Chapter 54

Five years ago, the Kingdom of Tresst, which revered the griffin as its divine beast, was at war with its neighboring country, which revered the wyvern. The neighboring country had targeted the mines within Tresst along the border.

Driven by the desire for resources, the neighboring country raised objections about the border's position, to which Tresst naturally protested. After years of conflict, the neighboring country launched an attack.

The neighboring country also had a divine beast, so the war was expected to drag on. However, the tide of the war changed dramatically when Lucash shot down the enemy's ace, leading to the end of the war in just three months.

Lucash was reportedly appointed as the leader of the group in recognition of his achievements, but in reality, there were complex circumstances. He was able to achieve his success thanks to the strategic ingenuity of Jackson, who had been the deputy leader, and the leadership of General Gerald, who led the knights from the front.

Though called a "hero," Lucash humbly stated that he had only dealt with the enemy's ace who had targeted him.

"The royal family and the Ambroche Duke's house have not had a marital relationship for a while. Despite this, the Duke's house has significant influence and assets. The king desired their power and kept a close eye on us three brothers. He chose me, inducted me into the divine beast knights at an unusually early age, and made me the youngest leader, unilaterally bestowing 'honor' on me, thereby creating a sense of 'obligation' to the Ambroche family."

Not only honor but also real power was given, and any complaints would be seen as disloyalty. Neither Lucash nor the Duke of Ambroche could refuse.

In this way, the king is creating ties with the Ambroche family and presenting himself as a wise ruler who values heroes. It is evident that he is consolidating the royal family's foundation by incorporating influential families.

Viera understood intellectually that this was how politics worked in a country with a monarchy, but hearing the political undercurrents made her feel complex.

"If one thought they were recognized for their abilities, but in reality, they were promoted for other purposes, they would be sad. Conversely, even if someone is truly capable, if it doesn't benefit the king, they won't be recognized, right?"

"In the king's case, it's more blatant than the previous king. He has been using the 'favor' he bestowed on many influential nobles to push through his own ideas as 'consultations,' bypassing regulations and precedents. To put it bluntly, his tyranny is escalating. Some families want to distance themselves from the royal family to avoid trouble, as they don't need the honor."

Lucash pressed his forehead as if to relieve a headache.

Divine beast knights can retire at any time after ten years of service, but the king is ignoring this rule. If the king continues to disregard the rules, he may become a tyrant, leading to a loss of loyalty among the nobles, disunity, and potential domestic unrest.

"Is there no one to offer advice?"

"Father and his allies have been trying various approaches, but the king's mindset is hard to change. So far, no significant issues have arisen, and the politics appear to be running smoothly on the surface. Advice is often dismissed as exaggerated."

"If only there were a trigger."

"Yes, that's why Father asked me to try to retire from the divine beast knights this year, which marks my tenth year of service."

Lucash's desire to retire was initially to study in a quiet countryside, but he had another reason.

When Viera looked up, expecting more, Lucash averted his gaze, looking uncomfortable.

"I knew the king wouldn't easily allow my retirement. The plan to feign an injury was rejected, and it was impossible to claim that I should succeed the Duke's house because I have an older brother. I was at a loss when I met Viera. Marrying into a rural domain was the perfect condition to leave the capital and a good reason to retire."

"Originally, that was the agreement, but it didn't work."

"Yes, I thought that if I proposed retirement, everyone would recognize that the honor was not something I was grateful for, and the king might allow my retirement. This could have been a trigger to correct other exceptions caused by the king's whims. Instead, I involved Viera. If we weren't engaged, you might have returned to your domain with just the reward money, even with the issue of the barrier stone. I feel guilty for hindering your plans and causing you trouble."

Lucash bowed his head slightly, his gaze falling. The grip on Viera's hand tightened, conveying his regret.

Viera, who had let go, now took the initiative to hold her fiancé's hand.

"The fault lies with those who don't follow the rules. I was the one who proposed the engagement and involved you. You haven't done anything wrong. Do you regret accepting my proposal?"

"Absolutely not! Meeting you that night was a stroke of luck, and I'm happy to be engaged to you. Even if you think it's a burden, I have no intention of letting you go."

Moved by his passionate words and intense gaze, Viera felt her face heat up.

"Hehe, then we're a team now. Let's face everything together. I may be insensitive and weak in political maneuvering, but if there's anything I can do, please don't hesitate to tell me."

Lucash's lips tightened, and his blue-gray eyes flickered.

"Understood. If you have any concerns or feel something is off, please consult me. If it's hard to talk to me, you can talk to your parents. Agreed?"

"Yes, I promise!"

"Thank you. I'm glad my fiancée is Viera."

Lucash finally relaxed, lightly kissed Viera's forehead, and then hugged her tightly. The embrace was strong but not suffocating, conveying a sense of care. Viera felt more at ease than excited, resting her head on his shoulder and gently hugging him back.

Then, Lucash started muttering.

"I want to finish my duties quickly and leave the capital. I want to spend time with Viera without any interruptions. I don't want you to go on the expedition. I want to go with you as a guard."

Although it's just a week, I can't tell him that I'm actually looking forward to staying at the hotel during the expedition.

"I'll work hard to help with the experiments so we don't have to go on multiple expeditions."

"Yes, but don't overexert yourself. I'm worried you might collapse from magical exhaustion again."

"I'll prioritize my health, I promise."

"Also, if Clement comes to your room at night saying he has something to discuss, don't let him in under any circumstances."

"...I'll be careful."

"And then—"

Lucash, who had transformed from the youngest to a worried parent, continued to list the expedition precautions until Viera, with a serious face, stopped him.