Chapter 53
The fortunate thing was that, at this time, all of Lord Abelus’ generation of influential figures were still in their childhood.
Even Servius Tinitrius was just a slightly younger boy than Lord Abelus.
Nothing was set in stone, so the future could still be changed.
“First, I need to make contact with other families.”
I took out a charcoal stick and began writing down all the information I could recall:
Allied families, hostile families, and even the neutral powers that would need to be swayed to prevent future conflicts.
From there, the plan ahead came to me without much difficulty.
That afternoon, I entered the study and said,
“Listen, I have something to request as Ignitus’ heir.”
All of my attendants responded favorably.
“What is it, Miss?”
“Please, say anything.”
“I want to go outside the mansion. I want to meet people who live out there.”
If I had asked for a friend, the attendants would have just invited a playmate over, so this request was the best way to get out.
“Now that I think about it, you’ve never been outside before, have you?”
“I will speak with the Head of the House as soon as he returns.”
Gordio and the other attendants responded positively.
“Wait a moment.”
Lord Abelus, who had been quietly writing a letter in a corner of the study, suddenly stood up.
I hadn’t even realized he’d been listening. His expression had hardened, seeming at odds with the attendants.
‘Is it really okay to go out? I don’t think there’s a rule limiting the heir’s outings.’
“Is that not allowed?”
“……”
“Why is that?”
When Lord Abelus remained silent, one of the attendants spoke.
“Childhood experiences are a good nourishment for life. And the young lady must have felt stifled until now.”
Gordio spoke gently.
“That’s true. There’s no reason you cannot go. But you…”
Lord Abelus swallowed his words.
The hand holding his pen trembled slightly.
Soon he put the pen down and walked toward me.
“Kalidora, wait a few more years. Soon, your basic training will be completed.”
“……Huh?”
I hadn’t expected that.
Training… does he mean training in the power of fire?
Looking into his worried eyes, I could guess why he said that.
He had saved me from death once before.
Although I didn’t show it, that memory must still linger in his mind.
‘I’m fine, though. It’s not the first time I’ve returned from death.’
I was genuinely grateful for his concern, especially considering my first days here, but it was also a bit troublesome.
Soon the king would fall, and the heirs of the families would be fixed in their positions.
But I didn’t want to reject Lord Abelus’ words.
He asked me to wait, yet he wasn’t even in a position to make a request of me.
I quietly nodded.
It seemed I would have to get permission directly from the Head of the House.
Returning to the family council,
I usually just observed quietly, but this time I had to speak directly to the Head of the House.
When asked if I had something to say, I raised my hand eagerly.
“Me!”
The Head seemed surprised by my sudden hand raise but listened to me willingly.
“Yes, Kalidora Ignicia. Speak.”
I leapt down from the platform and walked confidently to stand before the Head.
I felt Lord Abelus’ curious gaze on me.
“Head of the House! I thought of a request I hope you’ll grant.”
The word “request” caused murmurs among the crowd.
“Yes, speak. I will grant anything, as long as it is not indulgent, decadent, or angering to the gods. You are a sensible child, so there’s little concern.”
He seemed to think I wanted some material possession, and he even seemed determined to fulfill it if possible.
“Uh… I can really say anything? Actually, I have a very small and trivial wish that, if it’s you, I’m sure you could grant immediately.”
I looked up at him with wide, pleading eyes.
“Yes, go ahead.”
“Well… I read in a book that people swear by the River Styx when making a true promise. Could you swear that you’ll grant my request?”
A promise sworn by the River Styx is absolute—even the king of the gods cannot break it.
From behind, I heard people whisper about my audacity.
But the trust I had built as heir was strong.
No one, including the Head, expected me to make a strange request.
“Yes. As long as your request doesn’t fall under the three exceptions I mentioned, I will gladly swear.”
From the Head’s perspective, this was quite rational.
Even a child’s request would almost always fall under one of the three categories.
‘But this is different.’
I looked straight at him and shouted,
“I want to go outside the mansion!”
“Kalidora, I thought you had given up…!”
At the same time, Lord Abelus raised his voice in surprise.
The unexpected request made the Head’s eyes widen slightly.
“But…”
Before the Head could explain why it was impossible, I quickly added,
“One week from now is March 1st, the festival of the goddess Yuno, who oversees the household, right? I really want to go and wish for Ignitus’ happiness.”
Was this request indulgent? — No
Was it decadent? — No
Would it anger the gods? — No, in fact, it was admirable.
I giggled softly, but the crowd went silent, as if a bucket of cold water had been poured on them.
“……”
The Head, at a rare loss for words, glanced around, visibly flustered.
The crowd’s reactions varied—some blushed trying to suppress laughter, some admired me, some frowned, thinking my behavior rude.
“Oh dear.”
Lord Abelus touched his forehead but soon chuckled, seemingly entertained by the situation.
The serious Head leaned back in his armchair.
‘Is this really such a difficult decision…?’
I didn’t know the reasoning, but one thing was clear: he had no grounds to refuse.
“Permission granted.”
Finally, it was approved.
Once I succeeded in going out once, it would be easier to do it again.
I smiled with pride.
After the council ended, everyone returned to their seats.
Tiberius, who had no urgent matters, headed straight to his study, followed only by his closest aide, Gordio.
“Gordio.”
After confirming the door was closed, he spoke.
“Yes, sir?”
“I cannot shake the thought that I made a foolish decision. Whatever the reason, I should have stopped that child.”
“But isn’t it about time for the young lady to see the outside world?”
Gordio casually remarked, enjoying the sight of the little lady cornering the Head.
His master’s reaction was unexpected.
Whether because she was a little girl or because of a major incident years ago, Gordio believed even the young lady deserved to play freely like other children.
“But the temple of Goddess Yuno is in the Forum. It’s far for a child!”
“Even just by running from the entrance, you can see the Forum. What are you talking about?”
No matter what Gordio said, he could not calm the Head’s anxiety.
It would be reassuring if he could take her personally, but, coincidentally, the busiest people on the festival day were the heads of the families.
A sworn oath by the River Styx could not be broken.
“I will assign the Fire Legion as her escort.”
Finally, Tiberius proposed this solution.
Gordio tried to hide a sigh as he suggested a compromise.
“Send a trustworthy captain of the Fire Legion.”
Someone who held the position and had a strong bond with the young lady.
He meant Ankus.
