Chapter 172 – The Brat?
- Chapter 172
Date : Day 16 of Lunaeve 1024 Aethellgard Concord Year.
The reception room door slowly opened.
Hyoren instinctively turned toward the entrance.
From everything Elise had told him. He had imagined someone very much like Fiona. Loud. Energetic.
The type who couldn't sit still for more than a few minutes.
Someone who paid little attention to hairstyles or makeup. Perhaps even only wearing a scholar's robe because noble attire simply wasn't worth the effort.
A perfect image of—"The brat”. That was the Arianna Akela Hyoren had pictured in his mind.
But, the young woman who entered alongside Vesas was completely different.
She walked into the room at an unhurried pace. The sound of her high heels echoed softly across the carpeted floor as she approached.
Hyoren observed her with quiet curiosity.
At first glance, she did resemble Fiona. She possessed the same fiery red hair. She was equally tall, standing at roughly the same height as Fiona, around one hundred and seventy-five centimeters.
Yet, that was where the similarities ended.
She wore a dark purple dress with very little decoration. There were no flashy ornaments or extravagant embroidery.
Its elegance came from its simplicity.
The dress covered her figure properly while fitting neatly against her frame. And because of that—the differences between mother and daughter became immediately obvious.
Where Fiona possessed a distinctly mature and womanly figure. Arianna was—slender. That was probably the kindest way to describe it. She had very little feminine curvature. Even her chest was almost completely flat.
Hyoren quietly estimated that even the petite Ina possessed a more womanly figure than the Baron's daughter.
Still—her tall and almost overbearing stature gave he9r an unmistakable noble image. She carried herself with quiet dignity.
Her face also differed greatly from Fiona's. Gone was the naturally fierce expression that seemed permanently etched onto her mother's features.
Instead, her facial expression more closely resembled Baron Guts'. Calm. Gentle. Approachable.
Only her eyes reminded Hyoren of Fiona. They shared the same blue color. Yet Arianna's were noticeably lighter, softening her overall appearance.
By the time she reached the center of the room, she gracefully bowed.
“Good Evening, Freedom Party. It is my pleasure to grace you with my presence.”
Her voice carried the quiet dignity expected of a noble lady.
Every word was measured and refined. It flowed almost like music, gentle to the ears without sounding artificial.
Hyoren blinked.
That alone completely shattered the image he had built in his mind. He had expected "the brat" to behave much like Fiona.
Rough. Loud. Unable to contain herself. Instead, standing before him was the very picture of a refined young noblewoman.
Unable to hide his curiosity, Hyoren briefly glanced toward Elise.
The elf's reaction told a full story.
Her emerald eyes had widened until they were nearly round. Her mouth hung slightly open in a perfect "O." She looked as though she had just witnessed something utterly impossible.
Arianna gracefully turned toward Elise.
Even that simple movement was deliberate. Elegant. Measured.
Her long, straight crimson hair barely swayed as she moved, cascading naturally all the way to her waist. Unlike her mother, who kept her fiery red hair cut short just touching her shoulder for practicality, Arianna allowed hers to flow freely.
Rather than giving the impression of a mature noble lady—it made her appear like a refined young noblewoman standing at the threshold of adulthood.
A gentle smile blossomed across her face.
“Long time no see, Lady Elise. I am truly grateful that we are finally able to meet again after five years.”
She bowed once more. The gesture was flawless. Every movement reflected years of noble etiquette.
“After training diligently to make myself worthy… I have finally fulfilled my promise.”
She slowly straightened.
“I am now prepared to walk the treacherous path of an adventurer alongside you… My beloved mentor.”
Hyoren was almost left speechless.
This can't be the same "brat."
Everything Arianna did. From her graceful posture. To her refined speech. To the quiet dignity she naturally carried. Was completely different from the person he had imagined through Elise's stories.
Unable to help himself, he glanced toward Elise again.
The elf had completely frozen. Her emerald eyes stared blankly at Arianna. Even her pointed ears remained perfectly still.
It looked as though her mind had simply stopped processing what was unfolding before her.
