"Madam, thank you for supporting me even though I said I wanted to become a Holy Knight."

"Hmm?"

Rearwin’s eyes widened at my sudden words, as though she didn’t understand what I meant.

"I feel sorry for causing trouble after you went to the trouble of bringing me here, and now I’ll be staying at the Holy Palace."

Realization dawned on her face, and she smiled warmly.

“Oh, no. Don’t worry about that. From the beginning, you came with me to the North because you wanted to become a Holy Knight, didn’t you?”

"What? You knew?"

This time, I was the one caught off guard.

Her gentle smile deepened. “Of course. I realized it a few days ago, the day we visited the Holy Palace. If it wasn’t your dream, you wouldn’t have come with me at all. I’m just happy you decided to follow me. Besides, I’ll still get to see you every weekend.”

“Thank you…”

How could someone this understanding and generous exist?

I felt a sudden warmth prickling at my nose, fighting back the urge to tear up.

“Hohoho, I’m already looking forward to hosting the guests at our estate soon. Imagine breaking the pride of that Countess Heylroth! It’s going to be so satisfying!”

As Rearwin chuckled with delight, I couldn’t help but laugh along with her.

There were more than a few people who had insisted I couldn’t possibly have Divine Power. I wondered how bewildered they were now.

Thinking back, before my departure for the Holy Palace, the Pluto Ducal House had planned a grand party. It was to celebrate the first woman in 150 years to manifest Divine Power.

The fact that this person was a ward supported by the Pluto Ducal House only added to their reputation.

This house, which had been hailed as heroes for vanquishing the Demon King 500 years ago, was once again being recognized as the Empire’s savior.

Rearwin clasped her hands together dreamily, resting her cheek against one palm.

“Who knows? Perhaps Father will decide to formally adopt you after all. You’re no ordinary child, after all.”

“Adopt me formally?”

“Yes. That would make us a real family. Not that I think of us as a fake family now, of course.”

“Haha, right…”

I forced a cautious laugh.

Formal adoption…

I couldn’t let myself truly become their adopted daughter.

I was already deceiving them; to let them grow even closer to me would only make their eventual betrayal hurt more.

This only strengthened my resolve to focus on training and put an end to the Demon King’s affairs as soon as possible.

A few days later, on the day of the party.

From the moment the sun reached its zenith, carriages began pouring into the Pluto Ducal House.

The banquet hall was so vast that even hundreds of guests could comfortably enjoy themselves within.

And yet, despite the throngs of people filling the hall, I hadn’t made my entrance.

“Centi, the main character always enters last!”

Rearwin had declared me the star of this party.

As I waited for the doors to open, I glanced at the boy standing beside me.

Following the servants’ instructions, I rested one hand lightly on his arm.

“I can go in just fine on my own.”

“I’m only escorting you because Mother told me to.”

Fair enough.

I nodded at Meteor’s words, having only spoken for the sake of it anyway.

Just as I turned my gaze forward again, his voice rang out once more.

“Are you really going to be able to handle the dangers of being a Holy Knight?”

I looked back at him, but he kept his eyes fixed ahead.

Before I could reply, he continued.

“That’s not a place for someone like you.”

Someone like me?

A flurry of thoughts crossed my mind, but I simply gave a mischievous smile.

“Are you worrying about me, like an older brother?”

“What?”

Meteor turned to me sharply, his face turning a faint shade of red in embarrassment.

“Brother? Don’t get any ideas! Let me be clear—I don’t see you as my little sister. You’re not even my real sibling!”

I chuckled softly at his flustered response.

The men of the Pluto Ducal House seemed to place a lot of importance on blood ties.

It made sense that someone with no relation to them by blood wouldn’t be readily accepted as family. I couldn’t blame him—it would be hard for me, too, if I were in his position.

At that moment, the banquet hall doors opened, flooding my vision with dazzling light.

“Presenting Young Master Meteor Pluto and Miss Crescent Dallas!”

The herald’s announcement barely registered over the brilliance of the scene before me.

The hall was filled with nobles dressed in their most extravagant gowns and suits, the sheer opulence nearly overwhelming.

As we walked through the hall, I could feel every gaze fixed on me.

Some looked at me with awe, marveling at the sight of the girl with Divine Power. Others, however, glanced at me with suspicion or wariness.

“So, that’s the girl with Divine Power?”

“How could someone from an unknown family possess such a gift…?”

“It’s incredible, almost unbelievable.”

Ignoring the whispers, I strode forward with confidence.

Soon, Rearwin and several noblewomen approached me. Among them was Countess Heylroth.

“Centi, everyone has been waiting to meet you. Let me introduce you to them. This is Crescent, the girl I’ve been sponsoring. She recently had her Divine Power confirmed at the Holy Palace.”

Rearwin’s introduction caused the surrounding noblewomen to brighten with interest.

“Oh my, it’s such an honor to finally meet you! I’ve been so eager to see you ever since I heard the news.”

“The Marchioness truly has an eye for extraordinary individuals. How fortunate to sponsor such a remarkable girl!”

“Hohoho, it truly feels like a miracle. I can’t tell you how meaningful it is to support a child with Divine Power, especially one as determined as Centi. She’s even decided to become a Holy Knight—I couldn’t be prouder.”

“What an admirable young lady. Truly a blessing for the Pluto Ducal House.”

“A blessing indeed.”

Rearwin beamed with pride as the praise flowed.

Amidst the warm exchanges, Countess Heylroth stepped forward with a forced smile.

“Indeed, such an extraordinary coincidence. Who would’ve thought the girl you chose to sponsor would turn out to have Divine Power?”

Her words were accompanied by a strained expression, her lips twitching ever so slightly.

It was obvious that she wasn’t thrilled by the revelation of my Divine Power.

Another noblewoman, one of the ladies who had been dragged to the Demon Realm with us, suddenly spoke up.

“Oh, Countess Heylroth, didn’t you demand that Meteor take responsibility for this situation? It seems that won’t be necessary anymore.”

“…Ah, yes. That’s right.”

The Countess’s expression hardened.

She had previously insisted that if I didn’t have Divine Power, someone would have to take responsibility for the wasted effort. Meteor had even volunteered to bear that responsibility.

Now that my Divine Power had been confirmed, she must have felt utterly cornered.

Rearwin covered her mouth with one hand, feigning regret as she spoke.

“Oh, Countess, you have no idea how upset Centi and I were when you called her a liar. We’re still deeply hurt.”

“!”

Wow, that was a direct hit!

Though surprised, I didn’t show it outwardly. Rearwin always had her reasons for saying what she did.

The atmosphere shifted instantly, with the other nobles looking at Rearwin and me with sympathy while glaring at Countess Heylroth with reproach.

One muttered comment stood out among the murmurs.

“How could she accuse the first woman in 150 years to manifest Divine Power of lying?”

Countess Heylroth clenched her fists tightly, her lips trembling as she forced a smile.

Eventually, she spoke, her voice strained.

“I must have made a terrible mistake. I should never have doubted you, Crescent. I apologize. I hope you become a truly great Holy Knight and save many lives. I’ll be watching your progress closely.”

“Thank you. I will repay the Pluto Ducal House’s kindness by becoming an exceptional Holy Knight.”

The Countess’s face contorted as she struggled to maintain her forced smile.

But I, regardless of her hidden malice, smiled more brightly than ever.