The Day Before Departure

The Arsein Ducal Residence.

The people of House Arsein were gathered here having dinner.

It was a family of four consisting of the Duke of Arsein, the Duchess of Arsein, and their daughters, the young ladies of House Arsein, Yuria and Lilia.

“Yuria.”

“Yes, Father.”

In the middle of the meal, Yuria respectfully responded to the call of her father, the Duke of Arsein.

“Today will be the last time this year that all four of us gather together for a meal.”

The Duke of Arsein spoke with regret. Tomorrow, Yuria would be leaving for Minst Academy in the Britannia Empire.

That would mean they wouldn’t see her for nearly a year, until the end of her second year.

Since she would spend the winter break there as well, they wouldn’t be able to see her until before summer break.

“I’ll contact you often.”

Though the Duke of Arsein nodded lightly at Yuria’s words, the Duchess of Arsein let out a slight sigh.

“Yuria, to be honest, I’m still against it.”

The Duchess of Arsein still didn’t view favorably the idea of Yuria going all the way to the Britannia Empire. She had been opposed to her daughter going so far away, but couldn’t overcome Yuria’s persistence.

Moreover, she had given permission with a feeling of resignation because none other than Yuria’s fiancé, the genius Theodore Skyroad, had personally promised to protect her.

“Even though I’m somewhat relieved that Lord Theodore promised to take responsibility and protect you… still, sending my daughter so far away worries me.”

The Duchess of Arsein looked at Yuria, unable to hide her concern.

Yuria understood her mother’s feelings well, but for her, this was an issue she couldn’t compromise on.

From the Duchess of Arsein’s perspective, she would be worried about her daughter being in danger, but Yuria didn’t want a life of being protected like a flower in a greenhouse.

She had a dream of becoming an outstanding swordswoman whose name was known throughout the continent with pride.

“Sister, if you go with Lord Theodore… will you be going around together with Lord Theodore there?”

Lilia, who had been eating quietly, spoke up for the first time.

The same age as Judith, the daughter of House Skyroad, at 15 years old, her appearance perfectly fit the description of being a miniature version of Yuria.

Long, dazzling silver hair, blue eyes, snow-white skin, and already showing curves in her figure—with such excellent development, it was clear that if she continued growing like this, the sisters would be known as the two great beauties, alongside Yuria who was rumored to be the greatest beauty in the Arcan Empire.

And Yuria read the regret in Lilia’s eyes. She knew well why she harbored such feelings.

“…Yes, probably.”

“Dad, Mom. I really want to follow my sister too…”

Unlike Yuria, who as the eldest daughter showed a respectful attitude by addressing her parents as “Father” and “Mother,” Lilia, the second daughter, addressed her parents more casually as “Dad” and “Mom.”

Also, since the parents found their young daughter Lilia’s aegyo adorable, a certain level of it was allowed.

“I already said no, didn’t I?”

But requests that crossed the line, like the current one, were never granted.

As the Duchess of Arsein firmly drew the line, reaffirming that she couldn’t grant this request, Lilia slightly puffed her cheeks.

“I really wanted to go…”

Yuria knew that the reason Lilia was so disappointed was not because she couldn’t follow her sister. What she regretted was not that she couldn’t follow her, but that she wouldn’t be able to see Theodore.

Feeling somewhat bitter about this, Yuria, having finished dinner, rose from her seat first.

“Thank you for the meal.”

“Yes, since you’re leaving tomorrow, rest well.”

“Yes.”

Yuria bowed politely and went outside.

‘Theodore, what on earth does that person think?’

Yuria suddenly had such a thought.

A man who was ridiculously handsome, exceptionally talented, but more than that, unbearably arrogant.

But just as reliable in keeping his promises, and excellent in teaching abilities—she became curious about what this man was thinking as he lived.

‘Does such a person have dreams and goals too?’

Her own talent was superior compared to others, but compared to him, it fell far short. She had felt this even more strongly during the past few days when she directly crossed swords with him.

She had a dream of reaching a high level as a swordswoman, and she also had a dream of making a name for herself as a swordswoman, not as the greatest beauty in the Arcan Empire or as the daughter of House Arsein.

‘For someone like him, such a level would be easily achievable… what does he live for?’

Even her dream would be an area easily within his reach.

But Yuria wouldn’t despair even if she felt this fact was unfair.

No matter what, she would not give up her dream and would continue forward, holding the dream of being a swordswoman in her heart.

If she lacked talent, she would put in that much more effort to overcome the walls.

---

The evening meal at House Skyroad was prepared by Theodore himself today as well.

“Delicious!”

Judith burst into a slight cheer with a smile full of happiness.

What she was currently eating was stuffed pork chop, a favorite of the Duchess of Skyroad. Although it had been on the menu four days ago, Judith seemed to think she wouldn’t get tired of this menu even if she ate it every day.

“Judy, eat slowly. You’ll get indigestion.”

Theodore said, looking at Judith with a smile. Though they weren’t related by blood, his gaze as he looked at Judith, his younger sister, was very warm.

The Duke and Duchess of Skyroad, watching his gaze with satisfaction, also enjoyed their dinner, savoring it slowly.

“Okay, brother.”

Judith answered with a smile, but as the meal was coming to an end, her expression became regretful.

“Thinking that I won’t see brother for a year makes me sad. Not being able to eat the food brother makes, not seeing brother who greets me in the morning, not seeing brother who teaches me various things—it feels like something will be missing.”

To Judith’s words, Theodore smiled and said gently:

“Judy, it’s just for a while. I’ve already shared the recipes, so even if it’s not as good as when I make it directly, please bear with that for now.”

“Yes, brother. But thinking that brother won’t be there in the morning or evening still makes me lonely. So you have to contact me often. Got it?”

“Haha, yes. I promise, Judy.”

“Yes! Absolutely, brother! If you break your promise, I’ll be upset.”

Watching them make promises to each other with satisfaction, the Duke of Skyroad, having finished his meal, said:

“Well, Theo. I’ll be in my office for a while, so come find me when you finish eating.”

“Yes, Father.”

Theodore answered politely, and after the Duke of Skyroad left his seat, he slowly continued his portion of the meal.

After finishing his meal as well, he stood up and immediately headed to the Duke of Skyroad’s office.

“Welcome, young lord. The Duke is waiting for you.”

The knights standing at the entrance of the Duke of Skyroad’s office seemed to have been informed in advance, as they immediately made way when Theodore arrived.

“Thank you for your hard work.”

Theodore, after saying a word of appreciation for their hard work, didn’t report ahead this time. The door was already open, so he just had to enter.

The Duke of Skyroad welcomed him as he came inside.

“Theo, please sit down.”

“Yes, Father.”

Theodore sat down politely in a nearby seat, and looking at him, the Duke of Skyroad said:

“Theo, you’ll be going with Lady Yuria, just the two of you this time… and this father of yours is still worried.”

“As I’ve told you many times, there’s no need to worry. I’m simply going to study abroad as a member of House Skyroad. And even if they learn the truth, there’s nothing they can do to me.”

William was also at Minst Academy in the Britannia Empire.

However, no matter how much the Britannia Empire promoted him as the Chosen One in their propaganda, he was ultimately a fake.

“Father, do you remember what you once told me?”

“What are you referring to?”

“When we first met, after hearing my circumstances, you told me.”

A cold smile appeared on Theodore’s face.

“You told me to prove to those who considered my very existence worthless that I am the one who shines most brilliantly from the highest place.”

He had said such words before.

At that time, it was to comfort him and to help him be strong-hearted.

But now, he only wished that his adopted son and heir would not suffer unnecessary wounds to his heart.