Unbothered by Elise's frozen reaction, Arianna gracefully turned toward Hyoren.
Once again, every movement was composed. Even the gentle turn of her body seemed carefully measured, befitting someone raised within high nobility.
She offered another flawless bow.
“And you must be Sir Hyoren Enjo. The leader of the Freedom Party.”
She raised her head, a graceful smile adorning her face.
“It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am Arianna Akela. Daughter of Baron Akela.”
Hyoren paused for a brief moment before returning a respectful nod.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Arianna.”
Arianna lightly lifted the back of one hand before her lips. A soft, refined laugh escaped her.
“Ohoho. There is no need to be so formal with me, Sir Hyoren. Please, simply call me Arianna. After all, we shall soon be companions within the same party, shall we not?”
Hyoren winced inwardly.
He wasn't certain whether addressing the Baron's daughter so casually was truly appropriate.
His eyes instinctively shifted toward Baron Guts. The Baron merely gave him a small nod of encouragement.
Hyoren turned back to Arianna. Her expression remained calm and composed.
“As you wish... Arianna.”
He scratched his cheek awkwardly.
“But... would you also just call me Hyoren? Being called 'Sir' is a little...”
Arianna's elegant smile remained unchanged.
“But, Sir Hyoren. You are the one who saved my beloved mentor's life. It is only proper that I show you the respect you deserve.”
Hyoren slowly shook his head before giving a small bow.
“Please… Our party stands as equals. I may have saved Elise's life once… But she has saved mine many times as well.”
Arianna quietly listened. After a brief moment, she gave a graceful nod.
“Very well. If that is your earnest wish… I shall address you as... How about, Leader? Because you are our party leader.”
That was good compromise, Hyoren thought. So he simply nodded.
With the matter settled, Arianna elegantly took her seat beside Baron Guts.
Even the simple act of sitting carried the quiet refinement expected of a daughter of House Akela.
***
Baron Guts smiled warmly.
“Now, now. That introduction is finally complete.”
His gaze briefly shifted toward his daughter. Then—to Hyoren's surprise—The Baron gave a slight bow toward the Freedom Party.
The gesture wasn't that of a ruler addressing adventurers. Nor was it that of a noble fulfilling etiquette. At this moment—he was simply a father entrusting his daughter to others.
“Please… Take good care of my daughter.”
Hyoren immediately raised both hands.
“Please, Baron Guts. Raise your head. There is no need for you to bow. It is not befitting of your position.”
He spoke sincerely.
“I have already promised. So long as Lady Arianna is a member of our party… I will protect her.”
Baron Guts slowly straightened. A gentle smile appeared on his face.
“Thank you, Hyoren. I truly was not mistaken in choosing your party.”
He remained silent for a brief moment before clasping his hands together.
“And now that my request has been properly conveyed… And graciously accepted...”
He smiled.
“Let us move on to the gifts I mentioned earlier.”
He turned his head slightly.
“Vesas.”
The head butler gave a respectful bow.
“Understood, my lord.”
Without another word, Vesas walked toward one of the shelves positioned against the wall. From it, he carefully retrieved a long, slender box wrapped in black velvet.
Holding it with both gloved hands, he returned to the table and gently placed it between the Baron and the Freedom Party.
Baron Guts gave a small nod.
“Thank you, Vesas.”
Vesas straightened his posture.
“My pleasure, my lord.”
The Baron rested both hands upon the box.
With an unhurried motion, he released the polished clasps.
Before lifting the lid completely, Baron Guts looked directly at Hyoren.
“This gift is presented by Akela Barony in recognition of your party's distinguished service. Please accept it.”
Only then did he slowly lift the lid. The black velvet lining inside came into view. Resting upon it—was a single sword.
Hyoren's eyes were immediately drawn toward the weapon.
It was a longsword. A large one. Even resting inside the box, he could immediately tell it was considerably longer than the broadsword he currently used.
He quickly estimated its length.
Around one hundred and thirty centimeters.
