At dawn, Cecilia visited the Bask Workshop.

“What brings you here at this hour?”

Though their interactions had increased recently, Cecilia and Kyrson had barely exchanged pleasantries in over a decade.

Thus, her sudden visit was unexpected.

“Could we have a moment to talk, Mother?”

“A talk…?”

Kyrson couldn’t help but flinch at the word.

“What are you up to this time?”

After being on the receiving end of Cecilia and her son’s antics for so long, Kyrson’s reflexive suspicion was only natural.

Seeing her reaction, Cecilia smirked.

“Don’t worry; it’s not what you think. But if you’re too busy, I can come back another time.”

“Oh, no. Everyone, clear the room.”

After dismissing the workshop staff, Kyrson lit her pipe and took a long drag.

Only then did she notice that her adopted daughter had come with a resolute expression.

“So, what is it?”

Cecilia waved away the smoke and got straight to the point.

“I’d like to borrow some money.”

“Money…?”

Her tone was as confident as if she were simply retrieving something left behind.

Though Kyrson found it audacious, she decided to hear her out.

“What for?”

“I’m planning to start a business.”

“A business? You?”

“Yes.”

“For over a decade, you’ve lived comfortably as Kyle’s concubine. What makes you think you’re capable of running a business now?”

Despite her lingering guilt toward Cecilia, Kyrson spoke harshly. Cecilia’s newfound ambition seemed suspect, as if someone had put her up to it.

“Please don’t be condescending. While it’s true that I was preoccupied raising your son, I’ve always made an effort to keep my skills sharp.”

With that, Cecilia opened her bag, took out a stack of papers, and handed them to Kyrson.

“It’s a business proposal.”

“…”

“Please review it and decide if you’re willing to lend me the funds.”

Kyrson began leafing through the proposal with a critical eye.

Cecilia’s business idea was straightforward: a boutique.

A high-end shop offering luxurious clothing and fashion accessories.

“I think you’re well aware of my eye for quality. I plan to personally travel around to source unique pieces.”

Kyrson knew Cecilia’s taste hadn’t dulled—she only had to look at the way Theo was dressed to see that.

But the mention of Cecilia’s personal involvement piqued her curiosity.

“You… yourself?”

“Yes. There are many talented yet undiscovered artisans throughout the empire. I intend to meet them personally and offer support where possible. The dresses I collect will be arranged strategically in the boutique according to the foot traffic.”

Cecilia continued explaining with a composed tone, as if she’d rehearsed her pitch countless times.

“And the items I plan to offer aren’t limited to extravagant dresses. Would you look at the last page?”

“…”

“I’m also planning to include haute couture. I’ve already found designers and couturiers willing to work with me.”

Haute couture—custom-made clothing for the aristocracy and elite.

It was impossible without an exceptional sense of fashion, not to mention highly skilled tailors and designers. Kyrson recognized some of the names on the list of twenty artisans, people even she had once tried to recruit.

*How in the world…?*

“This isn’t a scam, is it?”

“You’re welcome to verify it yourself.”

“…”

“I’ll give you a hint. Many of the people listed here were once part of my own staff.”

“What?”

“Though I retired, I never completely severed ties. I occasionally kept in touch, offering advice and support as needed. Thankfully, these talented friends have grown well in their fields and expressed interest in working with me again.”

It sounded simple, but each person on that list had solidified their place in the industry. The fact that they were willing to leave their established roles to join Cecilia was a testament to her influence.

“I think this venture could benefit you as well, Mother. We could collaborate with the jewelry business you recently acquired, boosting both our brands. And… I remember you had a fondness for high-end fashion yourself.”

Kyrson bit down on her pipe, recalling a distant memory.

*So she remembers what I once cared about…*

“You’ll use Theo as the model, won’t you?”

“That’s right. Not just because he’s my son—there’s no one more talked about than him right now.”

Kyrson couldn’t argue with that.

*The brooch Theo wore at his induction ceremony sold out within a day.*

Though the mother and son often gave Kyrson headaches, their influence was undeniable.

“Besides, every outfit I’ve worn to social events has caused a sensation.”

*…She’s infuriating, even if she is my daughter.*

“This boutique could set new trends. Doesn’t that sound promising?”

In that moment, Kyrson saw Cecilia’s radiance anew, recalling the awe she’d felt when she first discovered Cecilia onstage as a young prima donna.

*Yes, she was always such a dazzling star.*

She could still vividly recall Cecilia’s dress, her voice… her grace.

*Back then, she was a gem I cherished, fearing she’d shatter if I touched her too carelessly. And Kyle ruined it.*

Kyrson bit down harder on her pipe.

