Episode 133

I beamed at Lisburn’s answer.

“This is going to be a good deal for both of us, Lord Lisburn.”

Because those who had lost their family would finally find their way back.

At my words, Lisburn lifted the corner of his mouth and said,

“I’m not someone who enjoys gambling, but I like the unwavering look in your eyes, Lady Sierra. Who are the people you wish to confirm blood relations with?”

“They’re right here. Count and Countess Chetwind over there.”

Lisburn followed my gaze and spoke again, sounding even more surprised.

“……You believe the missing Chetwind daughter is the deceased duchess? May I ask what led you to think that?”

Watching the crowd gathering around the visiting Count and Countess, I replied,

“Last time I visited the Chetwind estate, I happened to see a portrait of the young lady. The moment I saw it, I just knew — she’s my mother.”

It was a lie.

In truth, I hadn’t recognized her immediately.

It was just that something about the girl with soft pink hair and violet eyes in the portrait had felt strangely familiar.

There was a subtle resemblance — enough that it was clear why Catherine and Harry had shown such affection toward me.

But I couldn’t exactly say, a spirit told me, so I made something up.
Fortunately, Lisburn seemed convinced.

“I see. But remember, there are no absolutes. To put it bluntly — it could all just be a misunderstanding.”

The tone of his voice sounded like that of someone worn down by countless false hopes.

“The greater the expectation, the greater the disappointment. Don’t be too sure.”

“I know.”

“Then, we’ll perform the bloodline confirmation spell after the Founding Festival banquet, at the Tower.”

At his words, I nodded.

He was right — best not to make a scene in public. It was better to gather only the concerned parties and confirm everything in private.

‘Now… the problem is how to bring this up to the Count and Countess.’

If I suddenly blurted out, I think I’m your granddaughter, I’d be treated like a lunatic.

While I was still racking my brain over how to open the conversation, a loud voice rang out.

“His Imperial Majesty the Emperor, Her Imperial Majesty the Empress, His Highness the Crown Prince, and His Highness the Second Prince are entering!”

The noisy hall quickly quieted down.

One by one, the nobles all bowed toward the Emperor.

The Emperor walked at the head of the procession, with the other royals following naturally behind.

As they entered, solemn and grand music filled the hall.

At the same time, a grand tapestry embroidered with the symbol of the Terium Empire fluttered behind the throne.

The Emperor walked down the long carpet and sat on the throne before speaking.

“You’ve all gathered here despite your busy schedules. Every person gathered here today is a pillar that supports our Terium Empire. Today is a day to commend your loyalty and hard work — so relax and enjoy yourselves.”

The Emperor raised a golden goblet high.

“Glory to the Terium Empire and His Imperial Majesty!”

A great cheer erupted from the hall.

After that, nobles approached the Emperor in order of rank, kneeling before him to swear their loyalty.

This was the real reason the most powerful houses had been gathered today — to publicly reaffirm their allegiance to the Imperial Family.

Starting with Grand Duke Ludwig, the nobles approached the stage one by one in order of precedence and made their vows.

After Ludwig, my father went up, followed by Duke Selber and Duke Millane.

Finally, after a long series of oaths, it was Count Harry Chetwind’s turn.

The Chetwind family, being a sacred lineage whose status couldn’t be ranked, always closed out the ceremony.

“It’s been a while, Harry. How have you been?”

The Emperor smiled warmly as Harry appeared.

“Thanks to Your Majesty’s grace, I’ve been enjoying a comfortable retirement.”

“You’re still as stiff and boring as ever, hahah!”

Since they were old friends, the two of them chatted casually even before the ceremony began.

Soon, Harry drew a sword that radiated holiness even from afar and made his oath of loyalty before the Emperor.

‘That’s the Holy Sword, Kirios.’

It was a relic bestowed by the Emperor long ago to the hero William Chetwind, who had earned great honor in the Monster War.

Even from a distance, it was clear it was no ordinary blade — its history set it apart from any other weapon.

The red gemstones inlaid into the sword weren’t mere decoration; they gleamed with an ancient, noble wisdom.

