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A black skylark chirped.

Kyle let out a light chuckle.

“Why? Are you feeling uneasy about letting him go just like that?”

Hoorooroo…

The black skylark’s chirping softened, as if it was truly concerned.

“I know. I understand what you’re worried about.”

Hoorooroo?

“You’ve been watching him yourself from the moment you let him take that sword, haven’t you? You know how he has been.”

…

For the first time, the black skylark’s chirping ceased.

“So I thought it’d be alright to watch a little longer. Is there really any need to take away hope from a child who is just about to set off? Besides…”

The corner of Kyle’s mouth twisted dramatically.

“Shouldn’t there be someone chasing from below for those kids to feel tense? After all, nothing spurs a person on like the appearance of a talented competitor. Lately, they’ve all become too dull. It was the right time for a new stimulus.”

The black skylark scratched its head with its wing.

‘Those kids.’ He was referring to the current “Five Candidates,” the heirs to the succession.

Each of them possessed enough exceptional talent to have easily become the next head of the family if they had been born in a different generation.

But Kyle was still not satisfied with that level.

He wanted them to grow even greater.

Even fiercer.

He intended to push his children into an even more ruthless competition.

Through the emergence of a new competitor, Theo.

The black skylark considered bringing up the potential side effects that could result from this, but decided against it.

Kyle was surely aware of such things.

Still, it pointed out a few concerns.

“If you’re that worried, why don’t you step in yourself?”

Hoorooroo?

The black skylark tilted its head in confusion at Kyle’s suggestion.

“I’m talking about the upcoming designation ceremony. Why not personally bring Theo there?”

…!

For a moment, the black skylark’s eyes widened.

And then, after a brief pause…

Hoorooroo…

The black skylark seemed to mull something over for a while before flapping its wings and soaring into the sky.

Watching that, Kyle smiled.

“This is going to get interesting again.”

Life within the family, which had been a bit dull, was about to become exciting once more.

All thanks to the arrival of a new child.

* * *

Whispers and Chatter—

The area in front of the Central Hall, where the first Blossoming Ceremony had been held two weeks ago, was once again crowded with people.

“There are so many people here, as expected.”

“Well, of course. They’re all going crazy over it. People can’t help but be drawn in when they hear it was the best Blossoming Ceremony in history.”

“Sigh… I really hope we can secure some proper talent this time.”

“That’s right. It’s not going to be easy, but we have to try.”

The Designation Ceremony.

It was the event held after all the Blossoming Ceremonies, where the graduates were assigned to their respective units and organizations.

Naturally, each unit and organization fiercely competed to recruit the best talents, and all of Winterer’s residents and officials watched the event with keen interest.

However, this time, there was only one thing that people were truly focused on.

—Who would take Theo Ragnar?

Not only had he graduated at the top of all three rounds of tests, but he had also set a new record that nearly rivaled Torkel’s, marking him as a prodigy.

Any unit or organization that managed to recruit him would practically gain wings to soar.

“But don’t you think it’s strange?”

“What is?”

“The fact that the family head said he wouldn’t take this year’s top graduate. That’s what’s making the competition even fiercer.”

“Ah, that’s right. He did say that.”

“Why do you think he chose not to? Every one of the Five Candidates has at least spent a year under the family head’s tutelage.”

“How could we know what the family head is thinking? He must have his reasons.”

“I guess so.”

“Still, it’s not entirely accurate to say Theo hasn’t been under the family head’s wing. He did personally bestow him a sword, after all.”

“Hmm… It’s a difficult situation.”

As people’s expectations, questions, and curiosity intertwined, the atmosphere became more complex.

Creak—

A carriage pulled up in front of the Central Hall.

Though it was lavishly adorned, it felt more elegant than gaudy.

As the door opened, someone slowly stepped down.

Click—

“Is this where my son is? I hope he’s alright,” Cecilia said as she lifted her gaze to the Central Hall.

This was where Theo would soon appear.

She was more nervous than she had been during the first Blossoming Ceremony, wondering if he was injured or if his handsome face had been scarred.

“Who’s ‘not alright’? Surely you’re not talking about that monster of a boy? You’re worrying for nothing,” Kirson said with a burst of laughter as she followed down, holding her long pipe.

Hoo—

Each time she laughed, cigarette smoke billowed around her.

Cecilia shot her mother a sharp glare.

“Monster? Where would you find anyone as delicate as our son…!”

“Delicate? Are you sure the meaning of ‘delicate’ hasn’t changed without me knowing?”

If the boy who subdued the Moon-White Sword with one hand and blew off the roof of a workshop with a single strike is considered delicate, then there wouldn’t be a child in this world who isn’t delicate.

