Walter and Arthur are now back in the hall where the party still continues.
Lights are flickering from the ceiling and each corner and sides of the room, there were no shadows and almost all that can be seen will be considered luxurious. Everyone is still socializing with each other, and Arthur's three sons, in particular, are now gathering much attention than they did before. They are the celebrants of this event in the first place, but now that the other nobles have something they have to chat about and praise them for, it's much easier to create a conversation with them, which no one did not take advantage off.
And above a certain floor, Walter and his companion watch over them, holding drinks of alcohol in their hands. And even though Walter is still just 16, he's still allowed to drink since that age is already considered the age of adulthood in this world.
[ By the way, that sword isn't just an ordinary sword, Walter; it's your father's. ] sipping his drink, Arthur spoke. And with what he reveals, Walter did not reply but only took a look at the weapon that is on his waist.
Sure enough, even though its blade is as good as new; shining and smooth, its grip is worn out and has a lot of noticeable dents, and just as what he said, its pommel has the crest of the Ainzach's, which indicates that it's from his family.
Walter is not even surprised anymore why he would give him something like that. Arthur is cheap, that's why the only thing he gave him was the sword of his own father, which is probably something that his family should probably own in the first place. But other than that reason, there is still another one...
[ It has a lot of history, and I kept it with me all this time. Other than you and your father, I can never give that sword to anyone. Consider it as a gift from me. ]
[ A gift... Since I'm not really a full-fledged knight yet, you really can't give me a proper sword, right? ]
That was correct, he is not a knight yet, that's why his knight's vow was not really necessary - but is just something he needed to do to show his alliance to Arthur Brunhild, his family, and of this city. A real knight's vow would be much official and would be handled in a much formal event that is under that knights' company themselves, so what he did will not show permanent effects on him, and as a result, he also wouldn't get the most important thing that true knights would receive - one of which would be a proper sword from the noble they swore loyalty with.
But still, considerably, the sword that was gifted to him still looks fine and he could feel its sharpness and durability just by holding it. It's still workable.
[ Thank you for accepting my request, Walter. Don't worry, with my help, I can make you an independent noble with no problems. You're the sixth child, so normally, it would be hard for you to inherit your family's fortune, even to try and get a title for yourself, but if you work hard enough, I can help you be a baron in no time. ]
[ I don't really need noble titles, I just want to live normally. ]
[ With what you are, you can never do that. ]
[ I know. ]
They kept their conversation without any kind of restraint as if they're both adult talking, which they're both technically are. And that's because even though Walter is in the body of a 16-year-old, he's still an adult in mind and actions - that Arthur and his father just couldn't help but feel open to him, as if he's a friend of the same age.
[ Since we're here now in private, I will continue what we're interrupted earlier. ]
[ About Sofia? ]
[ That's right... Walter, Sofia is not what you think she is. ] there was a bit of hesitation in his voice, but he was still able to say it with much seriousness. And to it, the friendly atmosphere they have suddenly turned different when Walter too went quiet.
[ What do you mean? ] with a suspicious look and tone, he asks.
[ Sofia's mother is a slave far from the east... She died immediately when she gave birth... she's just weak... and maybe also because... she's different... Walter, have you ever heard of the snow women? ]
[ Have I heard of it...? Of course... ]
( They're not really considered as monsters but a myth back in my previous world, but here... I still can't believe they exist... ) with this thought, Walter continues to quietly listen to Arthur who seems to be still hesitating to continue.
[ Walter, like me, you accept women of different species, even monsters... I'm sure you can also accept Sofia. ]
[ You mean...? ]
Immidiately, Walter realizes what he was trying to say. Arthur didn't need to reveal it anymore. So with a shock expression, he tries to open his mouth, but can't find the words, instead, his thoughts ran wild inside his head.
Snow women - from the definition he had seen in this world, their skin is pale that can reflect the moon and their hair is white or a deep blue, it just doesn't fit what Sofia is. But thinking about it, like them, Sofia is weak against the sun. And from that fact alone and from what Arthur himself had said, they're enough to convince Walter that Sofia really isn't human.
[ Sofia is aware that she is different and is doing her best to be like any others. But, I know that she doesn't want to hide what she really is... that's also probably why she likes you so much. When she was just still a kid, I used to tell her stories about you and how you always liked girls that are different and you accept almost anyone, and since then, she just wanted to talk about you. I made a promise then that I will make her meet you and become your bride. ]
[ So that's why, huh? ]
That's why she greeted him so excitingly, even though they just met.
[ You probably do not have a problem with her being like that, do you? ]
[ Do you even need to ask? ]
[ Of course... she might not be human, but she's still my daughter. ] with his answer, he asks again the same question he had asks him, not satisfied. Walter could see in his eyes his seriousness of the situation, he could feel his care for his daughter and he immediately regrets that he didn't answer him seriously. But now...
[ Of course... You know how I only like those... I really like Sofia, when I met her earlier this day, she was really fine. In fact, I wished that she was different so that I could like her more. And now... Hmph... You want me to make her mine, right? Then, I will make her mine. ]