"The first thing you asked me was, 'Who are you?'" Gideon said, a nostalgic look appearing on his face.
"Say, Lord Leoniel. What was my response to that question?"
"…"
Leoniel didn't answer Gideon, not because he didn't remember, but because under the current circumstances, the meaning behind those words Gideon had jokingly spoken over 30 years ago was now completely different.
As he stayed silent, Gideon laughed and repeated the exact same words he had told Leoniel back then.
"'I hope I never have to answer that question seriously.'—is what I said that day."
Gideon moved his sword and stabbed the blade into the ground, standing upright at attention, all traces of laughter and playfulness disappearing from his face as he declared,
"I am Gideon Mayer, the third son of Isolon's Viscount Mayer, and Captain of Hauhull's Guard Knights…"
Gideon paused for a moment, then exhaled softly once more before speaking.
