One day, during one of the lessons, Alicia asked the Baron,
"Uncle, why are my father and Uncle Alfred called sword sages? Why is their title considered one of the most precious in the Empire?"
The Baron asked,
"Alicia, do you know about the founding legend of the Empire?"
Alicia replied,
"Yes, I do."
The Baron continued,
" What about Mages and saints?"
Alicia replied,
"I only know that the first Emperor was called a saint... I don't know anything about mages...."
The Baron explained,
"Alright, Alicia, listen carefully. During the First Emperor's rule, he invited mercenaries from all over the world and gave them a social standing similar to that of an adventurer. He even awarded some of the extraordinary mercenaries, who became so due to their poor birth, Aristocratic titles because of unparalleled skills with swords. They were all able to wield sword auras, which could only be wielded by the Royal knights and high-class aristocrats of the Kiburg Empire. They were all considered Sword Sages. They were all neglected by the Empire just because of their poor birth."
Alicia asked,
"Didn't other mercenaries riot? After all, they must also consider them below...."
The Baron replied, " Alicia, during those times, becoming a mercenary wasn't a choice. Back then, most people from the slums couldn't get a decent job because they were considered lowborn. Their only options were to either become a mercenary or a prostitute. Therefore, only the people from the slums or escaped prisoners would become mercenaries, commoners would go for a job like adventurers, which they considered safer. Hence, all mercenaries were considered ruffians. Even the church, which preached that the Goddess's blessings were above everything, started to discriminate against the Kingdom of Visden, though its rulers were blessed with immense divine powers. This discrimination and ridicule reached its peak during the rule of the Sixth King, Igor. Hence, the Emperor ended it all. He conquered the whole Empire of Kiburg and destroyed the previous church, establishing the current one."