Ferrancy

I heard you sparred with a Warden.

The girl nodded lightly at her superior's words.

"How did it feel?"
"They're strong—stronger than I imagined."

The girl paused, reflecting on her thoughts before asking her superior,

"Are all Wardens this strong? If so… what should I do to become as strong as them?"
"The secret to getting stronger isn't important. What matters is why you want to get stronger."
"Why I want to get stronger…"

The girl tilted her head, seemingly unable to understand her superior's words.

"Wardens fight against witches. Most people become Wardens because they feel a sense of duty to protect humanity, but some have no choice but to choose this path. For example… revenge."

Revenge. This unexpected word made the girl's spine chill, as if an icy blade had sliced through her.

"Are you talking about that Warden…"
"His eyes were filled with the anger of having lost something important. For such a person to become a Warden means that their family or someone equally important was harmed by a witch."

He has such a secret?
What surprised the girl the most was that her superior knew this secret.

"Did you investigate that Warden beforehand?"
"Of course not. I just sensed that aura."

Her superior's words made the girl sigh. Her superior had always been like this. No matter the situation, they could see through everything at a glance. They could perceive hidden truths. It made her feel both awe and fear.
"Those who are stronger than anyone else are often those who have experienced despair. They have a reason to grow stronger, a task they must complete. But many others get lost in despair, unable to return. "You must have despair, but beware of it."

Hey, have you heard the rumors about Lord Ferrancy?
"There are plenty of rumors about her. What is it this time?"
"Lately, a certain Warden has been meeting with Lord Ferrancy quite often."
"Oh, you mean that black-haired Warden?" What about him?
"Word is, his relationship with Lord Ferrancy isn't ordinary. Just the other day, they met alone in her office!"
"So what? He's a Warden now—why wouldn't he meet with the Pereus Knight Commander? You're making a big deal out of this."
"No, listen! Someone from the neighboring unit—who has exceptionally sharp hearing, mind you—happened to pass by the office and overheard their conversation..."
"The office walls are soundproof. No way he just 'happened' to overhear. Sounds like eavesdropping to me."
"Ugh, just let me finish! Those two… showed no respect for formalities at all!"
"No formalities? You mean they spoke casually?"
"Exactly! He straight-up called Lord Ferrancy 'you'!"
"That… is unusual."
"Unusual? It's unheard of! Even Her Majesty the Queen addresses her with proper decorum. Who would dare speak so casually to Lord Ferrancy? There's definitely something going on between them!"
"Like…?"
"A romantic relationship? Unlikely. Long-lost siblings? But they don't look alike at all…"
"Something's off for sure, but I can't figure out what."
"The whole Knights is talking about it. They say a star has appeared that can melt Lord Ferrancy's frozen heart. There's even a betting pool on their relationship. You wanna place a bet?"
"Nah, I'd rather not get involved in this mess."
"Boring! Don't come crying to me when I win big!"

Why let a talking monster go? Because that's what I was taught. To understand others' emotions and show compassion.

"The emotionless monster". That's what they call me. A genius at everything, but a demon child who lost all emotions in return. In the end, my village feared me. They cast me out in the dead of winter.

With frozen limbs, I barely made it to a small cabin in the mountains. That's where I met an old man. After hearing my story, he took me in as his daughter and taught me how to survive. But even he couldn't bring back my emotions.

So instead, he taught me about emotions as knowledge. When humans feel happiness, what anger is, why despair exists… Over a long time, he taught me bit by bit. He showed me how to understand others' feelings and act accordingly.

That day, I spared the talking monster because of his teachings. That child saw the monster as a friend. If I killed it, the kid would've been heartbroken. And he always told me… never make a child cry. Even now, I still don't understand what friendship is. I don't understand why losing a friend is sad.

Before he passed, he told me to go see the world. To spread my wings, aim high, and explore beyond. So, I did. I became the Knight Commander of Pereus. The highest position I could reach with my abilities.

Years have passed, and I still don't understand human emotions. They're so unfamiliar to me. But even so, I'll always be grateful to that man who was like a father to me. Without him, I wouldn't be here today.