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– Clatter, clatter…  

The carriage that left the Count’s estate rattled as it traveled along the dirt roads of the territory.  

“Every time I come here, I feel it again—your family’s domain is truly insignificant.”  

“Haha…”  

“Other than the fact that it’s right next to the capital, there’s nothing appealing about it.”  

Meredia, who was frowning at the shaking, grumbled, and I turned my gaze aside with an awkward smile.  

‘And yet, it’s precisely because of that one advantage that so many people are scheming to take our land.’  

Well, to the daughter of the Embergreen Duchy, which owns the largest and wealthiest territory in the empire, this place might indeed seem insignificant.  

But that’s only until Parsha arrives.  

If she manages the land for just a few years, Lingard, a strategic location for both transportation and mana stones, has limitless potential for growth.  

Of course, that is—assuming Parsha doesn’t do something insane like pouring all our funds into the nearly abandoned Levertaine Mine.  

“By the way, who is the maid sitting next to you?”  

Just as I was putting aside my needless worries because I trusted Parsha’s abilities, Meredia turned her gaze toward me and asked in a cold voice.  

“Hik.”  

At that, Sasha, who had been frozen beside me for some time, began trembling with a tearful expression.  

“Sasha is my personal maid. She’s very kind and innocent.”  

“…Y-Yes, that’s right. Hehe.”  

I hadn’t expected to end up riding in the same carriage as Lady Meredia, so I had no choice but to bring Sasha along.  

But at least now, I no longer have to worry about Lady Meredia harming her.  

After all, she and I are now in the same boat.  

If it were Runiel or Parsha, maybe—but she wouldn’t bother picking on an ordinary maid like Sasha.  

“Your bodyguard is a woman, your butler is a woman, and now even your personal attendant is a woman.”  

However, it seemed Meredia was annoyed about something else entirely.  

“Uh… is that so?”  

“Yes. I understand your tastes very well now.”  

Wait, this is unfair.  

I chose my personnel purely based on ability.  

And besides, Runiel might be one thing, but Parsha and Sasha are so young that touching them would be a literal crime.  

“……”  

Still, seeing Meredia turn her gaze toward the window again with an icy expression, it was clear I needed to take some kind of action.  

“…What are you doing?”  

“I was rude to my fiancée by looking away, wasn’t I?”  

So, I quietly stood up and moved to sit beside her.  

Meredia, who had been glaring at me, now gave me an incredulous look.  

“I didn’t tell you to sit next to me so presumptuously.”  

“Haha. Well, does it really matter? We’re engaged, after all.”  

“…Tch.”  

As I joked with her, Meredia clicked her tongue and turned her gaze away again.  

‘Did her mood lighten a little…?’  

Judging from my past experiences with her, her expression seemed just a tiny bit softer, which was a relief.  

“By the way, our engagement… it’s still intact, right?”  

“What kind of question is that?”  

“Well… it’s just that, last time… I thought you would be utterly repulsed by what I said.”  

I cautiously brought up the past incident, and this time, Meredia fully turned her gaze toward me, tilting her head.  

“You said it yourself back then, didn’t you? That you despise foolish men who fall for you simply because you’re beautiful.”  

“……”

“Honestly, I was worried you’d break off the engagement.”  

As I spoke in a worried tone, Meredia frowned slightly.  

“That was about idiots blinded by my power or appearance.”  

“Oh, really?”  

Fortunately, her response left some room for interpretation.  

“And honestly, while I don’t understand your attitude, this is good news for me.”  

Just as I was about to sigh in relief, Meredia continued, her lips curling into a cold smile.  

“I don’t know what it is about me that you like, but that’s none of my concern.”  

“……”  

“The important thing is that it just got easier to use you.”  

Ah, yes. That’s the Lady Meredia I know.  

In a way, it’s reassuring to know that she won’t suddenly try to kill me for being rude.  

“So, don’t go having any useless fantasies. The only reason I overlook your lecherous thoughts is because you’re still useful to me.”  

Still, it stung a little that my heartfelt confession had zero effect on her.  

“Are you not going to respond?”  

Maybe I should risk my life and tease her just once?  

“Your eyes are truly beautiful, Lady Meredia.”  

“…What?”  

“Haha. Didn’t you ask what I find attractive about you?”  

I threw out the joke on impulse, and when Meredia, who had been glaring at me, suddenly whipped her head away, I instinctively lowered my gaze in defeat.  

‘Yeah… it’s painfully obvious I’ve never been in a relationship before.’  

If I try this kind of joke one more time, I might not survive—even if I had seven lives to spare.  

– Swoosh…  

As I reflected on my behavior, slumping my shoulders in the now awkward atmosphere, something suddenly appeared before me—a box wrapped with a ribbon.  

“Lady Meredia? What is this?”  

“If you’re curious, open it and see for yourself.”  

It turned out that Lady Meredia was holding it out to me.  

“Oh?”  

Curious, I opened the box and let out a gasp at the sight of the colorful papers inside.  

“They’re leftover sheets from a misordered batch. I don’t need them, so take them if you want.”  

But upon closer inspection, these didn’t look like ordinary sheets at all.  

Even at a glance, the materials and craftsmanship were high quality, and some even had gold foil embroidery.  

“If you don’t want it, forget it.”  

“Haha. Thank you. I actually have a hobby of origami.”  

However, since it suited my taste too well to refuse, I shamelessly accepted the box she offered.  

“Do you know the legend that says if you fold a thousand paper cranes, your wish will come true?”  

“……”

“Look, I’ve already folded one. Haha…”  

Picking out a platinum-colored sheet similar to Lady Meredia’s hair, I demonstrated my skills.  

Still turning her head away, Meredia, who had been glaring at me from the corner of her eye, muttered in a blunt voice.  

“I didn’t know you could smile so innocently.”  

My smile had always been full of innocence—what was she talking about?  

I almost felt a little hurt, but since she had just given me such a wonderful gift, I decided to let it slide.  

“How did you end up with such a childish hobby?”  

“Oh, that…”  

As I carefully closed the box and tucked it into my coat, I momentarily fell silent at Meredia’s question and began reminiscing about the past.  

“Actually, there was a time when I was sick and bedridden.”  

That was back in my previous life, when I was too young to play video games and could do little else but lie in bed.  

“Then I heard somewhere that if you fold a thousand paper cranes, your wish will come true. So, filled with childish hope, I folded them diligently.”  

To be honest, I can’t quite remember who told me that foolish tale.  

I had no friends back then, and my parents barely paid me any attention, so it was probably the kind nurse who took care of me.  

“In the end, even after folding not just a thousand but ten thousand cranes, my wish never came true.”  