Almost twenty centimeters longer than his current sword. The additional length would naturally extend his reach in combat.
And unlike his current broad blade, this weapon possessed a slender profile. Its sharp point was clearly designed for thrusting just as much as cutting.
The proportions gave it a graceful appearance without sacrificing lethality.
The blade itself gleamed with a pristine white luster. It wasn't steel. At least, not any steel Hyoren had ever seen or known.
Its polished surface reflected the chandelier's pale lights like a sheet of white crystal.
The ring-shaped crossguard was broad enough to fully protect the wielder's hand. At its center rested the unmistakable crest of House Akela—a wolf holding a sword in its jaws.
The pommel was slightly enlarged and rounded, balancing the weapon while remaining sturdy enough to be used for blunt strikes if necessary.
Running along both sides of the blade,delicate lines intertwined with carefully inscribed runes. Unlike decorative engravings, these carried an unmistakable purpose—Hyoren immediately recognized them as genuine runic arrays embedded directly into the weapon itself.
Baron Guts carefully lifted the sword with both hands.
Despite its considerable length, the blade appeared perfectly balanced in his grip. The white blade caught the room's light as he slowly raised it.
“This sword is called Dawn Breaker.”
His voice carried quiet pride.
“It was wielded by my great-grandfather. And it was specially commissioned from Khor'Menduun.”
Hyoren's pupils shrank.
Khor'Menduun… The Dwarven Empire.
The greatest craftsman and blacksmiths on the continent.
This wasn't simply an expensive weapon. It was an heirloom. A legacy. A sword that had accompanied one of House Akela's previous lords through countless battles defending the frontier.
Something that should have remained within the family for generations. And now—Baron Guts intended to present it to him.
...Why?
Hyoren's thoughts raced.
Surely, investigating Stone Well Village. Defeating a Servant of Gidol. Discovering and scouting Akela Dungeon. Even combining all those accomplishments. Receiving a treasure of this caliber still felt excessive.
Then, realization struck him. The answer quietly surfaced.
His gaze shifted from the white blade, to Baron Guts.
I understand now… This isn't merely a reward for our achievements.
His eyes slowly moved toward Arianna before returning to the sword.
This is also… A father's trust. A father's way of saying…
He gulped.
Please... protect my daughter with this sword.
Hyoren knew he couldn't refuse.
This gift was no longer merely a reward from Akela Barony. Refusing the sword would also mean refusing the trust Baron Guts had just placed in him—a father's trust.
Hyoren rose from his seat.
Holding both hands out respectfully, he received the sword from Baron Guts while giving a deep bow.
“Thank you, Baron Guts. I am undeserving of such a gift.”
He carefully accepted the longsword.
“But I shall continue striving to become worthy of wielding this sword… Dawn Breaker.”
The moment the sword settled into his hands—Hyoren's eyes widened ever so slightly.
Light…
He instinctively adjusted his grip.
The sword was noticeably longer than his current broadsword. Combined with its counterweight pommel, it should have been considerably heavier. Yet, It wasn't. In fact, it felt even lighter than the Mithril-alloy Broadsword he currently use
The balance was remarkable. The weapon almost seemed eager to move with him.
Baron Guts noticed the subtle surprise on Hyoren's face.
He smiled.
“Surprised? Haha.”
He leaned comfortably against the sofa.
“That sword was forged entirely from mithril. It is lighter than a steel blade. And it conducts Aethell exceptionally well.”
He pointed toward the blade.
“Do you notice the engravings? The Runic Arrays were embedded directly into the blade during the forging process. Unlike ordinary runic inscriptions, which are inscribed after a weapon has already been completed.”
He smiled proudly.
“That allows the runic array to respond more quickly. And its effects are considerably stronger.”
Hyoren sat on his chair again then gently ran a finger along the intricate runic lines engraved into the center of the white blade. Even without channeling a single trace of Aethell—he could already feel a faint pulse resonating from within the sword.
Almost as though the weapon itself possessed a quiet heartbeat.
“What kind of runic inscription does this sword possess, Baron Guts?”
