Chapter 80

Terosa was inwardly delighted but managed to maintain a calm exterior. She still believed her destiny would be intertwined with romance.

That was why, with longing for romance in her heart, she pressed forward without hesitation.

"Is Duke Eiliche not opposed to this?"

"My father was not that opposed. In fact, he encouraged me to give it a try."

"Really? Since he's looking for a marriage partner for you, I thought he might object."

"Normally, he would have. But... the situation has changed, hasn't it?"

While watching Alter, Terosa cautiously revealed her true intent.

Alter hesitated for a moment before speaking again.

"Is this because of my fiancé?"

"Lady Brillie showed her talent for swordsmanship even during the monster extermination battle. At first, she was disregarded at social gatherings, but how is it now? Everyone admires and respects her calling her a swordmaster. If that's the case, isn't it possible my father might have also changed his mind?"

From the start, Terosa had been thinking of persuading her father if the opportunity arose.

However, her father did not show significant objection and even suggested it wouldn't be a bad idea to give it a try.

Thanks to that, she was able to enter the Rebhardin Magic Society smoothly and was now learning about magic.

"Then, does that mean your marriage will be delayed?"

"This might sound a little odd, but I don't mind delaying it. I'm not inheriting the title, after all. And since there's no one I particularly like, I should take this opportunity to thoroughly learn magic."

"...... This might sound rude, but do you dislike the idea of marriage?"

Terosa flinched for a moment, but then let out a small laugh and casually dismissed the question.

Her real feelings had been found out, but since her conversation partner was Alter Radiant, she wasn't uncomfortable.

After all, she still held that sense of romance from back then in her heart.

"Oh my, you saw right through me. As you said, I'm skeptical about marriage. I can't pour my heart into a political marriage."

"Are you searching for true love?"

"Love always wavers. Sometimes it's this way, sometimes that, and you end up wanting more. It's such a selfish and narrow emotion."

"If one never wavered, it wouldn't matter who one married. It's because you do waver that you end up wanting something a little better, isn't it?"

"......"

Despite feeling a sense of disconnect, Terosa found herself unconsciously agreeing.

She probably pretended not to know, despite knowing.

As a noble lady and of a duke's bloodline, she had to preserve her honor.

Perhaps she was even more anxious, knowing that any step astray would crumble her existence.

"Becoming like Lady Brillie is not easy. Still... it's worth trying. Didn't you also come this far because you had a goal, lady Terosa?"

"You're right, Lord Alter. I'm learning magic because I have something in mind."

"Then you should achieve it and show tangible results, shouldn't you? Even if you don't marry, if you prove your worth, Duke Eiliche will have no choice but to acknowledge you."

"... Yes. I suppose so."

Feeling a strange sense of relief, Terosa murmured slowly.

Her father had only given her a chance; he did not trust in her potential.

Others only tried to dissuade her, adding that marriage would be a better course.

But Alter was the first to support her.

"Since you have a talent recognized by a great mage, I'm sure you'll rise high."

"But I started quite late. I suppose I wasted my time on the social scene."

"If you put it that way, I didn't start early, either. Still, I'm adapting well now, aren't I?"

"Do you really think so?"

"Yes. If you face any difficulties, I'll help you."

"I can't refuse your kindness, Lord Alter. I look forward to your guidance."

Moved by deep feelings, Terosa replied softly.

Until now, it had just been simple goodwill, but now she could barely suppress her fluttering heart.

When the white-haired nobleman treated her so naturally, her inner feelings only shook more.

'Ah... I can't believe someone like him will marry Brillie. Is my fate still unchanged?'

* * *

Lang turned his back on the Setinos Knight Order and left the capital.

To his family, he sent only a letter stating he intended to quietly focus on his swordsmanship.

He considered the next Sword Saint title meaningless and decided to cast it aside.

'... So in the end, I have to marry.'

As soon as Lang realized that the engagement could not be called off, he broke down in despair.

His feelings had nowhere to go, stagnating and rotting deep within him.

As a result, his body became exhausted, and even his dedication to swordsmanship seemed hollow.

'Nothing remains. Would anything change if I became Sword Saint?'

His heart was so empty that he couldn't try anything at all.

Nothing could fill him, and the emptiness only continued to grow.

How on earth could he erase this feeling?

'I can cut enemies down with my sword, but I cannot fulfill my own wish.'

Lang looked down at the sword hanging from his waist and let out a vague laugh.

He had defeated countless monsters with this sword, but it did not sway people's hearts.

No matter how many duels he fought, could he have ever imagined he'd seem lesser than a politically arranged fiancé?

