In anime, when two people had a tense disagreement, a crackling spark was created at a point where their gazes clash. Viers was witnessing a fiction made real, even without Victa.

It wouldn't be appropriate to brazenly discuss a domestic problem in public, so the Duke borrowed a room from the Viscount, who gave it gladly.

On one side, sitting on a couch, was the Duke of Valentine, Sterling Valentine. He looked like a Knight of the Round Table made flesh. The Level 5 was powerful in many ways. He was one of the most powerful people in the Latias Kingdom. He seemed to be a man in his forties, though Viers was sure he was older than he looked. He had golden hair like Ciel.

Standing beside him was Crown Prince Patrick, not of Latias Kingdom. He looked to be in his mid-twenties. His real age should be close to his appearance. A handsome Level 4 with a perfect smile. Honestly, Viers couldn't find any fault with the guy. Status, talent, wealth, looks, this guy had it all.

Behind the Duke were the bodyguards. The duke’s and the crown prince’s. Seven of them were in the room, a dozen more guarding the outside. Boram’s friend from the Book World, Eugene, was one of the seven in the room.

Even though none of the bodyguards were at Level 5, each of them was a formidable knight. The core of the duchy’s forces.

Sitting on the opposite of the Duke was Ciel. Unlike the father who sat on the couch alone, she had Viers on her right, and Croix on her left. Boram stood next to his master like a guardian statue. Falmerion curled on the floor next to Croix. The legendary beast, one of two that graced the Latias Kingdom in the last five centuries, seemed indifferent but his eyes showed constant vigilance. Lastly, there was Tinade. A maid with the physique of a bodybuilder. She stood between the two sides showing her intention as a neutral party in this discussion.

Powerwise, the two sides were simply incomparable. A single Level 5 and tilted the balance so absolutely. Or so it looked like. Viers and Ciel both possessed a Divine Weapon. Not that it would be enough to match the Level 5 even if they could wield them freely but it gave some wiggle room to the absolutes.

Viers considered telling Croix this since the poor prince looked like he was about to faint from nervousness. He must have wished for his aunt to be here. Viers admitted it was a bit funny.

No matter, they weren't here for a fight.

...I hope.

Before the first words were spoken between father and daughter, the air was as tense as it came. The room was deathly silent. Someone put up magical soundproofing. The party sounds were unable to reach here and the opposite was similarly true.

“Daughter, your waywardness has gone far enough.”

“Good evening to you too, Lord Father.”

In the fencing of words, the opening moves had been launched from both sides.

“Now that you and Prince Patrick are acquainted, I trust you’ll begin reinforcing your bond with each other.”

“My boyfriend and my friends are here too, in case you didn't notice,” Ciel said to the people around her who seemed invisible to the duke.

“You dare speak deception to your own parents? Enough games. I know the two of you are only acting. You are playing with fire, child. Your antics in the Emerith Ball, the vulgar cavort just now, how much damage to yourself and to House Valentine until you’re satisfied?”

“If House Valentine’s reputation cannot endure a minor thing like this, then it must be nothing grand in the first place.”

Viers’ face betrayed nothing and Ciel didn't confirm or deny about her alleged fake relationship. To which the duke straightened his back before answering.

“You are the sole heir of the Valentine!” Sterling slapped his knee. “You are no longer a child. It’s time you realize your standing.”

A little of his Level 5 aura came out. Everyone in the room felt they were suddenly pressed with invisible burdens. The duke sighed and receded his power. The others could breathe easier for it.

“What is it about the Crown Prince you disapprove of? You’ll be the first wife, the Queen-to-be. Marrying him will guarantee you happiness, status, power, wealth, and safety. What more do you want? Your union will further stabilize both families and bolster the faith of the people living in our territories. As a parent, it is my responsibility to find you a good match and have I not done so? I already took your distaste for political labyrinths and rejected many offers, like the one from the Mercea scion.”

The face of Theus Mercea floated in Viers’ mind, the guy from the Emerith Grand Ball that made Viers slap himself.

Too bad, bro. Even Ciel’s daddy gives you a failure mark.

It was as the duke said. In Latias, particularly nobility, the parents usually decide the spouse of their daughters. The male scions had more freedom of choice, especially the heir, but the daughters rarely had that luxury.

It was a time-honored tradition.

“You spoke of a great many details Lord Father, I’ll reply with a short one. Love. Where is my love in all of that?”

Sterling deeply frowned. “Of all the reasons under the sky, a childish-”

“Prince Patrick,” Ciel addressed the handsome young man. “You are a magnificent man. But since we’ve just met not two hours ago, forgive me for not possessing romantic feelings towards you.”

A few bodyguards of the Crown Prince had a twitch on their faces.

“The fault is mine, Miss Valentine,” Patrick smiled warmly. “For not being a man that swept you off your feet. I blame no one for my lack of charm but myself. You may not have heard of me but I know of you for a while and after meeting you, you’re a flower beyond my imagination.”

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“Your words are too kind,” Ciel dipped her head.

“Like you said, there is simply too little time between us for anything real to sprout. I’d be honored to be given the chance so you could love me and I love you in turn, but demand this of you, I shall not.”

“...I’m sorry.”

“Like I said, the fault is not yours,” Patrick shook his head. There was not a speck of hostility or anger in him.

Viers did not expect Prince Charming to take Ciel’s rejection with grace. He expected another link in a chain of Arrogant Young Masters. Patrick seemed to be cut from a different cloth. How unusual.

“Although I confess I’m curious as to what sort of man that you saw fit to bless with your affection,” Patrick turned his eyes to Viers for a moment.

“Foolishness,” Sterling scoffed. “Daughter, you do not live in a fairytale.”