“……”

“But since there wasn’t much else I could do at the time, it just naturally became a hobby. Haha…”  

Now, it’s just a hazy memory that I can laugh about, but back then, my younger self cried for days.  

“…I see.”  

For some reason, Meredia’s expression darkened slightly.  

‘Oh, right, she was bedridden as a child too.’  

I suddenly recalled that her past was quite similar to mine.  

Wondering if I had unintentionally dampened the mood, I glanced at her cautiously.  

“Thinking about it… I suppose it’s not such a childish hobby after all.”  

Instead of her usual sharp tone, Meredia quietly corrected herself while observing my face.  

“I used to…”  

She trailed off and turned back toward the window, but I could guess what she had left unsaid.  

Even though it was only briefly mentioned in the setting materials, I knew that as a child, she had a habit of talking to dolls.  

Since I was a devoted fan, I had memorized even those little details.  

However, if I brought that up now, the mood would surely turn cold, so I decided to express my gratitude instead.  

“Thank you for the gift, Lady Meredia.”  

“…It’s not a gift. I was just throwing it away.”  

Although she said that, no one in the world wraps up something in ribbon before discarding it, especially when it happens to suit the recipient’s taste perfectly.  

‘If someone saw this, they’d think she was a tsundere.’  

Of course, considering that I had never once mentioned my hobby to Lady Meredia, this was likely her way of warning me that she could easily gather information about me.  

Even so, I couldn’t help but feel happy.  

“Lady Meredia, actually, I prepared a gift for you too…”  

“…?”  

“But now doesn’t seem like the right time, so I’ll give it to you later.”  

If I had known this would happen, I would have taken the time earlier to prepare and bring the gift.  

But handing over such a heartfelt present in a rattling carriage didn’t seem ideal, so I decided to save the moment when she would be surprised for another time.  

“Still, since I shouldn’t just receive something, would you like a paper crane I folded?”  

“No need.”  

Just from the expressive reaction she had shown earlier, I could probably live off that satisfaction for years.  

*****  

“Wow, chatting really made the time fly—we’re already here.”  

Since the Lingard County was so close to the capital, by the time Meredia and Whitney finished their conversation, the grand scenery of the academy was already visible outside the window.  

“Shall we get off now?”  

As the carriage slowed to a stop at its destination, Whitney, seemingly in high spirits from receiving a gift, hummed a tune as he stepped out of the carriage.  

“Come to think of it, I don’t know much about that guy.”  

Meredia might have furrowed her brows at Whitney’s complete lack of escorting etiquette.  

“…I really despise things being unbalanced.”  

Still seated quietly inside, she murmured in a low voice, fiddling with the platinum-colored paper crane Whitney had placed in her hand.  

“Hey, maid.”  

“Why aren’t you getting off?”  

She turned her gaze to Sasha, who had been sitting there with her head down, covering her ears with both hands just as Whitney had taught her.  

“Ah, yes! I-I’m sorry!”  

“You could hear everything anyway, so why were you covering your ears?”  

“Hik!”  

Caught by an unintended leading question, Sasha started trembling.  

Letting out a quiet sigh, Meredia asked her another question.  

“Enough with the nonsense. Just answer my question.”  

“A-ask me anything!”  

“Is it true that your master was sick as a child?”  

At those words, Sasha hesitated, glancing at Meredia’s expression, then replied in a timid voice.  

“U-um, I only started working a few months ago as a new maid…”  

“…A new maid is his personal attendant?”  

“I-I’m sorry?”  

Meredia, who found the staffing situation unthinkable by Embergreen Ducal standards, momentarily looked baffled before deciding to let it go and changed her question.  

“Let me ask something else. Has your master done anything suspicious recently?”  

“Um, well…”  

But that question was far beyond Sasha’s ability to answer.  

“There are too many things to know where to start…?”  

“…I just wasted my time.”  

Realizing this, Meredia abandoned further questioning and prepared to leave.  

“…D-do you have any more questions?”  

“Why don’t you take care of your master instead?”  

“Ah, y-yes!”  

Shrinking under her gaze, Sasha quickly stood up and scurried outside like a startled squirrel at Meredia’s words.  

“Why did he bring along such a clueless girl…?”  

Muttering as she watched Sasha’s retreating figure, Meredia soon picked up the paper crane she had been holding and followed her out of the carriage.  

“…Huh?”  

Suddenly, her sharp eyes narrowed.  

“Greetings, Sir Whitney.”  

“Hello?”  

“I am Pierre, an officer of the Academy’s Commoners’ Association. I was told that you specifically requested me as your guide for today, so I have been waiting here.”  

The man addressing Whitney at the academy’s entrance had a face that Meredia found particularly displeasing.  

‘Of all people, he chose this radical as his guide? What is he thinking?’  

The Commoners’ Association was a self-governing organization that had existed since the academy’s founding, maintaining the principle that education should be equally accessible to all.  

Although the influence of the nobility had diminished its impact in recent years, the current emperor, who valued talent over lineage, had intervened and granted the association unprecedented authority.  

‘A mere commoner daring to veto the board’s decision—how ridiculous.’  

In fact, ever since the decision for a rematch in the Young Talents Selection Tournament, Meredia, who had applied as a judge, had been unable to finalize her position until this very morning due to the Commoners’ Association exercising its veto power.  

‘Trying to cover up the stain of her illegitimate claim to the throne with these petty gestures, is that it?’  

And everyone knew that the mastermind behind the association’s growing power was none other than the emperor herself.  

“May I ask why you specifically requested me?”  

“……”

“I’m a very busy person, you see. If you need someone to serve you, I think you’ve got the wrong guy.”  

Just as Meredia was glaring at him with open displeasure for his insolent attitude toward Whitney, something unexpected happened.  

“O-Oh? Big brother?”  

Sasha, who had been hurrying toward Whitney, suddenly froze.  

Then, eyes wide with surprise, she stared at Pierre and called out to him in a trembling voice.  

“…Sasha?”  

At the same time, the boy who had just introduced himself to Whitney looked just as stunned and called her name in return.  

“I-I missed you… Hic…”  

Already looking pitiful after enduring Meredia’s scolding earlier, Sasha’s face crumpled, and tears began streaming down her cheeks.  

“Haha… Honestly, our Sasha cries way too easily.”  

“……”

“By the way, Pierre, was it?”  

As Whitney watched the emotional reunion in silence, he casually placed a hand on Pierre’s shoulder.  

Then, narrowing his eyes, he lowered his voice and whispered into his ear.  

“How does it feel to see your little sister again after so long?”  

