Chapter 34: 34

Seran gazed at the Magic Sword, murmuring its name as he slowly shifted his focus.

The silver-gray blade emitted a faint glow, the hilt was tinted pale yellow, and occasional sparks of electricity flickered. With enough mana, each swing of this Magic Sword would unleash lightning energy.

‘It could have arrived a bit more gently…’

Overwhelmed by fatigue, Seran slumped to the ground. Although the lightning had swept over his body, it had only grazed his exterior. The lightning was a test to see if he was worthy of Nailing, not meant to kill him.

‘Can I become a knight now?’

A knight was someone who used mana to fight monsters. Those without mana could only serve as subordinates in knightly orders or enlist in Alain Kingdom’s army. However, those who could use mana could become knights, gain recognition, and achieve wealth and fame.

‘I need to form a knightly order.’

Since childhood, Seran had dreamed of creating a knightly order. He had once witnessed a knightly order battling monsters, a sight that had remained in his memory. Thus, his main goal was not to become a famous knight but to gather trusted companions and form a knightly order.

‘…I’m still not ready. There’s too much I lack.’

Unfortunately, he couldn’t set off just yet. He had only recently awakened his mana and had just obtained Nailing, making it impossible to wield properly. Moreover, he needed to travel around Alain Kingdom to find companions.

‘But for now… what do I do about this?’

Seran tried to move his legs but felt a sharp pain and collapsed. It seemed the lightning had caused significant trauma to his body. Although he felt no pain, his limbs were growing numb.

“This thing is quite fierce.”

Seran chuckled quietly and lay down completely. The reaction had been rough, but he had ultimately become the rightful owner of the Magic Sword. With time, he would be able to master it fully.

Seran closed his eyes slowly and soon lost consciousness.

Nailing faded from sight and merged into Seran’s body. Warmth began to fill the area, spreading outwards.

* * *

The capital of Alain Kingdom, inside a carriage.

Zion was heading to the magic academy with Hanette. In large cities like Kelydos, a magic academy was always established, while in other cities, it depended on their economic power and population. In the capital, various magical factions competed to recruit more members.

‘They’re probably all the same, but some might be better than others.’

Zion planned to visit every magic academy in the capital. To quickly increase his mana, he needed to train at a magic academy. Although he could also learn magic, that wasn’t his main focus.

‘If I can get this done, I can decide whether or not to learn swordsmanship.’

He couldn’t always rely on mana absorption or Hanette whenever a crisis occurred. Mana absorption required mana expenditure to be effectively used, and Hanette shouldn’t be forced into combat.

Swordsmanship was also important, but Zion was currently looking for someone to teach him through Kaltz.

‘He still hasn’t told me. What happened back then?’

Zion glanced at Hanette. She was resting her chin on her right hand, gazing out the window.

‘She knows what I said…’

Zion had used his engagement as an excuse to refuse joining the Royal Knights. He had tried to convince the king with words like “life” and “oath.”

But the king hadn’t easily accepted it, ultimately summoning Hanette to the palace.

“Sister.”

“…What?”

“Are you really not going to tell me?”

“I told you, nothing happened.”

“Nothing happened, and they just let it go?”

“Is that why you put me in that situation?”

“I didn’t put you in a bad spot. I warned you in advance, didn’t I?”

“Ha! Warned me? Really?”

Hanette turned her head and gave him a sharp look.

Zion didn’t avoid her gaze and calmly continued.

“I said I couldn’t join the Royal Knights because I had to protect my fiancée. Didn’t I?”

“Hey! Are you messing with me? Do you even realize what you did…”

Hanette lowered her voice, aware of the coachman. She didn’t want to talk about what happened in the palace with anyone. It was too embarrassing, and she had lied out of necessity.

“What did you say again? That you’d be my knight, swore an oath, and… risked your life? Do you enjoy making fun of me?”

“That was to show my dedication to my fiancée.”

“Your tongue is as sharp as ever. So why haven’t you sworn that oath to me?”

“…Because I can’t predict the future.”

Zion muttered, recalling what Hanette would eventually do. She was destined to meet the protagonist and escape, no matter his presence.

