Maria Nearl said something during a pre-match interview. At the time, she didn't think much of it, but it later became one of the famous sayings in the Knight's Tournament.
Now, in front of everyone, she uttered the exact same words—without a single deviation.
"Uncle has always said that even if our noble status is stripped away and the Nearl family crest vanishes, it doesn't mean 'Nearl' ceases to exist… But I still want to protect those things, protect Sister and Grandfather… the things they always defended. Sister is gone, and as the youngest generation of the Nearl family, I cannot stand idly by and watch the Nearl family decline! To restore the glory of Nearl, it is our inescapable duty!"
These words resonated powerfully, silencing the two who had originally intended to force Maria to withdraw. After a long moment, Noah slowly spoke.
"…Maria, your Sister just went on a journey, she's not dead yet… Your words are a bit…"
"…That's not what I meant!" With that interruption, the atmosphere instantly shifted from the solemn and heroic to a family argument. Maria's words just now had at least moved Zofia, who had always opposed Maria's participation. After all, deep down, she too was once the spirited Whipblade Knight who stepped onto the arena. Compared to Manner, she actually hoped even more that Maria wouldn't get injured, or like her, suffer from pain to this day.
But if Maria insisted… as an Aunt… a Sister, she had to support her family's decision.
However, her skill level was indeed far inferior to Margaret's… Zofia had tried to stop Margaret at the time, but after Margaret defeated her in a one-on-one match, she had no reason to stop Margaret. After all, Margaret was indeed too strong… Even if Manner didn't support Margaret's actions at the time, he never doubted Margaret's strength.
Although Margaret had left Kazimierz, the legend she left behind was still so brilliant and shining.
Even Zofia had to admit that Margaret had also inspired her… It was just that the final outcome was not ideal.
Back when Old Tianma Cyril was still around, Margaret was exiled. Now, Maria… could she really be safe and sound?
Zofia's worries were evident, but Manner had a tired expression. Margaret and Maria, these two nieces were both troublesome… He originally thought that after Maria developed an interest in mecha, she would give up participating in such foolish Knight competitions. He never expected that she would still embark on this path because of Margaret.
This matter had already left this middle-aged office worker feeling physically and mentally exhausted. He looked at Noah, perhaps it was because of Noah's presence that Maria dared to voice her opinions even in this situation.
She had indeed changed many things… for both Margaret and Maria.
The armor and sword she wore were left by Margaret, and surprisingly, they still fit…
"You are not worthy of standing on the Knight competition arena, and the Knight competition is not worthy of the Nearl name—" Manner spoke, instantly dousing Maria, who was still trying to restore the Nearl glory, with cold water. "Even if our noble status is stripped away, our creed will not waver in the slightest. There is nothing that needs to be protected."
"…But."
"And there is nothing you need to protect, Maria." Manner's expression was serious, "Don't be like Margaret, who easily broke that composure just because of her youthful impetuousness—"
"…I…"
"May I interject?" Noah felt it was about time, so she raised her hand and said. "Regarding the part about Margaret, I'd like to explain. Margaret didn't participate in the Knight competition out of a desire to win, and she certainly didn't disgrace the Nearl name. I hope Uncle Manner can retract that statement. As a close friend, I hope to explain her thoughts for her."
"…Speak." Manner stared at Noah. This pressure was indeed suffocating. No wonder Maria and Margaret both felt a certain awe towards Manner. Compared to the bright and cheerful Nearl parents, the current Manner was simply terrifying. However, Noah still spoke with neither humility nor arrogance. "Margaret's participation in the Knight competition itself was an act of rebellion. She advocated for what Knights should do, attempting to awaken the Knightly spirit of this country—although she failed, I believe she was not narrow-minded, nor did she disgrace the Nearl name. Her actions were also approved by her grandfather, Mr. Cyril!"
To deal with difficult elders, you must bring out an elder with more authority than him!
Cyril Nearl, the stabilizing force of the Nearl family, the collective idol of Kazimierz's older generation, a true legendary figure.
He represented Nearl, represented Nearl's will. A belief approved by Cyril Nearl, Manner naturally couldn't deny it. After Noah spoke, Manner had nothing more to say.
"…We are talking about Maria now…" This sentence indicated that Manner had lost this exchange, but he didn't say that Margaret was wrong. Instead, he brought the topic back to Maria. "Maria, I hope you have some sense of propriety. I still have some company matters, so let's end it here for today."
Manner got up and left, but Noah and Zofia remained in their original spots. Zofia was still in an internal struggle, while Noah directly pushed her wheelchair forward and gently stroked Maria's head, "Be good, don't worry, I will always support you."
"Sister Noah…Woo woo woo." Maria immediately threw herself into Noah's arms. She had almost been scared to tears by Manner just now. This oppressive force was indeed not something everyone could endure. Even the current Noah, if her legs could move, would probably have been trembling just now—Noah couldn't help but wonder how Margaret had managed to persuade Manner back then. However, thinking too much was useless. Noah rubbed Maria's little head, "This hurdle is temporarily passed. Next, you still need to train actively and research your upcoming opponents. I can't always be with you, as I also have other things to do. If anything else comes up, just call me…"
"But… but the training…"
"Although Kuro probably doesn't have much time, isn't there still a top sixteen Whipblade Knight here?" Noah said with a smile, "Zofia, can I entrust Maria to you?"
"…Why do you sound like you're Maria's older sister? According to our family relations, I should be the one saying that, right?" Zofia looked puzzled, "Never mind, it's been so many years, I've long known that Maria is closer to you. Don't worry, I'll take care of the training."
"So reliable—Sister Zofia." Noah's tone instantly changed to a sweet, sugary address of "sister," and she squeezed Maria's hand.
"Sister Zofia!" Maria immediately knew what to do and quickly changed to a sweet, sugary tone as well. The two sisters'tacit agreement had long reached this level, making it impossible for Zofia to bear.
"Alright… alright, then Maria, remember to gather at the garden training ground tomorrow morning… I… I can teach you how to fight in a one-on-one arena."