“How could you, of all people, doubt it? I saw it in you! You and mother!” Ciel replied with a sharp tone. “Marriage in real life is not always beautiful like in the children’s book. It doesn't always end happily ever after. I know that much. But it can be. I’ve witnessed it as I traveled the world. Just recently, I witnessed it again.”

Viers recounted the happenings in Celedony. Ciel, as Mary, was there too. The wedding of Alice and Jonah.

“You never take other wives, even if you could. Only Mother. That is why unlike other dukes you don't have many children. Only me. Even if you know siblings or half-siblings of mine mean for the good of House Valentine that you always speak about. What is that if not loving devotion?”

To the duke’s credit, his expression was that of a calm lake. If Viers was in his position, he would have felt pins and needles, being the subject of a sappy subject like this.

“He is of common birth.” Sterling looked straight at Viers. “And with a shrouded past. You expect me to welcome him to our house?

Yet another obstacle in Ciel’s path. Aristocracy was strong in Latias. It wasn't as if Viers didn't get the duke’s concern. If he was a parent, he wouldn't want his daughter to marry a shady figure.

...Perhaps Ciel should have picked someone else as her fake boyfriend. Someone with noble blood. Even Croix seems to be a better pick than me.

“Do you even know his history?” Sterling’s eyes were drilling Viers.

“He’s–”

“If I may.”

The silent Viers ended his silence. Certainly not because he didn't want them discussing his past that he preferred to stay obscured.

“Ciel, calm your emotions, difficult though it may be considering the circumstances. Your father, and your mother, similarly, worry about you. You push for independence, to make decisions of your own. But if you don't allay their fears for your well-being and safety, they’ll never stop losing sleep over their treasured daughter. Instead of pushing back against them, show them your capabilities.”

“Capabilities?”

“Plural. The easiest one is your measure as a Pathseeker. In this, the input of Miss Tinade will be the most reliable. She is your childhood mentor and a trusted vassal of your father, yes?”

“Young Miss’ growth has surpassed my highest hope, Milord Duke. Her service record with the Legion and the matches in the Grand Prix are further proof for your eyes.” Tinade said just facts.

“But I’m pretty sure this is not what your father is most worried about,” Viers continued his counseling. “Your future plans for example. We’re in the tournament, but what would you do after this? Will you return to the Legion? Have you decided on a military career as your future? What about where you’ll live? You need to do better on the economic side, at least. What rich father wouldn't worry if his daughter is living broke?”

“H-hey! Are you on my side or not?”

“I’m on the side of reason. There’s also the matter of your family and home. You’re the sole heir of House Valentine. It is the reality. Face it. No matter how much you don't like to think about it, you shoulder the future of your lineage.”

“You mean I should marry for the sake of House Valentine? Birthing an heir next year?”

“Not at all. But unless you’re determined to heartlessly cut ties with House Valentine it will always be a part of you. And you love your family, your home, your people, even if you don't admit it. As we experienced in this round of the Grand Prix, there are a lot of problems in the duchy. Find a way where you and your family have a slice of happiness. It isn't mutually exclusive, you know. Such a way will not be found easily but there’s always a way. Talk to your parents to find an agreeable compromise for all.”

Ciel grudgingly made a grumble of agreement.

“Just don't drag your feet. Your family gave you time until you’re Level 4 of free reign, did they not? It’s your fault you haven't tried to solve the conundrum of your birth after all these years.”

“I have tried, okay?”

“Since you haven't come up with an answer, clearly you need help. Find help.”

“It’s just–”

“Uh-uh,” Viers shook his index finger. “No excuses, lady.”

Looking at Viers handling Ciel and defusing the situation, Tinade's approval rating of Viers went up. Some people in the room had the same thought.

“We’ve all got to shape our own future no matter the circumstances of our birth. Noble-born like you and Croix, common-birth like me and Boram. We’ve all got problems but we don't have the worst of it, yes? Go forward. We've got your back.”

“...Father,” Ciel said after a few seconds of silence. “I’d like to talk to you.”

“Clear the room. I’ll have a private word with my daughter.”

Ciel gave Viers an appreciative look before he left the room. Croix’s team spaced themselves from the duke’s men to relax. Minutes passed as the party went on.

“I think I can see why Miss Valentine chose you, Avel of Javia.”

Patrick said to Viers while the latter was holding a glass half-full.

“Is it?” Viers smiled.

“I’m afraid your match with her will still face opposition. Your lack of nobility will always be a stone on the scales.”

“Nobility,” Viers mused at the word. “May I ask, Prince Patrick, what makes someone a nobility?”

“Their character, rank, power, and birth. The last factor cannot be changed, I’m afraid.”

“So you must be born in a family with prestige. Another question, Your Highness, which has the greater prestige, a general war hero or the son of said general who never saw battle?”

“The general. I see where you’re going on with this.”

“You’ve got a sharp mind. All the prestigious families in existence must have a founder. And this founder is not a noble by birth. The same case applies to kings and crowns.”

Viers wanted to be king just for the experience of it. Croix already promised him an independent kingdom. The reality of King Viers drew closer each day as his strength grew.

“The one who becomes king on his own and not through simply being born into a line of kings has a quality that the other one doesn't, wouldn't you agree?”

“I believe it is not that simple even if there’s truth in what you say. You have piqued my interest, Mister Avel. Good evening.”

“I try to make my life as simple as possible. Good Evening, Prince Patrick.”

After the Crown Prince left, nothing happened for the better part of the hour. Viers stopped his inner meditation when he picked unfamiliar strangers approaching.

The bureaucrat-type man leading a group of knights stopped in front of Croix.

“Prince Croix?”

“I am. What is it?”

“By the order of Chancellor Soren, you are to be taken into custody under suspicion of treason. Resist and we’ve permission to use deadly force.”