Chapter 40: 40
“There’s no need for this!”
“Master!”
Zion and Hanette stepped in front of Robbenz to stop him. Shchedrin was so scared he couldn’t even think of running away. Robbenz, breathing heavily, tried to lift his sword.
“Move aside! Once it’s drawn, it must see the end!”
“He did wrong, but it’s not a crime worth taking a life for. Perhaps you could put the sword down?”
“That boy humiliated me! I told him not to act that way!”
“My sister is not a cruel person. She wouldn’t want her brother to die over such a thing.”
Zion chose his words carefully as he continued. The sudden situation was surprising, and he needed to handle it delicately. It was possible Robbenz was acting out to shake them, but now wasn’t the time to analyze that.
“I let it go because I believed family should understand each other. But now things have escalated. It’s my fault for being naive, so I must resolve it myself.”
“Master! If you had disciplined him from the start, this wouldn’t have happened. Why are you trying to punish him now?”
Hanette matched Robbenz’s gaze and raised her voice. She had initially wanted to keep things quiet to avoid trouble in the mansion, but the root cause was Robbenz himself. He had merely scolded Shchedrin without proper punishment, allowing him to continue misbehaving.
“If this is about Zion, please put the sword down. Zion might get angry over this, but he won’t kill anyone. He wouldn’t because of me.”
Zion, although he agreed with Hanette, stayed silent. She was standing up to Robbenz with him, and any contradiction might worsen the situation.
“Are you defying me?”
“Have you ever listened to me? You’ve always blamed me without considering my side. Is it so wrong for me to wear formal attire like other noble children? I don’t even drink or gamble excessively, so what’s your issue?”
Hanette spoke firmly, even with the sword in front of her. She didn’t know why she was saying these things, but she was following her instincts. She believed if Robbenz had any conscience, he wouldn’t use the sword.
“Have you always been this talkative? Drawing my sword seems to show me new things.”
“You never listened to me before. I’m standing up now because you’re trying to kill your child. I don’t like Shchedrin, but this isn’t right. Please put the sword away.”
Robbenz took a deep breath, looking down at Hanette. Usually, she avoided him and ran away whenever they met. But now, she was facing him, expressing long-suppressed defiance.
“… What do you think?”
“I agree with my sister. If this is about me, please put the sword down. I will not make any complaints if this ends quietly.”
Zion had no intention of making a fuss over this incident. He had already warned Shchedrin and had been maintaining a peaceful coexistence with Duke Adelaira’s family. It was crucial to keep things stable until Hanette left.
“If that’s the case, I suppose I should step back.”
Robbenz slowly lowered the sword and sheathed it. Zion and Hanette sighed in relief and moved aside. Shchedrin, crying, wiped his nose.
“Shchedrin, you’re grounded for a week. No allowance for a month, and your mother will be held responsible. Go to your room.”
Robbenz, now calmer, turned away. Shchedrin hesitated but quickly left the office. Zion and Hanette shook their heads as they watched him go.
“If only he had stayed quiet…”
“He picks fights but doesn’t think things through.”
“I apologize on behalf of my son. It was my failure.”
Robbenz put the sword back and spoke quietly. Issues between Hanette and Shchedrin were common, and he had always tried to mediate with words. But now, it had escalated, showing his lack of control.
“Hanette, I apologize to you too. I didn’t take proper care of you.”
Hanette was shocked by his words. Robbenz had never apologized or shown any warmth. She suspected he was only saying this because of Zion.
“What can I do to make amends?”
“I was only angry at the moment. I’m fine now. You’ve been considerate to me, Duke Adelaira. It’s enough. Perhaps you could take better care of my sister?”
Zion, having been rewarded for his efforts against the rebels, was receiving support from Robbenz. This included expenses for the magic academy, books on mana enhancement, and other costs. Zion wanted Hanette to have these opportunities instead.
“Hanette, is there anything you want?”
“… No. Can I leave now?”
Hanette responded indifferently, avoiding Robbenz’s gaze. She needed more money, but not this way. She felt guilty about the money she was secretly taking and didn’t want to owe favors.
“If you change your mind, you can always come back.”
“Yes, I’ll do that.”
Hanette gave a small nod and turned to leave. Zion, understanding her feelings, followed her.
‘… Things are going well. If he’s standing up for his fiancée, there must be something there.’
Robbenz was pleased as he looked at the sword on the wall. He had drawn it, but he never intended to kill Shchedrin. He needed to show his emotions and determination to comfort Zion. He didn’t want to lose a talented son-in-law who could wield sword energy.
‘Hanette must have her grievances too.’
When Hanette was young, he had nurtured her with care. But as she grew, she started acting against expectations, earning the title Crazy Young Lady with her drinking and gambling. He had scolded her continuously, but she never yielded. Eventually, he had to find a compromise and step back a bit.
‘There’s nothing I can do for her now.’
The relationship between Hanette and him had gone too far to mend. He had always criticized her, and she had only felt resentment and helplessness. It was too twisted to fix, and he didn’t know where to start.
‘If Zion Laird can fill that role… then that’s enough.’
Hanette had defended Zion Laird, showing a clear belief in him. Even if it wasn’t love, trusting Zion had its own significance.
‘Even if it’s just a fleeting emotion… it becomes a memory when looked back upon.’
Robbenz had always considered the possibility of annulment. Unexpected events could happen, and Zion Laird had already changed significantly. He hoped Hanette would gain more experiences and that this arranged marriage would conclude smoothly.
‘I hope this incident doesn’t drive them apart… I should create opportunities for them.’
* * *
In the capital of Alain Kingdom, at the headquarters of the Sadepo Magic Academy.
Magic academies typically named themselves after their founders. The Sadepo Magic Academy focused on understanding the essence of mana rather than creating new magic, establishing a foundation by aligning with the flow of mana. This approach ensured a strong basic knowledge of magic while adapting to mana itself.
Zion had chosen Sadepo Magic Academy because he wanted to enhance his mana while learning simple applications.
‘Money is useful.’
Zion and Hanette were attending a lecture by a mage from the academy. The academy offered different levels of education and training environments based on the fees paid. With enough money, one could receive top-notch treatment and instruction.
‘No one talks about Hanette here…’
Robbenz had previously prevented Hanette from learning magic, fearing she might cause trouble if she wielded magic carelessly. He didn’t want her to become a knight despite her talent. But now, with the increased value of the arranged marriage, he was allowing her to study without interference.
‘Things are going according to plan.’
Since starting the lectures, Zion had been gradually increasing his mana, and Hanette, though pretending not to care, was paying attention. With more mana available, Zion could better use his Exceed Rain ability. Hanette could also start showing her talents, making this mutually beneficial.
‘It’s time to focus on magic…’
“Today’s lecture is over. If you have any questions, please feel free to come to me. I will be waiting.”
The academy mage politely excused himself. Zion packed his notes and glanced at Hanette. She was deep in thought, comparing the board and her notes.
“Sister.”
“…”
“Sister, the lecture is over.”
“…”
“Sister!”
“Huh? What… Why?”
Hanette snapped out of her thoughts, startled. Zion enjoyed her reaction and pretended not to notice.
“I’ve got a good grasp of mana now. I’m thinking of starting magic training. What do you think?”
“Why ask me? It’s your money.”
“You said it’s your family’s money.”
“Ugh, why bring that up?”
“I’m just going to observe today. Will you join me?”
“… I suppose that’s fine.”
Hanette responded indifferently but had a sparkle in her eyes. Zion noticed and smiled.
‘Not sure how much it’ll help, but… it’s the right thing to do. To get the Fire Magic Sword, we need to be prepared.’