"Look into what’s really going on with the Claire Family."

The banquet ended far sooner than expected—less than half the planned time.

Yufi returned to the noble household where she was staying and rubbed her temples, a faint headache brewing.

The power Kestia displayed had been utterly unforeseen.

"As for the Claire Family’s situation… I’m afraid only the Earl would know," Lady Seymore replied.

A year ago, Kestia and the others arrived in Bernoas Territory. Only after Lanche married into the family did word spread—so naturally, nothing could be uncovered within Bernoas itself.

"Did Earl Gorde seem like he actually knew anything?" Yufi asked with a hint of exasperation, recalling his reaction. *He hasn’t got a clue.*

"Well… I wouldn’t know," Seymore said, visibly uneasy.

"I’ll ask him tomorrow," Yufi decided.

Kestia’s demonstrated strength demanded serious attention.

With the royal election approaching, she couldn’t afford to overlook any variable.

Yet just thinking of Lanche left her speechless. *How could that good-for-nothing be so lucky? Marrying into such a prestigious family…*

The next day, she visited the Bolnors Family residence to see Gorde.

Aware of her purpose, Gorde produced his family’s ancestral scroll—a parchment passed down for over four centuries.

It recounted the First Human–Demon Kin War over four hundred years ago: the Hero King led forces against the Demon Kin, and for his valor, the Kingdom of Lisman granted him sovereignty to found the Kingdom of Sain.

The Bolnors, Asclis, and three other earls were ennobled then for their distinguished service under the Hero King.

The Claire Family also appeared prominently in historical records—their contributions seemingly rivaling the Five Earls’.

Yet details about the family itself remained vague. Only that a remarkably powerful woman repeatedly aided the Hero King against the Demon Kin.

In the end, she received no territory—only the title of viscountess.

"It’s said our Bolnors ancestor left a precept," Gorde said calmly, "that any member of the Claire Family must be treated with utmost respect."

"So that’s why you agreed to have Lanche marry into the Claire Family?" Yufi asked.

"Something like that," Gorde replied, rolling up the scroll.

"But regarding the power displayed by that young lady of the Claire Family—what do you suppose it is?" he asked Yufi.

Yufi hesitated slightly. She’d pondered it carefully the night before.

"Likely a divine blessing… or a special bloodline," she answered.

She’d heard of half-elves, half-angels, half-dragons, dragon bloodlines—even divine lineages—all capable of forging formidable humans.

Blessings were harder to pin down: favored by a powerful entity, a sacred contract, or relics from ancient ruins—a holy sword, a god-slaying blade. Every adventurer’s dream.

Still, Kestia’s source remained a mystery.

"There’s also the possibility… she’s of the Demon Kin," Gorde murmured calmly.

"Impossible," Yufi laughed awkwardly.

Gorde countered logically: "She cast magic without incantation—that’s not human magic. It resembles the Frost Demon Kin, who wield frost innately."

"No, no," Yufi shook her head. *Even if you dislike the Claire Family, you can’t just say that.*

"Flame and Frost Demon Kin wield fire and ice directly—their bodies bear visible markings. And Miss Christia used *both* frost and flame. She can’t be either."

Gorde nodded faintly. "Perhaps."

He didn’t insist, but the suspicion lingered.

Yufi felt a trace of helplessness. *This Earl truly can’t stand the Claire Family.*

"I’m returning to the capital. I’ll search the royal archives for Claire Family records," she said, rising.

Such secrecy was undeniably suspicious.

This trip to Bernoas hadn’t achieved its original goal—but yielded unexpected insight.

With matters settled, she had no choice but to depart for the royal domain.

Now that Gorde had finalized his endorsed candidate, the election was imminent.

Meanwhile, Kestia and her companions convened in the study.

"Your Highness, do you intend to enter the royal election?" Sileus asked.

Kestia nodded. "It’s the most direct path. It could pave the way for diplomacy between the Dragon Realm and humanity."

"I agree. Far better than commerce," Liya added.

Sileus nodded. "Our reputation grants us noble access—but we lack a political ally for the election."

"Then we go to the Royal Domain. We’ll find a suitable candidate there," Kestia declared.

No hesitation—only quiet resolve.

Sileus and Liya exchanged warm smiles.

"Your Highness has grown considerably," Sileus said, pride in his voice.

"I-I have?" Kestia averted her gaze.

"Yes. You deserve a grander stage now," he smiled.

Kestia said nothing.

"Are we leaving?" Lekui asked.

"Mm. Prepare to depart. We’re heading to the Royal Domain," Kestia confirmed.

"What about Lanche? Are we taking him too?" Lekui asked.

Three pairs of eyes turned to her—as if she’d asked something wildly inappropriate.

"If he refuses, we’ll tie him up and bring him," Kestia said flatly.

"I doubt it’ll come to that. I’ll speak with Young Master Lanche," Sileus chuckled.

"Let’s hope so," Kestia nodded slightly.

"Lekui," Liya whispered gently, "stop treating Lanche as an outsider. He is Her Highness the Princess’s husband."

Lekui fell silent, still confused when exactly he’d become "one of us."

Later, Sileus briefed Lanche.

"If you’re all going, of course I’m going! Who else will feed me?" Lanche grinned.

"Pathetic," Lekui muttered coldly, her glare sharp as if sizing up a parasite.

Lanche chuckled proudly.

*Where the free meals go, I follow.*

Sileus smiled. "Then please prepare. We depart soon."

"No problem."

"Lekui, come with me to buy local specialties in town."

Lekui’s brow furrowed. She didn’t want to go—but had no choice.

Until Kestia rescinded the order, she remained Lanche’s personal bodyguard.

And seeing his smug smile? She felt the urge to punch him grow stronger by the second.