“The southern sage appears only in the south according to the laws of nature, so we couldn’t go beyond the barrier to find a new sage. So, I even issued a foolish order to catch anyone I could find.”

He knew the weight of what he had done. Many people were dragged to Perseta without even wanting it. It was a sin, but knowing that, Melfias, as the eastern sage, had to do that, and so he could witness this change.

“So, the Viscount and Viscountess were the first to come, and as you know, our Majesty ascended to the throne. In the end, thanks to that, we were able to safely protect the southern sage.”

Melfias’s violet eyes contained an indescribable emotion, and they moved from the Genesis couple to Hayden, then from Hayden to Rue again.
“The power of the Southern Sage is still flowing into Yeongae. However, we cannot go to the source of that power, the South, right now. It’s not possible yet. So, even now, the youngest and weakest Sage in 430 years has emerged.”

Upon hearing the words “young and weak,” Rue awkwardly laughed. Nevertheless, she considered herself quite sturdy and healthy, and, through various experiences in the East, she had become quite strong. However, compared to Melfias, she would still be like a little puppy.

“So, there is an obligation for the elderly Sages to take care of and protect the young Sage. Ophelia, His Majesty, and I are doing our best, so rest assured.”

Only then could Milene find some relief. The fact that the most powerful figures in the Empire were taking care of her daughter, even if only a little, eased her mind. Just a little.

“This incident occurred because we respected the opinion of Yeongae, who is undoubtedly a Sage.”

“Yeah. But once should be enough.”

Hayden, who had been listening, looked directly at Rue and said. However, she pursed her lips and, avoiding eye contact, glanced at the ceiling.

“Once should be enough, right, Yeongae?”

Are you trying to get a decisive answer in front of your parents? Rue nodded her head helplessly under her parents’ gaze.

“Yes…”

At the unexpected response, Melfias chuckled, and Hayden, who usually didn’t say much, stared at Rue’s throat.

Carlos’ injured neck had almost completely healed. After about a day, even the bruising had almost disappeared. So, despite being able to speak well, Hayden was struggling alone.

“Now that you’ve just started as a Sage, you don’t have to exert yourself too much, Yeongae. Besides, since the South is s
Melfias looked at Hayden with a meaningful expression.

“You should no longer treat His Majesty as a subject.”

It was an unexpected statement, and at the same time, it carried weight. Rue had some expectations, but for the Plaiche Viscount and Viscountess, it must have sounded quite shocking.

“While it’s true that those from Calleta especially value imperial authority, Yeongae should no longer think of herself as a knight or subject. This incident also occurred from such sentiments.”

With a blurred expression, Melfias glanced at Milene Gennes, who was lost in thought. The loyal knight, lively socialite, and the highly skilled viscountess’s feelings must be quite complicated.

Dragonlords had no interest in the social activities of nobles. Living for so long, one learns that even intelligent beings with emotions and intelligence live the same lives, and no matter how much culture and art develop, people’s purposes do not change.

However, meeting the Plaiche Viscount and Viscountess, Melfias couldn’t help but acknowledge them as genuine Perseta people.

Even though they were rejected, they didn’t back down, and with determination, courage, and gaining their own reputation and popularity within the imperial social circles, these individuals became undeniable figures. As imperial authority strengthened, Milene Gennes’s position also grew.

But, unquestionably, they were subjects. Hayden Constant Rostana Vellera’s loyal subjects.

“As fellow Sages, that is no longer acceptable. Yeongae is a Sage who must grow and fulfill her role. Prioritize survival. Sometimes, even if you have to seek His Majesty’s help, you must survive.”

It was a serious statement. Even this was understood by everyone present, as Dragonlords already treated Rue as an equal Sage with respect.

A subject’s child is still a subject. Naturally, trying to raise a daughter as a subject, the Plaiche Viscount and Viscountess faced a new challenge.

“And that’s where the parents of a Sage must come in to help.”

Melfias’ violet eyes turned toward the visibly surprised viscount couple.

“… Surprisingly, they might do well.”

Melfias thought so. That couple needed to wholeheartedly support their daughter becoming a Sage.

Remembering the parents of the previous Northern Sage and Carlos’ parents, who couldn’t do so, he hoped that the Plaiche Viscount and Viscountess would break the pattern this time.

“As you can see, it seems Yeongae has no intention of listening to me or His Majesty.”

“That’s not true…!”

Rue, startled by Melfias’ half-joking, half-serious remark, quickly protested.

“I agree with him.”

However, Hayden didn’t just let it pass and added one more word. Smiling, Melfias drove the point home to the complex Plaiche couple.

“Regardless of what happens, isn’t Yeongae’s healthy survival the most important thing?”
“Of course, that’s important.”

“Yes, indeed. That’s what we hope for.”

Reflexively, Edan and Milene nodded vigorously in response. They had no objection as parents.

“Very well. That’s settled. Youngae, from now on, you should be careful in accordance with your parents’ wishes.”

“Yes.”

The young sage scolded by Dragonlord spoke at length before glancing at his parents.

“I’m sorry for causing constant worry.”

Lu cautiously spoke to his father and, upon hearing that he had awakened, to his mother, who had come from Plaiche twice already.

“You say so many things even when it’s not intentional.”

Edan lowered his head.

“Well then. You’ve lived as a knight so far. How will you change your thoughts and attitudes overnight? From now on, even if it’s just for the sake of your parents, you should avoid such behavior.”

Milene, with a bewildered face, held Lu’s hand and reassured him.

“But I can’t help but worry, Your Majesty. It feels like a heavy burden has been lifted from Lu.”

It wouldn’t be easy if the Marquis couple just lived comfortably and let Lu do as he pleased.

A sage? Seeing Dragonlord, who struggled to maintain the Empire’s flagship role despite not being able to fulfill his role due to a curse, and the Emperor, who was rebuilding his ignored authority among the nobles, Lu didn’t want to squeeze his daughter into that gap.

“I should think of it as a bigger role than the next Plaiche Marquis. My child has a big vessel.”

Melfeus, knowing what Milene was saying, replied politely.

“Thank you for saying so, but then… I shouldn’t treat Lu as an ordinary noblewoman from now on.”

The Marquis couple also went through chaos when their daughter collapsed, but there was someone else who lost consciousness and clung only to his daughter—that was the Emperor. Looking at it, they could roughly guess what was on his mind. So the couple frowned.

‘Our Lu is still young.’

Meeting various people, enjoying life, inheriting the title of Plaiche Marquis and wielding some power should be done, not as a southern sage! Moreover, a southern sage strongly favored by the Emperor!

“As it happens, a marriage proposal has come from Duke Alanka.”

Milene was determined not to easily give away her daughter, even though the Emperor was involved.

“…Marriage proposal?”

The Emperor’s complexion changed immediately. He propped his chin with his hand and looked up.

“Yes. He wants to marry Lu to the next Duke.”

Note: Translating names and genders accurately was considered in the translation.
Melfeus looked at Milene Genesis and let out a bitter laugh. Just because Lu is a southern sage doesn’t mean he would easily agree to let her go. Does Hayden think he can easily handle this?

“Duke Alanka does have discerning eyes.”

The voice that spoke was noticeably strained. It asked, and it asked properly.