Franz smiled faintly as he looked at his robust and honest grandson, a description that fell short of fully explaining his stature.

Beside him, Vane, who had prepared the Lexion sword in advance, raised it.

“Take this. You should bring it with you. There won’t be a sword as splendid as this when you wield it. The specifications are the same as our training ground’s wooden swords, making it easy to swing.”

The family crest was engraved on the sword passed down through the Lexion lineage. Valtter took the hefty sword and placed it in the sheath attached to his waist.

In the swordfighting tournament, direct stabbing or injuring opponents was prohibited. To prevent bloodshed and make it a ceremonial event to mark the beginning of the year, magic was applied to the blades in advance.

However, how fast the sword cut through the air and what kind of magic it could carry to release remained crucial issues.
“I heard from the intelligence agents that in Götterk, there is an assassination unit leader named Eisen.”

“They plan to disguise the purchase of Eisen by using a pseudonym.”

“Even so, their skills might not be impressive. It must be the limit of a Götterk Count.”

“I’ve prepared for their level, so you don’t have to worry.”

Edith, who was listening to the conversation nearby, suppressed her laughter. The momentum of the two men exchanging words with their deep voices alone seemed enough to push several people down.

‘If our child is a boy, will he resemble Dad and Grandpa in speech?’

As she smiled, Valter unconsciously shifted his gaze. He leaned in toward Edith, who had a preoccupied look, whispering, “Don’t forget the important matters, even if you’re having pleasant thoughts.”

“I haven’t forgotten, so don’t worry.”

Edith handed him a carefully held box. When Valter untied the ribbon and opened the box, a handkerchief adorned with two neat lilies was revealed. Valter raised the corners of his mouth as he momentarily admired the embroidery that Edith had done stitch by stitch.

Edith took it out, folded it halfway, and pinned it to the pocket on his chest. Due to his robust muscles, the handkerchief didn’t fit well.

“Pin it so that the lily ornament is clearly visible. That way, when people see me smiling, they’ll know it’s not because I’ve gone mad.”

“Just joking.”

Edith chuckled, examining him from head to toe. Although he was breathtakingly beautiful when she first saw him in formal attire, the combat uniform with a harmonious blend of gold and black, along with a practical leather belt, had a different charm.

With this appearance, if he were to go out to the crowded swordsmanship conversation, even peasants would flock to watch. If he were to participate, the influx of gifts from unknown women would likely double.

“It’s about time to go out, Valter.”

“……. ”

Raising one eyebrow as if to ask if something was missing, Valter silently observed. Edith pretended not to notice and exited the room where the fireplace was.

Sensing that something was amiss, Valter gestured to Cassius to buy some time and followed Edith out of the room.

As they stepped into the hallway, Edith, who had been waiting for the winter sunlight pouring through the corridor window, gently covered his cheeks with her hands. She quickly confirmed that there was no one passing by.

“Be careful and come back, Valter.”

Edith pulled his cheek towards her and kissed him. The touch of their lips meeting felt like a gentle line drawing.

Valter wrapped his hand around hers on his cheek, tilted his head, and lightly sucked on her lips. When he tried to go deeper into the thin gap between slightly parted lips, Edith pulled away, breaking the kiss.

‘I thought she would subtly let it go, using an excuse for a kiss.’
After handing over the lily-embroidered handkerchief, kissing one’s lover became a tradition. Valter felt like he might go crazy with Edith, who, despite her embarrassment, did her best to wish him good luck with a cute expression.

The creases in her eyes, the subtle movement of her watery eyes gliding to the side, and the dust particles catching the sunlight, sparkling as they floated slowly in the air—all these vivid details were etched into his mind. Could it really be that his memories would fly away just because his magic went awry?

“I’ll cheer for you, Valter.”

“Even if you cheer halfheartedly, I’ll manage to win. Stay in a warm place. I heard there’s a small tea room for socializing in the center of the noble seats.”

Valter pressed his lips firmly against Edith’s forehead as she smiled brightly. If he could release his magic at once during the swordsmanship competition and share it with the little one in her belly, it would be an incomparable joy, even if he had to push himself a bit.

‘The other person needs to cooperate willingly.’

Valter quickly reviewed the plan in his mind to open his magic as soon as possible.