Hanette laughed, sitting next to Zion. Normally, she would have stubbornly argued, but now she found herself agreeing with him.
‘Why am I listening to him? He’s just a kid…’