In the past, medicine was weak and many children died before they turned twenty. Even noble children weren’t safe. So people stopped officially registering births until a child became an adult.
This custom mixed with the empire’s system and became the “Named” system:
- A Named is a noble whose name and status are officially recognized.
- They start as a Bronze Named, giving them basic noble rights.
- To become a Silver Named, you must win your region’s Sylliera Tournament finals (open to people at certain ages or household heads). Silver Named get to govern land and collect taxes.
- Finally, the top regional winners fight in the Sylliera finals. The best become Gold Named—a huge honor. They serve directly under the emperor or may even be chosen as guardians by spirits.
The Venomain family hasn’t had a Gold Named in four generations. If they fail again this year, they’ll wait another ten years. I must win this time—not just for honor, but to show Duke Venomain—who disowned me—that I’ve succeeded.
Today I got a letter from the tournament committee:
Rosette, with her kind brown eyes, told Edmond and me:
“I asked—they said it’s fine if Irene competes under the Wolfgang name.”
Though switching families before has happened, approvals are strict. But thankfully, the letter arrived safely.
“Also, Irene can use her Venomain ability without restriction.”
I breathed a sigh of relief—worried they’d block abilities because of the Wolfgang name.
Edmond grinned. Rosette then spoke in a warm but serious tone:
“But one thing: if you win under Wolfgang, they may register the Gold Name under that surname. The committee hasn’t decided yet—it might not be clear before the tournament.”
I asked, “What does that mean, Mother?”
She smiled gently:
“We’re so glad you’re competing as Wolfgang. But if you win, you deserve to be officially named ‘Irene Wolfgang,’ not just Wolfgang. You earned it through your abilities.”
Her words felt true. I choked on my emotions and whispered, “Thank you.”
Then I said, “Honestly, I don’t mind being Wolfgang… but personally…”
Rosette and Reina encouraged me:
“If you want to keep your own name, it’s okay.”
I said softly:
“I want my own name to stay.”
Rosette smiled and comforted me:
“I’ll let you know when the committee replies, and I’ll speak on your behalf.”
I felt tears—grateful for their support.
Then I explained my ability in simple terms:
“My venom is strong, and anger makes it stronger—even nearby spilled blood can boost it. I’ve learned this by observing it.”
Edmond asked:
“So you can control the strength by controlling your anger?”
I nodded:
“Yes. I want to use that to beat Venomain.”
Reina pointed out:
“Being able to adjust venom is a real advantage—most Venomain don’t.”
I smiled:
“There’s more—I can help Wolfgang win.”
They listened as I explained that giving Edmond tiny amounts of my venom (which I can cleanse) builds his resistance—safely.
Rosette looked concerned:
“That means you’ll draw your blood—are you sure?”
I replied strongly:
“Yes. I want to help. I’ll recover quickly.”
I made sure they knew this was my choice—not a sacrifice—they doubted me before, dismissed me. Now I have power, and I’ll use it.
“I want to defeat Venomain—no matter what.”
Rosette closed her eyes, nodded softly:
“I understand. Don’t overdo it.”
Edmond and I both answered:
“We understand.”
Reina cheered:
“I’ll support both of you!”
Edmond took my hand:
“Let’s do our best, Irene.”
I smiled back:
“Yes. Let’s win.”
Suddenly, he clenched his fist:
“Let’s crush every Venomain until none remain.”
His tone was fierce—I shivered, but nodded.
At that moment, the butler burst in:
“Lord Edmond! A letter from Duke Venomain!”
I froze. The Duke sent a letter—directly to Edmond, not Mother. Edmond looked uneasy. He broke the seal, read:
“What is this…?”
His expression hardened—dangerous determination filled his eyes.
