[Albrecht's POV]
After a while, I returned to the manor, the weight of the Hertascope heavier than it should've been. At the front entrance, I was met by my family's caretaker, Marlene, who stood with her usual graceful composure.
"Welcome back, Milord," she greeted, bowing courteously. "How was your day?"
I sighed wearily as I removed my coat. "Not as great as I expected."
"Oh dear, you must be having a stressful time at work," Marlene reacted with concern, gently taking the coat. "Would you like some tea to soothe your mind, Milord?"
"That would be nice," I approved, tucking the device at my side. "Anyway, where's Herta?"
"She's in the garden with Lady Theresia," she answered. Should I call her for you, Milord?"
I was about to confirm her suggestion, but I paused momentarily. A part of me wanted to see her in her element, not removed from it.
"No, it's okay," I declined instead, handing her the device. "Take this to the study, I'll confront them myself."
"As you wish, Milord," she complied, taking the Hertascope before entering the hallway.
After she left, I went towards the garden and meandered through the field of flowers, seizing the opportunity to ready myself for the worse.
As I followed the winding path, I eventually spotted my daughter and wife sitting underneath the shade of our tallest tree, doing something interesting.
Curious, I stepped closer and hid behind the trunk to listen to what they were talking about.
"So this is how you summon these elementals, right, Mama?"
"That's right, dear. A simple chant is usually enough to call them."
"In theory, their formation is like how magicules behave under a structured formula."
"More or less. Also, the more mana you channel, the stronger the elemental becomes."
Listening to them, I couldn't help but admire Herta's budding brilliance. Most children her age don't even know what a magicule is, let alone an elemental. And yet there she was, treating a complex topic like child's play.
"Thanks for sharing your wisdom, Mama."
"No problem, sweetie. It was fun discussing topics like this."
"Well, it would be more fun if Papa stopped hiding behind the tree."
I froze upon being called out. How did she know exactly where I was? Nonetheless, I showed myself. The two turned their heads at the same time, both pouting in feigned offense.
"Geez, Darling. You could have walked by instead."
"Yeah, Papa. It's rude to eavesdrop on someone's conversation like that."
I scratched my cheek, approaching them with a sheepish smile. Their teasing made it hard to keep the storm in my chest buried.
"Is something wrong, darling?" Theresia asked, her gaze noticing my unease.
"No, it's nothing," I shook my head dismissively, shifting my attention to Herta. "Anyway, what were you two doing?"
"Mama taught me how to summon elementals," she answered enthusiastically.
I nodded, trying to match her energy. "Sounds like you two had a good time."
Theresia smiled faintly, but it seemed she wasn't buying my facade.
"Be honest with me, darling, how was your day exactly?" she questioned firmly.
My smile faded slightly. I glanced down, breathing deeply, then back at them.
"There was... a problem at the workshop."
Hearing my response, her eyes narrowed worriedly.
"What happened, Albrecht?"
"Well..."
I sighed and recounted the previous events, starting from the presentation of Herta's device, then Rubert's sudden accusation, and finally the challenge he issued.
When I finished, Herta's gaze sharpened. A brief silence followed before she finally spoke.
"And he asked to see me tomorrow, Papa?"
I gave her a slow nod, feeling a bit discouraged.
"Yeah... He thinks someone your age couldn't have made that device."
Instead of being offended, Herta raised her eyebrow curiously.
"Did you tell him otherwise?"
I sighed wearily, pinching the bridge of my nose.
"Of course, I told him it was your original work, but he doubted me and demanded I bring you there to prove my claim."
At my word, Theresia gasped, her expression hardening with disbelief.
"They're dragging a child into their dispute?! That's absurd! You should've refused, Albrecht!"
Rubbing my temple, I let my frustration spill out.
"I tried, alright? But Rubert made it impossible to decline. He threatened not just my job, but the positions of my colleagues as well."
Theresia was about to argue again, but Herta raised her hand, stopping her.
"It's alright, Mama."
"Herta?"
My wife and I regarded our daughter, who returned her thoughtful gaze, as if she had already made her decision.
"So he wants proof? Fine, I'll give him proof!"
I blinked rapidly, utterly speechless by her remark. How was she so bold?
Turning to my side, Theresia furrowed her eyebrows.
Sweetie, you aren't seriously considering this, are you?" she asked anxiously. "That person is one of the top elite in the Nasca Kingdom. You won't stand a chance."
"It doesn't matter," Herta replied firmly. "He's wrong, and I'll do everything I can to prove it."
