Return of the Legendary Runesmith

"You want me to accept Valmora’s request?" Ruby blinked, clearly surprised by the Runesmith’s unexpected demand.

In return for information about the second Thread, he wanted House Vermillion to invest in the capital’s security—and provide Valmora with advanced weapons that only House Vermillion produced and sold to a select few nobles.

Adrian sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I know I’m asking for a lot, especially when there’s not much they can give back, but... think of it as me trying to be patriotic."

He sounded unsure, but Ruby could understand where he was coming from.

Lately, there had been a series of explosions across the country. A terrorist group seemed to have emerged from the shadows, spreading chaos wherever they went.

Her family has also sent spies to investigate the matter but they still haven’t found a single clue about them.

It was only a matter of time before they targeted the capital. So Adrian’s concern made sense.

"I feel like I’m asking too much, so—" he began.

"No, it’s fine," Ruby cut him off. "If you teach me how you sense mana nodes, then I’ll help Valmora."

Adrian stared at her, clearly stunned. After a pause, he asked, "Are... you sure? Your father might not agree to this."

It was a huge decision—investing millions of gold coins—so naturally, Ruby should get her father’s permission first.

However, Ruby smiled and said, "You don’t need to worry. There’s a very slim chance he’d reject something I ask for. And even if he does... I’ve saved enough to support your country on my own."

Adrian’s mouth fell open in disbelief. "H-How much have you saved, exactly?"

Ruby gave a casual shrug. "Last I checked, my twelfth vault was full."

"..."

....

And that brings him to the present.

Although the plan had worked and the capital postponed the annual student trip, a new problem had surfaced.

Ariana had been summoned to report in—which wasn’t surprising.

Whenever an important guest arrives, the capital demands its best soldiers to be present for security reasons. ƒrēewebnoѵёl.cσm

And members of House Vermillion are considered no less important than the King of Grimvale himself.

"Can’t you just decline the request?" Adrian asked.

"It’s not a request, Adrian—and you know that." Her voice carried a hint of frustration, even though she knew none of this was his fault.

Once he was seated face to face with her, Adrian gently cupped her cheek and said, "You know you don’t have to act like a soldier anymore, right? You’re a headmistress now, not a warden still under the capital’s command."

Ariana leaned into his touch, eyes closing as she allowed herself a brief moment of comfort. Then, with a quiet sigh, she spoke, "Those stubborn officials will declare a national emergency—and when that happens, no one is spared."

Just as the Prince had said during his visit to Adrian: if the central government issues an order under the name of a national emergency, no matter a person’s role or profession, they are bound to serve their nation.

"So you’ve decided," Adrian asked.

Ariana gave a slow nod. "Yeah... I’ll go."

Adrian barely hid the frustration in his eyes. It pained him to see her so helpless.

After a brief pause, he said, "I’ll come with you."

Ariana blinked in surprise. "You... don’t have to. And don’t you have classes?"

"There’s still some time before the regular sessions start," Adrian replied. "And I’ve got two leave days left. So let me come."

Ariana hesitated, then slowly said, "...I don’t mind. But what will you even do?"

"You don’t need to worry, Aria. I won’t act rashly," Adrian assured her, his voice firm but calm. "But I promise you—this will be the last time they force you into anything."

Ariana was speechless for a moment, caught off guard by the agitation in his eyes.

Then, a soft smile formed on her lips as she gently resumed applying gel to his feet.

She used to think that even after they started dating, Adrian would remain the same—casual, easygoing, always the friendly type.

And he still was... but there was something else now.

He got angry on her behalf. He looked after her. And more than anything, she felt safe with him.

Just days ago, the idea of relying on another man felt impossible.

But now, placing her trust in him didn’t feel like foolishness—it felt right.

.....

Once Ariana returned to her office, Adrian devised a plan.

A deal which they won’t be able to refuse.

And in exchange for that deal, Adrian would demand Ariana’s liberation.

If things come down to it, he might threaten them. After all, he has gotten the offer from the Vermillion family.

Regardless of how he does it, he has taken an oath that after this time, Ariana won’t be forced to do anything by the capital.

’Haah, I should start working now.’ He calmed himself down and decided to step into the Time Chamber.

He requested some time from Valor since he was too tired at that time.

When he opened the chat, fortunately, Valor was online...and so was Idiot.

Adrian called out, "Shall we start, Valor?"

Idiot: [I also want a weapon chanted!]

Before Valor could have said anything, Idiot jumped in.

Calmly, Adrian responded, "Miss Idiot, I need to first fulfill Valor’s demand. So please wait until then."

Idiot: [Ok ╥⁠﹏⁠╥.]

’Dramatic,’ he muttered under his breath before reading Valor’s message,

[I have got connected. Please proceed.]

Adrian hummed before looking at the blade that appeared before the training doll.

"Woah..." He was stunned.

The blade was long and shining, its edge smooth and sharp like a silver flash. The handle was made of polished gold, glowing softly under the light. It had fine carvings that looked like vines wrapping around it, adding a touch of grace.

The sword felt both powerful and elegant as if it belonged to a king or a great warrior from an old legend.

[Glad you liked it.]

It seems his reaction was heard as Valor responded.

Adrian sighed...he really didn’t want to taint the blade with anything including the runes. But naturally, he didn’t hesitate to extend his hands to create the insignia of the six elements.

And just as Valor’s mana interacted with the insignia...Adrian froze.

His mind turned numb for a moment and his lips parted in shock.

Five...out of six elements were shining.

He had an affinity with every single element...but Light.

’Who the fuck am I dealing with....?’

°°°°°°°°

A/N:- Thank you for reading. Make sure you leave a review for the future readers.