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    Ch.98Epilogue – Bartlant Chester (1)

    # The Commander’s Office of the Nelfrugia Knights

    The commander’s office of the Nelfrugia Knights was located in a space that offered a panoramic view of the imperial palace.

    In other words, just turning one’s head to look outside the window would reveal the vast imperial palace in sight.

    Lately, whenever Bartlant gazed out the window, he found himself suffering tremendously from complicated feelings.

    “Oh my? Lord Zikharun. What a coincidence.”

    “The restraints hidden under your voluminous dress can hardly be called a coincidence, Lady Charle!”

    “I was going to invite you for tea in my room. I have plenty of those tarts you like.”

    “Do you think of me as some animal that can be tamed with food?”

    “What do you take me for? I won’t do anything bad, so would you like to come over?”

    “I guarantee even an invitation from a biological stepmother wouldn’t be this creepy!”

    Charle and Zikharun, whose relationship had subtly twisted over time, were engaged in an amusing chase.

    Though the difference in their abilities was obvious, the psychological pressure of never knowing when and where Zikharun might be targeted was immense.

    Watching the two chase each other, Bartlant monologued.

    ‘Somehow, I’m envious…!’

    The old Bartlant would never have been conscious of such feelings.

    His hobby had been training his muscles and bones rather than spending time interacting with the opposite sex.

    He never expected to reach a point where he would become aware of the loneliness caused by a lack of romantic relationships.

    ‘I never thought I’d be having these concerns. If anyone found out, I’d be laughed at.’

    The moment his perception changed was during that urgent darkness when he stood at the crossroads between life and death. It was the fateful dawn when he participated in the subjugation of the Destroyer, Irefi Justitia.

    Marquis Nepy Alteon. He overcame trials to move Irefi away from corruption and magnificently saved the woman he loved.

    In truth, since Bartlant didn’t know the reason for Irefi’s corruption, he still felt bewildered whenever he thought about that time.

    What was important was that, for the first time, Bartlant realized he felt lonely after witnessing the love they displayed.

    “Even Zikharun, who used to receive nothing but hatred, has women approaching him naturally…”

    Bartlant felt sad about the reality that he, who had lived a clean life, was lonely. Moreover, it had been so long since he had casual conversations with women that he wondered if he could even properly talk to them.

    Setting work aside, his thoughts had drifted far away when he was brought back by a measured knock.

    Knock. Knock. Knock.

    “Ahem! Come in.”

    Hastily adjusting his posture, Bartlant gave permission. The door opened, and the person who entered was a knight in a white uniform.

    “I’ve come to escort you, Commander Chester.”

    “Is it that time already… I have a backlog of paperwork.”

    “I’ll help you after you finish your schedule.”

    “Always grateful. I don’t think I could manage without you.”

    The knight he relied on was named Liver. He was a trustworthy knight who had become his aide, replacing the retired deputy commander.

    Though often underestimated for his delicate appearance, he was highly regarded as a talent who always proved himself through skill.

    Liver bowed his head deeply as if the praise was too much. Bartlant, feeling fond, patted the knight’s shoulder. There was something off about the shoulder’s feel, but he dismissed it as due to the epaulette.

    “It’s been so long since I attended training that I feel ashamed. I can’t complain even if there are grievances.”

    “When Marquis Justitia was the commander, his attendance was rare. If you carry yourself confidently, the members will be pleased.”

    “Haha, that’s a relief.”

    The path to the training ground was quiet. The bright scenery seemed to be entirely his own, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.

    As Bartlant walked this dreamy path, he suddenly came to his senses. He realized a golden opportunity had arrived.

    “By the way… Sir Liver.”

    “Yes, sir?”

    “Most of the knights are of marriageable age, aren’t they?”

    “That’s correct.”

    “How are they managing?”

    “Pardon?”

    Liver rarely questioned back, but he did so in response to Bartlant’s meaningful question. It was far from the kind of question a commander of knights would typically ask, so he was perplexed.

    “Several are pursuing engagements… and those with established reputations meet different potential partners every other day. Of course, with the wholesome intention of choosing a marriage partner.”

    “Ah, um. I-I see?”

    The Nelfrugia Knights had high status as the emperor’s guard. Enough that even a third son of a mere baronial family could have the opportunity to marry the eldest daughter of a count’s family…

    ‘What am I doing?’

    Bartlant was not a fool who would ignore the answer to his question. If he were to line up the marriage proposals accumulating in his family, they would encircle the imperial palace and still have some left over.

    But the marriage proposals addressed to Bartlant didn’t genuinely expect a reply. They were more like application submissions.

    In other words, it was just an event like a lucky draw—a big win if chosen, and nothing if not.