The Baron smiled.
“My great-grandfather was a magic swordsman. And much like yourself… He also fought as a tank on the frontline. He specialized in two elements. Dark… And Light.”
He looked directly at Hyoren.
“From what I have heard… You also specialize in Dark and Light magic, right?”
Hyoren smiled wryly.
Even that information had already reached the Baron's ears. Once again, he was reminded never to underestimate a noble's information network.
“Yeah… I'm still training… But those are the two elements I mainly use.”
Baron Guts nodded.
“The runic array permanently attunes this sword to the Dark and Light elements. To put it simply… It increases the effectiveness of Dark and Light magic by roughly twenty-five percent.”
He clasped his hand.
"Oh, lt also have durability runic array inscribed. The sword will be stronger than normal steel sword, despite made by mithril."
Hyoren's eyes widened. Durability inscription aside, the dark and magic inscription were the highlight. Those weren't trivial enhancements. The weapon fit him almost perfectly.
Then another thought crossed his mind. He looked toward the Baron.
“I do wonder… Why doesn't Lord Richard wield this sword? He's a magic swordsman as well, isn't he?”
Baron Guts laughed softly.
“The answer is quite simple.”
He briefly glanced toward Fiona.
“My son's preferred weapon is… A greatsword. Just like his mother. He trained under Fiona from the very beginning. So wielding a greatsword comes naturally to him.”
He chuckled.
“So naturally… He had no interest in inheriting this sword. Haha.”
His smile remained as he continued.
“And besides… Richard's highest attunement is Fire. Just like mine. So a blade attuned to Dark and Light would never suit him as well as it suits you.”
Hyoren slowly nodded. Everything made sense now.
For Richard, Dawn Breaker would never be the ideal weapon. But for him—a front-line tank who wielded both Light and Dark magic—it was almost as though the sword had been waiting for its next owner.
Baron Guts then pointed toward the Akela crest engraved on the sword's ring guard.
“One more thing, Hyoren. If you ever find a weapon that suits you better, don't hesitate to use it. This sword will still have its purpose even if you don't use it.”
Hyoren tilted his head.
“I would never throw away your gift, Baron Guts.”
Baron Guts laughed.
“Hahaha. No, that's not what I meant.”
He tapped the crest with his finger.
“The bearer of this sword is under the protection of House Akela. If you ever find yourself in a situation where our authority might help... simply show this sword.”
He leaned back with a smile.
“Though I'm only a baron. So perhaps it won't help much. Hahaha.”
Hyoren carefully returned the sword to its velvet-lined box before closing the lid. He bowed slightly.
“It is already far more than we could ask for, Baron Guts. We gratefully accept this gift.”
Baron Guts smiled and nodded.
Hyoren then stored the box inside his storage bag.
***
With Hyoren finally accepting the gift, a satisfied smile appeared on Baron Guts' face.
He briefly glanced toward Arianna. Then he slowly rose from his seat.
“Okay. Now, Arianna. You and the Freedom Party should spend some time getting to know one another.”
He chuckled warmly.
“We parents shall not disturb you. Haha.”
Arianna gracefully inclined her head.
“Thank you for your consideration, Esteemed Father.”
Baron Guts smiled before extending one hand toward Fiona.
Without a word, Fiona accepted it. She rose with the same graceful bearing she had maintained ever since entering the reception room.
Hyoren still found the sight somewhat surreal. The rough Guild Master of the Adventurer's Guild. Now once again looked every bit the noble lady of House Akela.
Baron Guts then turned back toward Hyoren.
“Now… Take this opportunity to become acquainted with your newest party member. And should you require anything...”
He gestured toward the maid quietly standing beside the side table.
“Sarah, our Head Maid, shall attend to you.”
Hyoren's eyes shifted toward the black-haired maid. Her neatly arranged hair. Her flawless posture. The effortless precision with which she had served tea, refreshments, and even restored Fiona's appearance only moments earlier.
So she's the Head Maid of House Akela…
Sarah stepped forward just enough to offer a respectful bow.