The Holy Sword Kirios only resonated with the blood of Chetwind — and even then, only those of almost pure blood could cause it to react strongly.

Currently, even Harry’s designated heir, his nephew Baron Daniel, could barely elicit a faint resonance.

Vmmm—.

Suddenly, I snapped my head up at a strange vibrating sound.

As I looked around trying to find the source, my gaze landed once again on the Holy Sword I had been watching earlier.

The vibration was coming from Kirios.

Harry, in the middle of solemnly finishing the oath ceremony, wore a confused expression as the sword began to resonate.

“Harry, is Kirios resonating with you?”

At the Emperor’s question, Harry shook his head, bewildered.

“No, Your Majesty. I am too old to draw a response from Kirios anymore…”

But the resonance of Kirios only grew stronger.

The nobles began to buzz with unease.

Such a strong resonance was only ever seen when Kirios recognized a new owner.

Amidst the spreading confusion, I felt a sharp, powerful pull — toward that wildly vibrating Holy Sword.

‘No way…’

Was I… resonating with the sword?

I was the only person here with near-pure Chetwind blood.

But still — this was completely unexpected.

Harry reflexively let go of the violently shaking sword.

At that moment, Kirios glowed with sacred light and cut through the air.

And it landed right in front of me.

“What in the world…”

“Is the Holy Sword reacting to Lady Sierra?”

“That’s impossible! Kirios only resonates with Chetwind blood!”

While the crowd murmured, the ones who looked the most shocked were Catherine and Harry.

They stared at me in stunned silence.

Catherine, voice trembling, cautiously approached me and said,

“Sierra… Is Kirios really reacting to you? Would you… try picking it up?”

Still dazed, I reached out and touched the hilt of the sword.

The moment I did, the sword shifted form — as if finding a new master.

Originally a long sword, it transformed into a slender rapier in my hand.

It was a well-known fact that Kirios changed shape whenever it chose a new master.

“Oh, my goodness…”

“This can’t be happening!”

Amid the gasps, Harry strode over to me, wrapping his arm around Catherine’s trembling shoulders and muttering,

“What in the world is going on…”

“For Kirios to react like this, it’s impossible unless Lady Sierra carries the Chetwind bloodline, Harry,”

Catherine said in disbelief.

Even the Emperor was watching us now, looking intrigued.

At that moment, Lisburn stepped forward from among the nobles.

“With the situation being what it is, how about we verify it right now, Lady Sierra?”

“Verify? What are you talking about, Tower Master?”

Harry asked, and Lisburn answered,

“I can conduct a bloodline confirmation between Lady Sierra and the Count.”

“……!”

Catherine hesitated briefly, then, looking determined, said,

“Harry, let’s do it. We might never get another chance.”

Catherine looked like she was harboring a bit of hope.

“To be honest, from the very first moment I met Sierra, I felt an odd sense of familiarity. And she resembles our Isabella so uncannily…”

“……Lady Sierra, if you’re willing, would you allow the Tower Master to conduct the test?”

I nodded.

I hadn’t expected to do this so publicly, but there was no backing out now.

Harry then sought the Emperor’s permission.

“Your Majesty, pardon the interruption, but there’s reason to believe a blood connection exists between Lady Sierra and our family. May we proceed with the verification?”

“Of course. The ceremony matters little compared to this. Go ahead.”

The Emperor gave permission readily, knowing full well how his old friend had spent his life searching for his lost daughter.

“Then, with both parties’ consent, I shall begin the test.”

Lisburn drew a magic formula in the air with his hand.

Soon, a brilliant light enveloped me and the Count and Countess Chetwind.

I squeezed my eyes shut against the dazzling light.

When I slowly opened them again at the sound of people murmuring, I saw everyone — the Emperor, Lisburn, all the nobles — standing in stunned silence.

In the air between me and the Chetwind couple, a green light was flickering.

Which meant…

Lisburn, confirming the result with his own eyes, spoke in an astonished voice.

“A green light signifies an extremely close blood relation — within two degrees.”

“So then…”

Catherine, hands trembling, grasped my shoulders.

“Sierra… are you really… our Isabella’s daughter?”