“Victoooorrrr!! Ariana Selene…”
Ariana didn’t hear the announcer’s victory declaration.
Because the moment she saw that damn father of hers, it felt like the world had disconnected.
What is he even doing here?
To watch my match?
The guy who hasn’t shown his face in four years suddenly showing up now…
‘Aah, thinking about this is giving me a headache.’
The fatigue from battle snapped Ariana out of her thoughts. That final Eclipse technique she used was supposed to be a master-level skill. If she had unleashed its full power, Satis probably wouldn’t have survived. It was quite the reckless move – so much so that fainting right there wouldn’t have been surprising.
“Ariana-sama? Are you alright? Should I call the paramedics…?”
“No, I’m fine. Just feeling a little dizzy, that’s all.”
Leaving the concerned announcer behind, Ariana exited the arena. Thanks to her diligent training, she managed not to stagger. Barely holding on to consciousness, she made it back to the waiting room where a familiar voice reached her ears.
“Ariana! Are you okay?”
It was Senna. Despite trying not to show it, seems like nothing gets past Lady Selene’s eyes.
“I’m fi-”
Before she could finish saying “fine,” her words trailed off.
“Aaah, Ariana! Stay with me!!”
As warm energy flowed into her body with Senna’s frantic voice, Ariana quietly lost consciousness.
***
The Helios family, residing in the capital while the Selene family claimed their territory near the Peacock Mountains in the northeastern region of the Sirius Empire. This wasn’t some backwater area – having developed since the empire’s founding days, the Selene territory had grown to be known as the second capital.
Why would a ducal house settle in such a remote place?
“Lord Selene, the first patriarch of the Selene family, chose this rugged land for the sake of the empire’s peace. To protect the empire from foreign invaders…”
“I get it already. Uphold the first patriarch’s will and protect the empire forever. Become the moonlight that guards the empire. How many times do I have to hear this?”
Starting from when she began reading and speaking, Ariana had heard this tiresome lecture repeatedly.
“Boring. I’m done for today.”
“…Understood. I’ll take my leave then.”
When Ariana turned her head to speak, the private tutor quietly bowed. Experience had taught them that they couldn’t change her mind once she’d made it up.
Sighing as she stood up after the tutor left,
“Haa~ So annoying.”
Was it because she’d received such a high-level education since childhood, or because of her family background? Even at such a young age, Ariana longed for freedom.
Waking up early every morning for breakfast, light physical training after breakfast, studying afterwards, lunch followed by swordsmanship practice… It was hard to believe this schedule belonged to a child. Though she wanted to run away immediately, she knew all too well that as just a young child, there was nothing she could do outside the dukedom. Thus, her only form of rebellion was to complain while gazing out the window.
“Swordsmanship practice time. Without this, I might’ve gone crazy by now.”
Perhaps due to her family’s bloodline, swordsmanship was the one thing that suited her. When wielding a sword, no other thoughts entered her mind. Such was the joy of rain after a drought. Thinking this, Ariana hurried towards the training grounds.
This daily routine continued until she turned seven, when her father Calias Duke unexpectedly took her to the capital.
“Waaah…”
Through the carriage window, Ariana gazed at the capital’s scenery with wide eyes. Unlike the Selene territory which retained its old-world charm, everything here was modern. Maybe this was why it felt so different to her, seeing the world beyond her fief for the first time.
Calias Duke’s visit to the capital was for the biannual Great Noble Conference. While he headed to the imperial palace, Ariana stayed at the Helios residence, where she met Amy.
“Nice to meet you. I’m Amy.”
“Eh, er…? I’m…”
“I know, you’re Ariana, right? My dad said to play well with you. Nice to meet you.”
“Uh, um…”
Surprisingly, the young Ariana was rather shy back then, struggling to adjust to meeting another child her age.
“The Selene family uses swords, right? I use magic – fire magic.”
“Is that so…”
“Then let’s head to the training ground!”
“Eh? What?”
“Let’s spar!”
Young Amy had a temperament similar to Balkan’s aggressiveness. And so, on her very first day, Ariana found herself rolling around in the training ground with a new friend she had just met…
***
“We’ve received admission notices from Minerva Academy. You got one too, right?”
“Yeah, but I probably won’t be able to attend. Father’s against it.”
“Lord Selene? Why? It’s Minerva we’re talking about! Where else are you planning to go?”
If someone opposes attending the empire’s top academy, where exactly do they plan to send their child?
As Amy tilted her head in confusion, Ariana sighed.
“They’ll teach me at home. Apparently there’s nothing worth learning at an academy.”
“True, it’s hard to find someone who can surpass Lord Selene in swordsmanship… But what about the Golden Way Zodiacs? Still, how can they not consider sending you to an academy?”
“That’s what I say. Haa, so frustrating.”
“Old-fashioned? Stuck-up? Whatever, sounds like an outdated person. They’re not going to arrange a political marriage for you too, are they?”
