Episode 64: A Mother's Questions and Serina's Answers
Serina had just finished her work and was on her way back from the institute when she received a summons from her mother. Normally, no matter how busy her schedule, she welcomed her mother's call with affection. But today, there was a weight in her mother's voice that carried a sense of gravity.
With a serious expression, her mother began,"Serina, I've heard whispers about a young soldier you've been seeing often of late. They say he's a diligent fellow, but you must be mindful. Friendships, too, must be chosen carefully, especially when the future of our family is at stake."
Serina was caught off guard by the directness of the question. She paused, then smiled softly and replied in a calm voice."Mother, he is truly a good friend. Even when I lose myself in my research, he supports me sincerely, sometimes even lending a hand. Leon may be just an ordinary soldier, but he's a genuine person. One of the very few who makes me feel at ease."
Her mother narrowed her eyes slightly and gave a measured nod."I believe you, my dear. You've always chosen your company wisely. But understand this: your place is also among those who will one day carry on their families' legacies. For that reason, you should think carefully whether a common soldier is the right companion."
Serina felt the weight of her family's expectations pressing in through her mother's gaze. Yet, when she thought of Leon, a quiet warmth filled her heart. Though she didn't voice it all, she knew he already felt like more than just a friend.
After a brief hesitation, she spoke steadily."Mother… I can't deny that he feels special to me. But I wouldn't call it love, not yet. Right now, he's simply someone whose presence comforts me. Someone rare, who truly understands my heart."
Her mother's expression flickered—she hadn't expected such candor from her daughter. After a moment of silence, she sighed gently."You make a fair point. Meeting someone truly precious in one's life is rare indeed. Still, remember, the kingdom expects much of you. You cannot ignore the family's place in that."
Serina lowered her gaze, then whispered,"Mother, our family isn't built on old tradition either. Father began as a simple merchant, and yet here we are. Shouldn't merit and contribution to the kingdom matter more than birth?"
Her mother looked at her in surprise, unsettled by her daughter's firm words. Serina could see the unease and faint disappointment in her mother's eyes, but she pressed on with quiet conviction."Whatever becomes of my relationship with Leon, I know this much—he is genuine. That alone makes him precious to me. Right now, he is my friend, my supporter, and someone I trust."
A silence lingered before her mother finally offered a faint smile."You've grown, Serina. Then as your mother, I must learn to trust your judgment. Still, I hope you'll watch carefully to see if he truly cherishes and understands you."
Serina nodded."I will, Mother. I want to take things slowly and carefully. Neither of us fully understands the other yet, but I know this—he is true to me."
Her mother thought quietly to herself: If he is truly dear to her, then I must try to understand him as well.
When their talk ended, Serina found her thoughts drifting back to the time she had spent with Leon. Her heart beat faster as she admitted to herself: perhaps her feelings had already grown deeper than she realized. Just as she had told her mother, she did not wish to define it hastily, but simply to remain by his side—naturally, quietly, as herself.
**
Episode 65: News of Her Brother's Marriage and Serina's New Resolve
At long last, joyful news came to Serina's household. Her elder brother, who had been expanding the family's trade in distant provinces, had become betrothed to the daughter of a noble house from Altekna, on the kingdom's frontier.
The moment the news arrived, her parents were overjoyed. The home, long accustomed to the weight of business and duty, bloomed with warmth and laughter. For them, the engagement was more than a step toward securing the family's place in the kingdom. It meant that their son, who had quietly borne so many burdens for the family, would now have the chance to share his life and happiness with another.
Her mother turned to Serina with a look of pride."Your brother will now have a good home of his own and tie us to a noble family. What an honor for us. Our family grows stronger with each step forward."
Serina listened with a small smile. Deep inside, she felt relief. Though she carried her own responsibilities to the kingdom, perhaps this marriage would shift her parents' watchful expectations away from her, freeing her somewhat from the quiet pressure of marriage.
Her mother, sipping her tea, added,"Serina, with your brother settled so well, our family's place will only grow firmer. When I look at you, I feel even more pride. But remember, my dear, research alone is not all there is. In time, the right connection will come for you as well."
Serina flushed slightly, answering with a bright smile."I'll continue striving to bring honor to our family through my work. But for now, focusing on research is what matters most to me."
That night, she reflected on the news. Her brother's marriage would not only strengthen their family's standing but also ease the burden of expectation from her own shoulders. He had labored for years in silence, building the family's fortune, and now he too would finally have his own happiness. Knowing this filled Serina with comfort.
She thought of childhood memories with him—how he had always been a shield around her, even if distance had grown with time. Now, he would build his own home, and she could only be glad for him.
Standing at her window, gazing at the night sky, Serina felt a shift within herself. With her family's gaze turned more toward her brother, she sensed the possibility of living her life more freely—dedicating herself wholly to her path.
If I can use my knowledge and talent for the kingdom's sake, would that not be the truest way to bring pride to my family?
She took a deep breath, her resolve firming. Her brother's marriage marked not only a new chapter for him but also a quiet freedom for her—freedom to follow her own calling
**
Episode 66: Elizabeth's Inquiry and Conflicted Heart
Ever since Elizabeth, Serina's mother, learned that the soldier named Leon had stood by her daughter's side when she was injured at the institute, unease had begun to creep into her heart. Serina had spent so much of her life immersed in research, rarely finding time to form meaningful bonds. That was precisely why the presence of a companion so significant to her daughter drew Elizabeth's sharp attention.
