Chapter 12

Lucas handed Albertina over to the stable within the palace grounds and walked towards the knight's quarters in high spirits.

"Really, what an interesting woman."

The encounter with Viela was shocking. With her yellow-blonde hair, pale pink eyes, and childlike features, she was often described as adorable. When they met in the garden, Lucas was initially annoyed, thinking, "Another troublesome type of young lady."

However, that impression didn't last more than a few seconds. Holding a bottle of whiskey, her manly drinking style, straightforward and unadorned personality, and the fact that she didn't view Lucas as a "hero" with colored glasses—this was the first time he had met a young lady who didn't put on a facade after adulthood and who felt genuinely human.

Even when offered a drink, which he would usually be wary of as it might be drugged, he decided to drink after seeing Viela take a sip first.

Before he knew it, their conversation was flowing, and they hit it off. When she proposed a contractual marriage, he immediately accepted based on his intuition that "even without romantic feelings, we can live together as good friends."

The next day, after staying at her apartment, he became even more convinced of her lack of ulterior motives and her considerate nature. He felt that Viela would become a unique and irreplaceable presence in his life.

(My intuition is usually right. During the war, the traps set by young ladies, and the intentions of young noblemen who pretended to be friends—my intuition has always been correct. So, this time, my intuition that Viela must not be let go will also be right.)

Through this meeting, he gained the support of his parents, who were skilled at reading people. He had sent a report to the king and received words of congratulations regarding the marriage. The only issue was the king's reluctance regarding the timing of his retirement.

"How should I resign..."

Since he became a substitute parent to Albertina at the age of eight and entered into a contract at ten, Lucas's future had been set. Despite his talent in combat, he was unusually appointed as a Divine Beast Knight at fifteen and had served for ten years. He had also held the position of captain for five years.

He wanted some time for himself, but at his age, it was too early to retire. There was also the reality that there was no knight stronger than him.

However, considering Viela's family situation, he couldn't afford to waste time. He would need to lay the groundwork with various people.

"But, before that, what to do about him—"

Lucas recalled the bruise on Viela's wrist as he made his way back to the knight's quarters.

***

"Today, eight members from the Barrier Division's Second Team are ready. Lucas, please take care of our escort for today's regular patrol."

The next early morning, Clement, the team leader of the Barrier Division, greeted Lucas as if nothing had happened the previous day, with his usual smile and firm attitude.

"Understood. Four Divine Beast Knights and ten knights will be escorting the Barrier Division this time. I will lead the team. Please take care."

"Yes."

"Let's go."

Thus, the Divine Beast Knights rode griffins, and the knights and Barrier Division members rode horses, heading for the boundary stone in the forest. They encountered monsters along the way but dealt with them easily, and the barrier was re-applied. They returned to the palace safely by evening as planned.

After the team dispersed, Lucas was about to move to the north building to wash Albertina, who was stained with blood, when Clement spoke to him.

"Lucas, do you have a moment?"

"Sure. Tina, wait for me at the washing area."

"Kyu-ru."

He instructed the other knights to return first and led Clement to the training ground. As soon as they were alone, Clement's calm gaze turned sharp.

"Lucas, what was that about yesterday!?"

"About Viela?"

Lucas's casual use of her name made Clement glare even more fiercely.

"Yes, why did you end up marrying her? You and Viela weren't even acquaintances before the ball, right?"

"Then let me ask you. Clement Bartel, what kind of answer would make you give up?"

"!"

They had known each other since childhood as high-ranking nobles of similar age. They often worked together on expeditions and had a long-standing relationship, though not particularly close. This was the first time Clement had directed such strong anger at him.

(So my guess was right. Clement Bartel has been harboring deep feelings for Viela. What a troublesome man.)

It was well-known that Clement had a crush on a young lady in the Technical Division. As the ace of the Technical Division and a valuable asset to the Barrier Division, no one in the knight corps had been spared her magical enhancements.

However, she was a recluse and never appeared in society. Despite the rumors of her cuteness, few people had seen her because Clement always stood in the way.

Viela was the secret flower of the Magic Bureau.

It was easy to see that Clement felt like a treasure had been taken from him, both professionally and personally.

"I fell in love at first sight. I thought she was cute when I saw her at the ball."

"So, you proposed right there?"

"Can't you accept that?"

"Yes. You used to complain about wanting to move to the countryside after ten years. The Yubert family said their sister would inherit, yet Viela, who was supposed to stay in the capital, said she would return to her family's estate. Did you take advantage of the financially struggling viscount's family and force her into a marriage using your power?"

While it was true that he had taken advantage of Viela's precarious situation, it was a mutual agreement with mutual benefits. Moreover, she had been the one to initiate the proposal. However, he had no intention of correcting Clement's misconceptions.

"Your imagination is quite vivid, but I didn't force her. I simply offered her the kind of gentle sympathy she needed. Viela happily agreed to the engagement."

"What! You took advantage of her willingness to endure anything for her family! I didn't know you were such a person!"

Before he knew it, Lucas had been cast as the villain who had stolen the princess from the prince.

"Hah, I didn't even express any love to her, and you think I'm worse than a man who makes her cry. I think I'm more of a gentleman than you. If you were so attached, you should have proposed and revealed your true feelings instead of trying to sabotage things."

"You don't know my situation."

"Ah, I don't! But I can say for sure that Viela won't turn to a mean man. Especially not one who leaves bruises on her thin arms."

Lucas laughed, and Clement's face drained of color. His anger subsided, and he fell silent, his fists clenched tightly, conveying his regret.

"Clement, Viela is an important piece in my modest plans for after retirement. If you hurt her or push her to do something reckless, even if I'm not around to see it, I won't forgive you."

"..."

Clement didn't respond. Lucas lightly patted his shoulder as they passed and left the training ground.

(Now his anger will be directed at me, and he will have no choice but to be kind to Viela. But, is that really okay?)

A doubt formed in the back of his mind. Viela had chosen him because she thought Clement disliked her and wouldn't rely on him.

But if she found out Clement's true feelings... he couldn't help but feel uneasy.