Chapter 75

"Indeed, Lord Ducas. As the Duchess, I must study my role, but since there hasn't been a Duchess for four generations, I'm completely unfamiliar with the customs and traditions. Could you please tell me which noble ladies I should build relationships with? There are different battles for noble women, and the more detailed information I have, the more advantageous I can be. I truly wish to be of service to His Excellency the Duke."

Lady Melfiela responded with a smile to Ducas's malicious comment. Despite her claim of having been free during the Marshall Raid, she had clearly received a proper education as a noble. Her innocent demeanor was laced with several veiled challenges.

"That, that is not something for an outsider like me to meddle in."

Ducas, who hadn't expected a direct response from Lady Melfiela, stammered and managed to reply. Yanish grinned while munching on morsels, and Mullan and Zeph exchanged glances, giving each other a thumbs up. On the other hand, Zachary, the commander of Lieber Fort, and Patrice, the commander of Galvus Fort, remained silent, perhaps unsure of how Lady Melfiela, as the Duchess, would influence His Excellency.

"Is that so... In fact, I'm not good at social gatherings, and I don't have any acquaintances to learn the proper etiquette from. I don't like luxury and think that what I wear should be just enough not to be disrespectful. However, as the Duchess, I'm worried that I'll need top-notch dresses and jewelry. I've heard that His Excellency rarely attends social events due to his duties, but other noble ladies often host balls and tea parties to gather information. If I'm told to try, I will certainly do my best."

Lady Melfiela listed the ordinary activities of noble ladies, which were far from what the current Galbreys could manage. Ducas, who hadn't considered this, looked uncomfortable in contrast to her smiling face.

Although I'm not a noble, I knew the dark side of the glamorous social scene in the capital. The fall of a once prominent noble family is one of the most pitiful sights. Rather than living modestly, nobles who prioritize social status often spend their wealth extravagantly.

His Excellency listened silently to Lady Melfiela, not looking directly at her but holding a wine glass in his right hand and his left hand under the table. Lady Melfiela's right hand was also under the table, so it was clear what was happening.

The Galbreys don't have the financial means for a Duchess to engage in ordinary noble activities. The income from monster hunting and monster materials is used for the knights' salaries, equipment, and fortifications. His Excellency, who focuses on managing the territory and living with the people, doesn't need a wife like a typical noble.

(But Ducas is a knight who saw the previous Duke off in humiliation. He must strongly desire a 'normal noble' as his lord in the changing Galbreys.)

Ducas has always wished for the Galbreys to be recognized by the world. He was the first overseer assigned to the young His Excellency and me when we arrived in Galbreys at the age of twelve and ten, respectively. As an overseer, he was strict and serious, and His Excellency received a very rigorous 'Duke education.'

(Ah, that's right. The déjà vu I felt... Ducas's response to Lady Melfiela is the same as when we first met.)

The memories of those days came vividly to my mind. The young His Excellency, who was still a prince, and I, in the aftermath of the disaster in the Galbreys territory. It all started with His Excellency's decision.

◇

"Thanks for everything, Chaos."

Prince Aristide extended his right hand and looked at me straight in the eye. His amber eyes were calm, and I couldn't return his handshake.

"Brother... I've talked with Prince Maxim and decided to become the adopted son of the Duke of Galbreys. So, this is goodbye."

The Duke of Galbreys is a prestigious noble who governs the Elsenie Great Forest, a region infested with monsters. The Dukes are known for their short lifespans due to their lifelong duty of monster hunting. The current Duke of Galbreys was said to have suffered life-threatening injuries while protecting the people from a frenzied monster during the disaster.

The Galbreys territory is constantly threatened by monsters. Why would a frail prince need to become an adopted son in such a place?

"Prince, I don't understand what you mean."

To my question, the Prince smiled with a hint of distress.

"Over there, my magic can be useful, right?"

Indeed, the Prince's magic is more powerful than any mage's, capable of destroying a solid castle. This is because he was born with a large amount of magic power. However, having too much magic power means he needs to release it regularly or risk death.

In fact, the Prince has nearly died several times due to excessive magic power. His small body can't handle the strain, and he was once very thin and lifeless. Over the past three years, his physical strength has improved, but he still suffers from high fevers due to excess magic power.

"Who told you what? I know your magic is more powerful and precise than any mage in the kingdom. But you are the second prince of the Langdias Kingdom."

The current king has only two sons: Prince Maxim and Prince Aristide. Yet, why...

Becoming an adopted son means being removed from the royal family. It felt like he was being politely dismissed, and I was deeply angry.

