Published: August 25, 2025
"Why does Traugott desire mana compression so desperately?"
When I asked, Traugott remained silent, refusing to say anything.
"I’m always told to make judgments after understanding everyone’s circumstances in detail, so instead of dismissing him based only on Richarda and Hartmut’s opinions, I decided to hear Traugott’s thoughts. But if he has no opinion, I don’t mind if you say so."
When I said that I would just go with Richarda and Hartmut’s views, Traugott looked up.
"I want to know the method of mana compression because I want to become stronger."
Traugott’s expression told me not to ask such an obvious question, and the surrounding gazes, who should not have been listening, grew harsher. Noticing the atmosphere turn tense, I let out a light sigh.
"...Traugott, if you don’t at least fake your expression, you’ll regret Richarda’s anger later."
Traugott swallowed hard, exhaled once, and quickly put on a serious face. I also tightened my expression and faced him.
It wasn’t only Traugott who was receiving harsh looks. The attendants were watching how I, as the mistress, would treat Traugott.
...For now, I have to listen to Traugott’s opinion and then make a judgment...
Honestly, I didn’t care much whether Traugott stayed or quit as an attendant. Since he was a male guard knight, we spent little time together, and Brother Cornelius was more experienced and trustworthy.
Since he was Richarda’s grandson, he was recommended as an attendant, but I hadn’t had much contact with him nor held a good impression. I only recognized that because he was Richarda’s and grandfather’s grandson, I wanted to impose a punishment that wouldn’t cause trouble for them. I hadn’t really considered being personally concerned about Traugott.
...Just because I don’t care doesn’t mean I can ignore him.
When I looked at Traugott, he looked at me intently, probing, then finally spoke.
"I’ll ask again. Why do you want to become stronger?"
"Because after learning Lady Rosemine’s mana compression, Cornelius and Angelica became stronger."
"Is it because you want to surpass Cornelius and Angelica?"
"...Yes."
Come to think of it, Traugott had always been aware of Angelica and Brother Cornelius. Why was he fixated on these two?
"Why do you want to become stronger? Angelica and Cornelius regretted putting me in danger and wished to become strong enough to be appropriate as my guard knights. Why do you want strength? What do you hope to achieve through strength? As Hartmut said, do you want to serve Brother Wilfried?"
Wilfried’s attendants had remained loyal even after his appointment as the next lord was canceled, and their unity was strong. Anyone new joining had to be careful of factions. I doubted Traugott could easily join even after quitting as my attendant.
When I said this, I felt Traugott grit his teeth tightly.
"...I don’t want to serve anyone. I want to become a knights order commander like Grandfather."
"You mean Lord Bonifatius, right?"
I was a little surprised that Traugott aimed to be a knights order commander like Bonifatius, not Karlstedt who is the current commander. Considering Traugott’s age, he probably hadn’t seen many appearances of Grandfather as commander.
...Or perhaps the strong impression he had as a child had been idealized over time?
Anyway, I understood that Traugott’s goal was Grandfather. It felt like the blood of a muscle-driven family seeking strength had concentrated in him.
"I want to lead the knights order like Grandfather, hunting dangerous demonic beasts and protecting the territory. For that, I want to become stronger than anyone else in the domain."
"To be a knights order commander, strength is certainly necessary."
I affirmed Traugott’s words but tilted my head. The Ehrenfest knights order exists to protect the lord and their family. Therefore, the knights order commander basically works as the lord’s guard knight.
"Traugott, isn’t it impossible to become the knights order commander without serving anyone? The commander should act as the lord’s guard knight."