Chapter 29
“…!”
“Leave. No one here welcomes you.”
He had expected to be unwelcome, but he hadn’t expected such hostility.
Tobias unleashed his anger at Ludice without holding back.
“What harm are you planning this time? Ever since you reappeared, nothing good has happened to the Commander!”
“Tobias Elberton, don’t act emotionally.”
Ludice’s voice was cold. Her golden eyes fixed squarely on Tobias.
“Do you think venting your anger at me will solve anything?”
“…!”
“Do you think standing in my way will make what has happened disappear? I came here to deal with the matter you are so angry about.”
Tobias’ face flushed deep red.
“W-what you’re doing is obviously your duty! But because of your reckless actions, the Commander is in danger right now!”
Tobias charged forward, and Quinlan’s eyebrows twitched at the sight.
Sensing something unusual, Ludice signaled him not to intervene. Fortunately, Quinlan obeyed.
After confirming that he would stay put, Ludice tilted her head slightly at Tobias.
“Don’t act foolishly, Tobias. If you’re going to bark at me like this, why not assert your opinion in the traditional way of the Evnia Knights?”
“…!”
For a moment, the knights observing their conversation stirred.
Most of the people present belonged to the Evnia Knights, so they understood what Ludice meant.
The long-standing tradition of the Evnia Knights—a type of trial by combat.
It was a primitive system where one could challenge another to duel, and the result would determine guilt or innocence. In a knightly order that valued strength, it was the most efficient method.
But there was a difference from ordinary duels. In regular duels, one could appoint a substitute to fight on their behalf.
Not in the Evnia Knights. If someone else fought in your stead, it was equivalent to admitting your own weakness.
Ludice’s stern gaze fell on the man glaring at her.
“Yes. I came here to resolve this matter, as you said. But if you can’t wait for me…”
Her eyes sharpened.
“Then issue a duel. I will accept any challenge. But first, you should at least learn to assess the situation before acting.”
“I-if it weren’t for you, this wouldn’t have happened!”
“Enough.”
As the flustered Tobias instinctively stepped forward, Quinlan, who had been quietly observing, moved. He positioned Ludice behind him and stepped forward.
“Are you committing an act of insolence against Dephania? How dare you.”
The temperature around them dropped sharply at Quinlan’s low words.
A man known as the Martial God of the Empire.
There was no knight in the Empire who did not respect him. Tobias, who had forgotten this and raised his voice, avoided his gaze, clearly flustered.
Ludice quietly took hold of Quinlan’s arm. When his gaze met hers, she offered a gentle smile.
“It’s okay. I came prepared for this.”
“Ludice…”
“If he issues a duel, I’ll accept it, so don’t worry. Of course.”
Ludice glanced around. The knights, who had been watching her sharply, all flinched and averted their eyes.
“I wonder if you even have that much courage.”
“….”
Tobias pressed his lips shut. At that moment:
“What kind of rude behavior is this? Do you intend to disgrace the honor of the Evnia Knights!”
Gudel Austin appeared, as if from nowhere.
“Commander!”
Tobias bowed, his face burning red.
Gudel gave him a quick glance, then approached Ludice and Quinlan.
“Duke, Duchess.”
He bowed to both of them, then stepped back.
“You’ve brought a long story. Please come inside.”
Gudel spoke calmly.
“Please forgive our rudeness. The mood has been tense lately.”
After an aide served tea and left, Gudel bowed deeply again.
Quinlan excused himself, saying he had business at the palace. It was Ludice’s way of letting him give her space.
“Tobias’ reaction is understandable.”
Ludice smiled faintly. He had always been the type to risk everything for Gudel’s sake.
‘Honestly, I would have done the same.’
Tobias admired Gudel Austin above all the knights of Evnia.
A nobleman who had not joined the Evron Knights, traveling all this way just to follow Gudel Austin.
Now, with the Commander facing possible expulsion from the Evnia Knights, how could he react calmly?
He wasn’t even on bad terms with her. He had respected her purely for her skill when others belittled her for being a woman.
Given the circumstances, his reaction was understandable.
“I understand.”
“That’s good.”
Gudel’s calm words made Ludice frown slightly. He had already accepted his own situation; it was only his subordinates who could not.
‘Even in my past life, it must have been like this.’
Ludice clicked her tongue in thought. He was so loyal that he accepted even unreasonable circumstances.
Perhaps if she hadn’t come, he would have continued to lead the Evnia Knights successfully.
Now that she knew everything, she could not leave things as they were. She had to ensure he did not go to the Nihil Knights. If he ended up there, he would surely face hardships, just like in her past life.
Ludice straightened her resolve and lifted her head.
“I’m sorry, Commander. Asking for my help has troubled you.”
She bowed sincerely. When Gudel said it was fine, she got straight to the point.
“Before the imperial decree is issued, how about resigning from the Evnia Knights?”
“…!”
Gudel’s expression hardened. Ludice looked at him calmly and continued.
“I came to make you one of my people. Join the Dephania Knights, Commander.”
He, too, was someone she had to protect in this life.
So come to me, Sir Gudel.
Ludice fixed him with a determined gaze.
“Oh, Quinlan. Welcome.”
Despite the sudden request for an audience, the Emperor greeted Quinlan warmly.
Before the war, the Emperor had hardly even acknowledged him. Now, he welcomed him more warmly than his own son.
“Thank you for granting me an audience, Your Majesty.”
“There’s no need for formalities. You’re not in my private chamber?”
Quinlan bowed, and the Emperor waved him off. He glanced at the chamberlain, who approached Quinlan.
“Go to His Majesty’s side.”
“….”
Quinlan gave the chamberlain a measured look, then moved toward the Emperor.
“Now, what brings you here? No matter how important your business in the territory, it would be good to see you more often.”
“I am grateful for your words, Your Majesty.”
Quinlan bowed.
Though the Emperor displayed affection, he was still the Emperor—he disliked anyone approaching his power too closely.
Quinlan moved only as close as he was permitted.
“I have a request.”
“A request?”
The Emperor, Nordin, raised his eyebrows with interest.
A man who had never complained, even on the harshest battlefields, now had a request? It intrigued the Emperor.
“Speak. You are a hero of the Empire; I will grant anything. Name it.”
Quinlan bowed again.
“Please send Sir Gudel Austin to Dephania.”
“…!”
Taken aback, the Emperor studied Quinlan carefully.
As always, Quinlan looked at him expressionlessly, unreadable.
Compared to him, Ludice was energetic and fiery.
The Emperor’s lips relaxed involuntarily as he recalled the spirited Duchess, boldly expressing her thoughts with golden eyes.
“Why do you want Gudel Austin?”
“I heard Sir Gudel plans to step down as Commander of the Evnia Knights.”
“…!”
The Emperor’s face stiffened.
