Chapter 24.1

Arad’s current position was precarious.

While not officially noble yet, he was already being treated as one.

The formal conferment ceremony had yet to take place, but there was a chance his achievements would be rewarded with a title higher than the promised honorary baron—a hereditary one, possibly with land or a manor.

In a way, this is the ultimate parachute deployment.

But if that parachute came with elite training and a chest full of medals earned from countless real battles, it would certainly be seen differently.

For example, he was attending this meeting without anyone raising objections.

Still… Why am I sitting right next to the Grand Duchess?!

That was the real issue—his seat at the table.

He was currently seated on Arina’s immediate left, her closest side.

Does this mean they acknowledge my value?

From one perspective, it felt like he was her chief aide.

Or… is it because of that “consort” joke I made back then?

From another, it almost seemed like they were a couple.

Wait, did she actually remember that?!

A cold shiver ran down Arad’s spine as his thoughts wandered.

If he were to suddenly blurt out, “Oh, that was just a joke to wake you up,” he had the distinct feeling his head would soon meet the end of a blade.

“Hohoho, you two look wonderful together,” Isabelle murmured from Arina’s right, her smile warm and knowing.

“……!”

At the same time, Arina’s ears turned faintly red. Clearly, she had heard Isabelle’s remark.

Am I really becoming a consort?

Nearly convinced by the implication, Arad felt sweat dripping down his back.

But I need to get back to Earth…!

This was a dilemma—a massive one.

Arad cursed his past self for the reckless flirting he had used to wake Arina.

No matter how amazing this world is, it’s still not Earth!

Sure, a fantasy world with no pollution might seem idyllic from a monitor or during a brief adventure, but living here permanently was another story.

Most importantly! Earth has Jin Industries, which I’ve poured my entire twenties into!

What should he do?

Bzzt! Bzzt! Bzzt!

Warning sirens blared in his mind as countless scenarios flooded his thoughts.

I need to slowly and carefully create some distance. Fortunately, she told me to come up with a different wish back then. Surely, she hasn’t forgotten that part…

While he was lost in uneasy contemplation:

“The recent events in the Demonic Abyss are undoubtedly the Empire’s doing. The spoils we recovered from their corpses are more than enough evidence!”

“Unlike the previous Grand Duke’s death, this time we have undeniable proof!”

“……?”

The ongoing meeting’s discussions suddenly reached his ears.

The topic, which had started with purges, had shifted to the Empire’s provocations and how to respond.

“It’s clear now—we’ve crossed the point of no return with the Empire.”

“Indeed! The Empire has overstepped its bounds.”

“The justification is on our side!”

“We must settle this grudge once and for all!”

As expected, the High Knights were shouting with fervor, ready to march on the Empire at a moment’s notice.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

“Your Grace! War! It’s time for war!”

“The knights and soldiers of the High Tower are prepared!”

The subject, long debated even before Arina woke, was now under formal discussion. As the ultimate decision-maker, the choice lay in her hands.

“No! If we go to war with the Empire now, the North will be ruined!”

“We should first send envoys to demand an explanation and hold them accountable!”

The civil officials countered with firm opposition, making it clear they wished to avoid full-scale war at all costs.

“Enough weakness! The Empire has effectively declared war on us!”

“Send envoys? They’ll just pin the blame on a scapegoat again, like last time!”

“Knights, regain your senses! The North is in no condition to fight a full-scale war against the Empire!”

“We share your disdain for the Empire’s treachery! But now is not the time. We need to build our strength and wait for the right moment!”

Opinions were divided.

The North’s administrative officers, led by Chancellor Haita, clashed with the High Knights, each side digging in their heels.

“All of you must be imperial spies!”

“Ha! And you’re trying to ruin the North with your cowardice?!”

“What are you even saying?!”

“Do you think moving a single legion is easy? Last year, we already sent the Extreme North Expeditionary Force!”

“The expeditionary force was just one legion!”

“Do you know how hard it is to feed the soldiers we have left? Our supplies are already stretched thin!”

“Then we’ll take supplies from the enemy! Unlike orcs or barbarians, the Empire has plenty of food!”

“Do you think this is the Age of Savagery?!?”

“Do you think war is some paper-pushing exercise? Our ancestors waged war against the Empire under far worse conditions!”

“Regardless! Any military operation must wait until the expeditionary force returns!”

“Wait? We don’t even know when Commander Suun and the expedition will be back!”

Whoosh!

Killing intent radiated from the knights, while the civil officials, unflinching in their Northern pride, stood their ground.

“Do you think we’ll back down just because you’re trying to intimidate us?!”

Despite their lack of combat training, the officials held firm, unshaken by the knights’ menacing aura.

“Enough.”

The fierce debate was silenced by a single word from Arina.

She shifted the tense atmosphere in a new direction.

“Sir Arad.”

“Yes?”

She turned her attention to him.

“What is your opinion?”

“Me?”