I watched her in stunned silence, struck by the unwavering resolve in her eyes.
She was far braver than I expected.
---------------------------------
The sun began to set moments later, casting an orange hue over the manor. This marked the conclusion of our conversation, and I decided to return inside with my family.
While walking back, I caught Herta's composed demeanor, which made me wonder about her thoughts. I then looked at Theresia, who occasionally glanced at our daughter. Her eyes held concern, yet she said nothing, choosing instead to trust in Herta's resolve.
Once we're inside, my wife turned toward the kitchen, likely preparing something to ease the evening. Meanwhile, Herta strode silently down the hallway. I followed her out, curious about what she would do next.
She's not heading to the study this time… where is she going?
Eventually, she arrived at the library and entered without hesitation. I didn't announce myself to her. Instead, I just leaned against the doorway and watched quietly.
She immediately approached the bookshelves, dragging a stool to climb and retrieve several tomes. One by one, she stacked them on the floor and plopped down to read.
Her small fingers flipped through pages at a relentless pace, pausing only to write something in a notebook she'd pulled from her pocket. Not a single page was turned without purpose.
She's writing so fast… what exactly is she making?
Curious, I crept a little closer, cautious not to interrupt my daughter. That's when she glanced up briefly—just enough to notice me.
"You're watching me again, Papa."
Caught red-handed, I scratched my cheek and offered a sheepish smile.
"I can't help it. What you're doing is a strange sight, you know."
She raised an eyebrow, then returned to her book.
"Strange how?"
"The way you read and take notes—it's like you've done this before. Like someone preparing for a presentation."
Herta hummed softly, not denying it.
"That's because I am preparing for the debate tomorrow. I need to learn everything related to the person I'm against."
I blinked slowly, still processing her answer.
"You mean Rubert II?"
She nodded while scribbling something with precision.
"I remember mama told me he's a top elite in the Nasca Kingdom. That means he's thorough, prideful, and thinks in layers. If I can predict his assumptions, I can dismantle them before he starts building his case."
Astonished by her assessment, I rubbed my chin.
"That's... quite a strategy."
Without looking up, she flipped another page.
"I'm also recreating the Hertascope's internal schematics from memory—I'll bring a copy with me tomorrow to show everyone."
"You can do that without checking the original?"
"Of course, I made it myself, remember?"
Right. I keep forgetting she's the one who designed the whole thing. It still felt unreal to think she could replicate her creation on a whim.
Subsequently, Herta paused reading again, glancing at her notes before continuing.
"I also want to pinpoint potential weaknesses. If there's something Rubert II might accuse me of overlooking, I'll counter it before he could finish his sentence."
Crossing my arms, I was stunned by how meticulously she planned her defense.
"Is that all?"
"Nope. I plan to disassemble the Hertascope and show him how I put it back together."
My jaw dropped as I heard more of her plan.
"You're taking it apart again? But Herta, assembling something mid-discussion might—"
"I recognized every part, so it won't take long," she interjected. "I want them to witness what a so-called 'child' can truly do."
"...."
I couldn't reply. Just stared at her, at how calm she was, how sharp her focus had become.
This isn't just mere talent—It's experience. Like she's walked into a hundred of these troubles already and knew exactly how to deal with them.
Eventually, she stopped and looked at the window. The sun had almost disappeared, leaving streaks of purple and rose in the sky.
"Papa."
"Yes?"
Hearing her call, I looked back and saw her determined expression.
"Don't worry. I'll be ready."
With that assurance, I gave her a small nod, burying my worries.
Afterwards, I left her to work, heading back towards the hall. That was when Marlene passed by, holding a tray of warm soup and bread.
"Milord," she greeted with a slight bow. "Is Lady Herta in the library?"
"She is," I replied. "She's preparing for tomorrow's debate."
"I see," Marlene's green eyes briefly flickered towards the library door. "Lady Theresia figured Lady Herta would be busy, so she asked me to bring these if the young lady got hungry."
Nodding at her response, I watched her walk in and quietly set the tray on a nearby desk. My daughter gave a polite nod without hindering her work. The room felt less like a child's study and more like a scholar's lab.
I turned around and calmly walked away, my thoughts drifting back to the moment she spoke with such confidence.
[He's wrong, and I'll do everything to prove it.]
Herta wasn't merely studying—she was strategizing, plotting, and adapting.
My daughter wasn't just a bright girl either. She's someone willing to confront any challenges head-on without fear.