Meredia, observing the sinister smile creeping onto Whitney’s face, shook her head internally and muttered to herself.  

‘…So that’s why he brought her.’  

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Every year, the academy hosts a promising young talent selection event, which, along with the Imperial Youth Fencing Tournament and the Mage Tower Exchange Meeting, is considered one of the three main gateways for talented newcomers. 

Among them, the Youth Fencing Tournament is held every three years, and due to the nature of the Mage Tower, the exchange meeting is quite exclusive. Thus, the annual promising young talent selection event, which also allows outsiders to spectate, attracts significant attention from influential figures from various regions. 

Naturally, it is seen as a prime opportunity for the academy’s students to showcase their skills to potential sponsors, and the competition is accordingly fierce. 

“So, you’re saying my sister is the top candidate now…?” 

“Not just the top candidate, it seems she’s already been designated.” 

The issue, according to Parsha’s analysis, is that my sister has been designated as an additional participant due to her breaking through the high competition rate. 

“…On what basis?” 

“It doesn’t seem to be listed in alphabetical order, and rather than being first-come, first-served, it oddly seems to be arranged by skill level. Since it’s based on internal academy data secured by Mr. Bergen, it seems more plausible to consider it as being arranged by influencer status.” 

I threw out a question, wondering if she might have made a mistake due to being in poor condition, but Parsha’s logic seemed sound even to me. 

“Runiel, objectively, how would you rate Cecil’s skills?” 

“…If she had competed in the fencing tournament I participated in with her current skills, she would have been in the upper ranks. Maybe she could even aim for fourth place.” 

Anxious after the recent attack incident, I asked Runiel, who had started following me around even to the bathroom, but the response I received was quite an overestimation. 

“I understand that Cecil has only recently awakened her sword energy…” 

“But she’s already practicing imbuing her own techniques into her sword energy. It’s quite rare even among the imperial knights, let alone the youth participants.” 

Of course, I knew Cecil had a very promising talent. 

“Just like the prince and me, she’s only one step away from being able to use it freely in real combat.” 

“Isn’t that… a condition for special recruitment as a captain of the Imperial Knights?” 

“Exactly. I was actually designated as the captain of the newly planned Third Knights Division, but then that incident happened during the ceremony…” 

But who would have thought she could stand shoulder to shoulder with monsters like Runiel and Princess Katarina. 

It makes one wonder why such talented individuals never appeared in the original game, which could have recruited all such talents. 

“Of course, the selection event evaluates not only fencing skills but also involves many variables…” 

“That’s true, right?” 

“Still, she would be a candidate for the championship. Her magical skills are exceptional as well.” 

Despite my doubts, listening to Runiel, I was reminded that Cecil was also excellent in magic and sighed deeply, bowing my head. 

“Ah, of course, not as much as you, Master…” 

Runiel hastily offered comfort, but it wasn’t much help as the comfort was off the mark. 

“What will happen at the selection event is still unknown…”

It’s been a problem before, but the probability that the day of the re-match of the selection event coincides with the first act’s boss fight in the academy attack incident is very high. 

And even if the selection event ends safely, that itself is another problem. 

If Cecil wins as Runiel expects, or even places in the top three, the likelihood of being chosen as a hero increases. 

That would mean my precious sister would have to go through the damn trials of the original work and save the world. 

‘The difficulty level of clearing Blacktail Fantasy 3 is less than two digits…’

As a player who has experienced that difficulty level in the game and as her only brother, I can’t accept it. 

“If I tell Cecil not to participate in the selection event, would she listen to me?” 

“…You know the young lady’s personality better than anyone, Sir.” 

“Haah…” 

Of course, I planned to support the hero from behind so I could rescue the Lady Meredia and live a comfortable life afterward, but it’s different if it’s my sister. 

It might seem selfish, but I don’t want to lose the kind and precious family I’ve finally found in this life again. 

“Somehow, I miss Mother’s smile…” 

“…You really resemble your mother, Young Master, not only in appearance but also in your expressions and speech.” 

Thinking such thoughts, I muttered bitterly, and Alfred quietly chimed in from beside me. 

“Haha. It seems Alfred still remembers.” 

“Of course, I’ve been a butler since before that… But why are you suddenly bringing up old stories?” 

Yes, my mother did look very much like me. 

Of course, that might be because she was my biological mother, but unlike another doppelganger, the emperor, she was a very pure and kind person. 

Looking back, it seems my speech and personality were also quite influenced by my mother. 

Then, why not try to solve this problem the old-fashioned way my mother used to? 

“What if we use the solution my mother used when Cecil was fussy about side dishes?” 

“The thinking chair, you mean? But whether that would break the young lady’s stubbornness…” 

“Maybe just until the selection event is over?”

Following that line of thought, I subtly suggested a plan to Alfred, but as he listened to me, his expression, which had been curious, quickly darkened.

“What is the difference between that and confinement, Sir….”

“Haha. Is that so?”

“Even if you smile cunningly, it absolutely won’t work this time. Are you planning to add another bizarre rumor to the mansion?”

I feel quite wronged by the bizarre rumors he mentioned, but upon reflection, it doesn’t seem like a good solution after all.

‘It could lead to a rift with Cecil…’

As someone who supports my sister’s dream of becoming the head of the family, I can’t trample on her opportunity to fully express her talents.

Having had a past where I wanted to pursue my dreams but couldn’t, I can fully understand how painful it would be for Cecil.

‘…Ultimately, I have no choice but to try harder.’

After coming to that conclusion, I quietly sighed and opened my mouth again.

“For now, I’ll have to think about a plan for my sister once I’m at the academy. Meanwhile, I need some rest…….”

“…Sir, have you forgotten?”

As Alfred spoke, he frowned suddenly, making me tilt my head in confusion.

“Isn’t today the day we are going to the academy? The carriage is already waiting.”

“Ah,”

It was only when I saw the sunlight coming in through the window that I came to my senses and opened my eyes wide.

“Right, the pre-visit.”

As foretold by Parsha, exactly one week before the promising young talent selection event, the academy’s board sent me a letter requesting a preliminary visit.

Although the letter stated it was for the judges’ adaptation and guidance, it’s more likely they want to assess my qualifications.

But, how did it already become morning? I didn’t sleep at all because I was replying to the letter.

“Fortunately, the morning sun has just risen, so there’s still some time left. Would you like to rest a bit?”

“No… Just a moment. There’s still something I need to do.”

Alfred looked at me worriedly, as if I had been scammed, but unfortunately, there was something I absolutely had to do before going to the academy.

“Runiel, I have a gift for you.”

“Me? For me?”

