Chapter 53

In the evening, after receiving the explanation for the expedition, Viela welcomed Lucash and Albertina at the stable of the Ambroche residence.

Recently, due to Viela's irregular working hours with the investigation team and Lucash's behind-the-scenes activities for his retirement, they have been returning home separately.

When Viela gets home early, she often waits in the stable like this.

In front of her, Albertina landed gracefully. When riding her, it feels like a collision, but in reality, it is a very light landing.

"Welcome back, Lord Lucash, Lady Tina!"

Viela greeted them with a smile, and Lucash's face lit up.

"Welcome back."

"Kyu!"

Albertina also responded energetically. As Lucash dismounted, he pushed Albertina's eagle head towards Viela, indicating that she should pet her. Viela vigorously stroked the fluffy feathers, and a cute "Kyu-kyu" sound could be heard.

"Thank you for your hard work today, Lady Tina."

"Kyu"

Albertina slightly changed the angle of her neck.

"Is it the back of the ear? How is it?"

"Kyu-uu"

"It seems good. Hehe, I feel good too."

Despite her fierce and intimidating appearance, her touch is delicate and light. This is probably due to Lucash's careful grooming. Viela enjoyed the soft, smooth feathers in her palms and between her fingers.

"Even without a contract, Viela and Tina have become so close."

While putting away the equipment on the stable wall, Lucash said this.

"Well, for the past few months, we've been meeting almost every day, either in the morning or in the evening, right? Lady Tina♡"

"Kyu-ru♡ Kyu, Kyu"

"Ah, next is the underside of the jaw. Wow, this is the fluffiest♡"

"Kyu-ru-ru♡ Kyu?"

"Also, the underside of the wings. Hehe, does it feel good? Ha~ Lady Tina is the best. I feel really, really good too♡"

"Kyu-kyu♡"

"...Wait, why are you being more affectionate with each other than with me, your partner and fiancé?"

After finishing the cleanup, Lucash looked at them with a raised eyebrow, seemingly displeased. As Albertina's contractor and Viela's fiancé, he wanted to be the most important to each of them.

His childish and selfish jealousy was so cute, it tickled her heart.

Viela nodded at Albertina, who then buried her head in Lucash's chest while Viela hugged him from behind, sandwiching him between them.

"Why don't you join in, Lord Lucash?"

"Kyu!"

Viela put her resolve into action, remembering her decision to hug what she found cute. She could feel that his back was broad and covered with well-toned muscles. They were firm yet elastic. When she hugged him, she realized his body was even more well-built than she had imagined.

His back trembled slightly.

"Haha, really, I can't compete with you two. This is the best."

Lucash stroked Albertina's head with both hands, seeming to be in a good mood now that he was surrounded by those he loved.

Viela loosened her arms and peeked at Lucash from the side, thinking this was the right time to talk.

"Recently, I might have to leave the mansion for about a week to participate in an experiment for a new magic barrier formula."

"Participate in an experiment? Why you... Isn't that the job of the development department?"

Lucash stepped away from Albertina and gave Viela a puzzled look.

"They said that solving cases involves not only investigation but also prevention to ensure the same thing doesn't happen again. I thought it was just another call for investigation, but then I was told I would be going on an expedition for the experiment..."

Viela explained about being involved in the development of the new magic formula and the details of the expedition's location and members.

Lucash's frown deepened, and by the time she finished, the good mood from earlier was gone.

Despite being known for his calm and composed demeanor, the hero was quite clingy and possessive. Viela had anticipated that Lucash would sulk when he learned she would be away from the mansion for days on an expedition, so she had tried to bring up the topic when he was in a good mood, but it didn't seem to have much effect.

"How far do they intend to involve Viela? They didn't even consult you about a new mission and pushed it through as a fait accompli... I'm sorry, I couldn't handle it well."

"You did nothing wrong. To continue doing this... you haven't changed."

Lucash laughed through his nose. Who was he directing this at... his eyes were filled with disappointment.

Viela looked up at him, worried.

"Lord Lucash?"

"I'm sorry, Viela. Can you give me some time after dinner? There's something I need to talk about."

"Sure."

"Thank you. Let's go back inside the mansion. Tina, see you tomorrow."

After dinner, they moved to Viela's room to talk—

"Lord Lucash, I can't concentrate on the conversation like this."

Viela was seated between Lucash's knees, and he was hugging her from behind. The embrace was tight, and she could hear a deep sigh from the gap between her shoulders and his black hair.

She could feel his breath on her neck, and his lips were almost touching her. She thought she had gotten used to being hugged, but it seemed she was mistaken.

"I finally thought we could spend time together without being apart after the long expedition... and now it's Viela's turn to go on an expedition? This is clearly outside your job scope. Does the Magic Bureau not realize that they are acting as if they admit their development department is incompetent? They just try to please the king, fools."

"..."

"Really, it's unbelievable. And Clement is going on the expedition too? If anything happens to Viela, I'll cut him down."

"Please don't say such violent things."

Was he planning to cut Clement or the senior officials of the Magic Bureau who involved her in the expedition? She was too scared to ask.

(He must be wary because of the Bartel family incident, but Lord Clement, though hard to read, has been giving me various warnings. I don't think he follows Lady Celestia, and I don't think he will do anything to me.)

As she prayed that her junior mage wouldn't be cut, Lucash's arms loosened.

He lifted her by sliding one arm under her knees and then sat her next to him so they could see each other's faces clearly.

"What image do you have of the king, Viela?"

Once a year, the palace mages gather in the hall, and the king gives an encouraging speech at the New Year's party. Viela recalled his appearance at that time.

He has golden hair and blue eyes, exudes the dignity of a king, and always maintains a gentle smile. She remembers him as kind and fair, promoting capable people regardless of their background.

With the exception of the upper echelons of each department, there are also commoners in various positions. For example, the deputy director of the technical department is a woman of common birth. When she saw the king's signature on her promotion approval, she said:

"The king, who does not discriminate based on status, is a fair and wonderful person—this is the image he is respected with among those who work in the palace."

"Yes, the king invests in capable people. He is indeed excellent in many ways, but how did you feel about being assigned to the investigation team?"

"I felt it was a mixed blessing. Especially this time, it felt like I was chosen for the sake of convenience rather than my abilities... Moreover, they made it seem like it was an honor and that it would be wrong to refuse... So..."

Viela paused and looked at Lucash.

She remembered what Hermine had said about how he was forced to join the Divine Beast Knights and pushed into the position of captain, as if he had no choice in the matter.

"Lord Lucash, you too?"

"Yes, the king has been targeting me to bring the Ambroche family into his fold."