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“Since it’s something you desperately wanted, I made an exception for you.”

Heron looked at Viola with a much warmer gaze than before, but Viola couldn’t feel it. He was certain.

“She’ll be happy.”

Viola showed remarkable skills, but she was still too young. Even if we set aside the powerful heir, Medea, it would be tough to surpass the second and third princes.

In such an unfavorable situation, the support from the fifth prince, Bichen, would be a great help for Viola.

And the Duke decided to authenticate that support himself. “One of the things you longed for has come to fruition.”

From Heron’s perspective, Viola was a child with great ambition. As a father, he supported that ambition. “I’ve completely brought Bichen to my side, and I have certified it. You must be thrilled.”

Viola responded, “Thank you, fath—”

She wanted to cry. Why? Why was he wearing such a pleased expression? No, why couldn’t he read my heart with all that brilliance he possessed? “And why does he have to be so unbelievably handsome in the midst of all this!”

It was a total nightmare. His incredible looks made the absurdity of the current situation feel even more surreal.

“I’m going insane.”

In truth, Bichen saying he would help Viola wasn’t a big issue. While it sent a message that Viola would take a more active role in the succession war, that alone wasn’t a huge obstacle.

The real problem lay elsewhere.

“To swear on the blood of the Black Temple’s monsters, I need to hunt the same monsters myself!”

She had to get covered in blood too. This was referred to as the ‘Oath of the Black Temple’, and many nobles made such promises in this way when forming sacred and significant vows. “Since your father has even notarized it, there’s no backing out.”

She had to go hunt that pesky Black Troll without any excuses. At this point, saying, “No, I don’t need that,” was simply not an option.

Viola wore a wretched smile while the Duke misinterpreted her expression.

“Are you happy?”

“Of course!”

Viola felt something was a bit off. “Is his Insight not working?”

In reality, the Duke could sense none of Viola’s feelings. He merely knew why. This wasn’t the first time. “It’s just like with Rael.”

The Duke’s Insight never worked when it came to Rael, even when he wished to know her true feelings.

That had been quite frustrating in the past. “Your Insight doesn’t work on her.”

It used to be bothersome, but not anymore.

Instead, it felt good. “A new wind is blowing my way.”

A gentle breeze called Viola…

*

Upon returning to her room, Viola asked, “Zeno, tell me about the Black Temple and the Oath of the Black Temple.”

“The Black Temple was built by Arge, a famous ancient cleric, who became addicted to Black Magic in his later years. Thus, it is also known as the Temple of the Fallen Priests. It is said that Halcon, the ancient hero, beheaded him, and his blood covered the temple.”

It was an account passed down like a legend, and Viola already knew all of this. “Halcon was said to be an old friend of Arge. On the day Halcon beheaded Arge, he wept sorrowfully and declared war on Black Magic with his blood. Heroes from all over the continent gathered to make their oaths there.”

That became the origin. Over time, special monsters known as Black Temple monsters emerged, and a ritual was created to swear oaths covered in their blood.

“The monster that Prince Bichen has hunted is the Black Troll, isn’t it?”

Just a regular Black Troll was already considerably more powerful than an average Troll. “Apparently, it had two heads.”

Zeno’s smiling face was infuriating. Viola wanted to give him a solid punch on the lip.

“It must be nothing for you, Princess.”

“Of course not. Didn’t Bichen almost die?”

“He didn’t die, though.”

“Then for the sacred oath, I have to go alone, right?”

“I’ll accompany you to the temple entrance.”

For the sake of the oath with Bichen, Viola had to enter the Black Temple alone. However, there was one exceptional condition. She could bring someone younger or significantly less skilled than herself.

In a supporting role as an oath assistant, so to speak.

“I’ll send a letter to Selbin.”

“Understood.”

Selbin was sending Viola fan letters about once a week. “[To the beloved and respected Sister Viola, Selbin is sincerely trying to follow in your footsteps.]”

The handwriting was quite crooked, but the sincerity was remarkable. Moreover, as time passed, the handwriting improved little by little. Though Viola didn’t often reply to Selbin, it didn’t matter to Selbin.

“Even without a reply, my admiration is free!”

*

A few days later.

Selbin, having received a letter from Viola, jumped in joy.

“Daddy!!!”

She dashed over to brag to Duke Brandia. “Sister Viola sent me a letter!”

“What did it say?”

The Duke, known as the Destroyer for being merciless to enemies, breaking everything in his path, was incredibly kind in front of his youngest daughter. “She said to go to the Black Temple. With me.”

Selbin emphasized “With me” loudly. “Just the two of us.”

Selbin looked thrilled, grinning brightly.

The Duke stroked his chin.

“I suppose she’s making an oath. What’s the monster to hunt?”