“If you’re going to keep making snide remarks, perhaps you should head back to the workshop, Mother?”

“Hahaha! It was just a joke, dear, a joke.”

“Why don’t you stop with those jokes that aren’t funny at all?”

“Oh dear! The crowd’s growing. At this rate, there won’t be any seats left. Let’s hurry inside.”

Kirson quickly hooked her arm around Cecilia’s left arm and led the way.

Only immediate family members and one companion per graduate were allowed to attend the Designation Ceremony.

If Cecilia left without Kirson, it would ruin Kirson’s plan to promote the Vasque Workshop once more during the ceremony.

‘How many gold coins did I spend on that wretched woman just to get in here? No way can I let that go to waste! Absolutely not!’

Considering all the money and time she had invested in creating a functional prosthetic arm for the first time in her life… getting thrown out now was simply not an option!

Since this Designation Ceremony was bound to be another stage for Theo, just like the Blossoming Ceremony, Kirson’s eyes were already gleaming with visions of mountains of jewels and gold.

Sparkle, sparkle!

Cecilia shook her head.

With a displeased expression, Cecilia let herself be pulled by her foster mother as they headed toward the Central Hall.

* * *

Meeting Theo wasn’t difficult.

The graduates were waiting for their families in front of the hall.

A reunion after two weeks.

Everywhere, parents and mentors could be seen embracing their wounded or newly dignified children.

Cecilia was one of them.

“My dear, what in the world happened to you? It’s only been two weeks, but you’ve become so gaunt! Your once smooth skin and silky hair have become so rough…!”

Cecilia jumped in shock as she looked at Theo, whose features had sharpened since she last saw him.

“His skin’s just a little tanned from the sun, that’s all. If anything, he looks better than ever, so what’s the fuss about?” Kirson muttered, shaking her head in disbelief behind her, but her words fell on deaf ears.

“I’m fine, Mother. Please calm down.”

“How can I possibly calm down? Look at you, looking like this! Who was it? Who made my precious son suffer like this?”

“Haven’t all the ones who did that already been killed?”

“I’ll grab those bastards by the hair right this instant…!”

“The Styx River will be noisy with this one causing a commotion,” Kirson muttered.

“Mother, please! Just be quiet!” Cecilia snapped.

Cecilia was seething with anger at Kirson, who had been making snide remarks ever since they arrived.

However, Kirson had already gained entrance to the Central Hall as Theo’s family. She no longer needed to be mindful of her daughter’s glares.

“Try to understand your mother. Even if she’s fussing a lot today, you’d say nothing if you knew how much she worried over the past two weeks. Not to mention the ‘gift’ she prepared for you…”

“Gift?” Theo tilted his head in confusion, but Cecilia cut in sharply.

“Mother!”

“Ahem! Anyway, you should know it was exhausting even for me to watch her from the sidelines.”

Kirson chuckled, puffing on her long pipe.

Theo felt a strange mix of emotions. His mother’s endless love still made him feel a bit uncomfortable, but… he was grateful for it nonetheless.

“I really have been fine. I’ve even made a lot of friends.”

“Friends…?” Cecilia’s eyes widened slightly.

Theo had never been one to make friends since he was a child. He had always played alone, preferring books and solitude.

While he had always been kind to the servants and maids, they could never truly be called ‘friends.’ He was a boy who kept emotional walls up, which had always worried her.

But now, it seemed like he had finally opened his heart to others.

“Yes. I’ll introduce them to you next time.”

At the moment, everyone was too busy catching up with their families to be introduced.

“That’s wonderful. I’d love to meet any friends of yours, my dear. Just let me know in advance, and I’ll make sure to put my skills to work as a hostess.”

Cecilia finally felt her worries ease, and a smile spread across her face.

At that moment, Kirson seized the opportunity to throw out the bait. She had a different reason for tagging along with her daughter today.

“But before that, foolish girl, shouldn’t you bring out the gift you worked so hard to get?”

“Oh!” Cecilia clapped her hands as if she had just remembered.

“How thoughtless of me… I was so caught up in our conversation that I forgot I brought a gift for your graduation, my dear.”

“A gift?” Theo looked a little surprised as Cecilia clapped her hands lightly.

In response, the waiting servants stepped forward with a wooden box. They opened the lid and presented it to Theo.

Inside was a male ceremonial robe, its fabric shimmering with a deep navy blue like a sapphire.

On top of it lay a delicate red brooch.

The robe was clean, elegant, and adorned with small, sparkling jewels, giving it a subtle yet beautiful design.

“Now that you’ve officially become a Training Knight and will be appearing more in public, you can’t just present yourself carelessly.”

