148: Even if there’s a man of air, don’t sweat it

There’s a famous tale tied to the Sage’s Crest.

When the world was overrun with monsters and humanity and the half-breeds were on the brink of annihilation, people somehow managed to survive.

And the Sage’s Crest shone upon those who had devoted themselves to building nations—supporting one another, producing food, raising children. That’s what the story says.

Some say it was the first king or emperor, but no one knows for sure. At least neither kingdom nor empire ever promoted that story.

“The Sage’s Crest… Wise Man…”

Of course, Eva knows this tale too. Muttering it like a dream, half-awake.

Same crest as the founder of the nation. The shock makes sense.

“Never thought I’d live to see the day… the legend, the Sage’s Crest. …Ah, no, not decided yet.”

The Seal Officer shook his head back and forth a few times, then turned to Eva.

“So… will you grant me the honor of inscribing the Sage’s Crest upon me?”

“Honor? I’m the one who should be asking you… please, go ahead.”

“Then… Seal Conversion. Its name is Sage!”

As Eva’s crest was rewritten, the room filled with a blinding light, and a crushing wave of magic swirled around.

Reminds me of my time.

Strange how the power just gathers—like it’s been waiting. It floods in, reshapes, transforms into the Sage’s Crest. You can’t help but feel it. This isn’t just power. It’s something ancient. Something immense.

As the glow faded, the magic settled. It sank into Eva’s body, like it belonged.

“…Incredible. It’s like my whole being is full of power and knowledge… Can I really handle this?”

She’s more nervous than happy. I get that. A little.

"Congratulations, Eva. You’ll be fine. You’ll pull that crest’s power out quick—become the greatest mage… a sage, even."

I pat Eva on the shoulder. She glances at me, startled, then pouts and turns away.

"Your congratulations mean nothing to me. And don’t go spouting nonsense about some power I don’t even know exists."

"O-oh..."

I feel deflated. Then Leifan can’t help it—“Bwahahaha!”

Is it really that funny to see me look like an idiot? Damn it.

"Seriously, big sis. You’re amazing."

"Totally. The chosen one’s different, no doubt."

"Uh... I don’t get it, but congrats! Eva-sister!"

"Congratulations!"

While everyone cheers, Eva overreacts—face blazing red—right at Raidock.

I get it, but that guy should just give up...

Nah, if he's that lucky, two wives aren't too much, right?

...Hmph. Go ahead and drop dead.

Still clutching that strange jealousy toward Raidock—no idea why, not even to myself—I hand the potion to the Seal Officer.

"Next one. Alphard."

"Yes!"

Wait—was I about to go full Raidock Party? Guess it’s the guard detail now.

Honestly, getting Alphard and Persia to rank high on the Seal Chart seems unlikely.

Sure, both are strong. But in the Royal Guard, there are probably plenty of others just as strong. And most of them? They’ve got the standard black, common Seal.

Even just carrying a warrior’s Seal is impressive enough.

Alphard, as usual, keeps that serious look. Too serious, really. Makes it clear he’s not expecting anything special.

"Alright then. Let’s begin. ‘Seal Aptitude Judgment.’"

Genelis’s expression was calm—unlike usual. Looks like it didn’t work out.

So everyone was stunned by what came next.

“Alphard has aptitude for the ‘Holy Knight’ seal.”

“““Huh!?”””

Not just the gallery. Alphard himself jerked his head up, caught off guard.

The Holy Knight sigil was famous.

A rare, high-tier mark of swordsmanship, appearing only in select knights or nobles.

Why was Genelis so calm about this!?

Ah. Maybe the shock from the Sage’s power was just too strong. Felt it plain.

While everyone stared, the Kendall siblings tilted their heads.

“What’s wrong?”

“Craft, brother. Wasn’t Alphard’s older brother a Holy Knight?”

Ah. Right. This one needs explaining.

"Alphard’s got the mark of a Holy Knight. The Holy Knight Corps is one of the military units held by a kingdom or a lord, but it specifically refers to a force with legal authority to enforce the law."

Holy Knights have their own court. They can judge and execute criminals on the spot.

Only powerful forces get that kind of authority, so you need the king’s permission to form a Holy Knight Corps.

Of course, in war, they can also lead armies.

Alphard’s the de facto commander of the military in Elixir Territory. Legally, though, Kyle’s the one responsible.

Kyle’s guards are chosen from the Holy Knight Corps, but none of them wear the Holy Knight sigil.

The kids just nodded, saying "Huh. Cool," and dropped it.

Even the students, especially those of Kendal's generation, were suffering from the side effects of having their political education cut short due to the brief duration of their education institution.

They prioritize math, reading, and magic.

The younger generations are expected to receive a more thorough education in those subjects.

Teaching it like a lesson, we ended up switching Alphard’s crest without even noticing.

Surrounded by everyone celebrating, I scrambled to offer my congratulations too.

Whatever it is, it’s a big deal.

But the person in question was shooting worried glances at Persia.

Ah…

“Next up, Persia.”

“…Huh?!”

In sharp contrast to Alphard, Persia, the beautiful knight, stepped forward, visibly tense.

She glared at Alphard like she wanted to kill him.

By this point, if she doesn’t get a high-tier crest, it’ll be more than just awkward—she’ll probably explode.

If nothing shows up, Persia’s gonna lose it. I’m seriously hoping for something epic here.

Guess my prayer reached the heavens—Seal Officer lets out a sharp “Huh!” and grunts in surprise.

“Persia’s suited for the ‘Beast Cavalry’—also known as the Beastrider crest.”

“Now that’s quite rare.”

I’d never heard of it, but Persia seems to know.

“What kind of crest is it, Persia?”

“That’s something you should ask the Seal Officer’s chamber.”

“Yeah, fair enough.”

I prompt him, and Genelis nods.

“Indeed. One of the upper-tier knight crests, also among the highest for swordsmen and warriors. It grants mastery not only in combat skills, but also the ability to command countless animals—and even some monsters. Though apparently, only those you can ride.”

Wait—what!?

And here I thought Persia would never name a bipedal bird something like "Tebasaki"!?

"This crest suits me perfectly. Please, I'd like to claim it."

"Understood."

Persia looked satisfied. But... is she really okay with this!?

A flicker of doubt crept in, but there was no way I could say anything. I just watched the ritual of rewriting, heart pounding in my chest.

Persia raised her newly acquired glowing crest, murmuring contentedly.

"Now I can be even more useful to Kyle-sama."

O-oh.

Everyone was surrounding her, congratulating her. Just me, the only one sweating nervously.

Yeah. I’ll just ignore it.

I participated in the celebration too.

"Hmph. Now I’m a bearer of a colored crest too. I’ll show you—just because you’re the only one helping Kyle-sama doesn’t mean you’re the only one who matters."

Nah. I never was the only one helping, anyway.

I swallowed those words down, feeling good about it.

The rest are Raidock, Solal, and Leifan.

...Yeah.

Ain’t no way I’m surprised by whatever comes now!

Headaches from bad weather are a pain in the ass.