Season 2 Chapter 1: Unexpected Engagement

[4th Week of March 2021 — National Mastery Academy — Morning]

It has been two and a half years since Accel graduated from the National Mastery Academy, achieving good marks and notable accomplishments alongside his classmates, friends, and his partner, Raizah.

Accel is currently facing a significant challenge: meeting Count William von Mondragon, Raizah's father. The Count dismisses Accel, viewing him as just a common man without status or power. Even though he has witnessed Accel's accomplishments during his visits to the Academy and its events, he remains determined to end Raizah's relationship with him due to Accel's humble background as a member of the Freedom Fraction.

Despite this, Accel is resolute about not hiding his identity. He intends to confront Count William and ask for the opportunity to prove himself. Initially skeptical, the Count ultimately agrees to meet with Accel, partly due to Raizah's insistence on giving him a chance. The Count desires happiness for his family and hopes that Accel will take good care of his only daughter in the Mondragon family.

[Next Day — Mondragon Territory — Drakebourne City — Council Room]

Count William von Mondragon is currently in a meeting regarding the management of Drakebourne City. During this meeting, the door suddenly burst open, and a military officer from the Mondragon Family Army rushed in. Although it may have been disrespectful to interrupt the meeting, it was immediately put on hold when they heard the officer's message. He informed them that Knight Supreme Marshal Lord Winchester had come to visit the Mondragon Family.

The reason for Lord Winchester's recognition was clear: he achieved the rank of Knight Supreme Marshal at just 18 years old, an extraordinary accomplishment in military service based solely on his merits and deeds. In addition to that, he became one of the youngest noblemen to attain the rank of Count at the same age, a feat acknowledged by the Nobility Faction.

As a result of these achievements, Lord Winchester quickly gained fame across the continent. However, there is more to his story. He was born into a common family within the Freedom Faction. His remarkable accomplishments were achieved without any connections or assistance; they were the result of hard work and dedication.

The 95th Valkyrie Company is also notable, primarily because many of its members come from common family backgrounds. Under Lord Winchester's influence, they gained recognition from the Supreme Authority Council and the Unified Merit Commission, resulting in all members, including the squires, being knighted.

One of Lord Winchester's greatest accomplishments was transforming a small village called Meadowville into a large-scale city. This development has become a significant source of income for the Empire, benefiting both the Nobility Faction and the Freedom Faction, which are the two most prosperous groups due to their extensive trading center. The city's improved management and resources have contributed greatly to its success.

[Drakebourne City — Teleportation Hub Exit — Late Morning]

All 1,500 soldiers brought by Lord Winchester were gathered into a military formation, with assigned officers, Platoon Captains, and Squad Leaders overseeing them. They were fully equipped, as if preparing for war, standing in formation with their shields on their backs and their swords raised at a 90-degree angle. Lord Winchester, clad in his heavy armor and carrying a large shield and sword on his back, made his way to the center of the formation. As he approached, he spotted a group of magical carriages along the way to greet him.

When the magical carriages arrived, military officers of rank 40 and below began to gather, starting with Knight Commander William von Mondragon, who is a member of the Military Faction. The gathering included all the knights and squires of the Mondragon military forces, except for the border patrol and gatekeepers, as they were not included in this gathering.

The purpose of their assembly was to greet their superior. Notably, the Knight Supreme Marshal holds the 37th rank, which is not particularly surprising, given that Knight Commander William commands the 85th Drakeshire Platoon, a unit specialized in long-range attacks and support operations. Recently, a joint command directive from the Supreme Authority Council stated that the 85th Drakeshire Platoon will join forces with the 75th Valkyrie Company. This means that the Valkyrie Company, which comprises 1,500 soldiers, will combine with the 85th Drakeshire Platoon, consisting of 750 soldiers, resulting in a total military force of 2,250 soldiers.

The 85th Drakeshire Platoon saluted as Knight Supreme Marshal Winchester approached them. "Welcome, Knight Supreme Marshal Lord Winchester. I am Knight Commander William von Mondragon of the 85th Drakeshire Platoon," announced Count William, maintaining his salute in respect for his superior. 

"Knight Commander William, I return your salute," responded Knight Supreme Marshal Winchester. "I apologize for arriving unannounced in your territory. How about we discuss the details at your mansion?"

[Mondragon Mansion — Count's Main Office]

The reception hall of the Mondragon Mansion had been warm and formal, but the atmosphere shifted quickly once everyone gathered in Count William's main office.

Count Winchester had arrived with a small retinue of his officers — they insisted on accompanying him as a matter of protocol and protection. Though he didn't require their presence, he allowed it, knowing this meeting was already a delicate affair.

Inside the office, the entire Mondragon family was present.

Count William sat at the head of the room, composed but alert. Beside him stood his wife, Countess Freya von Mondragon, offering her guest a warm and noble smile. Their eldest son, David, stood silently behind their father, arms folded, his expression unreadable. Kevin, the youngest, looked at Count Winchester with curious surprise, though the reason behind it was unclear.

Raizah sat to the side of the room. Calm, elegant, serious — her expression showed no sign of recognition.

The Count leaned slightly forward, eyes locked on his guest.

"So, Count Winchester," he began. "To what do we owe the honor of this… unexpected visit?"

The room quieted.

Count Winchester stood tall, unmoving in his armor. His voice was calm and direct.

"Count William von Mondragon," he said, "my purpose for this unannounced visit… is to speak with you about your daughter's engagement."

For a moment, the air in the room stood still.

Eyes widened. Several vassals glanced at one another. Even his own officers stiffened in shock. It was a sudden and bold declaration — one no one had expected.

But before anyone else could respond, Raizah abruptly stood.

"No," she said, firm and sharp.

Gasps followed.

"I refuse," she continued, stepping forward. "I already have someone I love. I've been for him all these years. I have no intention of marrying a stranger — no matter how powerful or noble he may be."

Whispers spread through the vassals like a wave. Count Freya's smile had vanished. David turned toward his sister in surprise.

Count Winchester stood quietly. He lowered his head slightly.

"…I see," he murmured. "Even you don't recognize me."

His voice was quieter now — but different. Softer. Familiar.

One of Count William's vassals, an older man with an enchanted monocle, furrowed his brow and stepped forward cautiously. He had a habit of prying into people's personal information, despite the disrespect it showed toward their privacy. When he attempted to look into Count Winchester's information, it began to shift, revealing hidden truths.

"Raizah…" he said again, "I can't believe you've forgotten me."

Raizah froze.

That voice—clear now, no longer disguised—was unmistakable.

Her eyes widened as her hands flew to her mouth. "No… it can't be…"

Without another word, the man raised his gauntlet and reached up to his helmet.

With a low hiss of air and magic, the helmet unlocked and came free.

The light hit his face. Brown hair. Silver eyes. A familiar calm expression.

Raizah gasped, tears instantly rising to her eyes.

"I have come to you, Raizah," he said gently.

He turned to the room, standing tall.

"I will reintroduce myself," he said, voice stronger now. "I am Count Winchester — no. I am Accel von Winchester. Head of the Winchester Household and also and military command officer of Knight Supreme Marshal of the 75th Valkyrie Company."

The silence that followed was absolute.

Count William's expression collapsed from stern command to sheer disbelief. Freya covered her mouth in awe. David clenched his jaw. Kevin's eyes lit up in realization.

Even Accel's own officers — the newer ones — stood dumbfounded. They had followed him for months… yet never knew his full name.

Only the old veterans of the Frostfire Platoon would have understood. But they were not here. They were in Meadowville City, awaiting their commander's return.