Chapter 212

Father analyzed her runes and skills with a critical eye. Her Rune of the Spearmaster was entirely expected. Their entire family used, and had always used, spears as their primary weapon of choice.

Rosalie didn’t know what runes Father had, but she wouldn’t be surprised if Spearmaster was among them. Though that didn’t mean they shared the same abilities.

Her Rune of Trailblazing was the more interesting one, though. Not only was it her superior-rated rune, but Rosalie also hadn’t heard of such a rune before.

They held brief discussions on her abilities, their uses, and their implications. Culminating in perhaps the most relevant to her future—at least insofar as immediate planning went.

“A skill that encourages you to fight at the side of a shieldbearer,” Father hummed. “I dislike conditionals as stringent as that. But increased damage and you share a portion of their resistances? It’s strong, certainly. And I understand you’ve been the one acting as your team’s guardian.”

“That’s correct.”

“Then you’ll need to pick up a real front line. That’s not your proper role.” Father shook his head in amusement. “Not only have you limited me to selecting only a single of your allies, but they must be a shield-bearing Guardian.” He sighed. “You do realize how much trouble this decision of yours causes me? I have half a mind to veto it, despite knowing you must have your reasoning.”

Rosalie stopped herself from wincing. So. Father still intended to pick the last of her teammates. Was that even all that unreasonable?

She’d have been fine with that if not for the fact that Zoey’s brand of wayfaring came with unorthodox requirements. Their team needed someone willing to bond with her else they were leaving massive amounts of power on the table. Their fifth teammate hardly had to become Zoey’s girlfriend, but some level of compatibility was required.

That, she would figure out later. She had other things to worry about. Immediately spurning Father by telling him she wouldn’t accept even one of his choices would be detrimental to the conversation as a whole.

And who knew? Maybe who he selected would work out naturally. She doubted that, but again, a problem for later.

“Yes,” Rosalie said. “I do recognize the political headache it causes. But it can’t be helped. As you said, I have good reasons.” She gave Father a firm look. “And it’s not your decision to veto, even if you disagree with those reasons.”

Her attempt at standing firm only seemed to amuse Father. He outright laughed at her. “Your ascension is a long time from coming, Rosalie, and until then, you’re just my heir. And I, your Guildmaster and father. I can veto whatever I please.”

Not a great start.

“You’re young,” Father continued. “Yes, I need to have trust in who I one day expect to wear my mantle, but youths need to be guided. Sometimes against their will.” He leaned on his spear and appraised her. “That said, I recognize the success you’ve found in the past weeks. My ears are open.” He tilted his head in interest. “Let’s begin there. Your success. Explain how you’ve progressed through three advancements in as many weeks. Frankly, it’s a stupid pace. If you weren’t my own flesh and blood, and I hadn’t tested you myself, I simply would not have believed you.”

Rosalie took a breath. It was time, then, to begin the complicated explanations.

Rather than opening with what she intended, something else came out.

“What do you think of Zoey?”

Father considered.

“Sentimental. Timid. Naive. More a civilian than a wayfarer, much less one of your caliber. Even without sparring her, I could tell she wasn’t combat-trained. She’s wholly unsuited to standing by your side.”

Rosalie fought away flinching with every word. Not that she necessarily disagreed ... though maybe not as harshly as Father presented it.

“And that,” Father said. “Is why she must be the key to all of this insanity. Because she’s the odd one out. The puzzle piece staring me in the face. I’m interested in having you slot it for me. Because I can’t imagine how you see her as an adequate party member, barring some incredible hidden factor.” He shrugged. “She seems loyal to you, at least. Loyal to all her allies. Good-hearted. Which I approve of in some...” he laughed. “Objective sense, I suppose. But not as a wayfarer, and it ultimately changes nothing about what I said.”

“She is the key,” Rosalie agreed. She hesitated before continuing. “Why did you send Lucinda for me?”

“You’re jumping around, Rosalie. Stay focused.”