Theo carefully lifted the ceremonial robe and ran his hand over it.

Once again, Cecilia’s thoughtful care was evident.

However, the brooch was a bit concerning.

“This doesn’t seem to be your taste, Mother.”

“Oh ho ho! So you’ve finally developed an eye for my preferences? I’m glad the lessons on taste weren’t for nothing,” Cecilia laughed lightly but shot a glance at Kirson.

Kirson grinned broadly.

“Well, we recently acquired a fine jeweler for our workshop. I thought this brooch would suit you perfectly, so I had it made specifically for you. Don’t feel burdened—think of it as a graduation gift from your grandmother.”

Theo inspected the brooch closely.

“I’ll continue to give you lovely accessories whenever I come across them. Just like Cecilia, they’ll suit you wonderfully—”

“2% of the Kanaka Archipelago’s mine shares.”

“Huh?”

An unexpected response.

Kirson tilted her head in confusion.

Theo smiled as he spoke.

“That’s the sponsorship cost for all major products from the Vasque Workshop moving forward.”

“…!”

For a brief moment, Theo’s smile appeared devilish in Kirson’s eyes.

Sweat beaded on her forehead.

“Ha, hahaha… I, I think you’ve… seriously misunderstood. This is simply a generous gift from a grandmother to her grandson…”

“Oh, is that so? I’m sorry. I must have been mistaken about your deep intentions, Grandma.”

“N-no, it’s not like that… It’s just—”

“Since it’s the first gift you’ve ever given me, I’ll have to keep it safe for now.”

Theo moved to take out only the robe and began closing the box, but Kirson quickly reached out, flustered.

“W-wait! Stooop!”

“Is something wrong?”

“W-well, wouldn’t it be better to… use the gift properly?”

Theo’s eyes narrowed into a gentle arc.

“Still, with the uncertainty of the Designation Ceremony ahead, it’s not the right time to bring it out carelessly. I’ll keep it safely stored and use it when the occasion calls for it.”

His words were perfectly polite.

Yet somehow, to Kirson, it sounded like, “I’ll bury it forever.”

‘Just as cunning as her mother!’

It seemed her attempt to poke around subtly had failed yet again.

It was just like what happened with the Moon-White Sword.

“Of course, no wonder he graduated as the top student in that wretched Blossoming Ceremony!”

“I’ll give you gold! Or do you not need any more precious swords? You’ve probably used one already, but the swords made by the Tao Tie Crest forge are so highly sought after that even the Nine Dragons wait years for them…”

“I’m quite satisfied with Drake’s Blade and the Moon-White Sword, thank you. But I’d really prefer the mine shares in the Kanaka Archipelago.”

“…How about a mine in the Deanan region instead? The iron ingots from there are of excellent quality.”

“Kanaka.”

“Or… perhaps a stake in the jeweler who made the brooch you saw earlier?”

“Kanaka.”

“Must you be so firm? As you can see, we’ve got a highly skilled jeweler. I could give you up to 5%—”

“If you’re unwilling, then I suppose there’s no helping it. I’ve heard good things about the Turkan Trading Company and the Georg Workshop. Maybe they’ll be interested.”

Kirson was furious! She wanted nothing more than to smack Theo across the face with her pipe.

‘How did he find out about that? I took so many precautions not to let those Black Snow bastards discover it!’

The Kanaka Archipelago’s mine was one of Kirson’s most prized assets. Adamant was mined there—a treasure of incomparable value. Yet here was Theo, pinpointing it with precision!

‘2%? Just how much would that be?’

Kirson quickly ran the mental calculations in her head. She knew that negotiating with this grandson of hers, who had likely learned all of Cecilia’s worst habits, wouldn’t lead to any concessions.

While giving up a share of that mine meant losing a tremendous profit, she also had to weigh the value of Theo himself. When she had provided Drake’s Blade, she had swallowed her pride, and the result had been nothing short of spectacular.

Her conclusion?

‘…It’ll take some time, but it’ll be worth it.’

Still, the thought of giving up the shares made her stomach turn. Every time she dealt with this mother and son duo, she felt like she was being outwitted, with her pockets emptied.

But what choice did she have?

Grit!

She clenched her teeth.

“…F-fine. Deal.”

Who knew that finishing the word “deal” would be so difficult?

“Thank you, Grandmother. I’ll put it to good use.”

Theo’s bright smile as he expressed his gratitude was insufferably smug.

“As expected of my son! It seems I have nothing left to teach you. You’re ready to descend from the mountain! Oh ho ho!”

Cecilia nodded in agreement, looking utterly pleased with her prized student.