So, giving up the refreshing break like a timely rain, I turned my head towards Runiel, who was momentarily stunned and then surprised.

“Um, as far as I know, it’s a tradition for knights to receive a sword from their family or mentor during the investiture ceremony.”

“…That’s right.”

Her expression darkened suddenly as she began to answer in a subdued voice.

“Indeed, it was the moment I most looked forward to… but in the end, I didn’t receive it properly, and later it was sold to pay off debts.”

Certainly, the event that plummeted her life into despair in an instant, it would be strange if she could manage her expression.

“But why do you ask all of a sudden?”

“Although I’m not Runiel’s family or mentor, haven’t we formed a relationship akin to such a solemn pledge?”

Seeing her continue with such an expression was heart-wrenching,

“So, I want to fulfill that honor which you couldn’t achieve at that time.”

“……?”

“Everyone, bring it in.”

It was time to reveal the surprise gift prepared before coming to the office.

“Could this be….”

As soon as my command was issued, maids entered the room and placed something wrapped in a cloth in front of Runiel, and as she examined it, her eyes widened in shock.

“As your master, this is the highest respect I can offer you.”

The shape of the object wrapped in the cloth was all too familiar to her.

“It was said that the sword would be given upon the completion of this task…”

“That was referring to a ceremony that strains the body. For efficiency in our mission, I think it’s more appropriate to give it to you now.”

Runiel, who had been staring blankly and questioning me, now reached tremblingly towards the cloth.

Typically stoic about anything related to swords, she exhibited an uncharacteristic blindness.

“Am I really allowed to accept this? I put you in danger not so long ago…”

“Go ahead, unwrap it.”

“…Well then, excuse me.”

Holding the cloth, Runiel took a deep breath, showing incredible patience, but at my gentle urging, she set aside her reservations and quickly began to unwrap the veil.

-Swish…

And then, at the moment the identity of my surprise gift was revealed,

“Ah.”

Runiel’s eyes and mouth, reminiscent of a cartoon character with dotted eyes and a triangular mouth, showed a disappointed look.

“Thank you, Master. It’s a really fine sword.”

“Oh, it’s nothing.”

“I will work even harder from now on.”

At first glance, it looked just like any of the old, worn-out practice swords in the mansion, which might explain her reaction.

But it would be madness to give such a cheap sword to a close guard knight meant to protect my life.

“Yes, you should continue to work hard.”

“…Yes.”

Originally, I intended to reveal the truth right away, but Runiel’s comic-book-like eyes and her unexpectedly sorrowful expression, which exuded a sense of grievance, amused me enough to momentarily play along.

“Then, I will go and train with this new sword given by my master…”

“Ahaha, Runiel. Why don’t you hold the sword first?”

Seeing her eyes begin to droop further, I finally burst out laughing and opened my mouth.

“Understood…?”

“How does it feel?”

“…What?”

Yet, despite expecting disappointment, Runiel obediently followed my command and gripped the handle, her expression sharpening momentarily.

“This sword… something is unusual about it.”

“In what way?”

“It seems like it’s been enchanted… and not just with one spell. But it’s impossible to layer multiple enchantments on a single sword, right?”

After hearing her expertly analyze the situation, I watched her with satisfaction.

“Haha. That would make sense.”

Pausing for a moment, I then revealed the climax of this surprise with a broad smile.

“That sword, in fact, comes from the royal treasury, once belonging to the first hero.”

“…What!?”

Runiel, who nearly dropped the sword in shock, then showed the most dynamic expression I had seen since meeting her.

“Shh, this is top secret, but let’s keep it between us for now, shall we?”

Though I said that, it wasn’t I who had retrieved it.

After the royal treasury was once severely looted by Bergen, the security had been increased to such an extent that even those with keys could not freely enter.

Thus, it was as if a catalog had been delivered to me as if I were shopping from home, fortunately containing the two items I wanted.

“How could you… Master?”

“I told you, I know the story of the hero well.”

Indeed, one of the items was the sword that the emperor had incidentally bestowed upon Runiel in the original work.

The other I had kept aside for another purpose, but anyway.

To her, surely a serious hero enthusiast, this must be the best gift ever?

“…You used the key you received as compensation at the engagement incident for my gift?”

“I received two keys, so of course I had to invest one in my first subordinate.”

“I don’t understand.”

As Runiel’s expression grew serious and her voice heavier, she threw me another question.

“Do I really deserve to receive this?”

Perhaps the shock was too great for her to feel the moment?

Although this wasn’t the reaction I had hoped for internally, I did my best to relieve Runiel’s burden with a warm smile, showing her my support.

“Don’t feel too pressured. I really appreciated how you protected me last time.”

“……”

“So, please continue to do well, okay? Haha…”

When she was suddenly plunged from the brink of a hopeful future into despair, how desperate she must have felt. Although I can neither fully empathize nor understand, I hope this gift can help her reclaim even a small part of the future she dreamed of.

“…Uh…”

As I conveyed these sentiments and waited for a response, a choked sob came from in front of me.

“Uh. Ugh.”

“Miss Runiel?”

Wondering what was happening, I looked at her more closely and saw tears welling up and falling from Runiel’s eyes.

“I-I’m not crying. hic”

“Haha….”

“It’s just dust in my eyes…”

Let’s momentarily forget the fact that it’s unbelievable for her, who wouldn’t flinch even at the bottom of the ocean, to cry over a speck of dust.

“I will work very hard…”

Even someone as seemingly impenetrable as her still had traces of a girlish side, as I was just realizing.

“…Sir, you said that’s the first hero’s sword.”

While enjoying the warm atmosphere of the office for the first time in a while, Alfred, who had been quietly observing the situation, spoke up in a low voice.

“Setting aside how you knew about it, is the royal family aware of this fact?”

His question was sharp, as expected, and I replied with a mischievous twinkle in my eye.

“Alfred, you’re always so quick to notice things.”

“…Sir?”

“I dislike… no, I like people who are quick-witted.”

As sweat began to bead on his forehead, I whispered a timeless truth that applies in both past and present lives to him.

“Don’t worry too much. As they say, finders keepers, right?”

“…Oh, my head.”

Thus, I once again brilliantly countered Alfred’s needless nagging. I got up from my seat intending to catch some sleep before visiting the academy, but just then,

“Master.”

The voice of Parsha, who had been silent up to that point, froze me in my tracks.

“…What about mine?”

“Ah.”

Seeing the cold, slightly aggrieved smile on her face, it seemed rest would not come easily today.

“Almost had to renegotiate my salary there.”

