CHAPTER 55: ALEXANDER’S THOUGHTS

And so, Alexander’s temper flared the moment he learned Emilia was going to take part in the Rite. His fists clenched at his sides, his crimson eyes blazing with frustration.

"I can’t believe this! How could Mother and Father agree to it? You only have a Noctifelis! Participating in the Rite of the Dragon Vein is literally impossible! They should’ve asked Lord Siamelumis for an exemption! There’s no reason for you to go out and throw your life away like that!"

Again, the Rite of Dragon Vein was when a young silvervein would be sent outside, into the world to complete 5 missions in a given limited amount of time. For the average Silvervein, those five missions were nothing too difficult, a challenge most could handle with ease.

But Emilia’s situation was painfully different. Her first and only companion was a Noctifelis—the weakest magical beast known. With such a fragile partner at her side, the Rite transformed from a trial into an impossible challenge.

Naturally, Alexander was both furious and terrified for her. His voice rose again, almost trembling with emotion.

"This isn’t fair, Emilia! You shouldn’t be forced into this! Not when you’re at such a disadvantage!"

But Emilia stood her ground.

"You know we can’t do that, Brother!" she shot back, her tone sharp and resolute. "It’s Silvervein law. Every young Silvervein must face the Rite with no exceptions! That rule has been upheld for generations. So how could I—the daughter of the Clan Head—ever dare to place myself above it?"

"But—!"

"No buts, Brother. I’ve already made up my mind," Emilia said, her voice steady with resolve.

"And besides," she continued, "please don’t underestimate Mimi. She might be a Noctifelis, but I believe in her. I believe in us. Together, we’ll overcome every challenge... even the Rite of the Dragon Vein!"

Hearing her determined voice, Alexander’s eyes widened.

Right...

This was just how his little sister had always been.

People often said that Emilia was simply born blessed, that she was privileged from the start, gifted with talent, beauty, and adored by the gods themselves. They dismissed her achievements, claiming her success came only from her bloodline and luck.

But the truth was, she had worked harder, more relentlessly, than anyone else.

The other people, they were just jealous without seeing what Alexander really saw.

They didn’t see the six-year-old girl, shorter than the training staff in her hands, standing in the yard long after the sun had set, repeating the same spell over and over until her fingers trembled. They didn’t see her swinging her wooden swords for the two thousandth time while the other children her age laughed and played in the gardens. They didn’t see her stubbornly practicing beast-taming commands until her voice went hoarse, or falling asleep at her desk with ink stains on her hands from studying theory long into the night.

From the moment she began her training, her life had been a relentless cycle of work—day after day, rain or shine, failure or pain.

And yet... not once did Emilia complain. Not once did she let resentment slip past her lips. Instead, she carried it all with quiet resolve. To her, it wasn’t a burden. It was her duty. No, her responsibility. To grow stronger, to uphold their family’s honor, to be worthy of the Silvervein name.

Funnily enough, what Emilia never realized was that, despite being the eldest, Alexander often drew strength from her instead.

Yes, she was the one who inspired him.

When his arms shook from swinging his sword too many times, he thought of her and swung again. When his lungs burned from running, he remembered her resolve and kept going.

Even Marco, the second brother, had been spurred forward by her example.

That’s why they both admired Emilia so much.

And now... sitting right beside her, Alexander once again saw that same fire burning in her eyes, and that same face, steady with resolve.

Even when fate had mocked her by giving her the weakest beast of all, just a mere Noctifelis, she hadn’t faltered. She hadn’t despaired. Instead, she chose to fight anyway.

And that... that unshakable will of hers made Alexander’s heart ache.

It was pride, yes—pride in the sister who never once backed down.

But it was also fear.

Fear for the girl he couldn’t bear to lose.

But well... knowing Emilia, there was probably nothing Alexander could say to change her resolve now. This stubborn little sister of his, whatever she decided, she would see it through to the very end, no matter the cost.

"There’s really no stopping you, is there? Emilia..." he muttered with a sigh.

"Nn." Emilia nodded firmly

"I see..." Alexander shook his head lightly, then gave her a small smile. "Then, forgive me for what I said about Mimi earlier. She’s your magical beast. Of course she wouldn’t just be like an ordinary Noctifelis..."

"Yeah! Mimi’s special! I know it!" Emilia said at once, her voice filled with conviction.

"Right." Alexander chuckled softly and reached out to pat her head again, his touch gentle. "I believe in you, Emilia. If it’s you, then you can do it."

"Of course I will! Just you wait and see!" Emilia replied with a bright grin.

Alexander laughed at her confidence, and Emilia smiled back. For a moment, the heavy tension that had been hanging between them seemed to melt away.

...

A few seconds later, Alexander broke the silence.

"So, what did you want to ask about the Rite of the Dragon Vein?"

Since he had completed that trial himself only a few years ago, it was natural for Emilia to come to him for advice. If he hadn’t shown up today, she probably would’ve gone to his room later that evening to ask.

"I’ve been thinking..." Emilia began, brows furrowing a little bit. "For my first step, where should I go? Which town should I head to first? And... which dungeon would be best to start with? Do you have any recommendations?"

"Oh, certainly!" Alexander replied, his mood lifting. He straightened, puffing his chest a little with pride. "Ahem!" he cleared his throat dramatically.

Then, he leaned closer and began to explain, sharing the lessons he’d learned during his own Rite.