Chapter 45
A Determined Child Looking for Their Father
The House of Marquis Wavril was a noble family of the empire.
Not a half-hearted, recently incorporated noble, but a true “imperial aristocracy.”
“Then perhaps it’s best to inform the House of Marquis Wavril of our situation, and to ensure we can ask for help if we encounter danger. What do you think?”
Tia agreed with Nordics’ suggestion.
Indeed, it seemed the safest course for her.
Above all, Regent Marianne was unlikely to refuse Tia’s request.
Before Nordics, Marianne had actually been the first to seek out Tia.
“Is there anything that Agabert needs right now? If there is, I’d like to help.”
“You mean… Sir Jijanggan…?”
“Yes. You saved your sons—all the things everyone else hesitated to do. So if there’s anything I can do to help, please tell me.”
At that time, Marianne was told there was nothing that needed her assistance and was sent back.
But after the conversation with Nordics, Tia realized something.
She understood what she needed to ask of Marianne.
So that night, Tia steeled her resolve and went alone to Marianne’s office.
“Sir Jijanggan! Actually… Tia isn’t Kingssen Commander!”
Marianne looked visibly startled.
“Tia is actually a child… and is looking for her father.”
After hearing everything, Marianne seemed greatly surprised, then quickly grew serious.
“All of this sounds quite dangerous to my ears. How many people are aware of this?”
“Um… Uncle Vasto, Brother Veil, Grandfather Nordics, Brother Raul, Brother Enzo, and Sir Jijanggan, I think…?”
Marianne only felt reassured after hearing that Tia had cast conditional memory-erasing magic on everyone.
Then she held Tia’s hands tightly and spoke.
“Very well. I will support Danzu as much as I can, but it’s best to do so quietly, without drawing attention.”
“Really…?”
“From the moment Raul and Enzo chose Danzu, we were essentially on the same ship. From now on, I will regard Danzu as one of my own children, just like them.”
Hearing this, Tia suddenly thought of the Gold Apartment residents.
Specifically, Grandmother of Room 107 and Lady of Room 203.
They had always said Tia was like their own child, part of their family.
Tia felt a fluttering in her heart and tears brimmed in her eyes.
Marianne hugged Tia tightly and gently patted her back.
“Danzu—or rather, you, Tia—are doing well. Everything will continue to go well, so don’t worry.”
“Huh… hweeng…”
“It must have been hard, right?”
“Y-yes… We even walked all the way to Pulcity, my stomach was hungry and my legs hurt. Honestly, I was also a little scared when catching sea monsters…”
“Oh my, we need to get a sturdy carriage first.”
Marianne spoke, and then also took down information about Tia’s father.
She frowned slightly upon learning his name was Kim Youngsoo.
Finally, at Marianne’s request, Tia activated the Rite of Oblivion.
“I knew Raul and Enzo would eventually pick up their swords again. They resemble my husband more than me, after all.”
Before leaving the office, Marianne held Tia’s hands tightly and said this.
“I had resolved that someday I would have to send the children back to the battlefield… but I was still uneasy.”
“…”
“So I am glad they chose you, Tia, and Agabert.”
There was genuine sincerity in Marianne’s eyes.
“You took action in a matter that no one else did. I’m relieved that the place my children belong to is safe and warm.”
At that moment, Tia felt a sensation she had never experienced before stir in her heart.
It was a sense of responsibility.
“Tia will take good care of Brother Raul and Brother Enzo.”
“Really?”
“Yes! I’ll do my best so the brothers don’t get hurt!”
That night, back in her bedroom, Tia stared at the ceiling for a long time.
“So this is what it means to be Danzu.”
It had started as a task she took on to hide her identity.
But now, as Danzu, she was feeling something special and wondrous.
“…I want to get stronger.”
She had great power, but did not yet know exactly how to use it.
“It would be nice to have a teacher like Tia who can use magic.”
If so, she could learn to control her power better and use it more effectively.
Tia got up and stared out the window, bathed in moonlight.
“How nice it would be if there were no magical stones in this world at all…”
Then Vasto’s wife and daughter, and Regent Marianne’s husband, wouldn’t have perished at the hands of monsters.
“And Father too…”
Suddenly, the image of her father from her recent dream flashed in her mind.
Her father holding baby Tia, standing amid writhing monsters.
His eyes full of worry and concern.
“So Father really did end up in Korea fighting monsters, huh?”
That explained his struggles in Korea, his sudden passing, and why he couldn’t recognize Tia now—it was all because of the magical stones.
Tia clenched her fists tightly.
“When I get stronger…”
She would protect her father from danger in the future.
And she would protect Raul, Enzo, Vasto, Nordics, and Veil.
Tia opened her bag and held the stone that Blackie was sleeping on.
Even when she tried to sleep afterward, she stayed awake all night.
Her thoughts kept chaining one after another, tormenting her.
Thus, Tia and Agabert loaded their luggage into the sturdy carriage Marianne had provided.
“You said we’re heading to the Populosa Armory District, right?”
Raul and Enzo nodded at Marianne’s question.
Agabert’s next destination was the Populosa Armory District, where they would repair Vasto’s worn war hammer.
“While we’re at it, I’ll have a new sword made for myself.”
Marianne gave a faint smile at Raul’s words.
She remained silent for a moment, then entered the administration office.
Soon, she returned holding something.
Raul’s eyes widened as he recognized the object in her hands.
“…Mom?”
“Yes. It’s the sword your father used.”
Vasto and Veil, loading the luggage, looked over at them.
Tia in the carriage also looked at Marianne and the twins.
“It’s quite dull now. It must have happened in the last battle.”
“…”
“Now it’s fixed. You carry it.”
Raul froze in surprise.
Enzo lightly nudged him.
“Come on, take it quickly. Mom’s arm will get tired.”
Only then did Raul snap out of it and take the sword.
But he looked at Marianne, as if uncertain.
“Mom… but still, this…”
“You’re left-handed, like your father. There’s no reason you can’t use this sword.”
“…”
“Besides, your father wouldn’t want the sword that carries his legacy to remain on a display shelf.”
Raul finally fell silent.
After nodding slightly, Veil gestured from afar for them to hurry.
“Let’s go!”
Enzo gave Marianne one last tight hug, then turned.
Raul, holding the sword, followed with reddened eyes.
“Sir Jijanggan! We’ll come again!”
Finally, everyone boarded the carriage, and Tia waved brightly.
Marianne smiled back at Tia.
The horses began to move forward.
Marianne held back tears, watching the carriage disappear into the distance.
Though wistful, she no longer felt fear or unease.
She took a deep breath and turned back into the administration office.
Sitting at her desk, she began writing a letter.
I have a matter to inquire about.
Currently, or in the past, I am looking for a notable or accomplished holy knight.
He is said to have black hair and eyes mixed with green and brown, and a serious, quiet personality.
His name is somewhat unusual, which might make it easier to locate him.
Please check if anyone in the Empire knows a holy knight named Kim Youngsoo.
Marianne addressed the letter to Walker Wavril, her mother, the current head of the Wavril House, and one of the empire’s five greatest financial powers.
The current Marquis of Wavril.