Parsha, on the verge of striking, was placated when I granted her the right to sit on my right side, a position she coveted. The issue was that Runiel always wanted to stand there too. If I squint a bit, maybe having two right hands wouldn’t be so bad? If things get awkward later, I could always attach Sasha and Bergen to my left arm to balance it out.

“Why are you taking me…?”

“We need at least one person to attend to us, right? Haha.”

“Ah, I see.”

Sasha, who had unwittingly become my right-hand without realizing it due to such a ridiculous reason, looked sullen as she asked. I reassured her with a plausible reason.

‘In fact, it’s partly a vacation to let her meet her family at the academy.’

I felt like I had been overworking Sasha, so I planned to allow her some time to meet her brother, who was rumored to be at the academy, and possibly visit her family home nearby. It might be a bit regrettable to lose my attendant for a while, but a true noble should know how to manage by themselves, right?

“Well, let’s get on the carriage….”

Feeling quite proud of myself, I was about to board the carriage waiting outside the mansion when I paused.

“……Hmm?”

Something felt familiar, and I tilted my head slightly.

“This seems familiar…”

The emblem carved on the carriage reminded me of a family seal I knew.

“Of course, it would.”

Rubbing my eyes briefly due to a moment of confusion, I was suddenly struck by a familiar voice coming from in front.

“I’ve ridden in this once before.”

“…Lady Meredia?”

To my surprise, Lady Meredia was inside the carriage, chin propped on her hand, looking at me intently.

“Why are you here….”

“Didn’t you hear? This selection event adopted a joint judging panel to prevent the cheating issues from last time.”

“I hadn’t heard that news…?”

As I blinked in confusion, considering this was news even Bergen hadn’t mentioned, I questioned her.

“Well, it was only decided a few hours ago by the board.”

“Uh, about this board…”

“I’m the chairperson, you know?”

Her response left me speechless, eliciting a hollow laugh from me.

“What are you doing? Aren’t you getting in?”

“Haha….”

I had studied the royal treasury catalog almost like a textbook to pick out her gift. Now, more than ever, it seemed I needed to hurry and retrieve it.

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“Mr. Bergen, can you hear me?”

“…”

“Would you like some cold water?”

Seeing the figure of his daughter emerging from the smoke, Bergen turned pale and sat silently for a while, causing Whitney to approach him with a worried look.

“Slapping someone who’s unconscious can be surprisingly effective.”

“No, that’s a bit…”

Although Whitney suggested a typical abrupt solution, fortunately, it was not taken seriously.

“Lilly…”

It was then that Bergen slowly turned his head towards Whitney and began to speak in a choked voice.

“Just show me Lilly once more…”

“Well, I could ask the saintess, but…”

“…What?”

Whitney, holding onto Runiel’s arm just in case, murmured quietly, and the saintess next to him glanced at him as if asking what he meant.

“Would it even matter?”

Ignoring him, Whitney looked down and pinpointed the issue seriously.

“No matter how many times you revisit that scene, the fact that your daughter is captured remains unchanged.”

“……”

“Wouldn’t it only cause you more pain?”

Miraculously regaining his senses, Bergen asked in a trembling voice.

“…Do you know the identity of those who have my daughter?”

“I thought you might have realized it already.”

Whitney reached out his hand to ask, but Bergen remained silent, demanding an answer.

“Didn’t you see the mark of the Black mages engraved on your daughter?”

“Black mages…”

“Yes, they are the true culprits behind the accident that took your life.”

When Whitney confirmed it, Bergen’s gaze intensified.

“Mr. Bergen, I need your help to deal with those people.”

“Along with the saintess, everyone here is united for the same purpose.”

Runiel and Hestia, standing next to Whitney, looked at each other and nodded belatedly, but Bergen’s gaze remained fixed on Whitney.

“You are the last piece of the puzzle against the Black mage organization.”

It was then that he realized the boy in front of him was not an enemy, but an ally extending a hand.

“What should I do?”

“What I am asking you to do is simple.”

However, Bergen, yet to grasp his hand, asked again in a low voice, and Whitney began to explain with his characteristic eye smile.

“Utilize your talents that once roamed the world to gather the information I need.”

“…But, anyone could do that.”

“Mr. Bergen, hiring you alone is more valuable than bribing every information guild in the empire.”

“Why?”

“Because it’s not easy to find a spy who can erase their presence to almost zero.”

After hearing about his abilities, Bergen nodded unknowingly, still clinging to a thread of doubt.

“Really… Is that all I need to do?”

“Well, yes. But there is one more thing I need to ask of you.”

At that moment, Whitney, with his eyes narrowed even further, whispered low enough for only Bergen to hear.

“…You will have to get your hands dirty with things I cannot openly interfere with.”

“…”

“Since I have become the empire’s hero, whether I like it or not. Ha ha..”

After making a chilling remark that clearly meant he needed him to act on his behalf, Bergen closed his eyes and thought for a moment before asking his final question.

“Just one question…”

“Yes?”

“What’s your reason for dealing with the Black mages?”

Crouching down, Whitney rested his chin on his hands and thought for a while.

“It’s a long explanation… but to put it simply.”

After some time, Whitney, frowning slightly, spoke again, and this time it exactly matched Bergen’s expectations.

“When they act up, it disrupts the plans I am making.”

“…”

“I just want peace, which they make it extremely inconvenient for me.”

Seeing the sinister expression that appeared on his face, unlike any he had worn before, Bergen internally confirmed that his ‘plans’ were certainly not for world peace.

“That’s why I fully intend to support you. You won’t have to worry about funding at least.”

“…”

“Ah, of course, if you agree to my proposal.”

However, Whitney’s laughter-filled voice continued to echo in his ears, even when he closed his eyes.

“Will you take my hand, Bergen?”

And the fading voice of his daughter, still vivid with tear streaks, lingered in his mind.

“…At this point, no one would be foolish enough to miss such an opportunity.” 

“Ahaha… Very well.”

Thus, in truth, Bergen had no choice but to agree.

“I look forward to working with you, Mr. Bergen.”

…

“By the way, contact and mission details will be handled by Butler Alfred outside, who will take care of it until his retirement. Please say goodbye to him.”

Thus, Bergen, having taken Whitney’s hand, staggered out of the office following his guidance.

‘What does it matter what happens to the world…’

After a deep sigh, Bergen scoffed as he turned to the waiting butler, as Whitney had instructed, but…

‘If I can just get Lilly back…?’

“It’s been a while.”

“……!”

The moment he saw the face of the old butler who reached out for a handshake, he had no choice but to rethink his situation.

“No need for pleasantries. We’re not exactly in a position to ask about each other’s wellbeing.”

