After discussing the main topics, Phillip didn't leave immediately. Instead, he chose to chat with Yuri about some short stories involving their parents, seemingly aiming to ease the tension in the air.
Now it was Riezel's turn to be left out, sitting aside and watching Yuri and Phillip engage in conversation, talking on and on.
However, the so-called short stories Phillip and Yuri discussed were either about the actions of some noble family or the kingdom's internal affairs. In the eyes of outsiders, it seemed quite grand, giving off the impression that these two were indeed important figures.
However, Riezel could tell that Yuri wasn't particularly interested in these kinds of topics. Maybe when she talked about such topics, it didn't feel like casual chatting but more like discussing national affairs, without any relaxation or joy.
'Could it be that this girl likes chatting with me because of this?' Riezel suddenly realized this point.
Whenever Yuri chatted with him, she always appeared cheerful and happy, which was completely different from her current calm and composed demeanor.
It became clear to him that she probably enjoyed genuine casual conversations between friends rather than discussions that easily strayed into discussions about noble circles and national affairs like now.
Watching Yuri sitting there, calmly conversing with Phillip, Riezel silently thought to himself.
'I should chat with her more often when there's nothing else to do... That should make her happy, right?'
Thus, after about half an hour, Phillip finally stood up.
"Now that everything we needed to discuss is done, I'll return to the royal capital." Phillip said, bowing his head slightly. "When you two return to the royal capital, I'll come to visit."
"Take care." Yuri nodded, not saying much more.
Behind her, Marilyn stepped forward, ready to escort Phillip out.
Phillip finally left the reception room with Glimann, leaving the Frenzel family behind.
It was worth mentioning that before leaving, Glimann cast a glance at Riezel, showing a hint of reluctance. Unfortunately, Riezel had no mood to pay attention to this eager swordsman.
"Is this how it ends?"
Watching Phillip and Glimann leave, Riezel couldn't help but ask Yuri.
He was naturally referring to Phillip easily giving up on persuading both of them to return to the royal capital.
"I thought he would linger a bit longer..." Riezel muttered to himself.
"No point." Yuri shook her head, answering his question, "As long as I have a valid excuse, he can't force me to return to the royal capital, and it's the same for you."
On the surface, Riezel was still Yuri's person.
In other words, even if Phillip or the kingdom hoped Riezel would return to the royal capital, accept his noble title, and become a noble of Jinas, they still had to consider Yuri. With her there to support Riezel, they wouldn't dare to take any forceful actions against him.
However—
"They certainly won't give up so easily either..." Yuri turned to him, speaking quite earnestly. "Your current strength has been largely exposed. Being a powerful Sword Master and a Tactical-Class Magician simultaneously, with such combat power, such talent, this kingdom is bound to not easily let you go."
Mainly, they were worried that if they couldn't win Riezel over, he might run to another country and become their asset.
A Tactical-Class Magician, while not on the level of a Strategic-Class Magician who could determine the outcome of a war, possessed powerful military capabilities that could sway the course of a war.
Such people were scarce even in large countries like Jinas, numbering only twenty to thirty. If they could have more, it would undoubtedly be beneficial. Not to mention, Riezel was also a powerful swordsman with formidable combat abilities.
"Your value now exceeds that of an average Tactical-Class Magician, just below Sword Saint and Strategic-Class Magician."
Yuri pointed out the crucial points.
"To the kingdom and the royal family, someone like you is worth the cost to recruit. This visit from Marquis Charlier could be seen as a simple recruitment, but it could also be a test. They need to know your stance toward the kingdom to decide how to entangle you in this country."
Upon hearing that, Riezel unconsciously frowned.
"From the looks of it, you really don't want to stay in Jinas." Yuri noticed his troubled expression and chuckled.
"Not exactly..." Riezel shook his head. "I don't mind staying in Jinas, but I don't want to become a noble, let alone be used as a tool by Jinas."
His rejection wasn't toward the kingdom itself but rather the deceit and machinations he might encounter within it.
Becoming a noble and entering the inner circle of the kingdom meant exposing himself to these things, again, like in his messy previous life.
He wanted to avoid it at all costs.
Yuri seemed to understand what was going on in Riezel's mind and fell silent for some reason.
After a moment of pondering, she finally spoke up.
