*One month later - Magic Knights Headquarters Construction Site*
The skeletal frame of what would become the Magic Knights' castle rose against the cloudy sky, its gothic spires and towers already taking shape despite being only half-completed. Damian stood on a temporary observation platform, watching as construction crews directed by earth mages shaped stone and steel with magical precision.
"The main structure should be finished within two months," Tycun reported, joining him on the platform. "The specialized areas for each captain will take longer, but we'll have basic training facilities operational soon."
"Good," Damian replied, his emerald eyes tracking the progress. "Any word from our potential recruits?"
"Seven confirmed acceptances so far, including some impressive candidates." Tycun handed him a file. "That former Rune Knight captain you wanted to interview agreed to meet with us next week. And there's been some interesting developments with those other potential captains we discussed."
Damian opened the file, scanning the profiles within. Each represented a skilled mage with their own reasons for wanting to join his cause—some seeking better resources to protect people, others frustrated with the bureaucracy of existing organizations.
"Speaking of captains," Tycun continued, "I may have found someone perfect for our second position. There's a mage causing quite a stir in the underground fighting circuits—goes by 'Famine.' Small, fast, specializes in status effect magic that can turn the tide of any battle."
"Underground fighting?" Damian raised an eyebrow. "That doesn't sound particularly noble."
"Neither was bounty hunting," Tycun replied dryly. "But I checked into her background. Real name's Teal. She's been using the prize money to support an orphanage in her hometown. The fighting's just a means to an end."
Before Damian could respond, a familiar voice called from below. "Damian! Are you up there?"
Both men looked down to see Levy standing at the base of the platform, her blue hair bright against the gray stone. She wore her usual orange dress and carried a thick book under her arm.
"I'll leave you to your visitor," Tycun said with what might have been the ghost of a smile. "I'll arrange a meeting with Teal for next week."
As Tycun descended the platform, Damian made his way down to greet Levy. Over the past month, she'd become a regular visitor to the construction site, often bringing new books to discuss or simply wanting to see the progress being made.
"This is impressive," she said, craning her neck to look up at the rising towers. "It's really starting to look like something out of a fairy tale."
"A fortress, not a fairy tale," Damian corrected, though he was smiling. "Function over form."
"Why can't it be both?" Levy asked, settling onto a stone bench that had been placed near the construction site. "Just because it's military doesn't mean it can't be beautiful."
Damian joined her on the bench, noting the way the afternoon light caught the silver threads in her hair. "What brings you by today? Not that I'm complaining."
"I finished reading that book you recommended on magical governance," she said, pulling the tome from under her arm. "The one about the ancient kingdom of Stella."
"Ah, 'The Rise and Fall of Magical Monarchy,'" Damian said, recognizing the leather binding. "What did you think?"
"Fascinating and terrifying in equal measure," Levy replied honestly. "King Aurelius started with noble intentions—creating order, protecting his people, establishing justice. But by the end, he was executing mages for practicing magic without royal permission."
Damian was quiet for a moment, staring at the construction before them. "The chapter on his gradual transformation was... illuminating. How small compromises led to larger ones, how exceptions became rules."
"It made me think about our conversations," Levy said carefully. "About power and accountability and the importance of having people who can say 'no' to you."
"And?" Damian prompted, sensing there was more.
Levy took a deep breath, as if steeling herself for a difficult conversation. "I've been wondering if I'm doing enough. Here you are, building something that could change the kingdom, and I'm just... observing from the sidelines."
"You're not on the sidelines," Damian said firmly. "Your perspective has shaped every major decision I've made about this organization. The accountability measures, the oversight protocols, even the selection criteria for knights—they all reflect discussions we've had."
"But that's just talk," Levy said, frustration creeping into her voice. "You're the one actually doing something. Maybe I should—"
"No," Damian interrupted, his voice gentle but firm. "Levy, what you provide is more valuable than another sword arm or another tactical mind. You're my connection to the people I'm trying to protect. You're the voice that reminds me why this matters."
"But I could do more if I joined officially. I could—"
"You could lose the very thing that makes your counsel so valuable," Damian said, turning to face her fully. "The moment you become part of the Magic Knights, you stop being an independent voice. You become invested in the organization's success rather than questioning its methods."
Levy was quiet, her brown eyes studying his face. "You really believe that?"
"I do," he said sincerely. "History is full of advisors who started as independent voices and gradually became yes-men once they gained position and power. I need you to remain outside the system, free to challenge me without worrying about your career or position."
"Even if it means I can't help as much as I'd like?"
"Especially then," Damian replied. "Besides, you're helping more than you realize. Do you know how many of my knights-to-be have asked about the 'blue-haired mage who keeps the prince honest'? You're already becoming a legend."
Despite her serious mood, Levy laughed. "A legend? That's a bit much."
"Is it?" Damian's expression grew thoughtful. "You're an eighteen-year-old Fairy Tail mage who regularly debates political theory with the crown prince and isn't afraid to tell him when he's wrong. That's fairly legendary behavior."
A comfortable silence settled between them as they watched the construction crews work. The sun was beginning to set, painting the sky in shades of gold and crimson that reflected off the rising castle walls.
"Damian," Levy said eventually, her voice soft. "Promise me something."
"Anything."
"Promise me that even when this place is finished, even when you have your knights and your power and your influence... promise me you'll still be the person sitting on this bench with me right now. The person who cares more about doing right than being right."
Damian felt something tighten in his chest at the vulnerability in her voice. Without thinking, he reached over and took her hand, intertwining their fingers.
"I promise," he said quietly. "And I promise that as long as you're willing to keep me honest, I'll keep listening."
Levy squeezed his hand, her cheeks slightly pink. "Good. Because I have a lot more books about failed kingdoms that I plan to inflict on you."
"I wouldn't have it any other way," Damian replied, and realized he meant it completely.
As the sun set over their growing castle, neither of them moved to break the moment. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, new recruits to interview, new decisions to make. But for now, it was enough to sit together and watch their shared vision take shape against the darkening sky.
In the distance, Tycun observed from a castle window, his granite features softening into what might have been approval. The prince would need allies in the battles ahead, but perhaps what he needed most was exactly what he had—someone who saw the man behind the crown and cared enough to protect both.
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