As her father, I'll do anything to support her in this debate, no matter the cost.
----------------------------------------------------
The next morning, I woke up early and decided to check on Herta. I vaguely recalled that she was carried to bed by Marlene after staying up late last night. She was rather stubborn in her preparation, and I couldn't blame her for pushing her limits.
Upon reaching her room, I slowly opened the door and noticed her organizing a large heap of parchments on the bed. Her resolute expression was clear in her focused eyes and furrowed brows. That is, until she suddenly paused and looked in my direction.
"You can come in, Papa."
Caught again. I stepped inside without excuse as she gave me a pout that made the moment a bit awkward.
"Look, I'm just checking on you, dear."
She narrowed her eyes, then returned to her papers.
"For what reason?"
"Well, today is the debate, right? I was wondering if you're ready."
Herta glanced up slightly, acknowledging what day it was. After that, she climbed down from her bed and approached the doorway, handing me the pile of parchments.
"Hold these for me, Papa."
Looking at her handwriting, I observed various lists and charts from one page alone.
"What have you written here?"
"Just some pointers and reminders for the debate. Also, can you call Marlene? I need her help getting me dressed."
Glancing back at her, I noticed her rummaging through the drawer.
"Alright then."
Following her request, I went off in search of our caretaker. It didn't take long before I located her polishing the entrance window. She eventually noticed me and bowed courteously.
"Good morning, Milord. How can I help you?"
"Herta needs you to help her get dressed."
"I understood."
Without delay, Marlene turned and made her way to Herta's room. At the same time, Theresia approached, walking past her with a temperate expression.
"It seems today is the day, huh?" she solemnly remarked.
I gave a nod, still holding the stack of parchments. "She's prepared. More than we could have ever imagined."
"I know..." Theresia's eyes softened, though concern still lingered in her tone. "I couldn't help but feel nervous about this debate."
"She's not alone in this," I replied, brushing her cheek gently.
Theresia reached for my hand, her fingers warm and steady.
"Then let's be strong for her, just like she's trying to be strong for us."
Soon after, Marlene returned, guiding Herta along. She now wore her usual dark purple dress and capelet—this time accompanied by a beret of the same color adorned on her head.
"Thanks for waiting, Papa," she said, retrieving the parchments from my arms.
Charmed by her attire, Theresia's smile brightened. "Aww, your beret looked adorable on you, sweetie. Wait here, I'll go get something special."
Without further explanation, she rushed out toward the garden.
Meanwhile, Herta turned to me with a straight face.
"You should get dressed too, Papa."
I laughed softly, rubbing my chin.
"Right. Wouldn't want to be underdressed for the debate."
Marlene covered her mouth to hide a smile.
As I made my way to change, I kept thinking how composed Herta was—no trembling hands, no signs of doubt. Just her determined gaze and unwavering steps. She didn't feel like a little girl preparing for a debate, more like a seasoned scholar on her way to defend a thesis.
By the time I returned, Theresia was already back from the garden holding a purple flower in her hand. She carefully pinned it on Herta's beret, decorating it nicely with a black ribbon.
"There, all done."
Herta stepped toward the nearby mirror and inspected her reflection for a moment. Then she turned to us.
"Thank you, Mama."
Theresia smiled warmly and bent down to kiss her cheek.
"Go show them what you're capable of."
Just then, Marlene walked over carrying the Hertascope, safely covered with a cloth.
"You almost forget this, Milord."
"Ah, thank you."
Once all preparations were done, we stepped outside the manor—just as a carriage pulled up to the front gate. The door swung open, and two familiar figures stepped out.
Bellum adjusted his coat as he climbed down first, his sharp eyes immediately observing the surroundings. Benjamin followed behind with a bright grin and casual energy, raising a hand in greeting as soon as he saw me.
"Sir Albrecht! Hope we're not too early."
I smiled and walked toward them.
"Not at all. We just finished getting ready."
Benjamin's eyes wandered past me and widened as they caught sight of Herta, standing tall in her modest outfit.
"Seems like our main debater is ready."
I nodded, placing a confident hand on my daughter's head.
"That's right. She had prepared all night for this."
Bellum studied the pile of parchment in Herta's hand, and smirked proudly.
"It appeared so. I don't know if that one would agree."
Just as Bellum glanced back, a third figure appeared from the carriage. It was Ruan Ling with her distinctive oriental dress, wrapped by a traveling coat. Her eyes flicked between us, then rested on Herta. There was no hostility in her gaze—only a precise, analytical indifference.