Several days after his encounter with the Older beast, Elias continued his preparations, anticipating Mishena’s return. By now, the final stages of the beast’s subjugation efforts were underway, and knights and adventurers alike were rallying at the front lines.
Though Elias considered reporting his unexpected skirmish with Older, he ultimately decided against it.
(They’d dismiss it as nonsense, anyway.)
It was beyond most people’s imagination that Older would target a specific individual. Instead of dealing with skepticism and bureaucracy, Elias focused on his own preparations.
Then, at midday, a soldier arrived with a summons.
“Sir Elias, Lady Mishena has returned.”
Elias, accompanied by Frenn, went to the fortress entrance to greet her.
Mishena stood waiting—but she was not alone.
Alongside her were a few individuals of note: two knights in polished armor, evidently bodyguards, and a young woman draped in a flowing robe.
She had chestnut-colored hair, warm eyes, and an aura of nobility, yet there was something distinct about her. She lacked the arrogance commonly associated with highborn lords. Instead, she carried herself with an air of composed confidence.
Her voice, when she spoke, was both warm and measured.
“A pleasure to meet you, Sir Elias.”
Elias regarded her carefully.
“No need for formality. Just Elias is fine.”
“Then, Elias, allow me to introduce myself. I am Marie Levent. Please, call me Marie.”
At the mention of her name, Elias’s expression shifted slightly.
(Even I’ve heard of the Levent name… Mishena, just what kind of connections do you have?)
The Levent family was a renowned merchant house—a family that had ascended through wealth rather than noble blood. Their economic influence had rapidly expanded, even reaching the royal capital.
Mishena, noticing his reaction, smirked.
“Marie is the second head of her house.”
Marie gave a small, graceful nod.
“My predecessor retired three years ago. Since then, I’ve been managing our affairs, though my family’s reputation was already well established before my tenure.”
Elias noticed the reaction from the soldiers around them.
Even the fortress commander, Noark, who had clearly been informed of Marie’s arrival, bore a wary expression.
(A noble—no, a powerful merchant’s visit must be politically sensitive… Noark doesn’t seem too pleased.)
But there was no changing the fact that Mishena had brought Marie here.
“Shall we move somewhere more private?”
“Yes, let’s talk in a more comfortable setting.”
Inside a private meeting room, Marie’s knights remained outside while she, Mishena, Elias, and Frenn took their seats.
Elias wasted no time.
“Let’s start with the obvious question. You have an interest in me—but why?”
Marie smiled.
“Not for political maneuvering, if that’s what concerns you.”
“You already have connections to other Holy Knights, then?”
“Of course.”
Elias narrowed his eyes.
“Then why go out of your way to meet me?”
Marie tilted her head slightly.
“Simple curiosity. A Holy Knight from the eastern territories, who rose from a humble background and was strong enough to gain Mishena’s respect—I wanted to meet you myself.”
Elias frowned.
“You traveled all the way here just out of curiosity?”
“Yes.”
Her response was so straightforward that Elias couldn’t help but sigh internally.
(So that’s how it is… At least she’s direct about it.)
“So, you came here because your friend Mishena spoke well of me, and you wanted to confirm it with your own eyes?”
“Exactly.”
Mishena interjected with a smirk.
“Marie’s always been like this. She has to see things for herself, even when it’s not necessary. She calls it ‘sharpening her eye for business,’ but really, she’s just nosy.”
Marie chuckled.
“I understand your suspicion, Elias. After all, you have no reason to trust my intentions. However, I do have some personal motivation as well.”
Elias’s eyes sharpened.
“And that is?”
“I don’t have many connections with Holy Knights stationed in the northern frontiers. Since Mishena has taken an interest in you, I see no reason not to establish a connection as well. It may prove useful in the future.”
“I’m just a Holy Knight stationed at a rear support fortress. I doubt I’d be of much value to you.”
Marie’s eyes glimmered with intrigue.
“You say that, but considering Mishena’s assessment of your abilities, I suspect your role may change soon. Perhaps even during this upcoming battle against Older.”
She smiled knowingly.
Elias exhaled, studying her expression.
(She may not have full details, but she has good instincts. That’s why the Levent family has grown so powerful so quickly.)
Deciding to probe further, Elias asked,
“How did you and Mishena meet?”
Marie’s gaze softened slightly.
“I saw her fighting monsters once. It was a moment of clarity—I knew she would achieve great things. So I reached out and offered my support, including equipment and resources.”
Elias hummed in thought.
(So she has a talent for spotting potential… That explains her presence here.)
Having Marie Levent as an ally could be valuable.
While she lacked a noble title, her economic influence made her a key player in the kingdom’s affairs. If used wisely, such a connection could help Elias push his agenda—especially regarding the eastern territories.
Still, he remained cautious.
“You’ve gone out of your way to form a connection with me. Is there something you want from me in return?”
Marie chuckled lightly.
“Not at all. Not yet, anyway.”
Mishena snorted.
“She’s just making sure she’s in the right place when things get interesting.”
Elias sighed, leaning back in his chair.
(A merchant’s perspective, through and through…)
He glanced at Frenn, who had been observing quietly.
“Thoughts?”
Frenn’s eyes flickered toward Marie.
“She’s an opportunist, but not a deceitful one.”
Marie smiled.
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
Elias folded his arms.
“Fine. For now, I’ll accept your presence here. But if you’re truly interested in my abilities, then perhaps you’ll be willing to assist in our preparations.”
Marie’s smile widened.
“I thought you’d never ask.”
The conversation continued, now shifting toward strategy and resource allocation.
The pieces were finally moving.