“Please leave everything to me, my lord.”
Baron Guts nodded in approval before looking toward Hyoren one last time.
“Once again… Thank you for accepting our selfish request. I shall leave the rest to the younger generation.”
He smiled warmly.
“Until we meet again.”
Without another word, Vesas quietly stepped forward and opened the reception room door.
Baron Guts walked out first. Fiona followed beside him. Vesas was the last to leave, gently closing the door behind them after giving the room one final respectful bow.
The soft click of the closing door echoed through the reception room.
Now, only the Freedom Party. Arianna Akela. And Sarah, the Head Maid, remained inside.
***
Arianna straightened her posture. Her graceful smile never wavered.
“Now… Allow me to introduce myself properly. I am Arianna Akela. I have recently graduated from Aethellium Arcanum Academy. I shall serve as the party's magician.”
She paused briefly.
“Not to boast… But I am attuned to Earth, Fire, Wind, and Water Aethell. My magic level follows that same order.”
She continued.
“As for Earth Magic… I have already reached its peak and unlocked its advanced branch.”
Everyone quietly gasped.
They had expected a graduate from the kingdom's most prestigious magic academy to be an exceptional mage. Yet, Arianna still exceeded those expectations.
No wonder she had received invitations from three of the kingdom's most prestigious career paths.
Arianna smiled softly.
“But I am still at a low level. And still a greenhorn when it comes to adventuring.”
She gracefully bowed once again. Her long red hair flowed forward like a silken curtain.
“I still have much to learn.”
Hyoren coughed lightly. He still couldn't reconcile the elegant noblewoman before him with the "brat" from Elise's stories.
“Please raise your head, Lady...”
He paused.
“I mean... Arianna.”
A small smile appeared on his face.
“We're still a fledgling party ourselves. So… Let's learn and grow together.”
He straightened his posture.
“And since we're becoming companions… Let us introduce ourselves properly as well.”
He lightly touched his chest.
“I'm Hyoren. The leader of the Freedom Party. And the party's tank. As you already know, I'm still training… But I can use Light and Dark Magic. I can heal minor wounds… And help weaken our enemies.”
His hand then gestured toward the silver-haired elf sitting beside him.
“You're already familiar with her. But Elise serves as our ranger. She handles scouting, trap dismantling, mapping dungeons, and our long-range physical attacker.”
Elise gave a stiff nod. It was obvious she still hadn't recovered from the shock of seeing Arianna's complete transformation.
Arianna simply smiled warmly at her.
Hyoren then turned toward the opposite side.
“This is Ina. Well... technically she's not a member of the Freedom Party. She serves as Akela's Vice Guild Master.”
He smiled softly.
“But she's family. She mainly keeps our household running and handles our supplies.”
Ina smiled. Her cat ears perked happily.
“I've heard plenty about you, Arianna. It's nice to finally meet you!”
Hyoren nodded before gesturing toward the tabby cat-clan beastkin sitting across from them.
“And that's Jackey. Contrary to how unreliable he looks… He's actually our party's main physical attacker. His dual-axe techniques deal an incredible amount of damage.”
Hyoren couldn't help smiling.
Jackey hadn't reacted at all. His unfocused eyes continued staring somewhere into space.
He's sleeping with his eyes open…
The thought crossed Hyoren's mind almost immediately. Watching Jackey's vacant expression—he became completely certain.
Ina finally lost her patience.
“Stupid little brother! Wake up!”
Jackey's entire body jerked.
“Huh? Huh? Where is it? Is it dinner time?”
At that exact moment. His stomach growled loudly.
Ina buried her face in one hand. Hyoren chuckled. Even Elise finally snapped out of her daze.
Arianna herself smiled.
Despite the amusement clearly reaching her eyes, she maintained every bit of her noble composure.
She gave Jackey another graceful bow.
“Hello, Jackey. I am Arianna. I shall be joining the Freedom Party as its magician. It is a pleasure to work alongside you.”
Jackey blinked.
“Huh?”
For a brief moment. Nothing happened.
Then one phrase finally registered.