“It’s a Black Troll. With two heads!”

It might be a bit much for you two at your current levels. “How about trying again in a year?”

That’s what he wanted to say when Selbin jumped into his arms.

“You’ll allow it, right?”

She rubbed her cheek against the Duke’s chest like a little kitten. From the Duke’s perspective, she was simply too adorable.

“Of course.”

Oops! That thought slipped out, but it was too late.

*

Viola lay on her bed.

Zeno carefully covered her with a blanket.

Then, in a natural manner, he lightly kissed her forehead. It was an act showing affection and respect for his serving master.

“Have a good night.”

“Get some good rest too, Zeno.”

The next day. As Zeno finished preparing to leave, he said with a hint of regret.

“If only Tundra were here, that would be helpful.”

“Tundra?” “Yes. It’s not a person but a pet dog, and the Duke recognizes him, so it’s a favorable atmosphere.”

“True.”

Viola suddenly felt like she wanted to see Tundra. After a long time, he had joyfully waved his tail made of mana when they met.

For no particular reason, Tundra’s face came to mind.

It was bound to happen in a story, after all.

In the story, Tundra also grows up in the ‘Place Where the Eye Shines’. It was just that the timing had been moved forward a bit; it was something that was always meant to happen.

“At least it’s fortunate that Princess Selbin is with us.”

Zeno climbed into the carriage. “We’ve hired a coachman for this journey.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m the only one to attend to the princess. It’s to ensure I can pay more detailed attention to her.”

He seemed to be an experienced coachman, so there was no need to worry.

Zeno smiled brightly. If Zeno said so, then it must be the case.

A coachman’s voice rang out from outside.

“Then we’ll be off.”

Somehow, the voice sounded familiar, but she didn’t think too much of it. Meanwhile, the coachman driving Viola’s carriage hummed a tune. “Hehe, this is a nice little side job!”

Zeno spent quite a sum as payment for the coachman. He radiated a presence that kept the surroundings vigilant. As always, flies were bound to swarm around a simple noble’s schedule.

“Our dear disciple is sleeping.”

The grass blades rustled. The mountain bandits lying in wait for an opportunity to pounce on Viola’s carriage were taken down.

Viola, deep in her peaceful slumber, had no clue about the outside troubles.

Days passed.

“It’s oddly quiet without any ambushes.”

It was strange not to have a single ambush, even though she didn’t carry numerous knights. One or two attacks would be the norm at this point.

Moreover, the ride was extremely comfortable. “This is a fantastic ride quality.”

“It’s because the coachman is exceptional.”

“Right. Let’s make sure to hire this coachman regularly.”

“Understood. I’ll request a budget increase from the treasury.”

For several days, Sheilan gained some insight. As the carriage passed over gravel and potholes, Sheilan conducted a training session far more urgent than usual, smoothly clearing and leveling the path.

With a growing sense of urgency, Sheilan began to chant the Grass Sword without even realizing it, shedding a light sweat.

“Our dear disciple loves to sleep.

Sleep well to grow and stay healthy.

For the best ride quality, Sheilan kept striving and evolving.

*

It took about ten days to reach the Black Temple.

The Black Temple was a gathering place for people from all over the continent, surrounded by numerous towns big and small.

Viola and Selbin decided to meet in the traveler’s town closest to the Black Temple.

“Sister!”

From afar, Selbin waved her hands wildly. Her voice was so thunderous that all the surrounding travelers turned to look at her. It even created a slight shockwave.

“Please don’t unleash your mana and blast your horn!”

All attention turned to her. Regardless, Selbin came charging over and jumped into Viola’s arms.

“Whoa, it’s like a rhinoceros!

If it weren’t for the ring’s weight, I might have toppled over. Barely regaining her balance, Viola surveyed their surroundings.

“Huh?”

The real reason Viola had singled out Selbin was different. Selbin was the precious jewel of Brandia.

With the oath and all that, she thought surely Selbin would come with a guardian to follow.

Thus, she believed at least the minimal safety could be ensured even at the Black Temple. “Where is everyone?”

No one was in sight. “Guardian! Where are you? My last safety net!”

Selbin seemed to have carried along a massive backpack, as if she hadn’t brought even a butler. Viola calmly asked.

“Where’s your guardian?”

“Guardian?”

Selbin sounded a bit more tongue-tied than usual. With her sparkling eyes, she looked up at Viola while still snuggled in her embrace.

She looked like a gasping little chick.

Selbin was blissfully intoxicated just by the fact that she had met Viola.

Chuckling, she said.

“Well, I thought…”

The answer was far from what Viola had expected, who assumed Selbin would definitely bring her guardian. “I can spend an hour just with my sister!”