Hissop’s condition, even sugar-coating it, could hardly be called good. His workload had already ballooned due to the Sword of the South Tournament incident. On top of that, he now had to host the party, leaving him in a truly miserable state. The greatest headache was that Vector, the third son of the Browning Duchy, and Princess Iris would both be attending. Thankfully, Veiga had offered to teach them all the etiquette and customs of such noble gatherings, but Hissop still felt no real relief. “It is deeply unsettling that the fate of Sefira rests on his shoulders, but we know absolutely nothing about parties.” Still, despite his unease, Hissop did not doubt or interfere with Veiga. He could see that Veiga was doing his utmost, and Sefira had no one else it could rely on for the time being. Hissop’s head throbbed, and the strain in his eyes was unbearable. He set aside his papers and looked up at the ceiling. A doorkeeper knocked on the door. “Lord Hissop. Keter’s close friend, Daat, requests an audience. How shall we proceed?” Hissop knew instinctively that Daat was not here simply to exchange pleasantries. Though he had never seen his face nor spoken a word with him, the fact that Daat had come to him within thirty minutes of leaving Liqueur for Sefira proved he was no ordinary figure. If he keeps company with Keter, perhaps that much is only natural… Hissop tapped on the table twice, deliberately off-beat. It was a signal that he would be meeting Daat here, in the study, rather than in the reception room. The door opened, and two young boys entered. One was clearly a servant, and the other, though of similar height, had a distinct presence about him. Unlike Keter’s loosened attire, this boy was dressed neatly in fine cloth, his golden hair gleaming. “I, Daat, pay my respects to the great Lord Hissop.” Unlike Keter, who showed no courtesy at all, Daat greeted him with a somewhat elaborate, old-fashioned gesture. “That manner of greeting is two hundred years old. These days, the form is simpler.” “Then I shall learn the modern way and present it properly the next time we meet,” Daat answered calmly without embarrassment. “What business brings you to me?” “I have a request for you, my lord.” Hissop studied Daat’s gaze. They were calm; he couldn’t read Daat at all. Daat made no attempt to conceal his extraordinariness, and Hissop, recognizing it immediately, gestured for the doorkeeper to close the door. Then he rose from his seat. “Tell me: what is it you want from me?” Hissop had already granted Daat free access to any part of Sefira. What more could he want? Money? Power? “I wish to know three things about Sefira. Will you tell me?” “That depends on what those three things are.” Daat raised three fingers and continued, “Your military strength, your financial state, and your values, my lord.” Hissop’s eyes widened. The weariness that had half-closed his eyes vanished. It’s fortunate that the elders are not present. Elder Panir and Elder Reganon were both absent on a short recess. If Panir had been present, he would have hurled an inkwell at Daat without hesitation. “Why do you wish to know such things, Daat, friend of Keter?” “For the sake of Sefira.” “You realize how easily that could be misunderstood. It could sound as if you intend to act in my stead as the patriarch.” “Not so. I wish to serve as your advisor, my lord.” “I didn’t tell Keter that I needed an advisor. Do you think I lack that much as the patriarch?” “I don’t know, my lord. It has been less than an hour since I came to the outside world, but seeing you surrounded by mountains of paperwork, I thought a capable aide might serve you well.” At that bold reply, Hissop found himself laughing. “Hahaha! You look even younger than Keter, and yet you claim you would help me. Have you even worked in another noble family before?” “I have not, but I can learn.” “That is not something to be learned in a day or two.” “And why should I believe that?” “Test me, and you will see.” “Haha…” Hissop sat back down, taking up his quill. “Leave. I reject your request.” It was a cold answer, but Daat showed no emotion and calmly asked, “Do you not trust me, my lord?” Daat already had a sense of Keter’s influence in Sefira. Keter could be called a savior without exaggeration. He had introduced himself as both Keter’s brother and partner. This question was asking: if Hissop trusted Keter, how could he not also trust the one Keter trusted? Without hesitation, Hissop shook his head. “Just as you said: I cannot simply trust an outsider who came here less than an hour ago. I trust Keter, so I permit you to stay and act freely in Sefira, but beyond that, you must win for yourself.” “When you leave, bow your head, keep your eyes down, and step backward to the door.” “I await our next visit, my lord.” Thus, their meeting ended stiffly, with no real results. Though he had been refused by Besil, who was still in training, Daat left satisfied after meeting Hissop. His request had been firmly denied. A smile spread across his face. If Hissop had, without suspicion, fawned over him and revealed Sefira’s inner secrets, he would have been greatly disappointed. Trust has to be earned. If he had told me everything just for being Keter’s friend, that would mean he was reckless. If someone like that is the leader of Sefira, he’s just a ticking time bomb. Moreover, Hissop had not rejected him outright; he had said to return once trust had been built. That meant that, if Daat could prove himself, his counsel would be accepted. He has an open mind, but not open to everyone. Of course, Daat would now see just how picky Hissop could be, but for the moment, he had confirmed that Hissop’s capacity was not lacking to lead