*But now… she’s ready to shine again, brighter than ever.*

Kyrson closed her eyes, feeling a swell of emotions she struggled to contain.

“…Mother?”

Unaware of the depth of Kyrson’s thoughts, Cecilia called to her cautiously, wondering if she’d misstepped in her presentation.

After a long pause, Kyrson opened her eyes and stood, looking resolved.

“Wait here.”

Without waiting for a response, Kyrson left, returning moments later with two large chests.

*Thud!*

“What is this?”

“Open them.”

“…?”

Puzzled, Cecilia opened the first chest, only to gasp.

“These…!”

“Things you left behind when you left home.”

The chest was filled with jewels and dresses from Cecilia’s performance days. Kyrson had kept them, rather than selling them off.

“Everything in here is valuable. Selling them could yield a substantial sum. Open the second one too.”

Swallowing, Cecilia opened the other chest.

*Creak.*

Inside, it was filled with gold coins.

“That was meant to be your inheritance.”

“…!”

“I’d been setting it aside. You can take part of it now. After all, it’s absurd that the daughter of House Kyrson would need to borrow money.”

“…”

“If it’s not enough, just let me know. I’ll invest whatever you need.”

Cecilia pressed her lips together, feeling emotions long buried start to surface.

*Mother.*

*Mother!*

*Mother…*

The word she hadn’t uttered since they’d cut ties.

Why did that once-familiar word now linger so painfully on her lips?

“…Why go this far?”

“You only came to borrow money, so why go this far?”

Cecilia nodded, her eyes slightly red.

Kyrson looked away, pretending not to notice as she took another drag of her pipe.

“A mother can’t refuse to help her only daughter, no matter how stubborn.”

“…!”

The casual words stirred something in Cecilia, making her bow her head.

With a sigh, Kyrson set her pipe down and left the room.

“You’ll be busy getting started, so you should go.”

Left alone in the room, Cecilia’s shoulders shook several times.

* * *

The White Armored Dragoon, with their white armor, swords, and wyverns clad in iron, symbolized hope for the northern people and terror for their enemies.

Today, a thirty-three-member strike force soared through the sky.

「Now, I will explain the details of our mission.」

Evelyn’s voice echoed in the minds of Squad 5 through telepathic communication.

Veterans who remembered Evelyn looked surprised.

*“They said she put down her sword, but she seems even stronger…!”*

*“Her magic control is flawless. How can she communicate so clearly while on the move?”*

*“Truly the former right hand of the commander!”*

Since regaining her old skills and mastering the Wind Sovereign’s techniques, Evelyn’s power had been growing rapidly.

「Seven days ago, former Squad 5 Captain Trainer Isben was killed during a mission to rescue hostages from the Ceres Guild, along with fourteen members of his squad.」

Veterans already aware of the situation clenched their lips, while the others reacted with shock.

Erika and Holkus were similarly taken aback.

The news that Ragnar’s elite had been completely wiped out was difficult to process.

*So the hostage situation really escalated,* Theo thought, confirming his suspicions.

*But how can I retrieve Balmung?*

Since acting alone in the middle of a mission was impossible, he would have to devise another plan.

Meanwhile, Evelyn continued issuing orders.

「Our mission is simple.」

All eyes focused on Evelyn.

「Extermination.」

“…!”

“…!”

“…!”

「Leave no survivors. Do not negotiate. Our primary objective is the total annihilation of all those involved in this incident.」

Beneath Evelyn’s calm tone lay a simmering rage.

The wrath of a warrior avenging fallen comrades.

The squad members clenched their fists in unison.

「Rescuing the hostages is secondary. If circumstances force a choice between killing the enemy and saving the hostages, prioritize the former.」

Before the squad, a magical map projected the layout of the fortress on a hill with several red markers.

「The enemy has fortified the abandoned Blancqui Fortress. These red points mark the key enemy positions as identified by Black Snow. We will launch a simultaneous strike on these points to crush them instantly.」

*To gather such intelligence through espionage alone… Black Snow truly lives up to its reputation.*

Theo clicked his tongue in silent admiration.

Then, a blue marker appeared in one corner of the inner fortress.

「This location holds the hostages. Selphid, Arin, you two will lead the new recruits to rescue them amidst the chaos.」

Selphid and Arin nodded gravely.

「Remember, our priority is the enemy’s complete eradication. Show them.」

Ahead, an old fortress loomed on the distant hilltop.

The Blancqui Fortress—a once-abandoned castle.

「Show them who we are.」

“Honor!”

“Honor!”

“Honor!”

Under the deep-set visor of her helmet, Evelyn’s eyes gleamed coldly.

「Descend!」

The thirty-three warriors of the White Armored Dragoon commenced their assault.