Amy joked, but Ariana couldn’t laugh. Calias Duke was exactly the type who might actually do that.
“Hmm… Then how about this. What if you just ran away?”
“Run away?”
“To Minerva Academy. I hear they have everything there – better than most cities. That way, you wouldn’t need to return home. There’s dormitories, food provided… The family might still offer some support, right? After all, she’s their daughter. For the family’s reputation.”
“Oh…”
That sounded tempting…
Ariana began seriously considering it.
“If worse comes to worst, I can lend you money. Spending four years at the academy might change Lord Selene’s mind. You should experience a wider world, shouldn’t you? Ahem… You might even find love…”
“You just don’t have any friends, do you?”
“Wha- I have friends, alright?!”
Watching Amy flare up, Ariana smirked. Meanwhile, a part of her mind was seriously contemplating running away.
‘Hmm… Might actually work…’
And thus, thanks to Amy’s casual suggestion, Ariana ended up running away and enrolling in Minerva Academy.
***
Four years later, the reunion between father and daughter was… extremely tense.
“What do you want now?”
“Maintain some decorum. Ariana. That tone is inappropriate, whether speaking to your father or the head of the household.”
“Shut up. Do you even think of me as your daughter? You never once came to see me.”
“What’s the problem? I’ve been providing adequate living expenses.”
“Are you calling that ‘words’…!”
“Now now, calm down, Ariana.”
I quickly pulled Ariana down onto her seat. I had anticipated this kind of situation, but still…
I’m glad I dismissed everyone else earlier. Actually, I was about to leave myself until Ariana asked me to stay. As a teacher, I couldn’t refuse a student’s request, could I? Perhaps I’m the only one on Ariana’s side in this situation.
“Since time is precious, let’s get straight to the point. Once you graduate, immediately take your place. I’ve selected several suitable noble families for you to choose from comfortably.”
“What? You’re telling me to start seeing suitors now?”
“You heard correctly. You’ve reached marriageable age. As a member of the household, it’s your duty.”
“So… After four years apart, this is why you’ve come? Not to watch my match, but…”
“Hmph. Reaching Sword Expert level deserves praise. Still, there’s much room for improvement. Especially regarding your use of the Eclipse technique at the end – it’s unnecessary for someone at your level.”
“… Get out. You’re not… You’re not my father…!”
I hastily covered Ariana’s mouth. Of all things, this was something that shouldn’t be said aloud. Once spoken, words can’t be taken back – it would definitely become something she’d regret later.
Even if it’s nobody else, for the sake of my student, I must preserve this precious blood tie. I know that despite her bold appearance, this child has a tender heart.
“Take a deep breath. Didn’t I always tell you that leaders must remain calm?”
“…”
Seeing her shoulders gradually settle, I addressed Calias.
“Let’s end this discussion.”
“But I…”
“I understand it’s rude to interfere in family matters. However, this girl is my precious student. Please allow me this one favor.”
Calias furrowed his brow – the first expression change I’ve seen from him.
“I commend you for becoming a professor at Minerva Academy at such a young age, and achieving Master status. However, don’t overstep. I’ve tolerated your actions so far, considering your contribution in bringing Ariana to Expert level…”
Swishhh~
In an instant, the entire space was dominated by Calias’ presence. The subtle pressure from the Selene Dukedom, known as the strongest swordsmanship lineage in the empire, was almost suffocating.
“I won’t tolerate further rudeness.”
“… When exactly did you plan to arrange a political marriage?”
[Divine Power: Forced Harmony]
Using my Divine Power to counter the oppressive atmosphere, I met Calias’ gaze directly.
“Abandon your outdated ways and adapt to the times. Being rigid is fine within your own world, but don’t block the path forward for the empire’s future.”
“Are you challenging me to the end? Do you want me to recite the traditions of the Selene family right here?”
“I’m asking you to treat her not as a daughter of the Selene family, but as Ariana – an excellent swordsman. I may be an orphan, so I don’t fully understand parental feelings… But even I know that children aren’t pieces on a chessboard, forced to move according to their parents’ will. This is what the Sage of Gold Eagle Palace, who’s like a parent to me, taught me.”
This is our last chance while he’s still accommodating us. I slowly gathered my aura and released it all at once.
“Live freely.”
“…!”
Was it because his own aura was being pushed back? Calias’ mouth slightly opened in surprise. Even this cold-blooded man can be shocked.
Taking advantage of this moment, I quickly spoke.
“So stop forcing this girl’s future in such a childish manner. Who knows? She might find a much better suitor somewhere than whoever you’ve chosen for her.”
“… I admire your skills. But my decision remains unchanged…”
“This person!”
Just as Calias was about to unleash more aura, his mouth closed abruptly. It was due to Ariana’s urgent shout.
“If this person isn’t enough for you, then…”
Before I could respond to her unexpected statement, Ariana loudly declared:
“I’m going to marry Professor Allen. So forget about the arranged marriages!”
… What just happened here?