“Party member?”
His eyes lit up.
“WELCOME ABOARD! NOW THE FREEDOM PARTY BECAME EVEN STRONGER! WOHOO!”
He immediately jumped to his feet with both arms raised high.
Before anyone else could react—Ina swiftly stood and smacked the back of his head.
“Stupid little brother! I told you not to say anything weird!”
Jackey rubbed his head with a pitiful expression before quietly sitting back down.
Arianna covered the corner of her lips with the back of one hand.
A refined laugh escaped her.
“Ohoho. There is no need to worry. He is wonderfully energetic. I believe that is a good thing. It means this party shall never become quiet.”
Ina sighed helplessly before sitting down again. Just then—Jackey's stomach growled for a second time. Even louder than before.
Ina looked completely exasperated.
Arianna, however, simply gave a knowing smile.
“Now that I think about it… It seems none of you have had dinner yet.”
She briefly turned toward the head maid.
“Sarah. Please.”
Sarah gave a flawless bow.
“At once, Lady Arianna.”
She picked up a small silver bell resting upon the side table. The bell produced clear chimes. Only moments later—the reception room doors opened.
Several maids entered in orderly formation, each carrying large silver trays.
The afternoon refreshments disappeared one by one. Tea cups. Pastries. Dessert plates. Everything was swiftly replaced.
In their place came an evening feast. Freshly roasted meat. Grilled potatoes. A fragrant pasta dish. Along with several other beautifully prepared dishes whose aroma quickly filled the reception room.
Within moments—the reception room's atmosphere became far less like a formal meeting—and much more like a welcoming dinner shared among companions.
***
Once the dishes had all been arranged neatly upon the table, the maids quietly withdrew.
Only two remained inside the reception room. Sarah, the Head Maid. And another maid who stood nearby, ready to attend should anything be required.
Arianna's blue eyes swept across the table. Satisfied that everyone had been served, she gracefully rose from her seat.
She lightly lifted a crystal glass filled with red wine.
“What say we offer a toast… To commemorate today.”
Her gaze settled upon Hyoren. At the party leader. She smiled gently.
“Leader… Would you do us the honor?”
Hyoren accepted the glass of wine with a small nod.
He then looked around the table. One after another. Elise. Ina. Jackey. Finally—Arianna.
He slowly raised his glass.
“To commemorate the Freedom Party welcoming its newest member.”
He looked toward Arianna.
“To welcome Arianna as our newest companion.”
He paused briefly. Then smiled.
“To the Freedom Party. Cheers.”
Everyone raised their own glasses.
“To Freedom Party!”
Five crystal glasses met in the center of the table with a satisfied clink. The clear chime echoed pleasantly throughout the reception room.
Each of them took a sip.
After emptying her glass, Arianna gently placed it back upon the table. She gracefully gestured toward the feast before them.
“Now… Without further ado. Please. Let us partake in the meal.”
Jackey was the first to react.
“YES! DINNER!”
His enthusiasm nearly made Ina raise her hand again. She stopped herself midway.
A quick glance toward Arianna revealed the noble lady smiling with quiet amusement, seemingly unbothered by Jackey's boundless energy.
Ina could only let out a helpless sigh before lowering her hand.
One by one. Everyone began serving themselves. The conversation gradually shifted away from formal introductions.
The atmosphere of the reception room grew noticeably warmer as the newly formed Freedom Party shared their very first meal together.
***
Everyone began enjoying the meal.
The first to abandon all restraint, unsurprisingly, was Jackey. He immediately started wolfing down the food before him with astonishing speed. After spending nearly the entire discussion with Baron Guts sleeping with his eyes open—it seemed his body had finally decided it needed every bit of energy it could get.
Hyoren instinctively wanted to reprimand him. But, his eyes shifted toward Arianna.
The young noblewoman was quietly dining with perfect etiquette. Fork and knife moved gracefully in her hands. Every movement was measured. Every bite was unhurried.
Not a single unnecessary sound escaped her.
Hyoren scratched his cheek awkwardly.
