Back at the audience chamber.


    It had only been a few days, yet the chamber had already been restored to its former grandeur.


    The copsed walls from the sh of magic and divine power, and the sword marks left by Havel were nowhere to be seen—it was as pristine as the first time I saw it.


    It couldn’t have been restored so quickly by pce workers alone; the lingering traces of mana were far too dense.


    They must have used some form of magic for the restoration.


    While I stared nkly at the floor, pondering what kind of magic had been used—


    “…Thus, the innocence of Theodore Lindelheit is recognized, as is the folly of the Imperial Court.”


    The opening remarks of the event,bining the recognition of our achievements, Ca’s reinstatement, and my conferment of a title, came to a close.


    Rodrigo, who had deliberately left the Empress’s seat empty, spoke again. The Emperor, looking even more gaunt than when I first saw him, continued.


    “The reinstatement of the Lindelheit Dukedom, 30 years of Imperial support, the removal of the ve brand for Ca Lindelheit, who will be the new head of the family, and as a token of our pledge not to repeat such mistakes, we grant the Amnesty Scepter.”


    At Rodrigo’s nod, the chambein retrieved a long box and opened it.


    Inside was an elegant crimson cloth, which, when unfolded, revealed a dazzling golden staff.


    The staff Ca had been using—the one I had first bought her—was also gold, but beyond its color and elongated shape, the resemnce ended.


    That staff, though the best off-the-shelf equipment money could buy, was gaudy and ostentatious, earning it the nickname “Golden sh Staff.”


    In contrast, the Amnesty Scepter exuded a natural, subdued nobility, as though it were a masterpiece of art.


    To think they’d present a genuine luxury staff made of gold after seeing Ca use the “Golden sh.”


    While I couldn’t yet gauge its performance as a staff, its value as a decorative item was indisputable.


    Of course, its true purposey elsewhere.


    “This staff symbolizes amnesty. Except in cases of treason, any crimemitted—even usations of being a cultist—will be pardoned by the Imperial Court’s authority. Please, do not refuse this gift.”


    “Ah…”


    Ca stared at the Amnesty Scepter with wide eyes.


    Emotions flickered across her ruby-like pupils, appearing and disappearing countless times.


    Well, it was understandable.


    The restoration of the Lindelheit Dukedom and Ca’s liberation from very were anticipated oues.


    But 30 years of Imperial support? A scepter granting immunity from all but treason? Even with generous assumptions, I hadn’t expected rewards this extensive.


    And this wasn’t limited to Ca. Every member of our group would receive something, but starting with such an impressive reward was surprising.


    Whether it was publicizing Fiona’s identity or positioning me as a hero, the Empire seemed determined to go all in.


    There were likely several reasons—public image management, currying favor with me and Ca, showcasing the Empire’s strength, and so on.


    Well, as long as it would benefit us, there was no need to overthink their intentions.


    All we needed to do was ept it graciously and use it wisely.


    Yet, for some reason, Ca hesitated, gazing at the Amnesty Scepter with a contemtive expression instead of taking it.


    …Why?


    With 30 years of support, restoring the Lindelheit family’s glory would be no challenge. And with the Amnesty Scepter, she could handle any unforeseen issues.


    Ca surely understood that simply epting it would achieve all these things…


    As murmurs arose around us, Ca, wearing a resolute expression, bowed deeply.


    “I am deeply grateful for Your Majesty’s grace… but if I may be so bold, I wish to make a request.”


    “If it will alleviate your grievances, I shall grant it without hesitation. Speak.”


    Rodrigo, clearly intent on fostering goodwill, agreed readily.


    But what Ca said next was something no one in the chamber had anticipated.


    “Once again, I thank Your Majesty for your generosity. But I humbly request that you reconsider the reward pertaining to my status.”


    “…What?”


    A stunned silence filled the audience chamber.


    No one had expected Ca to refuse to be freed from very.


    …Not even I.


    Of all things, I thought she would at least cast off thebel of “ve.” After all, she couldn’t achieve her lifelong goal of restoring Lindelheit while bearing such a status.


    Though she often said she embodied all of Lindelheit, this was different.


    Without freeing herself from very, she couldn’t inherit the achievements, honor, wealth, or lineage passed down through the generations.


    Granted, the lineage might not break, but to forsake all that history was unthinkable.


    Even if the Lindelheit Dukedom was reinstated and received 30 years of support, having a ve as its head would render it meaningless.


    Rejecting this reward was tantamount to rejecting all rewards except for the Amnesty Scepter.


    And since ves couldn’t legally own property, the scepter would ultimately revert to me. Essentially, she was rejecting everything.@@novelbin@@


    By refusing a token of reconciliation, Ca was effectively dering she couldn’t forgive the Levantin Empire and had no intention of improving rtions.


    Judging by the wary nces at Rodrigo, many interpreted it that way.


    The Emperor, his expression hardening, spoke.


    “This decision was made after considerable deliberation… Why do you refuse it?”


    Indeed. Why? I was just as curious.


    In the hushed atmosphere, Ca’s lips parted, and her melodic voice echoed.


    “I am deeply humbled, Your Majesty, but I have already dedicated everything to my master. Restoring my family’s honor is important, but I cannot betray my loyalty.”