At last, she summoned a trusted servant and quietly instructed him to investigate Leon. She wanted to know his background, his character, and above all whether his connection with Serina was truly no more than friendship. The servant obeyed at once and returned a few days later with his findings.
"My lady," he reported, "the soldier you inquired about, Leon, has recently been promoted to senior warrior. He has served faithfully for years, earning recognition for his accomplishments, and has now risen to a junior command position. He is considered reliable by his peers."
Elizabeth listened with a steady expression, nodding faintly. Diligence and success were qualities worthy of respect. Yet the servant continued with a note of caution.
"His parents, however, are farmers who emigrated from the Kingdom of Luminaria to Elysium. They still live humbly by their fields. Thus, his background differs greatly from Lady Serina's, and his birthplace lies beyond our own kingdom's borders."
Elizabeth's face hardened. For a family of merchants only recently establishing themselves among Elysium's noble circles, honor and lineage were not luxuries but necessities. She had fought long to elevate the family's standing, and she hoped Serina, too, would grow to strengthen that fragile foundation.
"Leon may indeed be diligent," she said at last, her voice quiet but firm. "But his path seems far removed from the place where Serina's future must lead."
The servant bowed deeply, replying with careful words."Indeed, my lady. Still… given how long Lady Serina has devoted herself solely to her studies, perhaps it is no harm if she sometimes finds comfort in the company of a trustworthy friend."
Elizabeth fell into troubled silence. She could not say whether Leon's humble origins would hinder or help her daughter. Yet she could not deny the simple truth: when Serina's body and spirit grew weary from relentless research, having someone steadfast at her side was a source of comfort.
But in the end, she pressed down the warring thoughts within her and resolved firmly: I must guide Serina upward, toward higher places. The stronger our family becomes, the more choices her future will hold.
That night, Elizabeth visited her daughter's chamber, where Serina sat quietly by the window. With a gentle smile, Elizabeth said softly,"Serina, you know I support you always. But remember—there will come a day when you must choose carefully who walks beside you. The path before you is not an easy one, but never doubt that your mother is watching over you."
**
Episode 67: Elizabeth's Test and Leon's Sincerity
Elizabeth soon realized that words on parchment could never tell her all she needed to know. If Leon was truly the one Serina trusted above all others, then she had to see him with her own eyes. Was he truly a worthy friend for her daughter? Did he possess the strength of character Serina believed in? To answer these questions, Elizabeth resolved to test him herself.
One evening, as the sun dipped low, Elizabeth rode in her carriage along a narrow road outside the city, accompanied by her loyal servant. It was then that six armed bandits blocked the path, their blades flashing as they advanced with mocking laughter.
"Well now, let's see what treasures this carriage holds," their leader sneered. Elizabeth tried to remain composed, though fear pricked at her chest.
At that moment, two soldiers appeared in the distance, sprinting toward the fray. They were Leon and his comrade Ethan, returning from patrol. Without hesitation, they rushed forward, their eyes burning with resolve.
Elizabeth's heart tightened. Could two soldiers stand against six armed brigands? But there was no hesitation in their movements. Leon inhaled deeply, channeling the trained flow of enhancement magic through his body. No longer clumsy or uneven, the energy spread evenly through his frame, granting him both speed and strength.
"Ethan, with me!" Leon called firmly."With you," Ethan replied, raising his blade with a grin.
The two fought as one—Leon's reinforced strikes deflecting enemy steel with ease, Ethan's quick blades cutting through every opening. The bandits faltered under their precision, their confidence unraveling. One by one, they fell, until the road lay silent once more.
When the last foe was subdued, Leon approached the carriage, his voice steady."I'm glad you are safe. Were either of you harmed?"
Elizabeth blinked, surprised by the gentleness in his tone. This was no rough soldier, but a man who carried duty with humility. Her servant leaned close, whispering quietly,"My lady, this is Leon—the one who often keeps company with Lady Serina."
Elizabeth studied him intently. Until now, he had been only a name in a report. Yet here stood a young man who fought with valor and spoke with calm respect. Even the magic he wielded had not gone unnoticed. Such mastery was rare among ordinary soldiers—it spoke of discipline, and of potential.
"Leon, my thanks," Elizabeth said graciously, extending a small purse in recognition. It was customary, after all, to offer soldiers some reward for their service.
But Leon lifted his hand, bowing politely."We only did our duty. Knowing you return home safely is reward enough."
Ethan added with a quiet nod, "Please don't mistake our refusal for disrespect, my lady. This is simply what we are sworn to do."
Elizabeth felt her guarded heart stir. Their refusal of coin, their pride in service, their humility—it was rare indeed. Leon, especially, stood differently than the soldiers she had known. She sensed her doubts loosening, replaced by reluctant admiration.
Her eyes caught, for a fleeting moment, on a small pendant at Leon's neck. Its strange gleam, crafted from an uncommon material, reminded her at once of the emergency charms Serina herself often forged. As a merchant's wife, Elizabeth recognized instantly that it was no ordinary trinket.
So… Serina entrusted him with something of her own making. That is no small gesture.
On the carriage ride home, Elizabeth sat in silence, her mind conflicted. Leon's origins might lie in the soil of another land, but his strength, his humility, and his sincerity shone brighter than lineage. For the first time, she began to understand why Serina had opened her heart to this soldier