“Sorry, Lady...”
He corrected himself.
“I mean, Arianna. For Jackey's unbecoming table manners...”
Arianna finished chewing before swallowing elegantly. Only then did she reply.
“Ohoho. Leader, there is no need for concern. As I mentioned before… He is wonderfully energetic. And I truly do not mind.”
She smiled softly.
“I believe it gives the party a far more authentic atmosphere. One would hardly expect adventurers to dine in perfect silence.”
She then resumed her meal with the same graceful composure.
Across the table, Elise quietly set down her fork. She looked toward Arianna. Her mind was still struggling to reconcile the elegant noblewoman before her with the troublesome brat she remembered from five years ago.
Then, a thought crossed her mind.
She was a noble. Naturally she would have received years of education. How to speak. How to walk. How to behave. How to conduct herself in every social situation.
There was no possibility that she had grown into adulthood without mastering noble etiquette. A loud, unruly brat would never survive within high society.
Even Fiona had learned how to become a proper noble lady. Granted, her mask occasionally cracked.
But Fiona had originally been a commoner and an adventurer. She had only learned noble etiquette after marrying into House Akela.
Arianna, on the other hand. Had been raised as nobility since birth.
Elise tucked a strand of silver hair behind her pointed ear.
“Arianna...”
Arianna immediately placed her fork down before looking toward her.
“Yes, Lady Elise?”
Elise visibly winced.
“Umm… First of all… Could you stop calling me 'Lady' like Hyoren asked you to stop calling him 'Sir'?”
Arianna smiled apologetically.
“Lady Elise… I am afraid I cannot. You were my very first teacher. I hold you in the highest regard.”
Elise grimaced.
“But… The atmosphere in our party is going to become really strange if you keep calling me 'Lady'...”
Seeing Elise struggle, Hyoren decided to offer a compromise.
“Arianna. Our Freedom Party treats everyone as equals. If someone feels uncomfortable with how they're addressed… It could affect the balance of the party.”
Arianna became thoughtful. She tilted her head ever so slightly.
“I see… That would indeed become a concern.”
After a brief moment, she smiled once more.
“In that case… How about 'Mentor'? I still feel it would be disrespectful to address my very first teacher solely by her given name.”
Hyoren slowly nodded. That sounded like a reasonable middle ground. He looked toward Elise.
“Elise… I think that's a good compromise.”
Elise still didn't appear entirely satisfied. Even so, being called "Mentor" was certainly preferable to being called "Lady."
After a moment, she finally gave a reluctant nod.
“If that's what you think, Hyoren… Fine...”
Arianna's smile brightened. Her light blue eyes sparkled with genuine happiness.
“So then… Mentor.”
She folded her hands neatly upon her lap.
“Is there anything you would like to ask me? Ohoho.”
Elise slowly nodded. Her silver hair gently swayed with the movement.
“We truly haven't seen each other for a long time...”
She hesitated for a brief moment before continuing.
“I was simply curious… How have you been these past five years?”
Arianna's expression visibly brightened.
The refined smile she had maintained throughout the evening softened ever so slightly.
She still carried herself with impeccable noble dignity. Her posture remained elegant. Her voice remained measured. Yet, anyone paying close attention could tell she was genuinely pleased by the question.
Hyoren quietly watched the exchange. Then—understanding finally dawned on him.
He shifted his gaze toward Elise.
The elf's emerald eyes were no longer filled with shock or confusion. Instead, they held quiet concern. Curiosity.
And something else. Something Hyoren hadn't noticed until now. Affection. Despite all the stories Elise had told about "the brat." Despite all the complaints.
Despite every headache Arianna had apparently caused her five years ago.
Elise had never truly disliked her. If anything, she had been fond of the troublesome girl. She had simply never admitted it aloud.
Elise… She missed her…
That simple realization quietly settled within Hyoren's heart.
A gentle warmth spread through his chest.
Perhaps, their reunion wasn't merely between a mentor and a former student. It was also the reunion of two people who had unknowingly treasured those old memories far more than either of them had realized.