“Ha! So you plan to leave me behind? And you lied so well? Unbelievable…”

“I’m not going to run away.”

“Then why did you say that?”

“Do I need to explain? Why do you think only I would run?”

“…?”

Hanette paused, contemplating his words. Realizing what he meant, she narrowed her eyes.

She wanted to argue but couldn’t completely deny it as she was already planning her escape.

“Why would I run away? What’s there to gain?”

“I wouldn’t know. Only you know your own mind.”

“Then why say such things?”

“That’s why I asked. I could run, and you could run. Understand now?”

“What’s there to understand? You’re the one who made the mistake, so why blame me?”

“Sigh… I warned you in advance. Isn’t that enough?”

“Your warning was off! At least swear the oath if you say such things.”

Hanette’s eyes flashed with anger as she vented her frustration. She had promised to help him, but his actions had exceeded her expectations, leaving her shocked. If she hadn’t actively dealt with the situation, Zion might have faced severe punishment.

“Would you accept it if I swore now?”

“Now you want to swear? Would you even believe it yourself?”

“…I’m serious. If you want, I can swear.”

Zion was willing to swear to be Hanette’s knight and protect her until death. But if the one he swore to left him, it would mean nothing. Moreover, he knew Hanette wouldn’t genuinely accept his oath, making it hard to take it seriously.

“Forget it! I don’t want such an oath.”

“But I can still protect you while we’re together. Remember the necklace?”

“I don’t believe you. How can you help me? Just take care of yourself.”

Hanette turned back to the window, gently touching the necklace. She believed in Zion’s words a little. That’s why she had agreed to leave the mansion with him, overcoming her fear. Zion would somehow protect her, just like he did before.

“You may not believe me, but I’m increasing my mana for your sake. If I get stronger, I can protect you better, right?”

“You talk well. But you have no reason to do that for me…”

“Sister.”

Zion’s voice, cold and deep, lingered in the air.

Hanette tensed up and slowly turned her head.

His purple eyes, full of sincere light, were staring at her.

“Even if it’s a political marriage, the fact remains that you’re my partner. It doesn’t matter if you don’t believe me. I will protect you till the end.”

“…”

Hanette felt breathless, biting her lip.

She couldn’t turn away from those eyes, and the more she looked, the more she felt drawn in. His voice carried deep emotions, making her realize his words were true.

‘…He’s not a kid anymore.’

Zion’s words and actions had seemed somewhat immature. But if she considered her own behavior, she was probably worse.

Zion stepped forward when needed and spoke his mind without hesitation. Hanette had known this but pretended otherwise.

‘There was no need for an oath.’

Anyone could make verbal promises. If they didn’t show it through actions, it would be a lie. Zion had already proven his promise to protect her through his actions, and his words had come later.

‘So… he didn’t lie.’

Hanette felt lighter as she turned her head. She had regretted her actions in the palace. No matter how emotional she had been, she had told the king she would risk her life.

Now, her oath held real meaning.

“But if you leave me completely, I have no choice but to give up.”

“…You really have no tact. Can’t you read the mood?”

“What mood?”

“Sigh… What’s the point in talking? You’re still a kid.”

“How can a kid wield sword energy?”

“The weapon must be good.”

Zion fell into silence, watching her carefully.

Thankfully, it seemed she had said it without much thought.

“…Can anyone wield sword energy just with a good weapon?”

“You might find a few if you look.”

“Shouldn’t you say that after finding them?”

“I’m too busy to do that.”

Zion laughed, unable to respond.

Her so-called busy schedule involved drinking in taverns or gambling. Sometimes she stayed in the mansion, likely out of laziness.

“Busy spending money, perhaps?”

“When you have lots to do, you spend more money.”

“So I’m busy too?”

“That’s a waste of money.”

“You’re not one to talk.”

“I spend less than you with all your gold.”

“Well… I’m comfortable now.”

“Getting it from the head of the family is not comfort.”

“It’s because I’m capable.”

“Ha! That’s hilarious.”

Zion smiled, agreeing with her.

It wasn’t meant to be a joke, but it made him laugh. Hanette seemed to be returning to her old self and might show some interest in his plans.

‘I can teach her mana enhancement together… even if I don’t mention it.’