Chapter 38

The Imperial Army’s invasion.

Although the capital of the Grand Duchy fell into chaos upon receiving this news, the crisis was averted thanks to the heroic efforts of the Sword Saint.

A few days later.

The Duke of Townset was dispatched from the Kingdom to the royal castle in the capital to explain the situation.

“I apologize for the delay in contacting the Grand Duchy. Given the urgency, our nation entrusted the great sage with forty thousand imperial troops and dispatched the Sword Saint. This was a decision made under time constraints.”

Despite being allies, the Kingdom apologized for deploying a force capable of easily annihilating a nation without prior approval.

However, the apology was mostly formal. The Duke of Townset was sent to publicize the fact that the Kingdom had forsaken its own defenses to help.

Watching this, Roy’s older brother, Liam Luvell, murmured.

“Although it’s said that the decision was made by the King and most of the high-ranking officials opposed it, they’re acting like it was their achievement…”

“Don’t say unnecessary things. Regardless of the circumstances, we were saved by the Kingdom’s decision.”

The Foreign Minister, who was Liam’s superior, cautioned him.

Liam, dissatisfied, apologized.

“I’m sorry…”

“Our Majesty is still young. We don’t want to cause any trouble with the Kingdom’s nobles right now.”

The details had already been conveyed to the Grand Duchy. It was well-known that most of the high-ranking officials opposed sending the Sword Saint and were ready to abandon the Grand Duchy. The King had unilaterally decided to send the Sword Saint, and everything had gone well as a result.

Therefore, while there was gratitude towards the King, there was none towards the Duke of Townset, who had opposed the King. Nonetheless, they couldn’t treat the representative of the Kingdom poorly.

“I understand. We appreciate your efforts for our nation. Please convey our gratitude to His Majesty, the King.”

Seated on the throne was a young man with brown hair and an expressionless face. He was twenty years old. His name was Nigel Van Berlant, the young Grand Duke who had taken on the responsibilities of the Grand Duchy after his father’s retirement.

“Understood.”

The Duke of Townset bowed respectfully, concluding the meeting.

Or so it was planned.

“However, it was quite a calamity, Your Majesty.”

“Indeed, it was a calamity, but it was also a good opportunity to recognize the power of the Sword Saint and the Great Sage.”

“Absolutely. Even we were astonished. However, it wasn’t just the two of them; the students of the academy also shone brightly.”

“That’s right. Your Kingdom’s students stayed and fought. As expected of the students of Albios Kingdom.”

Nigel engaged with the Duke of Townset, praising the students. Liam, thinking how the Duke could bring up the topic despite his own son having fled to the border early on, was taken aback when the Duke smiled and said,

“We are honored by your praise. I heard that the students of the Grand Duchy also performed remarkably. However, it’s unfortunate that the son of Baron Luvell fled early on. It’s regrettable that the hero’s son is not a hero himself.”

Liam’s face stiffened instantly. Noticing this, the Foreign Minister quietly advised him.

“Endure it.”

“I understand…”

Liam took a deep breath to calm himself. This was an important meeting; an assistant shouldn’t interfere. He had the goal of improving the reputation of the Luvell family, and had diligently fulfilled his duties at the castle for that reason.

The reputation of the Luvell family was poor. Because of this, he had bowed his head numerous times and endured many humiliations. He endured it all because he didn’t want his younger brother and sister to experience the same. Thus, Liam bit his lip hard.

However.

“I heard he left his sister behind and fled. Honestly, it’s an unthinkable act for a student of the academy, isn’t it?”

Feeling something snap inside him, Liam stepped forward. He ignored the Foreign Minister’s voice trying to stop him, overflowing with the thought that he didn’t care anymore.

“Please… wait a moment.”

Liam, who had been standing quietly behind, stepped forward without permission. Speaking out during the meeting was unacceptable. But.

“And who might you be?”

“Liam Luvell, the elder brother of Roy Luvell.”

Answering the Duke of Townset, Liam’s eyes were fixed on Nigel.

The Duke, looking at the impudent young man, muttered, “Ah, the eldest son of Baron Luvell. Step back. Now.”

“As his brother, I wish to ask His Majesty. My brother is indeed not excellent or serious, but he is not cowardly. He went to our father as a messenger. Only our father managed to arrive in time because of him. This is an achievement. Considering how he rode to our father amidst approaching enemies, it brings tears to my eyes. Therefore, there’s no reason to say he abandoned his sister. What does Your Majesty think of this?”

“Liam Luvell, you should…”

“I am asking His Majesty. Please be quiet for a moment.”

Ignoring the Duke of Townset who tried to speak, Liam stared at Nigel.

Nigel’s previously expressionless face moved slightly, looking amused.

“How insolent! Someone, take him away!”

Following the Duke’s words, guards began to move.

However.

“Liam Luvell, I believe Roy Luvell’s actions were heroic. It would have been easy to flee to a safe zone when facing the enemy. However, Roy did not escape to the safe border. He went to his father to call for reinforcements. This was the best action in that situation. To belittle this would mean calling all messengers cowards.”

“Then… my brother will not be punished?”

“Of course not. Soon, I will invite Baron Luvell and his son to the castle. I apologize for the lack of consideration. You spoke up well. Without you, I might have been seen as an ungrateful king.”

With that, Nigel motioned for Liam to step back.

Having received the answer he wanted, Liam quietly retreated.

Then.

“Now, Duke of Townset. What were we discussing? The importance of messengers? Or was it about your son? I did not see his name in the report. He must have been remarkable. I appreciate it.”

“Uh, yes…”

“It was a good meeting. I will take my leave.”

Saying this, Nigel stood up and left, followed by the Duke of Townset.

Later, Liam received a lecture from the Foreign Minister but, thanks to Nigel’s intervention, faced no real punishment.