"Is it because of your constitution? It's not your fault, and there's nothing you can do about it!"

I shouted, and the Prince smiled ambiguously.

"I've met the Duke of Galbreys. He seemed to have a lot of life left in him. He promised to teach me everything he knows after seeing my sword skills and magic."

"Then, why not the Eastern Knights? My father is... gone, but I can stay here!"

My father, the commander of the Eastern Knights, passed away six months ago due to the aftermath of the disaster. Despite my grief, the knights have been supporting the exhausted country from behind.

(I was first in the palace, then the Eastern Knights, and now the Galbreys territory. The Prince is only ten years old!)

The Prince was moved to the Eastern Knights at the age of seven to prevent him from destroying the castle with his magic. Despite being a prince, he was sent away and separated from his family.

Still, we deepened our bond despite the circumstances. We fought, but I considered the Prince my irreplaceable friend.

Was it just me? There were things beyond a child's control, but I couldn't accept how easily the Prince could cut ties.

It made me feel so frustrated that tears welled up in my eyes.

"You stupid Prince!"

I glared at him.

"I decided to support you, become a great knight, and protect the country with you."

When the Prince first arrived. I was jealous of my parents' attention to him and often fought with him.

I was envious that he was taken on monster hunts while I was left behind, and that my mother doted on him. When he was ill, he received special treatment and everyone worried about him. Just because he was a prince.

I hated him so much.

But the Prince wanted to be alone. He was dangerous because his high-concentration magic could go out of control. He didn't want to hurt anyone.

When he was ill, he would lock himself in a special room and continue casting magic despite his high fever. At seven years old, he was still a child.

The special room I thought was so special was actually a prison made of thick steel walls.

My father took the Prince on monster hunts to efficiently use his powerful magic.

I learned that my mother wasn't just doting on the Prince but was monitoring him to prevent a fatal magic surge.

Despite the protection of his parents, a child had to endure alone among strangers. When I learned the truth, I felt a deep respect for the Prince, who fought an invisible enemy without complaint, and shame for my own selfishness.

On the day I first took care of the Prince, I made a water pillow with my clumsy ice magic. The Prince, looking exhausted, smiled and said, "Thank you." Then, "I'm sorry for taking time away from your parents."

The Prince was kind and considerate, always putting others before himself. So,

No matter what, I decided to support and protect this kind person.

It was my personal vow. I didn't swear because he was a prince but because I, just Chaos, swore to just Aristide. The Prince once dismissed it, saying, "You should offer your loyalty to someone better, not to someone like me."

The Prince, who was scolded by me, glared at me with his golden eyes activated.

"Prince Aristide..."

No, he's no longer a prince. I corrected myself.

"No, Aristide-sama. I'm not a knight yet, but my loyalty is to you. I will go wherever you go."

"What about your mother? Galbreys is a harsh territory. We're both still children, and without jobs, it will be hard to support our parents."

"If Aristide-sama hires me as a servant, everything will be solved. Staying with the Eastern Knights has its limits, and this is perfect."

It was a good idea. If he refused, I would follow him anyway. I needed to discuss it with my mother.

"Chaos, please don't overdo it. I've caused you and your family enough trouble. You don't have to be swayed by me anymore."

Aristide-sama looked his age. I knew he felt guilty, but my mother, father, and I didn't do it just because the king asked.

"I thought we had a strong bond... Was it just my delusion?"

"No, I'm not denying that."

"My father would be disappointed. He treated you like a son."

"That's not what I meant. I don't think your dedication is fake."

Aristide-sama sounded anxious. The Eastern Knights' influence had changed his once adorable appearance, but his kind and trusting nature remained.

"Then, I'll have my mother petition the king. We haven't received any rewards for my father's service yet."

"If serving Aristide-sama is the reward, that's fine," I said, and Aristide-sama sighed, his ears turning red.

"The monsters in Galbreys are tough."

"Then, I'll train even harder."

"...You might die."

"Then, I'll take good care of Aristide-sama."

"Hey."

"Don't worry. I won't die until I take care of Aristide-sama."

The emotions of pain, loneliness, sadness, and hardship that Aristide-sama had suppressed.

I noticed his hand was trembling when he said, "Thanks for everything, Chaos."

Now, the only thing I can do is share the life in Galbreys with him. I will do my best to ensure his future is filled with happiness.

And so, I stepped into the Galbreys territory with high hopes—

"Your instructor is Ducas Furnier."

Ducas's stern face and relentless guidance made even me, who had endured much, want to run away. It was not a proud memory.