Sefira. Now, where should I go? Daat began wandering without a destination. He focused on the sound around him. He had only met the patriarch in the main mansion because it had caught his eye. He now wanted to go somewhere related to sounds, so he followed the loudest noise and soon arrived at a peculiar building. “Is this… the forge?” “Yes. Sefira has its own forge. They mainly produce bows and arrows, as well as anything else requiring smithing.” “Impressive scale.” Daat nodded. But when he tried to enter, guards blocked him. “Who are you? The forge is not open to just anyone.” The servant whispered to him, “It seems word of you has not yet reached the forge. Perhaps we should turn back today...” Ignoring the advice, Daat stepped forward. If they did not know him, he would simply tell them. “Do you know who Keter is?” “O-of course! The one who won the Sword of the South Tournament and returned…” “I am his sworn brother.” “Then please, enter!” He had only said they were close, but the guards yielded instantly. From their expressions, Daat could tell that he had been disciplined by Keter before, more than once. As expected of you, Big Brother. As Daat stepped inside, feeling the influence of Keter, he was immediately struck by the searing heat. Unlike the cool outside, the forge was so hot that one needed aura to shield oneself. “Ugh, Mr. Daat, I cannot bear it here.” The servant, who couldn’t use aura, retreated, unable to endure. “Then wait outside. I will look around alone.” “I-I apologize, but yes. Thank you.” And so Daat entered the forge alone, until the blacksmiths barred his path again. “Beyond this point lies Master Volkanus’ workshop. Whoever you are, you must turn back.” “Does Lord Volkanus not get along with Keter?” “What is your relation to Lord Keter?” “If you must know, you may regret it.” Unlike the guards, the blacksmiths were not so quick to yield. That alone showed how important this Volkanus must be. Then, a bellowing shout came from inside. “Keter?! Has Keter come?!” Thıs content belongs to 𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹✶𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗲✶𝗻𝗲𝘁 In this place where even voices were swallowed by the immense heat, that roar cut through it, shaking Daat’s skull. A man with the typical appearance of a dwarf burst out. Seeing the blacksmiths bow deeply to him, Daat realized he must be Volkanus. He also followed the other blacksmiths, bowing to him in greeting. “It’s an honor to meet you, Lord Volkanus. I am Daat.” “Damn it, you’re not Keter! Who the hell are you?” “I am Daat, Lord Volkanus.” “Yeah? Then get lost!” So he cares nothing for anyone but Keter. That makes him easy to handle. “What? Keter sent you? Why?!” “He told me to see Sefira, and especially to meet Lord Volkanus, a core figure of the house.” Dwarves weren’t good at showing their emotions, but Volkanus was grinning so wide that the corners of his lips were practically touching his ears. “Come in, then! I’ll show you around! What did you say your name was?” “So, how much do you know about archery… No, never mind.” He suddenly grabbed Daat’s hand. Daat could have withdrawn if he wanted to, but he let Volkanus as he didn’t feel any malice. Volkanus inspected his hand, then scowled. “You are no soldier or warrior. Certainly no archer. Your hands are as soft as a maiden’s.” “I do not take needless pains. Instead…” Daat tapped his head. “I use this.” “Hah! A sly one, then.” “I would prefer it if you called me a strategist.” “What did you come here for? Just go look at that and leave right away.” Volkanus scoffed. “I didn’t come here for anything in particular, but I wanted to see if there’s anything worthwhile. I’m curious how valuable Sefira is.” “You’re just as shameless and insufferable as Keter. Fine then, I’ll show you everything. Let’s see how well someone who’s never even touched a bow can judge them.” And so Volkanus allowed Daat in, showing him the storerooms of bows and arrows. Then, Volkanus suddenly asked him to pick a bow, to which he refused. “I won’t choose carelessly. If I am to choose, I’ll do it properly, in time.” “You’re stubborn, just like Keter. You’re like him in all the worst ways.” Volkanus shook his head. Daat toured the entire forge, but he wasn’t too impressed. Hmm. Ordinarily impressive. Daat knew nothing about archery, but he was a genius; one quick look and he was able to figure out the essence of archery and the direction it pursued. Why archery, of all things? Daat didn’t particularly care about weapons, but Sefira’s devotion to archery didn’t seem like a coincidence. Maybe it’s my imagination, but it feels that way. “May I try shooting one?” Daat asked. “Have you ever held a bow?” Volkanus asked. “I have no time to teach you. Go to the Celestial Archery Hall.” Volkanus wasn’t the type to offer many explanations, but that was fine. Daat was smart enough to figure it out: the name alone told him it was an institution that taught the fundamentals of archery and trained soldiers. Daat was not interested in archery, having already learned Flying Thunder Swords, but they had many similarities. Now that he was tied to Sefira, he knew it was necessary to study archery. That would allow him to devise strategies as well. Daat wasted no time in getting to the Celestial Archery Hall. As he was looking around, someone approached him, bellowing, “Who are you? I’ve never seen you before. Why are you loitering here? Suspicious!” “That is Sir Gant, a former Galaxy Knight and now the chief instructor of the hall…” the servant explained after leaning in. He then hesitated for a moment before whispering, “...and he often quarreled with Lord Keter. I would not recommend mentioning his name.”