IBDFSML Chapter 33

The sudden offer from Ulrich Thurman to join the knights caused a ripple of murmurs to spread through the hall like waves.

“This can’t be real…”

“The young lord who just came of age, joining the First Order of Knights?”

“Seems he’s inherited the former Grand Duke’s extraordinary talent for swordsmanship.”

“If that’s the case, there’s barely any gap left between him and the Grand Duke now…”

The First Division Knight Order.

It was an elite unit composed only of those whose skills had been proven among the northern knights.

Their mission was to protect the northernmost borders, guarding both the North and the Empire from demonic beasts. Because of that noble duty, they held unmatched prestige and honor throughout the North.

‘In other words, it’s a unit so esteemed that not even the Grand Duchess could meddle with it—right?’

That much was clear, judging by how the relaxed smile on the Grand Duchess’s face had vanished entirely in response to this unexpected turn of events.

I tugged on Sion’s sleeve once again, and when he looked into my eyes, I desperately sent him telepathic messages through wild hand gestures and facial expressions.

‘Say yes! Accept it! Hurry!’

This was a golden opportunity.

It was a chance for Sion, as a northern noble and a knight, to firmly establish his place, carve out his career, and rise steadily through the ranks.

‘Besides, hasn’t it always been his dream to become a knight who protects the North?’

In the original storyline, Sion only officially became a northern knight far later—after he had met the main male lead and reconciled their relationship.

But now that future was arriving so much earlier than expected.

“……”

Sion stared at the offer to join the knights, held out before him, and then asked.

“The First Division Knight Order is known to have very strict standards for recruitment. And yet here I am being offered a position without any sort of vetting process. Are you giving me special treatment just because I’m the Grand Duke’s heir?”

“Not at all. I simply trust my own judgment.”

“Your judgment?”

“Ah, you didn’t know? I happened to be present in the main conference room the other day when you put on quite the dazzling performance, my lord. That alone made my visit to the Grand Duchy worthwhile.”

Ulrich Thurman chuckled to himself, stroking his chin as if recalling the chaos from that day.

It seemed he had been watching carefully when Sion had stood off against the knights during the merchant guild incident.

“I can’t speak for the other knight orders, but the First Order under my command is strictly merit-based. You can trust that. Honestly, not offering you a position after witnessing your actions that day would be more of a dereliction of duty.”

“……”

“Of course, we’ll go through the proper procedures. If you accept my offer, I’ll look forward to meeting you at the training grounds soon.”

Worried that Sion might reject Ulrich Thurman’s offer, I discreetly pinched his collarbone.

Sion flinched slightly at the pain and finally replied in a slow tone.

“…Fine. I’ll consider it.”

“I look forward to a positive answer. Then, I’ll take my leave.”

Ulrich Thurman gave a respectful nod to both the Grand Duchess and Sion before calmly disappearing into the crowd.

Thanks to that, the Grand Duchess—whose presence had been somewhat forgotten—resurfaced with a forced smile.

“…Congratulations, Young Lord.”

Of course, only her lips were smiling—her eyes remained cold.

“A remarkable achievement, right after coming of age. The goddess must be watching over you with special favor.”

“That’s too much praise.”

Sion’s hollow response seemed to further sour the Grand Duchess’s mood, and even her forced smile soon vanished.

Then suddenly, her gaze shifted to someone behind him—Genevia.

The Grand Duchess’s eyes sharpened.

“I don’t recall seeing your face before. Whose daughter are you?”

Despite her modest and somewhat worn appearance, Genevia’s beauty shone through, leading the Grand Duchess to mistake her for a noblewoman.

Sion glanced back as well, his expression reading: “She’s still here?”

Caught off guard by the sudden attention, Genevia looked momentarily startled, but soon smiled and responded gracefully.

“It is an honor to greet you formally, Your Grace. I’m Genevia Lilo, a newly assigned priestess dispatched to the Grand Duchy of Luxior this year.”

It was the kind of polished response that came from experience—

'Like the knowing smile of a salesperson who can spot a troublesome client from a mile away.'

“Ah… a lay priest, is it.”

