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Two days had passed since Gilbert received the recruitment offer from Prince Richard.

Including that day, nothing particularly noteworthy had happened until yesterday.

Prince Richard’s official schedule to inspect Demia Empire Academy was set to begin two days after that, so it seemed like he was deliberately avoiding any noticeable actions.

Thanks to that, Gilbert had plenty of time to think.

Currently, he had received recruitment offers from both Princess Seraphina and Prince Richard.

Princess Seraphina, who had a strong desire for talent, had already extended her hand to Gilbert long ago, asking him to join her faction.

Prince Richard, perhaps signaling the beginning of the throne succession battle, had also proposed that Gilbert join his faction.

Considering the upcoming main scenario, choosing one of the two would be beneficial in many ways. Having the full support of the next emperor would be like having the entire empire at his back.

However, the dilemma was deciding whom to choose. The next emperor could very well be determined by Gilbert’s choice.

His reputation had skyrocketed thanks to the empire’s propaganda. Although the label of a troublemaker still followed him, it only added to the dramatic contrast.

The troublemaker of the count family had turned over a new leaf and become the empire’s hero.

It sounded like the opening line of an epic hero’s tale.

Gilbert knew how important narratives were to people. In the world he came from, politicians would often exaggerate even the smallest anecdotes for political gain.

That was the power of a story, a narrative. People loved those with a story, and they idolized protagonists of tales they could never experience.

Gilbert’s current situation was no different. The hardships and trials he endured to go from a troublemaker to a hero were slightly embellished, and the people were captivated by him.

Of course, Gilbert’s reputation was as fragile as a sandcastle on the beach. If he were to stumble even once, there would be no shortage of wolves ready to tear him apart.

His past reputation was a burden for that very reason. The label of a troublemaker would undoubtedly follow him.

But until that reputation crumbled, Gilbert’s recognition would remain overwhelmingly high. It was like walking a tightrope, but high risk often came with high reward.

With the people’s support, if he sided with one faction, the people would follow. A leader backed by power and the people would also gain legitimacy.

The rightful place as the next emperor.

Gilbert habitually stroked his chin. He still hadn’t made a decision.

From a military perspective, Richard, known as the Shinkyomyo Mountain, was quite appealing.

Gilbert wasn’t particularly skilled in power tactics. He had received military training, but it was specialized for modern aerial combat.

Even if there were fighter jets here, considering the technological gap with the current era, it would only serve as a reference. Joining Richard, who was writing an undefeated myth, would increase his chances of victory on the fierce battlefield.

For Gilbert, who needed to clear the main scenario no matter what, it was an enticing offer.

However, even though Richard was second in line for the throne, the gap between him and Seraphina, who was first, had already widened significantly. If he were to stretch out, he might narrow the gap somewhat, but it felt too late to confidently choose him.

On the other hand, Seraphina was also a good choice. He had already built a good relationship with her, and thanks to her numerous favors, the perception that he was part of her faction had spread.

Although some nobles were still watching cautiously, the moment he officially joined Seraphina’s faction, he could gain their support as well.

The talented individuals Seraphina had gathered were making names for themselves in every field, and with their help, clearing the main scenario wouldn’t be too difficult.

However, the reason he hesitated to join her faction was the still unclear sub-scenario. It was hard to predict the ripple effects if he were to turn his back on Seraphina, who seemed to be one of the seekers.

Gilbert’s dilemma deepened. He tried to gauge which choice would carry the least risk, but no clear answer emerged.

Life is a series of choices, they say.

Gilbert shook his head as if trying to shake off the difficult problem he hadn’t faced in a long time.

After much deliberation, he finally made a decision.

His decision was simple.

If choosing between Richard and Seraphina would cause problems, then he wouldn’t choose either.

Like Alexander the Great cutting the Gordian knot, he decided to outright reject both offers.

***

[So, Ian, what are you going to do?]

At Fressia’s question, Ian let out a deep sigh. He had been pondering for days, but no answer came to mind.

He recalled Prince Richard, whom he had met not long ago.

Impressed by Ian’s abilities, Richard had straightforwardly proposed that he join his faction. If it were before he obtained Fressia, he would have accepted the offer without hesitation.

But now that he had Fressia and had also received an offer from Seraphina, he cautiously deferred his answer. His value had risen significantly, and he couldn’t afford to make a hasty decision.

Honestly, Ian, filled with a desire for recognition, wanted to enjoy this situation a bit more. With both the prince and princess, who could be considered the empire’s most powerful figures after the emperor, showing interest in him, his shoulders naturally straightened.

It felt like filling a void he had long felt, and he couldn’t help but smile. Ian had been thirsting for recognition, and he didn’t want to miss this golden opportunity.

Moreover, the current situation was highly favorable to him. It was like having two bidders competing for a high-quality item at an auction.

