That evening, Seren arrived at the Loyal Swords Paladin council chamber.
Present were the Grand Masters:
Michael Anderson, the Angelus of the Loyal Swords Paladin.Rurford Lion Mane, the Sentinel of the Forgiven Shield Paladin.Soltez, the Iudex of the Spear of Justice Paladin.Boltor, the Father of the Blade of Mercy Paladin.
Additionally, others of significant status were in attendance:
St. Pedro, the head of the Church of Harmony.Knight Grand Master of Fonta Aria, Jepthaiah Aurelius.Grand Master of the Archive Knights, File White.Representative of the Mage Society, Arch Mage Laria Silverlake.Leader of the Twelve Heroes, William Vahn Wilhelm.The Raven title holder, Viola Petrichor.
More people were present than Seren had anticipated. However, with steadfast determination, Seren stood tall, undaunted.
"Miss Seren," Michael Anderson began, gesturing to the chair prepared for her. Seren took her seat.
"I'll get straight to the point. We all know about you, but our esteemed guests wish to learn more about you personally. Don't worry—I've emphasized to everyone that your selection as Grand Master was my proposal and that you are highly qualified for this position," Michael Anderson said.
"Thank you, Grand Master," Seren replied calmly.
"Alright then. I don't have many questions myself, as I've been keeping an eye on you ever since the events in Numen. So, there's no need to worry. However, Miss Seren, there's something the Blade of Mercy finds troubling about you," Boltor interjected.
"Troubling?" Seren asked.
"I've heard rumors that you have some rather unusual intel," Boltor said.
"Yes, I won't deny that. However, given the urgency of the situation, I sent messages to everyone I could. I realize it was careless of me to go to Sicilian City without proper preparation," Seren admitted.
"While it was a bit hasty, at least you handled your mission professionally. You informed other Paladins, divided your team effectively, and most importantly, ensured the safety of both White City and Sicilian. So, I have no objections," Boltor concluded.
"I have no objections. Your abilities alone are proof of your qualifications," said Rurford.
"Hm… Honestly, I don't have an issue either. However, there are regulations that need to be upheld. While you didn't break any laws of the Paladin Order or Whiteford, your actions still created some legal tension," Soltez said.
"I understand. However, I carried out my duties in full compliance with procedure and without breaking any rules," Seren replied firmly.
"Indeed, that's true. But I would ask you to be more cautious in the future. Other than that, there are no issues," Soltez added.
"I have no objections. In fact, I fully support Miss Seren and am grateful for your actions in protecting Whiteford," said File White.
Jepthaiah and Viola also voiced their agreement.
While William made no comment, he nodded in approval, though his sharp gaze lingered on Seren.
"Ahem, Miss Seren," St. Pedro began, "I have something I need to ask. Considering you've fought against the Cultists, it's important to remember that they are people who have lost their way. Even though they are our enemies, ending their lives still means taking the lives of citizens. I understand it is your duty to fight them, but have you made an effort to save them?"
"I understand that every life is precious," Seren replied, "but the primary duty of the Loyal Swords Paladin is to protect this continent—and, if possible, the entire world—from the threat of the Outer Gods. We will fight them with all our hearts, no matter the challenges, to ensure the people are safe from their influence.
I do not condone indiscriminate hunting of Cultists, but when it comes to the security of the continent, that is our top priority," she said with resolve.
St. Pedro appeared ready to press further, but Jepthaiah intervened.
"Calm yourself, Pedro. I understand you have many questions, but honestly, it would be better to first evaluate the results of her work," Jepthaiah said.
"Hm… very well," Pedro conceded.
"I have no objections," he concluded.
"Alright, if everyone agrees, then with this, Seren, you are officially appointed as the Grand Master of the Loyal Swords Paladin. Your inauguration will take place next month," said Michael Anderson.
Seren took a deep breath.
"Thank you, Lord Aurelius," Seren thought to herself, recalling how Jephtaiah had saved her from an endless stream of questions.
Once all the questions directed at Seren concluded, the guests began to converse among themselves. Seren was granted permission to excuse herself.
She, along with Launcent and Taki, immediately returned to the Eleison residence, where Irene was already waiting for them.