In Bergen’s life, which had seen dealings with many countries and organizations, the figure now smiling coldly at him was someone who had once pushed him into his greatest crisis.

“So, how was our young master? Quite a good person, isn’t he?”

“Why are you here…?”

“Ha. I didn’t want to say this myself.”

As he unwittingly took a step back, the old man now called Alfred sighed and responded.

“…In our mansion, there’s a saying that curiosity killed the cat.”

With that, Bergen gave up any further rational reasoning and began to conform to the reality before him.

“So cut the chatter and follow me. The young master has a mission to explain to you.”

‘At this rate, I might even meet a royal official.’

Aside from still judging Whitney by his own standards, his attitude was certainly excellent for becoming his lieutenant.

*****

As time passed, the day after Bergen took Whitney’s hand, he found himself at one of the dingiest inns in the underworld—a nameless establishment.

-Creak…

A tired-looking woman, who was cleaning the counter, lifted her head at the sound of the door opening and murmured with a slightly surprised expression, “What now?”

“Am I seeing things?”

A few days ago, she had kicked out a man named Bergen, who was now walking towards the counter, looking unusually neat.

“Why are you here? Did you come to borrow a cigarette again?”

She rubbed her eyes repeatedly, squinting as she began to interrogate him.

“No, seeing how painstakingly neat you’ve become… perhaps you’re here to make a will? I really hate that kind of thing.”

But Bergen, without responding to her comment, approached the counter and pulled a leather pouch from his coat.

“…This is for the overdue room rent.”

“Eh?”

“I’ve stuffed it as much as I could; it shouldn’t be short.”

“Looks like you’re really putting your affairs in order.”

The woman looked at it, muttering to herself in surprise, then Bergen, with a chuckle and a subdued voice, asked,

“Do I really look like that to you?”

“I know, it was a joke. Your eyes didn’t look like those of a man resolved to die when you walked in.”

Finally, she cracked a smile as well, taking the leather pouch and then asked with a serious expression,

“Did you find some clue?”

“…Black mages.”

Bergen sighed quietly, his expression darkening as he replied,

“Those bastards have kidnapped my daughter and are using her for experiments.”

“Oh, no.”

“Apparently, they’re gathering talented individuals to resurrect some demon lord or something. That’s none of my business.”

Though his tone was calm, his voice carried an unmistakable edge of lethal intent.

“The important thing is, I’ve finally found the culprits who killed my wife and kidnapped my daughter.”

“So…”

“I’ll make them pay, in my own way.”

As Bergen finished speaking, he pulled out a lighter he had acquired a few days ago and lit a cigarette, while the woman at the counter listened quietly and then said with a cynical smile,

“…Basically, it’s almost like a suicide mission.”

“Ha, maybe.”

He placed the ashtray she handed him on the table and gazed out the window, the smoke curling up.

“But, it’s worth a try.”

“Why, did someone agree to help you?”

“…Surprisingly. I’ve met someone with similar intentions.”

He shivered slightly as if remembering someone in the dim moonlight coming through the window and continued in a low voice,

“Actually, it was they who informed me of my daughter’s whereabouts.”

“There’s someone with better information than you?”

“That’s what I said. I hardly believe it myself…”

He watched the smoke from his cigarette drift upward, his eyes filled with a complex mix of emotions.

“…The evidence was too clear.”

As he finished speaking, the silence set in, and the woman sitting at the counter quietly stood up.

“So, are you officially coming back?”

“Yeah. Looks like I’ll be indebted again.”

“Ha, it’s been a while.”

As she pulled a lever under the counter table, suddenly the sound of gears turning was heard.

“There are hardly any people left who know the true identity of this place, I thought I’d never have to reveal it again.”

From various hidden drawers beneath the table, all sorts of sophisticated espionage equipment gleamed in the moonlight.

“Are you sure? You know my equipment isn’t cheap.”

“…Can’t help it. I was humiliated at that guy’s mansion for bringing cheap equipment.”

“Phew. You? Has your skill rusted?”

With that, the woman, shedding her guise as an innkeeper and revealing her true colors as one of the underworld’s finest master craftsmen, laughed as she teased Bergen.

“It was a close call…”

But Bergen started speaking without a trace of laughter about a recent incident.

“Some kid accurately predicted the time I’d infiltrate, and the royal guard caught on to my movements and nabbed me…”

“You managed to escape from the palace and you got caught like that?”

“Don’t even mention it. And the guy who hired me… never mind, better not talk about it.”

“Why stop mid-sentence?”

Interrupted by a pushy comment, Bergen crushed his cigarette in the ashtray and continued,

“…He had an old underworld boss working under him.”

“Wow.”

“He’s a terrifying man. The whole time I was facing him, I felt like a pawn on a giant chessboard.”

“Should you be working with someone like that?”

The woman asked worriedly as she listened to him, but Bergen just silently rummaged through the equipment in the drawer.

“If I didn’t have someone of his caliber backing me, I’d be in trouble.”

He then found a particularly worn black cloak and mask, and muttered with a cold smile,

“And when have I ever considered safety in my line of work?”

“So, how much of the equipment will you be buying?”

“All of it. Cash payment,” he said, pulling out a second leather pouch from his coat.

“It feels strange having a stable job with a regular income for the first time.”

It was a grand revival for a thief who had once had bounties on his head from wealthy people around the world.

*****

“…Young master, we’ve received a report from Bergen.”

“Already?”

Thanks to the inexplicable manifestation of Saintess Hestia’s powers, I successfully recruited Bergen, completing the dream team I had envisioned from the start.

Although I had spent more than half of my savings to fund Bergen’s activities, it seemed a worthwhile investment given the quality of information we were now receiving.

“Just now, Alfred gave me his first report encrypted, detailing the personal information of candidates participating in a talent scouting competition.”

“Parsha, could you take a look at this with me?”

I tried to discuss this valuable information with Parsha, who lately had always been right by my side, but,

“……Parsha?”

“……Ha.”

She seemed unusually distracted, snapping back to reality only when I nudged her shoulder.

“…Ah, the list of participants for the selection competition!”

“Are you okay, Parsha?”

“I’ll analyze it right now!”

Parsha, after a moment of being frozen, returned to her usual lively self and immediately dove into examining the list.

“Hmm-hmm. Sir, that’s not all,” I continued to watch her complexion, concerned she might be overexerting herself, but was interrupted by Alfred clearing his throat,

“There’s more you need to see.”

I took the second report Bergen had sent from Alfred,

“In addition to the existing participants, the academy is recruiting a replacement for a disqualified candidate due to cheating. I’ve secured and attached a list of applicants.”

“…Ah.”