Ian prided himself on knowing his worth better than anyone. His talent was exceptional enough to catch the attention of both the prince and princess, and his family’s backing was solid.

In such a situation, not raising his value would be foolish.

With offers from both the prince and princess, it was only natural to go where he was more desperately needed.

Even Fressia, who never hesitated to advise him, suggested handling the situation carefully, so his current judgment couldn’t be wrong. It was best to enjoy the situation a bit more and make a choice when his value peaked.

Ian thought so.

“Well, I’m still thinking. Fressia, as you said, I need to be cautious.”

[Well done, Cadet Ian. This teacher might shed tears at your growth.]

“Are you imitating the professor this time?”

[Wasn’t this your taste? You had quite the look when you saw Professor Briana last time.]

The words hit a nerve.

Ian felt a chill run down his spine. He thought he had hidden it well, but Fressia, sharp as ever, seemed to already know what he felt when he looked at Professor Briana.

Of course, Ian wasn’t foolish enough to admit it outright.

“She’s amazing. She’s a swordmaster, after all.”

[Well, she is quite skilled. But Ian, your gaze wasn’t exactly one of pure admiration, was it?]

You’re too sharp…! Ian grumbled inwardly. At least their minds weren’t connected, so she couldn’t read his thoughts directly. That was a relief.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t even be able to complain like this.

“Of course not. I just admire Professor Briana.”

[If you say so… Anyway, it’s good that you didn’t hastily decide on the two offers. Let’s be frank, you know your position is a bit awkward, right?]

“…Me?”

Ian frowned. His face clearly showed he couldn’t accept that.

Fressia sighed involuntarily.

While she liked most things about Ian, this side of him wasn’t her favorite.

He had a tendency to be overly self-loving. His standards for self-evaluation were too low to call it pride.

Perhaps it was a lack of self-objectivity?

You could say he was brimming with confidence, but Ian had crossed that line. It felt like watching a child boasting about being the best.

But what could she do? He was her chosen master.

The fact that he could contract with her was proof enough of his potential. Fressia existed to fill these gaps, to gently guide him onto the right path.

[You fool. Do you know where your so-called rival, that troublemaker, stands now?]

“He’s treated as the empire’s hero. But I can do it too if I put my mind to it. I have you, after all.”

Fressia felt a bit pleased seeing Ian puff up with pride because of her. She knew better than anyone how foolish it looked. But seeing her contractor regard her as the best made her feel good.

Even though she was the greatest artificial spirit from Atlantica, a part of her still had a delicate, girlish sentiment.

[Thanks for saying that. But you can’t be too optimistic about the current situation. Have you forgotten the duel with that troublemaker?]

“…He cut my iron sword in half.”

[Exactly. That troublemaker has reached a level where he can wield intent. It’s not just about pouring mana into the sword, but imbuing it with the will to cut.]

“Is that really such a big deal? If you have enough mana, it’s possible.”

[You fool. Of course, it’s not that simple. Wielding intent is considered entering the realm of transcendence. Some say that’s when you truly begin.]

“So, he’s already reached such a high level?”

[Yes. That troublemaker has.]

“Hoo… Okay, I get it. I understand he’s reached a great level, but what does that have to do with the current situation?”

[Ian. Do you think the offers from the prince and princess were only extended to you?]

“That’s…”

Ian’s mood, which had been good, plummeted. It wasn’t that he hadn’t thought about it. He had just been deliberately avoiding it.

While he was an outstanding candidate for the prince and princess, he wasn’t the best. The best candidate in the empire at the moment was someone else.

Gilbert Lion Heart.

The eldest son of the Lion Heart Count Family and the recent hero of the empire was the best candidate.

“Right. He must have received offers too.”

[Exactly. That’s why you need to think carefully. Depending on where he goes, we might need to adjust our choice. Or perhaps we should act faster than him.]

Either way, being in a passive position didn’t sit well with Ian. The idea of having to move based on Gilbert’s choice made him feel miserable.

“So, it’s not something I can just be happy about?”

[Yes. You need to acknowledge the facts and look to the future.]

“Got it. Feels like I’ve been doused with cold water.”

Ian slapped his cheeks hard. His cheeks turned red and stung, but it helped clear his mind. He couldn’t afford to be complacent or let his guard down yet.

He still had Gilbert as an obstacle, and he needed to overcome that to truly begin his story.

Fressia felt proud of Ian for regaining his composure and didn’t hold back her advice.

[That’s right. Don’t let your guard down and see how that troublemaker plays out. That’s the best choice we can make.]

“Got it. I’ll keep that in mind.”

[And don’t worry. This big sister will make you the best!]

“Suddenly calling yourself a big sister… Well, in terms of age…”

[Hey! What do you mean ‘in terms of age’? Do you want to die?]

“It’s not wrong, though.”

[Ian!!!]

Ian chuckled at Fressia’s outburst.

No matter the situation, he felt he could become the best.

With Fressia by his side.

 

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