After leaving Kemiro’s house, Mandipha and her attendants were on their way back to their home in territory L1 aboard the Hauveron House’s private jet.

“Algipha, why are you being so insistent?” Mandipha asked with a sigh.

“You two disappeared to a place no one can access, and now you’re acting so intimately! What did you expect?”

Although Alber and Almer could hear the conversation, neither intervened, remaining silent. However, they didn’t have the status to question their Priestess, who held a higher status than the head of the Hauveron House; the same applied to Algipha, but as the older sister, she doesn’t care.

“I’ve already told you, but you refuse to believe it. We spent the whole time talking.”

“And why won’t you reveal what you talked about? That’s what I don’t understand.”

Mandipha rubbed between her eyebrows, unsure of how to respond. To earn Kemiro’s full trust, she had made a vow in the name of Hein’Ra, the highest level of oath an individual can make, surpassed only by the Pact of the Soul, which, while milder, is more dangerous as it deals directly with the Soul.

Mandipha reflects, “I understand she’s worried, but when it comes to me, my sister always loses her head and her discernment. Well, her complete loyalty to me is one of her most endearing qualities.”

Looking into Algipha’s eyes, Mandipha says, “I chose you as my Guardian and Confidante. Do you really think I’m saying nothing for no reason? I need you to be more perceptive.”

Understanding the nuances in Mandipha's words, Algipha fell silent, observing Mandipha.

“She’s right. Mandipha has never hidden anything from me—she has no reason to. My life belongs to her. If she chooses not to say anything of her own accord, it narrows the possibilities,” Algipha reflected. With a cold gaze, she asks, “Did Kemiro do something to you?”

Both Alber and Almer looked at them. Noticing the serious expressions on everyone’s faces, Mandipha smiles as she responds, “No. It was my choice.”

Her response made Algipha furrow her brows. She quickly reached a conclusion, saying, “Of course! You made a vow. But why aren’t you giving any hints? Was Kemiro so strict about the conditions?”

Noticing something, Algipha looked incredulously at Mandipha, only to see her with a proud smile.

“You swore in the name of Hein’Ra!”

Alber and Almer looked at Mandipha with shocked expressions.

Smiling at the trio’s expressions, Mandipha closed her eyes, saying, “It was necessary to gain his trust.”

“Necessary? Mandipha, have you lost your mind?” Algipha stood up, agitated. But before she could continue, Mandipha said firmly, “His Quality is beyond what you could imagine! It was a fair price to pay.”

The trio had grave expressions because, knowing Mandipha, they understood she wasn’t one to use empty words. Especially as a Priestess and a direct descendant of the Hauveron House, praising someone in such a manner was something to take seriously.

“It seems Kemiro’s ability to hide secrets is one of his most notable skills. We knew nothing about him,” Alber reflected.

Without words about how Mandipha extolled Kemiro’s Quality, Algipha sat in silence. Mandipha explained with a sigh, “For better or worse, we have a significant advantage over Boronéa House. However, Kemiro will only truly shine if he can break the ‘chains’ binding him to his House. Until then, he’s just a gemstone buried in mud at a lake’s bottom.”

The trio clearly understood that, for Mandipha, Kemiro is a Ma'Ji to be acquired. In synchronized agreement, they kneeled before Mandipha. Algipha asked solemnly, “What is your plan, Priestess?”

“Keep in mind that during his Right to Conquer, Kemiro will have my full support. However, the only unknown variable will be grandfather. Where Boronéa House failed to recognize Kemiro’s Quality, our House will become the unshakable foundation that will allow Kemiro to rise higher than anyone else!”

“Yes!” Mandipha’s words surprised the trio, but they responded immediately.

Mandipha noticed her uncle Alber was uneasy due to the slight movement of his ears. She asks, “Are you unhappy with something, Alber? Don’t hold back and express yourself.”

Even as she said this, Alber could feel Mandipha’s gaze as if her eyes could see right through him.

“I don’t dare go against your words,” Alber paused, feeling frustrated. Gathering his courage, he says, “But I fear that if the Priestess interferes in the Right to Conquer, it will cause dissatisfaction among the members of our House.”

Both Algipha and Almer recognized the sentiments behind Alber’s words but did not speak up. The trio heard Mandipha saying, “As for that, you don't need to worry. Naturally, I refuse to marry someone weak. My support actually benefits all of you.”

The trio is puzzled but remained silent. Mandipha continues, “In fact, this is a point that Kemiro accepted very willingly. So, you better prepare yourselves, or against Kemiro, none of you will have any chance to enjoy the battle, losing immediately.”

The trio, astonished, looked up, but they were startled to see Mandipha’s eyes glowing with an ethereal light. Her presence instilled awe in them, like they're in the presence of a superior being.

“If you have doubts,” Mandipha picked up her necklace and showed it to them, saying, “This is a necklace that is an artifact with consciousness.”

The trio expressed surprise, with Almer gasping as it was the first time he had seen such an artifact up close.

“To think that in such a short time, he managed to prepare a dowry like this. Did he receive help from his family?” Algipha wondered.

Shaking her head, Mandipha said, “You’re mistaken. Kemiro created this artifact, and with me, he made the final touches to fit as a gift for me. He promised to create an artifact specifically as a dowry.”

Algipha bit her lower lip; her emotions were complex.

Alber laughed heartily, exclaiming, “I knew Kemiro was an interesting person, but to offer artifacts like this, he exceeded my expectations!”

Mandipha smiled with satisfaction, then commented, “I’ve deemed him worthy, so I hope you all will support him.”

Understanding the nuances in Mandipha’s words, they all responded, “Yes!”

As everyone was in silence, “AAAAAH!”

“What’s wrong, Algipha?” Mandipha asks, surprised by her sister’s shout.

“He didn’t tell me the name of the Martial Art he practices!”

Everyone exchanged surprised glances at the detail they had forgotten.

Mandipha and Alber started laughing heartily. Almer smiled shyly, while Algipha felt frustrated, exclaiming with a determined expression, “Don’t think you’ll get away with it the next time we meet!”

Her comment only fueled more laughter from everyone.