Tea was served, and Elliot and Whis were reminiscing about old times. Just as they paused, Karna spoke up.

"So, sister-in-law, I still haven't heard your answer..."

"That's right. Where should I start?"

Clare looked down at the table, thinking. Then she began to speak stubbornly.

"I lived outside the palace until I was six years old."

Karna's eyes widened at Clare's confession.

"Sister-in-law, that's..."

"Yes, my mother could use magic, but she fell in love with my father, who lived outside the palace, and I was born. At first, everyone in the palace welcomed me, but when they found out that my father was from outside the palace, I was banished as an outcast and sent to live with my father. However, when I was six years old, they determined that I had magical talent, so I was separated from my father and began living with my mother. People in the palace are selfish, aren't they? So I was told to undergo intensive training in magic. The other children were able to use basic magic to a certain extent, but I was slow to start, and because I was an outcast, I was hindered. I practiced magic desperately in order to not lower my mother's status. I even cut down on my sleep."

Karna felt ashamed of himself, imagining that Clare had grown up in a wealthy household. He was also shocked to learn that she had not had the talent to begin with, and had to endure harsh training in order to achieve other goals.

"Eventually, I surpassed my peers and began to walk the path to becoming an elite. However, being labeled an outcast became a reason for bullying from my peers, so I ignored that and worked hard to become the best magician for my father and mother's sake. I think it was around that time that you were born."

Karna nodded.

"Then one day, I was given the order to train a hero. Since the existence of heroes was known in our country, this was an honorable mission. However, there were also people who doubted the existence of heroes, so it was seen as more or less a demotion. And then I was able to learn more about the outside world. There were people who lived their lives every day for the future, and it brought back memories of my childhood. Elliot's existence also amazed me. I was fascinated by his limitless ability to exist and his speed of growth."

"And you did that while ignoring your mother's illness!?"

Claré shook her head. "It was around that time that I found out about Aunt Latis' illness through a letter from my mother. I was worried. I managed to stay until Elliot's magic foundations were in place. Then I returned to Japan, and seeing how this country was still the same as before, I decided to become Pope. This was to close the gap between the rich and the poor. So I returned to Japan, further improved my magic, and was able to become Pope out of all the other candidates."

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"I can't believe you had to go through so much trouble, even though you were an unpopular child."

"It must have been frustrating for other magicians that I, an unpopular child, had become Pope. But the former Pope Albeini supported me. I pretended not to become Pope, and offered to take care of my aunt who lives in Canatini in exchange for becoming Pope. This was around the time you left for Bilderna."

Karna was speechless when he learned of the efforts of Clare, who he had thought was naturally excellent.

"Yes, so your sister-in-law has been going through all those hardships behind the scenes..."

Claré gently nodded, as if looking at her own daughter. Karna rose from her seat and hugged Clare.

"I'm so sorry! I had no idea that you were living with such hardship and anguish! I'm so sorry!"

Claré gently stroked Karna's head as he clung to her.

"My family is irreplaceable to me. There's no way I would neglect you, my aunt, and my father."

Karna, who had been holding Clare, cried into his sister-in-law's chest for a while.

Karna also calmed down and returned to his seat. Clare's cheeks nearly slumped as she ate the sweets Karna had prepared for her.

"By the way, Karna, how much has your magical ability improved?"

"Professor Clare, there's a candy next to your mouth."

"Oh, sorry. I wonder if you can use Minerulate now."

"Minerulate is an advanced anti-undead magic! I can only use Ellert so far. I can use it repeatedly, though."

"Then, while we're in this country, let's learn Minerulate."

"What? I can't do Minerulate yet!"

"No, you already have the aptitude for it. I'll teach you thoroughly. You should be able to master it in a week if you can use Ellert repeatedly. It will be of use to everyone."

"A week?! It would take a month, wouldn't it? And do you think I could do it...?"

"You should have more confidence. You have the same blood as me."

Karna looked at Elliot and the others' expressions.

"It should be fine for about a week. I also need to polish my weapon."

Clare smiled.

"Everyone, please stay at the royal palace. We will train you to be a fighting force in a week."

"Sister-in-law, are you sure you have time?"

"Yes, the founding festival has just ended so we have time. Let's start today then."

"Then, we will go and ask for our armor to be polished. Good luck, Karna."

"Yes!"

Karna, who sometimes had a gloomy look on his face, suddenly looked cheerful.

"Well, that's all for now."

"There is a blacksmith in the northwest and south of the castle."

"Thank you."

Elliot and the others left through the door they came in through.

"Well, first I'll bring the grimoire. As you know, magic is just an image, so it's best to read the grimoire first."

At that moment, there were three knocks on the door that Elliot and the others had left through.

"Yes."

It was Elliot and the others who appeared.

"Excuse me, how do I get outside? I'd like you to show me around..."