For a whole month, they spent their time happily together. Seren occasionally attended to her duties and became known as a friendly and cheerful hero. During this time, Irene and Seren shared precious moments until the day of Seren's elevation as the Grand Master Paladin finally arrived.
In the Hall of Bravery, at the headquarters of the Loyal Swords Paladin, everyone gathered. Seren walked gracefully, watched closely by the Paladins and the leaders. Clad in white armor adorned with gold ornaments, she moved with elegance.
There, the Elders declared that Seren Eleison would be Angelus and Grand Master of the Loyal Swords Paladin. Those in attendance erupted in cheers for Seren.
After the ceremony concluded, Seren immediately embraced Irene, Taki, and Launcent. They escorted her to the Grand Master's office, which would now be her workplace.
Seren was left alone there for a moment as she began familiarizing herself with the atmosphere of her new office.
Before long, there was a knock at the door. Arch Mage Laria SilverLake entered the room.
"Grand Master, I apologize, but may I ask you a few questions?" Laria said.
"Arch Mage," Seren greeted her warmly, shaking her hand.
The two of them sat on a sofa in front of the fireplace.
"An expert in the Astronomition Path once foretold your destiny in Sicilian City, correct?" asked Laria.
"Ah, yes, that professor. How is he doing?" Seren inquired.
"I'm sorry, but Professor Dona passed away three weeks ago due to the side effects of using the Astronomition Path," Laria replied.
"I'm sorry to hear that," Seren said, startled by the news.
"It's alright. However, he left a note for the Mage Society regarding his prophecy about you," Laria continued.
"A prophecy?" Seren asked, confused.
"The Astronomition Path is not like ordinary divination. The destinies of all living beings are intrinsically tied to the stars in the sky. Every life that has a connection or relationship creates a new constellation. Unlike ancient astrology, which cannot truly read stars and constellations, the Astronomition Path delves much deeper," Laria explained.
"And what about my destiny?" Seren asked.
"Honestly, it's quite difficult to explain. First, you must understand that no being's destiny is absolute. Everything can change. Every constellation can be influenced by others, and those who form bonds can affect one another and even give birth to new constellations," Laria said.
"I... I don't quite understand," Seren admitted.
"Simply put, a constellation representing a being's destiny consists of a group of stars. Normally, each person has one constellation made up of several stars. However, the Astronomition Path reveals that every constellation is interconnected. A single line of stars can belong to hundreds of different constellations," Laria elaborated.
"So, are you saying something is wrong with my constellation or my connections with others?" Seren asked.
"Yes. According to Professor Dona's findings, there are two peculiarities. First, your constellation is tightly bound to a black star, which is connected to other constellations.
But what's even stranger is that one of the constellations that will be born from yours… cannot be read. The constellation and its light exist, but the stars themselves do not have a physical form. It's as if the light exists without a tangible source, making it unreadable," Laria explained.
"I honestly don't know what to make of this," Seren said.
"It's alright. I only wanted to deliver Professor Dona's final message: he wished for you to always protect your family," Laria said.
"I swear, I will protect my family and descendants, along with all the people of Ivovnia," Seren declared.
Laria smiled.
"Yes, I believe in you, and because of that, I am at peace with this," Laria said.
The two parted ways, and from that day onward, Seren officially became the Grand Master of the Loyal Swords Paladin.
Seren led the Loyal Swords Paladin, with Taki supporting her from the shadows and Launcent serving as her right hand.
In their spare time, Seren and Taki personally trained Irene, who soon demonstrated talents that could rival Seren's.
At the age of 15, Irene, now a skilled archer, was recruited into the Blade of Mercy Paladin, much to Seren and Taki's slight irritation. Despite that, they were proud of Irene's achievements.
By the time Seren was 26, she was expecting her first child. During her pregnancy, Taki took over Seren's duties until Seren gave birth to her first daughter, Maria Eleison.
Their lives became lively and filled with happiness. Taki never stopped playing with baby Maria. Her usually cold and stern demeanor transformed, much to Launcent's surprise, as he witnessed a maternal side of Taki he never believed existed.
However, Taki was aware that unseen eyes were always watching the Eleison family. Not a single day passed without vigilant observation of the family.
Six years later, the Eleison family's joy was boundless with the birth of their second daughter. Seren gave birth to a beautiful girl who inherited her golden eyes, Sein Eleison.