“Thankfully, it seems you’ve recovered quite a lot. At times like this, it’s crucial to replenish your strength. Light walks are fine, but avoid strenuous activities.”

The old doctor from the estate, receiving everyone’s attention, gave his diagnosis.

He also was the primary doctor for her grandfather, so he was one of the few doctors Cedric trusts.

“She was unconscious for three days, is there no problem?”

“Hehe, I was worried, but during the examination, I didn’t find anything unusual. It seems the gods are watching over the lady.”

In response to Cedric’s question, the old physician looked at Rosha with renewed interest, as if he had heard roughly what was going on in the capital.. 

She simply sat awkwardly on the bed and smiled.

“But just in case, I’ll prepare a medicine made with the best ingredients. Make sure to drink it every morning and evening for at least a week, alright?”

“Ugh.”

It seems Beri’s wish to have her drink a rejuvenating potion came true. Rosha looked at Beri, who was standing next to her bed, hands clasped.

“I’m so relieved, Miss…”

Beri, whose eyes had become puffy while she hadn’t seen her, was tearfully happy.

They have been together since their early teens and have a close relationship, so it seemed like she was having a hard time because Rosha didn’t wake up.

Beri made eye contact with her, smiled brightly, and muttered softly.

“Now that you’ve recovered, our Koko should go take a bath. He needs to be clean if he wants to be held by his owner.”

Kiiik!

Koko, who was being held in Beri’s hand, let out a scream.

He really hated being washed by someone else’s hands, but there was nothing Rosha could do about Beri, who was so motivated right now.

‘Sorry, Koko.’

Rosha couldn’t help the little creature, being preoccupied with her own matters.

The old doctor and Beri left the room one after another.

“Rosha.”

She flinched at the quiet voice of Cedric. With so many events, she pondered where to begin her explanation.

‘The youngest sister, who he assumed to be an ordinary person, suddenly showed her abilities and saved the capital as soon as a disaster struck the capital? Haha, this isn’t even some kind of fantasy novel cliché.’

From someone else’s perspective, wouldn’t this be ridiculously unbelievable? 

However, the first thing Cedric said wasn’t a probing question. 

Approaching Rosha quickly, he suddenly spread his arms, embraced her tightly, and murmured:

“…I’m so relieved you’re safe.” 

His broad embrace and voice were very warm.

Stunned by his gesture, her nose tingled and tears threatened to fall.

Of course, Cedric would naturally say this first. 

‘I’m also relieved my family is safe.’ 

Not only Cedric and Cassis, but also all the servants in this mansion, including Beri.

Cedric, who had been stroking Rosha’s head for a while, whispered to her only after she had calmed down. 

“I heard from Cassis about how you woke up one day with strange powers. You’ve had this power since a dream one day, right?” 

“…” 

Cassis… explained it all wrong.

Rosha glanced at her second brother leaning against the window. Thankfully, his prior explanation saved some effort.

Cedric, unaware of her thoughts, slowly relayed recent events. 

“His Majesty the Emperor has declared a state of emergency indefinitely and decided to mourn for a week for the victims. And you will likely be awarded the First Class Guardian Medal with an honorary title.” 

“First Class Guardian Medal?” 

“Yes. I don’t know exactly, but the palace will call you soon. The medal will be awarded directly by His Majesty.” 

The First Class Guardian Medal is one of the rarest medals, with the last recipient being a war hero from over 100 years ago.

Of course, not many saw Rosha defeat the trial master, but the testimony of the Duke of Feriel was significant.

Moreover, didn’t everyone see the golden barrier that protected the capital and the sea of fire above? 

‘Why is this becoming such a big deal…?’ 

The ordeal was indeed monumental, but it was becoming a bit overwhelming. However, more surprises awaited her. 

“When His Majesty asks if there’s anything you desire, ask for the sacred relic you used during the trial.” 

“…Huh? What are you talking about? Is that at the palace?” 

“Yes. All artifacts are managed by the palace, isn’t that the policy? And the one you used wasn’t from the palace’s storage but something you had separately, right?” 

“…”

“It could lead to legal issues, so I hurriedly added it to the palace’s storage list. There shouldn’t be any problems if you request it during the medal ceremony.” 

Rosha closed her mouth as she saw Cedric, who had assessed and addressed potential problems while she slept. His proficient handling of the situation raised questions. 

“…But brother. When did you know about the sacred relics?” 

She asked casually, but the question was fundamental.

When did he foresee this situation? What is ‘the shadows’? Why side with the Emperor despite knowing his suspicious activities? 

“Well…” 

Cedric, who clearly understood the question she asked, spoke softly.

His eyebrows fell gracefully. He hesitated, contemplating whether this was the right time to speak.

Their conversation was interrupted by a loud voice from outside. 

“C-Count! Come out for a moment! You must answer today!” 

Cassis, looking out the window, muttered:

“Ugh… even that bastard came today.” 

Seeing his sore expression, Rosha raised her head and glanced outside.

Seeing people with the emblem of a lion on cloaks, Rosha recognized them as knights from the Marquis of Lycaon’s family. Leading them was a familiar face. A thin man in a mage-like robe.

It was Geoffrey Lycaon.

* * *

Geoffrey strolled through the reception room of the Count Aper’s mansion with great enthusiasm.

The reception room was filled with heavy and elegant furniture, arranged in a harmonious balance – not too empty, yet not overly crowded.

Seeing this, Geoffrey thought to himself:

‘We’ve been too lenient. They should be so financially strapped that they should have to sell everything in this mansion.’ 

Thanks to years of manipulating the greedy schemes of the Aper Count’s family, the current Count Aper was in debt to Marquis Lycaon to the extent that he had to sell part of his territory.

Although Cedric Aper, a graduate of the academy, immediately secured a position as an imperial aide and was rapidly paying off the debt, they still had a long way to go.

However, there was one reason why they hadn’t aggressively pursued debt repayment until now.

-There is something in the Aper family’s bloodline that goes beyond magical talent. It doesn’t seem to have manifested in this generation, but you never know. Perhaps an individual with extraordinary talent will be born in the next generation.

-So, even if you have to use the necklace of suggestion, somehow ensure that the marriage is arranged.

Money was just an excuse and a pretext; the goal was marriage.

However.

‘What if it turns out that Roshanak Aper had extraordinary talent all along?’