Fizor nodded as he looked toward the youngest prince.
"Indeed. This is a great opportunity for our empire. If we can build a strong relationship with him, our military strength will increase considerably."
Ragnar nodded.
That had been his first thought as well. If the young man possessed such talent, then the family or force supporting him would likely be just as extraordinary. Regardless of the reason, it would undoubtedly benefit the Silver Wolf Empire.
"I see." Ragnar looked at Fizor with mild curiosity. "Will I be meeting this person? Guy or girl?" Fizor nodded as the carriage approached the gates of the royal palace.
"Yes. However... please exercise some caution." He paused before adding, "He is a Level Three Being." The carefree smile on Ragnar's face immediately stiffened.
"...How?" He stared at Fizor, hoping he was was joking.
Fizor simply shrugged. "You think he would willingly tell us?" he replied with a chuckle. "Our best guess is that a Mythical-tier Alchemist produced some miraculous pill, or perhaps a Mythical-tier Forger allowed him to enter inside an extremely dense mana chamber though it wouldn't explain everything. Those are the most reasonable explanations."
Ragnar nodded thoughtfully. Regardless of how the young man had reached Level Three, the fact remained that he had done it. That alone meant he possessed extraordinary opportunities, resources, or backing.
It would be foolish to underestimate someone like that. Soon, Ragnar, accompanied by Shion and Sophie, entered the royal palace. Servants and guards alike bowed respectfully as he passed. Some smiled warmly while others lowered their gazes, unable to hide the fear lingering in their expressions.
Ragnar merely smirked. 'They still haven't gotten over it.' Shion and Sophie attracted several curious glances, but no one questioned their presence. The two women quietly observed everything around them.
It was obvious that their lord inspired both admiration and fear throughout the palace. The fact that someone as powerful as Fizor personally escorted him made it even clearer that the royal family still treated Ragnar with a certain amount of caution.
Only now did they truly believe what Ragnar had casually told them long ago ago. He had genuinely almost killed two royal children when he was younger. Sophie glanced at Ragnar from behind.
'So it was true... but how? He's the youngest prince...' Shion wore the same thoughtful expression beneath her calm exterior. Neither of them had ever asked why Ragnar had attempted such a thing.
There had never been much point. Their master wasn't a kind individual to begin with. He had made one thing abundantly clear from the beginning. They belonged to him.
Whether as subordinates, servants, women, or possessions... Their lives were his to decide. Over the past several months, they had learned plenty about his personality.
Ragnar had deliberately chosen to live near one of the few entrances leading deeper into the Fanged Forest. Not to guard it nor to protect anyone. But because countless adventurers inevitably passed through that route.
To Ragnar... They were simply convenient test subjects. Some became meals. Others became experimental material for his skills. Whenever either girl questioned him about it, Ragnar would simply shrug before saying with complete seriousness,
"I'm actually a scholar at heart."
Remembering that shameless statement, both women couldn't help wearing helpless smiles. Unaware of what his two subordinates were thinking, Ragnar continued walking through the palace until Fizor finally stopped before two enormous doors.
The Audience Hall.
Unlike ordinary throne rooms, this chamber had been specifically designed for discussions between equals. Rather than forcing guests to kneel before the Emperor and Empress, a large circular table occupied the center of the room, surrounded by elegant chairs of equal height.
It was a place reserved only for individuals worthy of the Empire's highest respect. The doors slowly opened.
Ragnar stepped inside. His gaze swept across the room. His other siblings were absent, exactly as expected.
Most had already departed for their respective academies or responsibilities. The official enrollment age for the great academies was eighteen, although students were permitted to remain until twenty-five under special circumstances.
As for what happened after graduation, even Ragnar knew very little.
Every time he asked, his older siblings simply laughed before explaining that contractual skills prevented them from discussing certain matters.
Turning his attention back to the room, Ragnar immediately spotted his parents.
His father sat comfortably at the head of the table, broad-shouldered as always. His long silver hair flowed behind him while deep blue royal robes rested over the powerful physique of a seasoned warrior. Even sitting still, he radiated an overwhelming presence.
Beside him sat the Empress.
As beautiful as ever.
If someone unfamiliar with them were to see her beside Ragnar's elder sister, they would assume they were sisters rather than mother and daughter.
His eldest brother, Hector, was also present.
Like Ragnar, he possessed the unmistakable features of the Silverfang bloodline, though his hair was black instead of silver while his crimson eyes burned with confidence. Dark robes draped over his black attire, held together by a crimson sash.
Standing quietly behind him was a maid. Unlike ordinary servants, the affection and admiration in her eyes toward Hector wasn't hidden in the slightest.
Then Ragnar noticed his elder sister. She sat with elegant posture, though her attention wasn't on anyone from their family.
Instead...Her crimson eyes remained fixed upon the final guest.
An elf.
A pure elf.
A young man who appeared to be around twenty or twenty-one years old. He was undeniably handsome.
Long white hair flowed neatly behind him while striking dark orange eyes calmly observed the room. His black martial robes, decorated with silver ornaments, perfectly complemented his refined appearance. Matching black boots completed the attire, giving him the bearing of both a noble and a warrior.
Beside him, Ragnar's sister openly admired him.
Her expression wasn't subtle in the slightest. There was genuine interest... pure desire.
Ragnar glanced around once more before inwardly smiling. 'They emptied the room for this meeting... only Father, Mother, Hector, Sister, and this elf. Makes sense. If he's anything like Hector... then I'm currently sitting among four Mythical Beings.'
'Interesting.'
Without hesitation, Ragnar walked over and sat beside his mother. She smiled warmly before gently ruffling his hair. Ragnar simply smiled back and allowed her to continue.
Behind him, Shion and Sophie quietly stood. Although they maintained composed expressions, both women were inwardly overwhelmed.
Every single person in this room...Felt incomparably powerful. No one here was beneath the Legendary Realm. The pressure radiating from several individuals was so overwhelming that they felt like insects standing before mountains.
Yet neither woman felt ashamed. Only proud.
'We made the best decision of our lives.'
Before either could continue their thoughts, a cheerful voice echoed across the room. "Ragnar!" Hector leaned forward with a wide grin.
"You finally decided to show up."