Chapter 29

After giving his subordinates, the divine beast knights, a few words, Lukas walked straight towards the table where Viela and the others were sitting. At this moment, he was the epitome of a 'dignified hero,' with a cold, stern expression that showed no sign of softness.

He exuded an even colder aura than the cool demeanor he had displayed in the technical department a few days ago. While some people were captivated by his handsome appearance, most of those in the cafeteria watched Lukas's movements with a mixture of awe and apprehension.

"Viela, it's rare to see you in the cafeteria. As for your colleague, that's one thing, but for Clement to be here as well..."

His tone was emotionless and matter-of-fact. He cast a brief, stern glance at Clement before turning his unreadable blue-gray eyes back to Viela. He seemed like a completely different person from the cheerful, youthful man she knew, and Viela involuntarily averted her gaze, feeling a jolt.

"Yes. I was invited by a colleague, and this is my first time having lunch here. Meeting Clement-sama was purely coincidental. He asked to join us, and so..."

Although she hadn't done anything wrong, her response sounded like an excuse. She felt guilty about having lunch with Clement.

"Your first time, huh? What did you eat? How was it?"

"The A set. The meat was very tender and delicious."

"Maybe I'll try it next time."

Lukas's voice had softened slightly. When she looked up, his gaze had also softened, though it was still colder than usual.

"Are you having lunch here, Lord Lukas?"

There was one empty seat at their table. Although she was afraid to sit with Clement, it was only natural to give priority to her fiancé. Her colleague Rosetta gave a small nod of agreement, but Lukas shook his head.

"Unfortunately, I'll just pick up my meal and then join my fellow divine beast knights in a separate room for a meeting over lunch."

"Meeting... Is it the expedition that's been brought forward?"

"Seems like you've already heard. I guess the source was your neighbor."

With that, Lukas looked down at Clement, who met his cold gaze without flinching.

"Lukas, when are you leaving?"

"In exactly two weeks. I believe the head of the Barrier Division will also inform you, but this time, instead of the First Team, the Second Team will be leading the expedition, with Clement appointed as the leader."

"---What? Why..."

Clement's eyes widened in surprise. It was understandable, as large-scale expeditions were usually handled by the experienced First Team. Even when other teams were assigned, the leader was typically a team leader with extensive experience.

Clement had only been in his current position for two years and was the youngest among the team leaders. While he had the magical prowess, his experience in leading a group was still very limited.

"The details will be explained by the head of the division. It's a direct order from the upper management of the Magic Bureau. I recommend you finish your meal quickly and return to the Barrier Division's office. I will be the deputy leader of the expedition, assisting Leader Clement. Best of luck."

Lukas extended his palm towards Clement.

"Ha... For Lukas to be the assistant, what kind of expedition is this? Well, if I've been appointed, I'll do my best... I may still be inexperienced, but I hope for your support."

Clement stood up and shook hands with Lukas. The cafeteria was filled with a sense of excitement from those who felt a strong bond between the two elites.

(They trust and respect each other in their work. So why is the atmosphere so tense in other situations?)

As Viela wondered, Lukas, having released Clement's hand, reached out with his other hand towards her ear. He gently played with her earring, causing her to blush slightly, thinking he might touch her ear.

"You're wearing them properly."

"Of course."

"However, they seem to be lacking in power to repel insects."

"Insects?"

No jealous young ladies had appeared, and she thought the earrings were doing a good job of repelling them. The idea that pink diamonds were insufficient seemed absurd, and Viela looked up at Lukas with a puzzled expression.

Lukas gazed down at Viela, placing his other hand on the back of her chair and leaning in close to her ear. His lips didn't touch her, but his light breath did.

"This should send a warning to the insects. Anyway, it's good to have met you, even by chance. I feel more motivated for the afternoon."

"Y-Yes, that's good."

Lukas straightened up, his expression cool, though it seemed slightly more cheerful. He turned and left the cafeteria with his subordinates, leaving Viela in a daze, her heart racing and her chest feeling tight.

Clement, who had resumed eating, finished his meal quickly and was preparing to return to the Barrier Division's office. Despite the honor of being appointed as the expedition leader, his expression was tense and rigid.

"Clement-sama, are you feeling unwell?"

"The shock is giving me a headache, but I'm fine, really."

Clement forced a smile, but it was clear he didn't want to be pressed further. Viela pretended not to notice and smiled brightly.

"For the success of the expedition, please don't hesitate to order any necessary magical tools, just as before. We in the Technical Division will support you fully."

"Viela-senpai's magical tools are top-notch. I'll be counting on you. I'll take my leave now. Rosetta-san, it was nice having lunch with you."

Clement smiled, causing the women around them to sigh, and left the cafeteria.

"Is he going to be okay...?"

Viela murmured, worried, and Rosetta sighed deeply.

"You shouldn't be worrying about Leader Clement. You should focus on Lord Herring... Seriously, Viela, you're quite the charmer, aren't you?"

"What do you mean by that nickname?"

"Not only the people in the Technical Division, but you're also winning over bigger fish... Anyway, it seems the scene in the Technical Division the other day wasn't a hallucination. That Lord Herring, who is known for being indifferent and cold, is already married and secure, yet he's still trying to assert his dominance in every direction. That's some serious possessiveness."

"P-Possessiveness..."

Viela's face flushed again, and Rosetta teased, "You don't seem to mind at all."

Viela couldn't deny that, even if it was just an act, it wasn't entirely unpleasant.