Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys

"So, you don't need to hire me as the guardian knight for the Habus family, some things are just as much my duty to undertake," he stated.

"Don't forget, Meister is also my hometown," he reminded her.

Unquestionably, the terms Cleya offered were extremely generous, richer indeed than those usually afforded even to guardian knights of ordinary marquis families.

But by then, Rein was no longer the young servant who once aspired to advancement solely within the confines of the Habsburg estate.

At that moment, the idea of becoming the guardian knight for the Habus family or that of any other great noble lacked appeal, feeling instead like a new set of shackles.

After all, according to the contract of a guardian knight, once the family was in danger, he had to rush to their aid.

Now, the only family Rein had agreed to protect was the Crowley family, where the fair Lady Jennifer resided.

To him, his close relationship with them meant whether he was officially a guardian knight was irrelevant; Rein would come to their aid regardless.

Upon hearing Rein's words, Cleya initially showed delight, but it quickly vanished.

She slightly furrowed her brow, shaking her head, "Rein, perhaps there's something you don't know."

"From what I've gathered at the Imperial Royal Academy, the turmoil that Meister and much of the Empire's territories are currently facing, this is likely... just the beginning," she said.

"Hm? Lady Cleya, are you certain?" Rein furrowed his brow.

This turbulence, nearly sweeping through the entire Empire's territories, was just the beginning?

Why had he heard nothing of this at the Sword Bearers Branch?

"Yes, it is said to stem from a prophecy by Grand Astromancer Dalian. The Empire Emperor himself is taking this prophecy very seriously."

Grand Astromancer?

No wonder!

Rein recalled seeing a brief mention of this title in some book; it seemed to specifically denote high-ranking wizards specializing in prophecies, of which there were only a few across the entire Empire.

"Rein, I witnessed you killing the 'Ice Messenger' Grant in three moves; your knack for the path of the knight far exceeds my expectations," she confessed.

"I believe this isn't your ultimate potential; your power will continue to grow over time. Furthermore, while the conditions I offered would attract other experts, I'd still rather place my trust in you."

"As you just said, Meister is also your hometown," she added.

Cleya's words plunged Rein into deep thought.

If the current chaos was only a beginning...

Then he might need to reconsider the issue.

Despite obtaining Extraordinary Battle Techniques and witchcraft from the Imperial Sword Bearers Organization, what he lacked were resources like funds and connections.

Such things usually necessitated generational accumulation within noble families; and having only recently elevated to nobility himself, Rein was short on such heritage, so support from the Habus family would certainly be beneficial.

Setting aside other considerations, even the information Cleya had just shared was something he hadn't come across within the Sword Bearers.

Of course, this could be due to his only being part of the Sword Bearer Minter Branch, or perhaps due to insufficient privilege.

Nevertheless...

Rein still shook his head, "Lady Cleya, I'm sorry, but I must decline," he said.

This made Cleya's beautiful countenance unable to hide her disappointment!

But then, Rein quickly changed his tone, "However... Lady Cleya, please allow me to become your personal guardian knight."

Hm?

This immediately surprised Cleya, but then she showed delight.

She understood what Rein meant.

Being the guardian knight for the Habus family and being her personal guardian knight were similar, yet profoundly different.

Simply put, if he were her personal guardian knight, then other members of the Habus family seeking Rein's protection could be outright denied by him.

Also, he could act at his discretion regarding issues that implicated the interests of the Habus family, or even choose not to act at all.

The only obligation Rein would have was to intervene if she was in life-threatening danger.

"Rein, thank you," Cleya said, straightening her back, her beautiful eyes earnestly fixed on him.

But immediately, Cleya's complexion turned slightly red.

She had recalled something else.

Because traditionally, if a knight of equal formal rank expressed the wish to become a noble lady's guardian knight, it was a tacit declaration of romantic intent.

Cleya wasn't sure if Rein was aware of this custom.

Furthermore, if the noble lady accepted, it was genuinely an expression of 'I accept your affections.'

Rein, of course, was unaware of this.

Rein simply felt that if Cleya faced danger, even without any contract, he would willingly intervene.

Therefore, seeing the usually confident Lady Cleya suddenly blushing slightly, he found it somewhat strange and gave her a closer look.

But admittedly, this side of Cleya possessed a uniquely charming allure and beauty.

And Cleya, under Rein's gaze, blushed even more, quickly saying:

"Rein, I will head back to the inn first. Oh, and since we need to meet up with two reinforcements sent by my father along the way, we will depart for Meister early tomorrow morning. Does that work for you?"

"As for the official hiring ceremony and banquet, please allow me to hold them once we return to Meister."