The Grand Duchess visibly relaxed. Clearly, she was pleased to learn that the woman standing next to Sion wasn’t a noble lady from some prestigious family, but just a humble cleric.

She immediately lost interest in Genevia and turned her chilly smile back toward Sion.

“Well then, do enjoy yourself today, Young Lord. I’ll be in touch again very soon.”

With that, the Grand Duchess departed, taking her attendants with her like a receding tide. The crowd that had gathered to watch the situation also dispersed like mist.

A little while later, Garen returned—finally free from his ex-girlfriend.

“My lord, congratulations! To be invited to join the First Order of Knights!”

Garen beamed as if it were his own achievement, but Sion responded coolly.

“I said I’d consider it. I haven’t made a decision yet.”

I popped my head out from between Sion’s collar and protested loudly.

“What do you mean ‘consider it,’ Sion?! Of course you have to say yes! This is your golden ticket!”

“Ms. Lin is right. Becoming an elite knight at your age—just having come of age—must be a first in northern history.”

“Exactly! You’re so outstanding that people are recognizing it without you even trying!”

Sion let out a sigh and said.

“Garen, stop talking nonsense. Take this one to the stablemaster in the annex.”

He gently stroked Enoch’s mane, which bristled with energy.

“He doesn’t seem used to human touch. I’ll have to tame him slowly.”

“Yes, understood.”

As Garen led the horse away, Elda followed behind.

“My lord, Ms. Lin—I’ll return to the annex as well. I hope the two of you have a cozy and enjoyable time together!”

She winked at the two of us before heading off.

‘…Cozy and enjoyable?’

I slowly turned my head to glance at Sion and Genevia, who were now left alone together.

‘Totally the wrong match, Elda.’

They stood awkwardly beside each other, like a dog and a cat. I let out a quiet sigh.

‘…First things first. We’ve got to do something about that stiff awkwardness.’

Mustering all the fake enthusiasm I could, I clapped my hands loudly.

“Well then! Why don’t we enjoy the rest of the banquet together, just the three of us?”

“I’d rather go back. I have no desire to waste more time at such a meaningless event.”

“I agree with the young lord.”

“……”

I looked at the two, who clearly had no romantic chemistry and kept veering off course, with a very unimpressed glare.

“Sion. Genevia. Are you seriously going to keep acting like this? The two of you are young, full of life! You really think it’s okay to live like a pair of grumpy old folks?”

For the record, they were roughly the same age.

“I mean, come on! People should have a bit of fun, right? Go out, fall in love a little—live like real humans!”

“Not being ‘human’ doesn’t exactly interfere with daily life.”

“You might not know this, but being a cleric means long hours and low pay. I don’t exactly have time to be boring.”

“Ugh…!”

Why did the two of them only get along when it came to ganging up on me?

In the end, I had no retort and slumped my shoulders in defeat.

‘…So much for the banquet opportunity.’

Still, I wasn’t ready to give up. At least Genevia would be staying with us at the annex for the time being.

“…Alright, let’s go back.”

We’d go back—and I’d have to come up with another plan.

***

The next day.

“The young lord went to the main building with Garen. Something about official administrative business. But he should be back any moment now.”

“Really?”

While waiting for Sion, I collapsed onto the floor and groaned in frustration.

“Ugh, there’s got to be a way…”

I was agonizing over Sion’s love life, which showed absolutely zero signs of progress.

‘At this rate, the main male lead is going to swoop in and steal Genevia right out from under our noses. I have to come up with something drastic before that happens!’

As I twisted a lock of hair around my finger, I mumbled.

Of course, it wasn’t my hair—it was Genevia’s fluffy curls.

“Ms. Lin. Why are you lying in my hair again as if it's the most natural thing in the world?”

Genevia, who had officially joined the annex household as of yesterday, sighed.

I played with her bouncy curls like it was the most obvious thing and replied.

“Because of this superior cushiony texture and bounce. Look at this—your hair springs like a coil!”

Just then, the door opened and Sion appeared, finally back.

“Sion!”

I immediately flew over to him.

“Where were you all morning without me?”

Instead of answering, Sion pulled something out and showed it to me—a small document bearing the seal of House Luxior.

“What’s this?”