    ‘That’s why I’m seeking a natural encounter…’

    He had been deprived of opportunities to meet potential partners due to his day and night dedication to work at the imperial palace. He seriously wondered if this was deliberately planned when they handed over the commander position to him. The spread of malice was genuinely suspicious.

    As Bartlant was seriously furrowing his brows, Liver cautiously interjected.

    “Um, may I ask the intention behind your question?”

    “I was wondering if it might be helpful.”

    “Helpful in what way…”

    “I think it might be time for me to consider a partner too. I feel inclined, but it’s frustrating not having opportunities to meet anyone.”

    “W-What?!”

    Bartlant had just been honest, but Liver repeatedly coughed while his shoulders jerked. His face turned pale blue, suggesting this was no ordinary shocking matter.

    “Hmm. Is it that surprising?”

    “N-No… that’s not it…”

    “I understand it doesn’t suit me. But what can I do when I’ve suddenly become impatient these days? It’s because of the environment around me…”

    Just turning his eyes outside the commander’s office, he could see Charle and Zikharun’s daily chase. His younger brother Arnel was enthusiastically advancing his love affairs, and a certain pair of marquises were constantly lovey-dovey.

    With spring flowers scattering in the warm breeze all around, even Bartlant’s iron-like sensibilities began to melt.

    To put it simply, he felt a chill in his side.

    Bartlant, perhaps embarrassed by his confession, diverted his attention elsewhere. It was a boldness inversely proportional to his size.

    Meanwhile, the knight beside him was watching for a completely different reason. Liver swallowed hard and solemnly broached the subject.

    “Commander. If I may be so bold, I’d like to make a suggestion.”

    “This is unusual for you, Sir Liver. Go ahead.”

    “If you don’t have a suitable partner in mind, how about my younger sister?”

    “… Could you repeat that?”

    “As a trial, I’d like to suggest meeting my sister.”

    “I didn’t know Sir Liver had a sister! Anyway… about that proposal…”

    Just as Bartlant was about to politely decline, a jet-black man suddenly appeared from somewhere and grinned mischievously.

    “Oh? A blind date for Bartlant? That’s interesting.”

    “Zikharun!? Why are you here?!”

    “I was hiding from Lady Charle in a hurry… but I overheard an interesting topic.”

    ‘Above all, another father’s blind date is a major issue,’ Zikharun restrained himself from revealing.

    They had bumped into each other frequently at the imperial palace and had somehow dropped formalities. Bartlant had adapted to Zikharun as if they had always been that way.

    It was as if he was dealing with an acquaintance he had known for a long time. An impossible sense of déjà vu.

    “Hmmmm?”

    Zikharun roughly scanned the two men. Then, he restlessly moved around, examining Liver from various angles.

    “Let’s see. This aide’s sister? She must be quite blessed.”

    “Excuse me, but why are you observing me when the subject is my sister…?”

    “Well, you know. If she’s your sister, she must resemble you somewhat. Perhaps even excessively… Don’t you think, Bartlant?”

    “I’d rather you not ask me.”

    “My! How pitiful for your blind date. To have such a wooden block who doesn’t even show interest as her partner.”

    “I don’t know what a blind date is, but you…!”

    Zikharun’s sarcasm was incredibly annoying. Even Bartlant’s considerable patience was visibly wearing thin.

    The person who stopped Bartlant from lashing out was none other than a young lady.

    “Is the young duke going to date now too?”

    “Lady Charle?”

    “What…! I didn’t even sense her presence?!”

    While Bartlant was merely surprised, Zikharun’s eyeballs stiffened, making him look like a rigid corpse.

    Charle grabbed Zikharun’s hood firmly and expressed her interest.

    “My goodness, this is huge news!”

    “Nothing has been decided yet.”

    “What are you saying, Young Duke! You absolutely must meet her!”

    “Gack! Could we talk after you let go, Lady Charle?”

    Charle ignored the suffering man and continued.

    “I’ve been so curious since there’s been no news about someone of your stature! Oh my… even Her Majesty the Empress has shown interest.”

    Excited after a long time, Charle fluttered her hands.

    Zikharun, with his hood twisted in her grip, was subjected to an impromptu choking play. It seemed merciless how every helping hand passed him by.

    “Hmm…”

    Originally, Bartlant had little intention of accepting. But it was difficult to betray Charle’s sparkling eyes.

    Moreover, he felt a hierarchy toward his superior due to Charle’s true birth.

    “Young Duke!”

    “Gack, keh-heh!”

    “Hmm.”

    Between Zikharun’s painful groans and Bartlant’s thoughtful hum, Bartlant’s auspicious first blind date was arranged.


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