I was momentarily proud of his competence, but my expression soon turned solemn,

“But, is this also part of your plan?”

The name at the top of the list Bergen had marked was all too familiar to me.

“Apparently, the young lady will also be participating in the selection.”

“…Cecil.”

It was impossible for there to be another person with not only the same first name but also the same surname. No doubt, it was my beloved younger sister’s name.

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How much time had passed since Whitney mentioned his daughter to Bergen, who had come to him as planned?  

“It seems you know me quite well.”  

Pinned down by Runiel, Bergen had been gritting his teeth in silence for a long time before he finally spoke in a chilling voice.  

“I did some investigating before coming here, Hero.”  

“Oh, is that so? Then why don’t you share what you’ve learned?”  

Whitney’s lips curled into an amused smile as he stepped closer, prompting Runiel to press down harder on Bergen’s head with his foot.  

“A count’s heir who failed to stand out—whether at the academy, in high society, or even as a white mage.”  

“Then one day, this ordinary man made contact with the empire’s sole princess and, overnight, became a renowned hero.”  

Even as he clenched his teeth and glared at Whitney, Bergen smoothly continued listing information about him.  

“Is that all?”  

“Well, I do know that the reason you failed to stand out was because your mother died early, and your father’s affection was entirely devoted to your younger sister.”  

Whitney’s expression had initially shown slight disappointment, but at Bergen’s overtly mocking remark, his eyes narrowed sharply.  

“Oh, and I also know that your family’s finances are on the brink of collapse.”  

“Hmm…”  

“I don’t know what kind of deal you made with that infamous princess, but at least you’re able to barely cover the wages of the servants, which have been cut by more than half in the past few years.”  

Bergen continued his provocations as if he had expected Whitney’s reaction. However, when Whitney, now standing directly before him, showed no response, a hint of irritation seeped into his voice.  

“…What, do you need me to throw in some useless information, like how your hobby is origami, to make this interesting?”  

“Oh-ho.”  

“Hah, I thought that was nonsense, but it turns out to be true.”  

At that, Whitney, now appearing satisfied, nodded approvingly and bent down, whispering as if offering praise.  

“You’ve lived such a quiet life that I had my doubts, but your information-gathering skills are truly remarkable.”  

“On the other hand, your side’s intelligence is utterly pathetic.”  

Contrary to the saying that compliments make even whales dance, Bergen only sneered with increasing hostility, radiating a menacing aura.  

“My daughter has been dead for years.”  

His voice, heavy with sorrow, spilled out like a painful groan.  

“Along with my beloved wife. They were taken from me in an instant in a carriage accident.”  

“……”

“If you were hoping to manipulate me with some misinformation you picked up somewhere, you’re gravely mistaken.”  

A heavy silence fell over the office at his words.  

“Bergen.”  

But amidst that atmosphere, Whitney alone tilted his head slightly and whispered into Bergen’s ear.  

“At the scene of the incident, your daughter’s body was never found, was it?”  

For the first time since the confrontation began, Bergen’s eyes wavered ever so slightly.  

“Isn’t that precisely why you’re here? Because you found that detail suspicious?”  

“…I take back what I said earlier.”  

Grinding his teeth, Bergen forced himself to regain his composure and fixed Whitney with a sharp glare.  

“But that doesn’t change anything. Because…”  

“Because at the scene, there were her tattered clothes and a pool of blood?”  

Before he could finish his sentence, Whitney cut in, forcing him to fall silent once more.  

“Yes, at a glance, it could seem like she was attacked by a wild beast.”  

“……”

“But if that were the case, then why was your wife’s body completely intact?”  

As Whitney continued speaking, Bergen’s expression grew increasingly grim.  

“If you think about it for even a moment, the whole thing reeks of suspicion.”  

“…Shut up.”  

His face twisted in fury, and he spat out a curse as though on the verge of exploding. The veins on Runiel’s hand bulged as he tightened his grip on the sword pointed at Bergen’s throat.  

“It’s fine, Runiel.”  

“…Be careful.”  

At Whitney’s silent gesture, Runiel muttered lowly before loosening her grip and returning to a guarded stance.  

“You think I didn’t investigate?”  

Meanwhile, a thin line of blood trickled from the shallow cut on Bergen’s neck, where the blade had grazed him.  

“I dug into every suspicious organization in the empire. Even the emperor’s secret unit, notorious for its shady dealings—I risked my life to uncover their secrets.”  

But Bergen, heedless of the wound, spoke in a voice laced with resentment, his eyes burning with anger as he glared at Whitney.  

“But. But no matter how much I searched—no matter how desperately I combed through every lead—”  

As time passed, his gaze, once sharp with fury, began to blur.  

“There wasn’t a single trace of my daughter anywhere.”  

By the time he finished speaking, his eyes held nothing but emptiness.  

“…Bergen.”  

Watching him quietly, Whitney called his name in a low, gentle voice.  

“What if I told you that I know where your daughter is?”  

“…Ha.”  

“And what if I told you that I am willing to help you find her, in every way possible?”  

At those words, Bergen’s eyes, which had lost focus, suddenly snapped back to reality. Letting out a hollow laugh, he looked at the boy standing before him.  

“…Then, would you be willing to work for me?”  

Bathed in the dim moonlight streaming through the window, Whitney’s presence—coupled with his striking appearance—exuded an indescribable aura.  

“That sounds… like the whisper of a devil.”  

“…Hah.”  

Bergen murmured absentmindedly at the sight, and beside him, Runiel, who had unconsciously nodded in agreement, sucked in a sharp breath and turned to gauge Whitney’s reaction.

“But I don’t believe in Gods or Demons”  

Bergen closed his eyes for a brief moment before opening them again, his voice laced with cynicism.  

“I only believe in clear, undeniable proof that I can see with my own eyes.”  

“Aha.”  

“Fine. If you can present such proof…”  

However, anyone perceptive enough would have noticed that, despite the seemingly firm tone in his voice, there was a faint tremor.  

“…I’ll work like a dog under you for the rest of my life.”  

Despite having rotted away in despair for years, this was proof that he had never truly let go of the last thread of hope.  

“You’ll have to keep that promise.”  

Noting this, Whitney smirked and gave an order to Parsha.  

“Parsha, bring the guest in.”  

“…Yes!”  

“Oh, I had my doubts, but you understood right away.”  

At his words, Parsha sprang to her feet as if she had been waiting and dashed outside, leaving behind a tense silence in the office.  

‘Calm down. I must not waver.’  

Ignoring the sharp pain of his pounding heart, Bergen steeled himself.  

He knew better than anyone that a person is most susceptible to deception when pushed to the edge.  

