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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: FusionX
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However, the Cardinal assured him that they didn’t lack divine power.
“The future of our faith is bright.”
Indeed, the priests standing behind the Cardinal all looked quite young.
The Cardinal’s advanced age made the contrast even more striking.
“I would like to invite Do Inha-nim to our headquarters sometime.”
“It would be my honor.”
An invitation to their headquarters…
Considering the history of the Earth Mother Religion, it was surprising they were so welcoming towards a warlock.
Their sacred grounds had been destroyed by a demon lord, and they had been falsely accused of being associated with demons by the Goddess Religion.
It was ironic that they held him, a warlock, in such high regard simply because he had helped them.
“I apologize for taking up so much of your time. I will extend a formal invitation once the temple is completed.”
They had indeed been talking for a while.
They had essentially discussed the construction of a new temple, the revival of the Earth Mother Religion, and an invitation to their headquarters for a warlock, all while standing on the side of the road.
It was an informal setting, devoid of any formalities, but the pleasant atmosphere had made it an enjoyable conversation.
The Cardinal, seeming to realize he had gotten carried away, finally brought the conversation to a close, though they had already covered most of what they wanted to discuss.
“I look forward to it.”
After parting ways with the Cardinal and the other priests, Prina spoke as they continued towards the castle.
“He is a man of pure faith, devoted to his teachings and kind to everyone, regardless of their beliefs. He’s been regularly volunteering his services since arriving here.”
His volunteering mostly consisted of visiting construction sites and bestowing blessings.
However, even that was a significant contribution. Receiving a blessing from a Cardinal was a rare privilege for ordinary people.
“I see. He does seem like a good person.”
He briefly wondered if the workers were being overworked due to their newfound tireless energy from the blessings, but he quickly dismissed the thought.
‘Surely not.’
As they reached the castle, a familiar face greeted them at the entrance.
“Thea!”
Athena rushed towards her and embraced her.
“Sister, but my lady is right there…”
“What does it matter?”
Prina simply smiled, watching their reunion.
“Thea has been eager to see you, Athena-nim.”
“M-my lady?”
Thea looked at Prina, a betrayed expression on her face.
They seemed surprisingly close, and Athena looked back and forth between them, bewildered.
“…She’s quite shrewd.”
He heard Kayla mutter beside him.
He pretended not to hear, but he agreed.
‘To catch a general, you must first shoot his horse…’
Indeed, if Prina was close to Thea, it would be difficult for Athena to openly oppose her.
Athena cared deeply for her sister and wouldn’t want to see her in a difficult position.
If they became too close, Athena, given her personality, might even become jealous…
‘But they’re not at that stage yet.’
Prina seemed to be trying to build a positive relationship with his companions in her own way.
Perhaps sensing Prina’s intentions, Athena excused herself, saying she wanted to spend some time with her sister, and Prina, unfazed, playfully teased Thea as she saw her off.
Prina then sent a messenger to inform the prince of their arrival and waited in the receiving room.
“What is the first prince like?”
“There’s no need to be nervous. While not as… pure as Cardinal Connerbine, he’s still favorably disposed towards you.”
Born a prince and heir to the throne, he was naturally proud, but not excessively so. Like his predecessor, he deeply loved and cared for his kingdom.
“And like his father, King Wandolf Septran, he dislikes the Empire.”
That was to be expected. The Empire was eroding his future kingdom.
They soon received a message inviting them to the audience chamber, and they proceeded there.
Unlike the Councilor from the Demihuman Alliance and Cardinal Connerbine, whom they had met by chance, this meeting with the first prince was a formal affair.
However, he wasn’t nervous.
The Councilor and the Cardinal were also high-ranking figures.
This was simply a matter of circumstance.
And he wasn’t someone to be trifled with.
‘I’ve come a long way.’
The fact that he felt no particular emotion about meeting a prince, the heir to the throne, showed how much he had grown since his previous life.
As they entered the audience chamber, the prince rose to greet them.
“Welcome.”
“Your Highness.”
He bowed his head along with Prina, and the prince waved dismissively.
“Skip the formalities. We’re not strangers.”
He straightened up, following Prina’s lead, and saw the first prince looking at him and Kayla with bright eyes.
“So, this is the mage, Do Inha, and the knight, Kayla. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. I am Lashder Septran.”
He knew that the first king of Septran had been a commoner and hadn’t had a surname.
He had then founded the kingdom named after himself and bestowed his name as a surname upon his descendants.
The royal family used the surname Septran with pride.
While all six kingdoms were named after their founders, only Septran used the founder’s name as a surname.
‘Most use their family or clan name.’
The fact that they had adopted this practice and continued to use it with pride suggested that Septran was a highly respected figure among the past kings.
Of course, that was only from the royal family’s perspective. For the common people, the Septran Kingdom wasn’t particularly great.
It was a somewhat ironic outcome, considering the first king was believed to have been a commoner.
“I am Do Inha.”
Kayla also stated her name.
“I hear you’ve broken through.”
Prina must have informed him.
“I am delighted to hear that you, who have contributed so much to the kingdom’s resurgence, have reached such a level. This is a blessing for the kingdom.”
“You’re too kind.”
“I’ve also heard great things about the knight beside you. We are fortunate to have someone like you in our service. Kriang was in charge of you, wasn’t he? I instructed him to provide you with every convenience. I hope you haven’t been mistreated.”