    “Loyalty… Loyalty, you say…”


    Rodrigo repeated the word with a bitter smile.


    Despite unwavering loyalty to the Empire, the Lindelheit family had been abandoned due to intrigue. Meanwhile, the Empress, who was supposed to be the Emperor’s steadfast partner, betrayed him.


    His thoughts must beplicated.


    Meanwhile, the most shocked expression in the room belonged to Havel, probably wondering if Fiona’s “Ca brainwashing theory” was true.


    Not that he believed it even when it wasn’t mentioned…


    Anyway, we couldn’t linger in sentimentality forever. Before long, Rodrigo nodded.


    “As the ruler of the Empire, how could I deny such a heartfelt intention? Especially when ites from the daughter of Lindelheit. Very well. You shall retain your status, and the Amnesty Scepter will be granted to your master. Will this suffice?”


    “Thank you. Truly, thank you.”


    Ca bowed deeply.


    The chambein standing beside her walked toward me, offering the box containing the Amnesty Scepter. I epted it with a respectful demeanor.


    The ceremony continued. Iona and Helena received various rewards, and Elisha was officially recognized as innocent and granted quasi-noble status within the Levantin Empire.


    As I felt the luxurious texture of the box in my hands, I kept pondering—over and over again.


    Finally, Rodrigo, havingpleted themendations for the others, spoke to mark the main event of the day: the conferment of my title.


    “Yandel. You have defeated countless cultists and monsters, cleared dungeons, and returned their power to its rightful owner. In the Kingdom of Crasius, alongside Iona Francesca, you vanquished high-ranking members of the cults of the Evil Gods and an undead army. You rescued Sris from encirclement by the Greenskin army, unraveled the web of conspiracies shadowing this Empire, and crushed the minion of the Evil God hidden in its highest ranks, thereby shattering their vile schemes. In recognition of your achievements, I hereby bestow upon you the title of Count.”


    And I had made my decision.


    “Furthermore, given the unparalleled assistance you have rendered to the Empire, I grant you the right, as per custom, to dere your own name. Speak your new name.”


    I raised my head slightly and articted the words I had been contemting moments before.


    “Yandel Lindelheit. That will be my new name, Your Majesty.”


    “What…?”


    Rodrigo looked more bewildered than he had when Ca refused to be freed from very. The reactions of others present were no different.


    Even Ca seemed to struggle toprehend what she’d just heard, her lips parting soundlessly like a fish out of water.


    This was the reaction I had expected. While choosing your own family name was allowed, it wasn’t a free-for-all.


    Naturally, names that insulted the Imperial family or existing noble houses were forbidden.


    Additionally, most title recipients opted to establish their own family name rather than co-opt someone else’s.


    Yet here I was, choosing the name of the fallen Lindelheit house—a name Ca had just relinquished her im to.


    It wasn’t surprising that it came across as absurd, perhaps even mocking.


    Still, I wouldn’t change my decision. It was already made.


    Rodrigo, who had been momentarily stunned, let out a faint chuckle before asking,


    “You aren’t merely saying you wish to adopt the name Lindelheit, are you? Have I understood correctly?”


    “Indeed, Your Majesty. I wish to im everything the Lindelheit Dukedom once possessed. I am even willing to forgo all other rewards for this purpose.”


    “I see. May I ask why?”


    “Of course, Your Majesty.”


    Why had Ca chosen to remain a ve?


    Certainly, her mindset had been shaped by her upbringing and circumstances as a ve. But her behavior since bing my ve lingered in my mind.


    Statements like, ‘Even if you marry someday, please don’t sell me. I’m fine being just a trinket, as long as I can stay by your side,’ and her absolute obedience, striving to meet my preferences with every effort she could muster.


    Reflecting on her past, Ca had been betrayed by the Empire she loyally served, abandoned by the vassal lords she trusted implicitly, shunned by the eternal friend she once relied on, and ignored by the Academy professors who once praised her exceptional talent.


    In a single moment, she lost every support she had.


    The fear of being discarded must have haunted her ever since.


    If she were to shed her ve status, it might inevitably create distance between us. Perhaps she feared that, as my former ve, suddenly bing a duke would ce her above me, which I might resent.


    Thus, Ca chose to abandon the restoration of the Lindelheit name in favor of preserving the status quo.


    Not because she truly desired it, but because fear drove her to give up.


    This was only my interpretation, but after spending so much time with her, I felt certain it was true.


    Gathering that certainty within myself, I looked at Ca.


    Formalities and etiquette no longer mattered. All that mattered was conveying my feelingspletely.


    Her hair, resembling threads spun from gold, framed ruby-red eyes that evoked the image of a rabbit caught before a predator.


    Just as on the day we first met, Ca exuded delicate beauty, as if she were a finely crafted ornament, yet she carried an air of fragility.


    I offered her a small smile.


    “Ca has given her all as my ve. …Thus, I believe it is my duty to respond to her devotion by granting her everything she has ever wanted.”


    A radiant smile, one of pure happiness, finally blossomed on Ca’s face.


    They say every rtionship has its own form.


    If so, this must be the way Ca and I express our love for each other.


    And I didn’t doubt that truth for even a moment.