Creak…  

That was why, even if his daughter were to walk through that door alive, he swore he would not let go of his doubt.  

Clenching his teeth, he cast a cold glare at the slowly opening door—  

“You even removed your disguise without being asked. How considerate.”  

“…What?”  

“Well, that makes things easier.”  

His determination instantly crumbled. His mouth fell open, his eyes widening in disbelief.  

“If you investigated me, then you must know the event that made me a hero.”  

“That person… No way…”  

“Yes, it’s exactly who you’re thinking of.”  

The person who walked in with Parsha far exceeded his expectations.  

“Allow me to introduce Lady Hestia, the Saint, who is currently staying at our estate for certain reasons.”  

……  

“Oh, you understand that this must remain our secret, right?”  

For a fleeting moment, Bergen wondered if they had merely dressed up a maid as the Saint.  

But as a master of disguise himself—a renowned thief who had operated across the continent—his trained eyes dismissed that notion immediately.  

“…So what? What does the Saint have to do with anything?”  

He managed to regain his senses and questioned Whitney.  

“I asked you to present proof that my daughter is alive—”  

“The Saint will now provide that proof.”  

Before he could finish, Whitney cut him off, gently pulling Hestia forward.  

“It is a Saint’s sacred duty to guide the lost.”  

“Isn’t that right, Lady Saint?”  

Hestia blinked a few times before hesitantly nodding, her voice trembling slightly as she spoke.  

“Y-yes, leave it to me.”  

“A…”  

For the first time, Bergen could feel hope—something that had seemed impossibly distant—coming within his grasp.  

*****  

“P-please, hold out your hand.”  

Hestia, who had been watching the visibly shaken Bergen with nervous eyes, finally spoke.  

“My hand…?”  

“In order for the Saint to read a soul, physical contact is required.”  

Seeing Bergen’s puzzled expression, I explained in place of the still-frozen Hestia, discreetly nudging her in the side.  

“There is no stronger bond than that of blood relations.”  

At last, Hestia snapped back to reality, reciting the lines she had practiced with me for the past few days.  

“A-and the connection of the soul is no exception.”  

“……”

“Through your soul, I will now attempt to… uhm… c-contact your daughter’s soul.”  

Though she had memorized the words perfectly, there was no salvaging her abysmal acting skills.  

“You’re not trying to scam me using a Saint, are you?”  

“Haha, Bergen. Do you really think that’s possible?”  

Predictably, doubt flickered in Bergen’s eyes once more, so I quickly intervened to defend our case.  

“In a world where even low-ranking Holy Knights face divine retribution for telling lies, do you believe a Saint would dare utter falsehoods about such a matter?”  

“…!?”  

Fortunately, Bergen seemed convinced, as he gave a slow nod.  

However, beside me, Hestia’s pupils shook as though an earthquake had struck.  

“T-that wasn’t part of the plan…!”  

“It’s fine. This is all to help this poor man find his daughter.”  

She hurriedly whispered in my ear with a panicked voice, and I lowered mine to reassure her.  

“If you think about it, it’s just a little white lie, isn’t it?”  

“B-but divine punishment—”  

“Well, since our intentions are good, I’m sure the gods will understand.”  

It sounded like I was just brushing things off, but the truth was, the plan I had instilled in the Saint contained not a single lie.  

Besides, Hestia had not yet fully received the gods’ blessing, so divine punishment was out of the question.  

“Now… close your eyes and try to picture your daughter’s face…”  

“And then?”  

“Uh, um, hold on.”  

Despite being drenched in cold sweat, Hestia continued her lines while holding Bergen’s hand.  

However, when he pressed her for more details, she hesitantly turned her gaze toward me.

“N-Now what do I do?”  

“Just do exactly as we practiced. Exactly as we practiced…”  

“A-Are you absolutely sure I won’t be struck down by divine punishment…?”  

“When this is over, I’ll mix you a whole round of bomb shots, so please, just focus—”  

I was in the middle of coaxing her, treating her much like I did with Sasha, when suddenly—  

Crackle…!  

A spark of light erupted from where Hestia’s hand was clasped with Bergen’s.  

Hiss…  

Immediately after, wisps of gray smoke—eerily similar to my own suspicious white magic—began rising from their joined hands.  

“Saint? What are you doing…?”  

“I-I have no idea…!”  

Since this phenomenon was not part of our prearranged act, I turned to Hestia with a bewildered expression.  

However, she looked just as panicked.  

“Wait, am I actually being punished by the gods—? Mmph!”  

“Lady Saint, let’s calm down and start by letting go of his hand—”  

I barely managed to cut her off before she finished her sentence, trying to separate her from Bergen.  

—Subject No. 347. This one shows promising signs.  

At that moment, a chilling voice echoed from within the smoke, and black-and-white figures began to take shape in the air.  

—Further experimentation is required. Clear your schedule.  

As Bergen stared up at the eerie phenomenon in a daze, his eyes soon widened in shock.  

—Dad…  

A girl, bound in chains with a dark magic brand scorched into her skin, emerged within the mist.  

—I miss you…  

Tears streamed down her cheeks as her fading voice murmured the words.  

“Lilly!!!”  

Bergen, who had been pinned to the floor, suddenly surged with superhuman strength, shaking off Runiel’s restraint as he reached out toward the vision of his daughter.  

“A…”  

But the moment his fingers brushed against the girl’s form, the image dissolved into thin air.  

“No…”  

He swiped at the dissipating smoke in vain before collapsing to his knees, staring blankly ahead.  

“…N-No way.”  

As silence engulfed the office, Hestia gawked at me with terrified eyes before stammering a question.  

“Was… was this part of your plan too?”  

I could only stare at her, too stunned to answer.  

‘This is impossible.’  

It was only then that I noticed her pupils flickering with a faint, eerie white light.  

‘…She hasn’t even met the Hero yet, and she’s already activating the Saint’s power?’  

I wasn’t sure whether to be pleased or concerned about this unexpected development, but—  

“Uh… um, Bergen?”  

For now, at least, it seemed I hadn’t lost anything from this situation.  

“Do you believe me now? Haha…”  

Runiel’s gaze toward me had deepened with reverence, which was fine, but Bergen and Hestia had both gone even paler than before.  

*****  

Meanwhile, at that same moment—  

Clench…  

Parsha, who was staring at the fading mist with an unusually serious expression, unconsciously pressed a hand against the base of her neck and lowered her gaze.  

“…There are more people like me.”  

She murmured in a quiet voice.  

Beneath the collar of her butler uniform, an identical brand—matching the one that had been carved into the girl in the vision—glowed darkly.

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