'Even if I were to subdue her by force... it wouldn't win her feelings. It would only increase her resentment for me.'

If he were to be hated by her, it would be better to disappear quietly.

She would probably still look up to him as the next Sword Saint.

No matter what, he must always remain an honorable knight in her eyes.

'If I had possessed the title of Sword Saint, would anything have been different?'

Lang briefly hoped, then shook off his attachment without regret.

With the title of Sword Saint, he might persuade Duke Illenat, but he still wouldn't win her heart.

Even if the Sword Saint was respected as a strong person, he wouldn't want to bend his own pride.

'She truly fell in love with the youngest son of the Grand Duke. That's why she accepted the marriage.'

The feelings Lang had longed for had already been taken by the grand duke's youngest son.

They were engraved there and could not be extracted any longer.

That was affection—an oath to spend their entire lives together.

'What was it that was so lovable? Looks? Origin? Talent? Just how outstanding is he...'

He probably would never understand, even on his deathbed.

In the end, he would only dredge up him shortcomings, driven by vicious jealousy.

At the same time, he would rely on the pathetic consolation that he was somehow superior.

'Now, only the sword remains for me. So... I must prove myself with the sword.'

Lang was heading alone to the eastern front lines.

The war in the northern region had ended in victory, and now an ominous atmosphere was being detected in the eastern region.

At this rate, a great war would likely break out in the east as well.

'I'll cut everything down. If I become stronger than the Sword Saint, maybe something will change.'

Still, he held on to him pride and single-mindedness as a swordsman.

He had to surpass the Sword Saint someday, and couldn't falter just because he was troubled.

He had lived as a swordsman until now, so he must end his life with the sword as well.

'I will pursue the ultimate in swordsmanship. More than anything... I will grow stronger.'

* * *

Brillie was quite displeased when she heard the news about Terosa.

She had thought Terosa was just a noble lady spoiled by luxury and vanity, but who knew she had such talent?

Above all, since she had become a fellow student with Alter, Brillie couldn't help but be bothered.

"She's not saying unnecessary things or anything, right?"

"I don't think it was to that extent."

"She's not being snide or arrogant?"

"She never behaved that way."

"She's not badmouthing me behind my back?"

"Would she really do that in front of me?"

"Hmmm..."

Brillie, rather suspicious, didn't pry any further.

Although Terosa often picked quarrels with her, she had never caused any public scandal in the social circle.

In other words, it meant she managed her external image well, so she would probably treat Alter in a similar fashion.

"It's a bit surprising, though. Did the great mage really acknowledge her?"

"Yes. Her magic power capacity is quite large, apparently."

"Capacity is important, sure. But isn't that alone not enough?"

"They say she's quick to learn magic as well. She must have real talent."

Alter had already heard Alraune's evaluation of Terosa.

Of course, she couldn't be considered perfect, but she more than satisfied a great mage's standard.

If she continued diligently, she might reach a high level of accomplishment.

"She'll probably put on airs the next time we meet. I bet she'll be walking with her nose in the air."

"If you were close friends, she might say something like that. Would she go out of her way to tell other nobles?"

"I can't say we're close friends..."

Brillie answered unconsciously but held a sliver of doubt.

If Terosa was known as a haughty lady in society circles, it was natural she would act humble.

Even so, she often made a fuss only around Brillie, so perhaps she was showing a different side to her.

"Whatever. She can do as she wishes. Now that I think about it... you said you were summoned by the emperor, right?"

"Yes. I did visit the palace."

"There was no trouble, was there?"

"No. His Majesty only asked about my father, so I answered."

Recalling the secret letter, Alter lied without a flicker.

In the current circumstances, he couldn't tell anyone about the secret letter.

On the contrary, if he kept it hidden, he could guarantee the safety of both himself and Brillie.

"The emperor wouldn't know about that affair. And even if he finds out now, he can't really do anything."

"... The crown prince is already embroiled in controversy. Even if more comes out, it won't make much difference."

"That's what's frustrating. There's nothing we can do."

"Would something happen? When the time is right, a solution will present itself."

Of course, Alter knew the solutions were limited.

The emperor recovering from illness and returning to the office, the crown prince ascending the throne and governing smoothly, or the crown prince being ousted by a rebellion.

The first option would be the most amicable; the second might need to wait to be verified.

'It's certain the emperor is gravely ill. The third princess won't sit still...'

"Urgent news! His Majesty the Emperor has passed away!"

A butler rushed into the room and delivered the news.

Alter remained silent, as if he had already expected it.

Now, everything would depend on the crown prince's next actions.

'If things get any more out of hand, only a rebellion can follow. It'll just add more justification. For now, I need to watch and wait.'