A Hero's Welcome in Lavante
Ludenberg Lavante was greeted by the cheers of countless territory residents upon his arrival in Lavante.
"……?"
He wore a bewildered expression. Why were the people who usually feared him reacting like this? Puzzled, he boarded the carriage.
It didn't take long for the carriage to reach the ducal castle. As the gates opened and he entered, he saw his father, Leonard Lavante, seated on the throne.
"You're back."
"……I'm home. Father."
"Hm? What's on your mind?"
"Has something happened? The residents wouldn't welcome me like this."
"Ah. That's simple enough."
"Pardon?"
"You've made quite a name for yourself. A month's time was more than enough for word of what happened in Ortara to spread."
"Ah."
"I heard you took first place in both the midterm and final evaluations, and since you ranked in the top thirty, you'll be participating in the Trials of Glory as well."
"That's right."
"Well done."
"……Yes."
Leonard said no more. But Ludenberg could tell. His father was proud of him.
"Rest for now. Then show me what you've achieved."
"Yes."
Ludenberg gave a curt reply and turned to leave. At that moment, Duke Leonard seemed to remember something and called out to him.
"Ah. I nearly forgot to mention it."
"Pardon?"
"Crown Princess Sione Solenute suggested pushing forward with your engagement to Princess Ashytara Solenute."
"Ah……."
"What do you think?"
"I'm all for it. I was planning to bring it up with you anyway…… But with Tara busy preparing for the Trials of Glory, it might be best to wait until after."
Ludenberg answered without hesitation.
"Oh ho."
Duke Leonard looked at him with evident delight.
"I sensed something was different the last time you visited Lavante, and sure enough."
"……Was it that obvious?"
"Of course, I only learned from your mother…… But still, it's a relief."
"A relief?"
"Yes. You've always neglected matters of the heart. For you to want to be with someone like Her Highness—it's a good thing."
"……Yes."
"Anyway, with all this good news piling up, I couldn't be more pleased. It's all the result of your hard work, so all I can say is: well done. Truly."
"Thank you. I'll keep striving harder."
"Good. I look forward to it. Now go rest properly. And don't forget to see your mother later."
"Yes."
Ludenberg left the central hall and headed straight to his room. The spacious, sparsely decorated chamber suited him perfectly—he preferred no frills.
He tossed his luggage aside and asked a nearby maid where his mother, Duchess Asha Lavante, was.
The maid replied,
"The Duchess is in the garden today as well."
"Got it."
Ludenberg made his way to the garden at once. The elegant Duchess Asha, still radiating fresh beauty, turned to him with a gentle smile.
"You're back."
"I'm home."
"So you are. You've accomplished something remarkable."
"I worked hard for it."
Ludenberg didn't chalk it up to luck. Doing so would diminish the value of his efforts.
"Well done."
"Yes."
"You've spoken with His Grace about the engagement with the imperial family? I hear you both agreed……."
"Yes, that's correct. Tara will come to Lavante after the Trials of Glory to discuss it."
"I was getting anxious wondering when you two would finally tie the knot. What a relief."
"Were you?"
"Yes. I worried when my block of stone son would ever look at the person by his side."
At Asha's teasing words, Ludenberg flushed.
"……Was I really that oblivious?"
"Do I need to say it?"
Asha shot back with mock exasperation.
"……."
"Goodness, with a girl showing her feelings right in front of you, and you oblivious—it was frustrating to watch."
"……So you knew Tara liked me all along?"
"Of course. During the Solemnute raid, the way Her Highness looked at you…… You were the only one who didn't notice."
"I don't think I was the only one……."
"Now, now."
"……."
Ludenberg fell silent under her stern gaze.
"But it's good you've realized it now. If you'd taken any longer, Her Highness might have fallen ill from frustration."
"That's……."
As he grimaced, Asha revealed her prior sternness was all in jest, a playful smile curling her lips.
"Just kidding, of course. Now, tell me more. Your love story might be more entertaining than I think."
"……It's probably not that interesting."
"Oh? I'll be the judge of that. Just tell me what happened between you and Her Highness."
