"Forgive me for my insolence, Father. I refuse," Vlad said in a respectful tone.

"The reason for your refusal?" the priest asked, confusion laced across his aged face.

"It’s not my turn yet," Vlad answered, taking out the token he had received. "My time slot is at noon."

"Oh, you need not concern yourself with that," the priest replied. "No one can object to my order here."

"But it would be unfair to those who were waiting for their turn before me," Vlad objected. "I will wait for my turn."

’No wonder I sense such a noble presence from him,’ the priest murmured inwardly. ’This child is untouched by the corruption of the world.’

"You may wait in the church then," the priest said. "There are some things we need to prepare for Miss Chloe."

Vlad nodded and left with Chloe, guided by one of the members of the church.

"I pray this child can still maintain his beliefs after witnessing the filth of current society," the priest murmured, his fingers moving the prayer beads in his hand as he watched Vlad’s departing figure.

A temporary halt of half an hour was called for the ritual, during which new furniture was arranged and the walls were prepared using magic.

In the meantime, Vlad and Chloe were guided to a waiting room. A beautiful woman in formal attire, wearing large, round spectacles, entered the room.

"Good morning, Miss Chloe, Mr. Vlad. My name is Lucy," she introduced herself, tucking a strand of her short blonde hair behind her ear.

"Good morning," Vlad returned the greeting. Chloe was too busy eating the apple from the fruit basket on the table to respond.

"Chloe..." Vlad muttered, snatching the half-eaten apple from her hand.

"Good morning. Chloe," Chloe greeted Lucy.

She turned to Vlad and demanded, "Give it back now."

Vlad released a tired sigh and handed the apple back to her, after taking a bite himself.

"I apologize for her manners," Vlad said. "Please, take a seat."

"It’s alright," Lucy chuckled, taking the seat on the opposite sofa.

She took out a rectangular metallic card and a bundle of documents from her handbag.

"This is Miss Chloe’s identity card," she informed.

Vlad picked up the card to take a closer look. A portrait image of Chloe, along with her information, was printed on the front, while the back had a black background with intricate golden patterns.

[Name: Chloe

Age: 16

Rank: S+ (Knight)

Attribute: Anemo

Grade: Unassigned

Card ID: BR-00-0001]

"There are numerous benefits that come with this exclusive black card, such as enrollment in any academy of Argentum with a full scholarship," Lucy explained. "The card also grants entry to any city. Any request made to the Adventurers’ Guild using this card will be given maximum priority, bypassing usual difficulty restrictions. The other detailed benefits are written in this book."

She handed the bundle of documents along with a small book to Vlad. He opened the book and briefly skimmed through its contents, which detailed the card’s benefits.

He was thankful for the strict reading and writing lessons Elaria had given him and Chloe while they were growing up.

"What are these documents about?" Vlad asked, glancing over the papers, each bearing the name of a different noble house.

"These nobles are willing to provide security and sponsorship for Chloe," Lucy explained, adjusting her spectacles. "If any of these offers interest her, please let me know. I will arrange a meeting."

"But it has only been half an hour since Chloe awakened," Vlad said, his voice laced with both shock and suspicion. "How did they prepare all these offers already? Not to mention some of these houses are located far from this city."

"They are pre-prepared offers in case an S+ ranked talent awakens," Lucy replied. "Of course, all of them are negotiable."

Vlad read through the documents for the next several minutes. He ignored the benefits they were offering and focused directly on what Chloe would have to give in return. They all asked for one thing: exclusive loyalty to their house once Chloe finished her graduation.

It was expected for a knight to serve a noble house after completing their training. For Chloe, who had awakened as an S+, it would not be unusual for her to receive offers directly from a duke or even the King of Argentum.

"Chloe, do you want to serve any of these houses?" Vlad asked, turning to her. "You will be treated like a princess in any of these places. You can also eat as much as you want there."

Chloe, who was in the middle of a fierce battle with the fruits, turned her stuffed face toward Vlad and asked,

"Bith thout bu doin? (Which house will you join?)"

"They aren’t offers for me. They are for you," Vlad replied.

"Ay bill go bith bu(I will go with you.)"

"Be serious. This is important for your future. At least read their offers to see if any interest you."

"Mai phuter iz bith bu(My future is with you)"

Vlad released a tired sigh, then turned to Lucy and said, "For now, she isn’t interested in any of them."

Even if she was, Vlad would not have allowed her to sign any of the contracts. He knew the true worth of Chloe’s talent. If she reached her full potential, she alone would be enough to level an entire country. There was no way he would let anyone take advantage of her.

’How did he understand any of that?’ Lucy gasped inwardly, completely bewildered.

Maintaining her composure, she replied while collecting the documents,

"No issues. You may stay here as long as you wish. I shall take my leave."

She left the room with the same grace with which she had entered.

"Chloe, you should understand that I cannot always be with you. You need to become inde—"

Before he could finish his sentence, Chloe’s head leaned onto his shoulder.

He turned and found her fast asleep. The Awakening Ritual exhausts one’s body. Given the chaos she had caused, it was already surprising that she had not fainted until now.

Vlad gently laid her on the sofa, letting her head rest on his lap.

A few hours passed, and it finally came time for Vlad’s awakening.