Inside Duke Alaric's study…

He stared at the letter before him, a look of confusion clouding his face.

"Aaron's background is so poor… His mother was a slave, and his father, just a Baron in name. So where did he get the resources to cultivate to Knight level at such a young age?"

His eyes narrowed as he read further.

"It's also mentioned that after returning from the Dark Forest, his strength changed drastically. He even wiped out a bandit group and saved Maria, Duke Augustine's daughter."

Alaric fell silent for a moment.

Then he chuckled bitterly.

"And here I was thinking Aaron came from a powerful lineage."

But his amusement faded.

His gaze turned bone-chilling cold.

"So… he deceived me."

He paused.

"No, not exactly. I never asked about his origins. I simply assumed."

He leaned back, troubled.

"But… I can't allow him to attend my daughter's marriage ceremony. If he manages to win her over, what will I say when the nobles question his background?"

"They'll say I betrothed my daughter to the son of a slave."

His voice hardened.

"No. That cannot happen. The reputation of the Blackmoor family would be ruined."

"Besides, I don't believe Aaron has anything more to offer this territory."

"It would be better to ask him to leave."

He sighed deeply, the weight of his decision pressing down on him.

"Aaron's background is too poor to become my son-in-law."

Time passed.

Aaron stood at the edge of the cliff by the shore, watching as the soldiers completed the parachute tests.

Alice's eyes sparkled with admiration, she had finally experienced the feeling of flight, a dream she had long held close to her heart.

Just then, Moria approached and said, "Miss Alice, your father has something important to discuss with you."

"Please return home with me."

Aaron glanced over and saw Alice leaving with Moria.

He turned to the soldiers and said, "Let's pack up and return to the castle."

The soldiers nodded and began gathering their equipment.

-----

Meanwhile, on horseback…

Moria rode beside Alice in silence.

Then, with a heavy tone, he said, "Miss Alice, I have bad news. You need to be mentally prepared."

Alice's expression turned anxious, "Did something happen to Father, Grandpa Moria?"

Moria shook his head, "No… but you still need to be prepared."

Moria had been lost in thought ever since he learned about Aaron's background.

He shook his head quietly and murmured to himself, "I am just a butler serving Miss Alice. Whatever decision she makes… I will respect her choice."

-----

Time passed.

Inside Duke Alaric's study, the atmosphere was heavy with tension.

Alaric looked at his daughter, unsure how to begin.

Finally, he sighed and spoke with a firm tone, "Alice, there's something you need to know in advance."

Alice blinked in confusion, "What news? And did you hear, the parachute Aaron designed has been completed. We tested it successfully. Once we try it under different weather conditions, our soldiers can use it without fearing heights anymore."

Alaric nodded but remained solemn, "Alice… I called you here to talk about Aaron's background."

Alice's eyes widened, "Aaron's background? Could he be a prince? Or the son of a great noble?"

Alaric shook his head.

"Neither. He's the son of a Baron, barely one in name. And his mother… was a slave."

Alice stared at her father in disbelief, "Impossible. The knowledge and resources needed to train as a Knight… a Baron couldn't possibly provide that."

Alaric watched her reaction and felt a quiet relief, "Fortunately, I discovered the truth in time," he thought.

Then, with a troubled look, he continued, "Alice, in two days, during your marriage ceremony, if Aaron participates, I'm certain that not even Prince Dominoz could match him. He would win."

Alice's face turned pale.

She shook her head rapidly, "Father, I don't want to marry Aaron. I don't want people whispering that I married the son of a slave."

Even the thought made her feel uneasy.

Alaric nodded, "Since you don't wish to marry him, I'll ask him to leave Starfall City by tomorrow."

Alice replied quietly, "Of course, Father. You may do as you please."

After saying so, Alice hesitated and asked, "Father… do you think Aaron might grow stronger in the future and return to seek revenge?"

Duke Alaric smiled calmly.

"No, my dear. Don't you know that after reaching the Knight Realm, one needs constant resources, especially monster meat, to continue advancing?"

"Only with such supplements can a Knight hope to reach the Great Knight Realm and beyond."

He leaned back, his voice steady.

"And the place he's been assigned, Green Fort, is far too remote. No one in the Verdia Kingdom even wants to go near it."

"Once he leaves, I'm certain you'll never cross paths with him again."

Then, with quiet pride, he added, "Even if he dares to return for revenge, by that time I may have already broken through to the Golden Knight Realm."

"So you have nothing to worry about."

Aaron returned to the castle.

As soon as he arrived, he noticed Alice staring at him coldly.

He was confused, he hadn't done anything to upset her.

Just as he was about to ask, Alice said in a frosty tone,

"Liar."

Without another word, she turned and walked away, leaving Aaron standing there, bewildered.

Before he could chase after her, he saw Lord Alaric approaching. His expression was equally indifferent.

"Aaron, come to my study," he said curtly.

Aaron nodded and followed behind.

-----

Inside the study room…

Duke Alaric took a seat and, with a cold tone, asked, "Aaron, are you conspiring against me?"

Aaron's face showed confusion, "Lord Alaric, when have I ever done anything to harm you or your territory?"

Alaric's voice sharpened, "Really? A son of a slave, participating in my daughter's marriage ceremony, are you saying that's not a conspiracy?"

Before Aaron could respond, Alaric continued, "It's fortunate I sent someone to investigate your background. Otherwise, I would've remained in the dark."

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