"Haa."
Ludenberg sighed and began recounting the events.
Ludenberg's tale stretched on for quite some time. His first realization of his feelings at the Star Tower, the days spent with Ashytara afterward. Her decisive confession in Ortara……and his promise to give her an answer at the Trials of Glory.
Once it all ended, Asha let out an admiring sigh, her eyes sparkling like a young girl's.
"Her Highness must have had it rough."
"……Yes."
"And you're impressive too. How did you go that long without knowing what it felt like to like someone?"
"No, I had my reasons."
"True enough…… I should have educated you on such matters sooner."
"Educated? What kind?"
"Noble children usually get lessons on relationships at a certain age. But you were rolling around fighting erosion beasts with your father then."
"……."
"It's natural you wouldn't know…… but you were extremely clueless. I really must thank Her Highness somehow."
"You don't need to go that far, Mother."
"I won't."
"Pardon? Then why……."
"Why? Teasing my son like this is just too fun."
"Mother."
"Hehe. But dating really does bring life to your face."
"We're not officially together yet."
"True. You still need to answer her confession. Planning to win the Trials of Glory first?"
"Yes. Even if I won the friendly match, people's view of me isn't great."
"Fair enough. Though the capital and Lavante have shifted quite a bit."
"I want Tara to have no regrets choosing me. So…… I need achievements no one can deny."
"……A fine mindset. Even if you're happy together, constant whispers from others can create cracks eventually. No matter how strong your bond, it's inevitable—so better to block it early."
"Yes. That's why I'll focus on training for now."
"Good. Keep at it. By the way."
"Yes?"
"How far have you gone?"
"……."
As Asha asked with a smile, Ludenberg dodged the question.
"W-We haven't gone that far."
"You're lying."
"N-No, I'm not."
"Your pupils are shaking. So at least you've kissed."
"H-How did you……."
Ludenberg clamped his mouth shut, face red, as Asha laughed merrily.
"Oh my. Nailed it. So, how was your first kiss?"
"……Why do you want to know!?"
"Lud, you have no idea. Nothing delights parents more than their child's love life. So, how was it?"
"I didn't have time to feel anything."
"From your reaction, it wasn't you who initiated. Her Highness did?"
"……Yes."
With everything out in the open, Ludenberg gave up and confessed, looking utterly deflated.
"Oh my, oh my. Just like Her Highness. So bold, just like the late Empress Itara."
"Pardon?"
"Didn't you know? The Emperor and Empress's marriage wasn't just political."
"Ah."
"His Majesty was known as a block of stone in Solemnute. But when Empress Itara first visited, she fell for him at first sight. She boldly imprinted herself on him and reeled him in. What a woman."
"……I see."
"Anyway. With Her Highness so forward, as long as you don't mess up, you'll be fine. No need to worry."
"I wouldn't dream of it."
"Hehe."
Asha smiled proudly at him.
"Knowing what Tara's done for me…… I'll never let her suffer."
"That's the way. Cherish this bond. Treat her with care and respect. Even close friends must respect boundaries. Do that, and everything will be happy and joyful."
"……Yes. I'll keep it in mind."
"Good. We've finished our tea. Time to head in."
"Yes."
Back in his room, Ludenberg felt utterly drained. He sighed and collapsed onto the bed.
Thinking of the dinner conversation ahead—more about Ashytara—fatigue washed over him unbidden.
Of course, he wasn't displeased by his parents' reactions. Their support was heartwarming.
But exhaustion was exhaustion.
Still, he couldn't just lie there.
I need Father to check my progress…… No helping it.
After a brief rest on the bed, he rose and headed to the training grounds.
Duke Leonard was already there, sword in hand, waiting.
"……You're here. You look tired. Rest more."
"No. Better get it over with and rest after."
"Fine. No need for words then. Draw your sword. Let's see how much you've grown."
"Yes."
The moment Ludenberg drew his blade, Duke Leonard assumed his stance. A razor-sharp aura stabbed toward him.
He stepped forward to meet it.