"If that's the case, then perhaps you need to think of a solution. With me around, the kingdom won't resort to using force against you, but there are still methods to trap someone in this country, as much as they want."
Riezel didn't doubt her words.
After all, Jinas was one of the four major countries on the Akasha Continent.
It was evident that the influence of a major country, once set in motion, could be quite problematic.
At that time, Riezel might very well find himself already manipulated by unknown arrangements, grateful to be sold off and counting money for others with tears in his eyes. In such a scenario, he might even willingly head to the royal capital and accept the noble title and position he originally rejected.
It wasn't an exaggeration at all.
Nevertheless, Riezel didn't believe he could engage in a battle of wits and bravery with a powerful country like Jinas. Even Yuri, a Strategic-Class Magician, had many restrictions placed on her, so what could he possibly do?
With this in mind, Riezel suddenly got an idea.
"How strong do you think I need to be for even a powerful country like Jinas to think twice before offending me?"
At his sudden question, Yuri was momentarily stunned.
Looking at her reaction, Riezel lightly continued.
"Since they have ways to deal with me, I'll get stronger until they dare not make any rash moves, fearing the consequences if I uncover their schemes. That way, I won't have to worry so much about being manipulated, right?"
His words plunged Yuri into silence once again.
After a while, she sighed.
"Then become a Sword Saint..." Yuri revealed the solution.
"A Sword Saint...?" Riezel turned his head to her.
"Yes." Yuri nodded heavily. "Becoming a Sword Saint means even the royal family will have to think twice before acting against you. Not as a Strategic-Class Magician, but as a Sword Saint. That's the only way to achieve what you want."
Even a Strategic-Class Magician didn't have freedom, as evidenced by Yuri's own circumstances.
So what if you are a nuclear weapon? Isn't control over nuclear weapons still in the hands of the country, something they can manipulate as they wish?
The kingdom might see Strategic-Class Magicians as important military and war assets, but they had never feared such weapons.
One of the reasons was the royal palace located in the royal capital, Yeluvia.
The royal palace had a defense system set up to hinder the flow of magical energy. Be it tactical-class magic, strategic-class magic, or even combat-level magic, none of it could be used within the royal palace.
As the saying goes, strategic-class magic only proves effective on the battlefield while in some places, there might be means to counter it.
However, Sword Saints were different.
Sword Masters alone could single-handedly defeat thousands of opponents as if strolling through an empty field. Considering this, one could only imagine the terrifying strength possessed by Sword Saints.
With such a presence causing chaos in the royal palace, unless an equally skilled Sword Saint was dispatched to stop them, who could halt their rampage?
Sword Saints symbolized personal prowess and force, not directed toward countries or their armies, but toward the powerful figures in authority behind them.
Because of this, the royal family wasn't too afraid of magicians.
Although, the defense systems where they resided were not to be trifled with, the strict conditions for using high-class magic and the time it took for the magic to take shape provided the royal family with ample reaction time.
However, the royal family certainly feared a powerful swordsman capable of slicing through their defenses in the blink of an eye and cutting their necks without them even realizing what had happened.
This was why many in the magician circles looked down upon Tactical-Class Magicians and Strategic-Class Magicians, believing mastery of combat-class magic to be essential.
If a magician's combat strength rivaled that of a Sword Saint, even if they were not Tactical-Class or Strategic-Class Magicians, the threat they posed in the eyes of powerful figures like the royal family would surpass that of Tactical-Class and Strategic-Class Magicians.
Strategic-Class Magicians intimidated countries.
Sword Saints intimidated individuals.
They were two different types of existence, each carrying its own significance.
If Riezel desired status, fame, wealth, and significant privileges, then becoming a Strategic-Class Magician was the way to go. However, if his goal was to intimidate a specific individual or group by instilling dread, then becoming a Sword Saint would be the better option.
"Of course, if you can achieve both, the whole world will be at your disposal—you can go anywhere without worry." Yuri added, her eyes betraying a hint of anticipation.
In fact, her words were not without reason.
She just felt that perhaps this incredible feat was within Riezel's reach.
"A Sword Saint, huh...?"
Riezel murmured, closing his eyes, and pondering what he should do next.
'If that's the case, then so be it...'
'It's time for another dimensional travel...'