Chapter 31-2


    The Marquis Laird residence, Office Room.


    Fred constantly agonized over his thoughts after receiving a letter from themander of the royal knights.


    Whether Sion joined or didnt join the royal knights was not particrly important.


    What was important was to find out Sions thoughts to resolve other issues at hand.


    Have you been to the pce?


    Yes.


    Sion came to his home immediately after being called by Fred.


    He could easily guess the reason Fred called him.


    It would be best to put an end to this matter in this ce.


    Do not beat around the bush. Do you have any thoughts about joining the royal knights?


    No, I dont. Im content where I am now.


    If youre giving in because of your older brother, you dont have to. You have your own opportunity.


    Fred continued speaking with a heavy heart, feeling his chest resonate with emotions he found hard to express.


    In all honesty, he wanted to tell Sion to give up for the sake of his older brother.


    Although Sion could bepared to Barchen for being his younger brother, it would only lead to Barchen being miserable if it were the other way around.


    I dont consider it an opportunity. And its not something Im saying for Barchens sake. I want to live my life the way I want to.


    Can you tell me what youre thinking?


    I want to observe a little more until the wedding.


    Just like before, Sion had been dreaming of a peaceful and stable life.


    Obtaining the Exceed Rain, protecting Hte, and Barchen joining the royal knights.


    All of these were acts for his own benefit and ways to maintain the flow of the original story.


    Can I take that as a sign of finding your own personal happiness?


    Yes. Although its an unwanted marriage, Im trying to find a way to be happy as you suggested.


    Are you getting along well with your fianc?


    So far, nothing special has happened. It seems nothing has changed from before.


    Fred nods his head and swallows his silence.


    If its the same as before, it means there hasnt been any disturbance at the very least.


    Perhaps their rtionship had even improved, but they were not aware of it.


    If it was only that much, they could have a wedding without any problems.


    I guess I was worried about nothing. You should go now.


    Are you doing well?


    Im doing well too. Sometimes I feel like Im missing you but Im adapting to it now.


    Im d to hear that youre doing well. Then, Ill go first.


    Sion lightly bowed his head and left the office.


    Fred, left alone, thought for a while before getting up from his seat.


    <em>I cant stop them, can I?</em>


    Whether it was Barchen or Sion, he could be happy if at least one of them joined the Royal Knights.


    But now both were refusing to join.


    Sion was forced into a political marriage, while Barhen had an unintended sacrifice.


    <em>Was my ambition too much?</em>


    He only hoped for the Laird family and its members to do better a the head of the family.


    But at some point, their children began topete with each other and hurt each others feelings.


    Where and how did things go wrong?


    <em> I should ept their decision even if they dont join. Its my fault, so I should fix it.</em>


    * * *


    The pce, the royal office.


    Brandis was flipping through documents while waiting for someone to arrive.


    The evaluation by Glenone was already done, and the results were quite satisfying.


    Especially since Glenones assessment deeply resonated with him, she couldnt help but feel hopeful.


    <em>It felt like I waspeting against my younger self</em>


    Before she became king, Brandis often sparred with Glenone.


    They exchanged swords lightly, and sometimes they showed sincerity by using their magic.


    asionally, we challenged each others sword skills to gauge our level, but now that I think about it, I wonder if it seemed like we were ying games.


    <em>I started using the sword skills at the age of 20. But that guy is</em>


    Being a year younger than her meant he had superior qualities.


    Perhaps in a short time, he could be a Setinos Quasar at an early age if he had been taught properly.


    <em>I need to see what he looks like. I wonder how arrogant he is</em>


    As soon as she heard the knocking on the door, she sensed that the person had arrived.


    Glenone and the young man with a silver hair entered the office together.


    Your Majesty, I have brought Sion Laird, the Son of Marquis Laird.


    Thank you for your hard work.


    Brandis rises from her seat and quickly moves towards them.


    Sion bows respectfully with Gloane by his side in the silence.


    <em>She looks quite different.</em>


    Sion briefly nces at Brandis and is puzzled.


    Despite her age, Brandis looks young and slender enough that she doesnt look like a sword user.


    Above all, her beauty was so remarkable that it made Sion wonder if the character setting was believable.


    The reason why the silver viin has a crush on the king


    (TL: I dont know who the silver is or if that is right term until we get more about that charecter in furure, so I might chance at that time.)


    Raise your head.


    I greet Your Majesty, who is at the pinnacle of the Kingdom of in, the owner of the pce, and who has achieved great aplishments.


    Sion slowly changes his posture and recites the ceremonial sentence.


    Brandis smiles and starts scrutinizing Sion carefully.


    Are you Sion Laird?


    Yes, Your Majesty.


    They say you can use sword skills at that age?


    I can only can use sword skills, Your Majesty.


    Does that mean you didnt learn swordsmanship?


    Yes, Your Majesty.


    How talented must you be to wield a use sword skills without learning swordsmanship? Truly remarkable.


    Silent, Sion avoids Brandiss gaze, realizing that whatever excuse hees up with, she will do whatever it takes to get him into the royal knight order.


    In the end, he had to resort to hisst option.


    Truly, you are the talent I have been looking for. I will make sure you join the royal knight order no matter what it takes.


    Your Majesty, may I speak my mind?


    Speak.


    Sion feels his heart trembling as he recalls the words he had prepared in advance.


    If the king asserts the authority, Sion would have to risk his life and honor.


    Although it was a momentary lie, but it would never be found out because I had told her beforehand.


    I swore to be a knight of my fiance. I pledged my life to that oath, and now, I cannot break it. If you wish to include me in the royal knight order, you must first obtain permission from my fiance.