Chapter 528
Chapter 528
The reason why Tis name was brought up as a candidate to become the adopted daughter of Baldia and the legitimate wife of Amon Grand Duke is primarily due to her sense of loyalty and her strong determination to become a knight.
The person who becomes his legitimate wife must, in the future, inevitably marry into the territory of the fox tribe. Moreover, as the wife of the tribal chief, it is evident that the fox tribe's nobility and the scheming imperial nobles will approach her.
Therefore, the wife of the tribal chief must possess unwavering convictions that are not swayed by the sweet words of such individuals, along with a deep sense of loyalty and responsibility.
Otherwise, there is a possibility that the "Battle of the Narrow Fortress" could happen again in the future.
But such a thing must never happen, not even by the slightest chance.
There is also the matter of the secret pact made with Amon.
We can only entrust this role to someone we and my father can trust, and it is a position of great responsibility that carries the future of both families and nations. Half-hearted determination will not suffice.
Therefore, the number of young ladies or girls who can be sent as adopted daughters is naturally limited.
And Tis is one of the few girls who fit these conditions, as my father and I believed.
"Being a noble lady with ties to the Baldia family is not enough. She must have firm convictions and be able to fulfill her duties and responsibilities. Only someone like 'Cross' can handle this role."
"...Someone like Papa,"Tis murmured softly, causing Tink to shake his head.
"However, even if she becomes the adopted daughter of the Baldia family, if the wife of the tribal chief is of 'commoner origin,' she will face criticism."
"No, I don't think that will be a problem. In fact,Tis will likely be welcomed by the fox tribe."
As I answered, Thys tilted her head in confusion.
"Why would I be welcomed?"
"Because you are the daughter of Cross, who created the opportunity to defeat Elba."
As Tink and Tis blinked in confusion, I explained the mindset of the fox tribe—or rather, the beast tribe in general.
The beast tribe holds a strong belief in the "survival of the fittest," making it a society that values strength, for better or worse.
What the tribal chiefs and nobles seek in a partner is not noble lineage, but the "bloodline of the strong."
Elba was overwhelmingly powerful among the fox tribe, and his strength became a kind of charm that captivated some nobles and commoners alike.
Cross was the one who struck a blow against Elba, who was such an absolute figure, and even damaged the battle axe he wielded.
I later learned that the "battle axe" Elba used in the Battle of the Narrow Fortress was a masterpiece crafted by the finest blacksmiths of the fox tribe.
At one point, there was even a saying: "Before the strongest battle axe wielded by the most fearsome Elba Grand Duke, no enemy stands a chance."
Elba and his battle axe were symbols of the old Grand Duke family.
Cross was the one who created the opportunity to shatter that symbol.
In truth, without Cross's efforts, I would not have been able to defeat Elba.
Additionally, the presence of the fox tribe warriors who witnessed the battle between Elba and me was significant.
After the war, they spread stories far and wide about how intense the battle between Elba and us was, and how the knights of Baldia bravely fought and brought Elba down.
As a result, Cross, who created the opportunity for Baldia's victory, is seen as a hero among some of the fox tribe.
"...So, even ifTis marries into the fox tribe's territory, I don't think she will face criticism for being of commoner origin. Of course,Tis herself will need to become stronger."
"I never imagined that my husband's achievements would be so celebrated in the fox tribe's territory."
"Papa, a hero?"Tis shook his head in disbelief, while Thys looked somewhat pleased.
That said, Tis is s a candidate for the Second Knight Order and is at the top of both martial arts and academics.
If she continues to grow like this, she should become a talented woman who will not be criticized by the fox tribe.
Moreover, if she becomes my adopted sister, I can teach her more efficient ways to train in both magic and combat.
She will become a lady who does not disgrace the name of the Baldia family, possessing the wisdom and strength to survive in any situation.
"Let me say this again: this great responsibility cannot be handled with half-hearted determination. It's not something you can do just because someone told you to or because you can become the adopted daughter of the Baldia family. If you think it's too much, it's fine to decline."
"Eh, is it really okay to decline?"
Surprised, Tis blinked.
"Of course, what we discussed here must not be shared with others. But before I spoke to you, I approached one other person, and she politely declined."
"Before me? If I may ask, who was that?"
In response to Thys's question, I shook my head.
"Sorry, I can't tell you that. But it's certain that she had the same kind of determination and conviction as you."
"I see. Understood."
lTis ooked down, somewhat disappointed.
By the way, the girl I approached earlier was Noir, a member of the Second Knight Order and a fox tribeswoman.
She has a secret background as the daughter of Greias Grand Duke, the younger brother of the former tribal chief.
In addition, she has a track record of contributing greatly to the defeat of Gales during the Battle of the Narrow Fortress by accompanying my father and Amon to avenge her father's disgrace and resentment.
She possessed both lineage and qualifications, as well as the qualities and upbringing to be a legitimate wife.
However, Noir had already declined the offer to become an adopted daughter, stating that she had abandoned the Grand Duke family name.
"If I, the daughter of Greias, were to return now, it could create a new faction within the fox tribe, which is finally coming together under Amon-sama's leadership, and could become a future source of conflict. Moreover, I must admit that I have someone I am determined to be with. Therefore, while this is a great honor, I must respectfully decline."
Her resolute demeanor in front of my father and me had a dignified grace that rivaled even that of imperial nobles.
However, her concern about creating a "new faction" was not entirely unfounded.
Currently, the fox tribe is divided into roughly three factions: those who support the old system or Elba and Gales, the remnants of the Greias faction, and those who follow Amon.
In such a situation, if Noir were to become Amon's legitimate wife, there might be those who would argue, "Noir, as the daughter of Greias, is the one truly fit to be the tribal chief."
Her concerns were not entirely unfounded, and my father and I shared some of those worries.
In any case, this is a position of great responsibility.
After all, only someone who volunteers willingly can handle it, which is why we accepted her refusal without hesitation.
Well, she also has Ragard, so her refusal was somewhat expected.
If anything, it was more about ensuring there were no lingering resentments by following the proper procedures.
I cleared my throat and looked at the two before me again.
"So, what do you think?"
"W-well, I..." Tis hesitated, and Tink leaned forward with a stern expression.
"Lord Riner, Lord Rid. This is a great honor, but..."
As she began to speak, Thys interrupted, "Wait," and looked at me.
"I'll do it. I will become the adopted daughter of the Baldia family and, in the future, marry into the fox tribe's territory."
Her young but resolute voice echoed clearly through the room
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