“Not at all. I received a great deal of assistance.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
The prince smiled.
“While the royal family has always valued you, we didn’t anticipate such rapid growth. You can’t imagine how surprised I was when I heard you had become an Archmage. I was puzzled by Countess Lineta’s decision to become engaged to you, but it seems she has a keen eye for the future.”
“……”
He didn’t know how to respond.
It had all been a coincidence.
The engagement was just a transaction. He hadn’t anticipated reaching 7th circle so quickly himself.
Of course, even his initial timeframe would have been considered incredibly fast by others.
The prince couldn’t be completely unaware that the engagement was a transaction, so he was puzzled by his words.
“If I had known, I would have offered you one of my sisters.”
It was clearly a joke.
But there was an underlying meaning to his words.
Kayla stiffened slightly at the prince’s remark, and he didn’t miss her reaction.
Prina stepped forward.
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“As his fiancée, I’m delighted to hear that the royal family holds Do Inha-nim in such high regard.”
“It’s only natural. I’m impressed by your foresight, Countess.”
“You’re too kind. However, I’m concerned about… unnecessary rumors. As you know, our engagement isn’t easily broken.”
The prince backed down at Prina’s response.
“Haha, it was just a jest. I apologize if you found it offensive.”
“Not at all. I was merely expressing my concern.”
“However, as the Countess said, the royal family does indeed value Do Inha. Especially now, after today’s events.”
He was now being referred to as “Do Inha.”
“Who would have imagined someone so young reaching the level of Archmage? If he’s achieved this now, what will he be capable of in the future? He’s not just powerful, he’s also made significant contributions to the kingdom and has such exceptional companions. It’s only natural that we value him and take an interest in his well-being.”
Prina simply stared at the prince silently in response to his words.
It was a strange interaction.
He knew that House Lineta had a good relationship with the royal family.
The royal family had provided them with extensive support for a long time.
That support hadn’t ceased, and the soldiers guarding Cross Fortress and Forest Shield were dispatched by the royal family.
House Lineta, in turn, had been loyal to the royal family.
Yet, they were now engaged in a subtle power struggle…
‘Even if they have a good relationship, they’re still separate houses.’
It was a strange feeling, seeing them vying for influence over him.
Their conversation didn’t end there.
They exchanged a few more words, and the prince shifted his attention from him to Kayla.
“It’s unacceptable for a knight of your caliber to be without a title. I shall bestow upon you the rank of knight.”
“……”
Prina remained silent, seemingly unable to object this time.
While House Lineta could also bestow knighthood, a knight recognized by the royal family was different.
It was a greater honor, and the royal recognition alone would earn her the respect of countless other knights.
It seemed the prince was trying to strengthen his connection to him through Kayla.
And Kayla wasn’t just his companion or escort.
The royal family, having investigated him thoroughly, would be aware of their special relationship.
‘Is he indirectly trying to check Prina’s influence?’
If Prina’s role was to mediate between him and House Lineta, preventing him from exerting excessive influence over the house, then Kayla’s role would be to prevent Prina from exerting excessive influence over him.
Even if Prina severed ties with her house and married him, she was still the lord of Lineta for now, and even after severing ties, she would maintain some connection to her house and receive their support.
Kayla, then, would maintain a connection with the royal family, ensuring he didn’t become too close to House Lineta and remained favorably disposed towards the royal family.
‘Bestowing knighthood to forge a closer relationship is a worthwhile investment.’
The interesting thing was that the prince had made that pointed joke despite knowing about his and Kayla’s relationship.
He would have likely seized the opportunity if he had shown any interest.
He had accepted that his relationships would be used politically when he agreed to the engagement with Prina, but he hadn’t anticipated Kayla being drawn into it as well.
Kayla, having experience with the dual life of a knight and a shadow, seemed to understand the situation.
That was probably why her eyes wavered for a moment.
She had declared her intention to claim the position beside him by reaching Master level, but now, another path had opened.
However, her gaze quickly hardened.
She seemed unwilling to be used as a pawn in their power struggle.
Knowing her personality, she was likely feeling guilty about her momentary hesitation.
“What do you say, Kayla?”
It was ironic that she was being offered knighthood now, despite already being addressed as “Sir” due to her skill, but no one commented on it.
As Kayla was about to speak, he interjected.
“You intend to release her as a free knight, Your Highness?”
“Of course. I have no intention of stealing your knight. And I doubt you would appreciate that.”
“Then I accept.”
“Master?”
He had planned to make her a proper knight eventually.
He might have even requested it from the royal family himself.
But since they had offered, there was no reason to refuse.
‘Kayla said it was meaningless…’
It wasn’t. She had gained a reputation for associating with a dark magic user when she joined him.
She had effectively abandoned her chances of achieving knighthood, and while she claimed not to care, it was hard to believe she had completely abandoned her dream.
Her momentary hesitation was likely caused by the prince reawakening that buried desire.
“Kayla, don’t worry about anything else.”
“But…”
“Your skills are worthy of knighthood. It’s long overdue.”
It was his fault.
Knighthood was traditionally bestowed by nobles, so even with the necessary skills, one couldn’t become a knight without a noble’s patronage.
Accepting another house’s patronage would place her under their influence.
While he had been postponing it, the royal family was a different matter.
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