# 7
---
Episode 7
The question asked by the knights was a matter of life and death.
To avoid a repeat of the hell training they had experienced this morning, there was no other choice.
“The Duke? Of course, he is a wonderful person.”
After pressure from the knights, Ruelia finally spoke.
But it seems that her answer was not enough for them.
“How cool? Tell us in detail.”
“His instructions are clear without additions, he does not demand the impossible, and he is good at giving praise.”
Especially financial rewards.
He is a person who knows how to appreciate his subordinates.
“That's it?”
“Most importantly, contrary to his appearance, he is fair and cares about the citizens of the region.”
“You mean he looks bad?”
“How is that? When our Duke appears at banquets, he attracts the attention of men and women alike with his beauty. And his body? His outer and inner muscles are as perfect as a dragon.”
The knights nodded unanimously.
The strongest duelists.
Unlike the weak civil servants who fled, unable to endure Caelus, the knights remained in the dukedom for this reason.
It is true that training with him wrings out sweat like washing until they are about to die, but they are eager to learn fencing from him.
Obtaining his appreciation means that you are a true knight of the empire.
Of course, his harsh personality sometimes caused embarrassment, but since this help came, hasn't the life of the knights become easier?
Previously, when the assistants would fail to work and exhaust the Duke, the days were a constant state of emergency. The Duke was taking out his frustration and fatigue from working in intense training exercises.
But this morning, they felt like they had returned to those days.
Hell.
There is no more accurate description than that.
“Maybe the assistant doesn't like muscular men...”
“This is bad.”
The Knights now faced the greatest ordeal of their lives.
They did not forget the Duke's expression when he read the resignation letter.
It was clear that the disappearance of help would bring back the hell of two years.
Therefore, at all costs, she must be kept by the Duke's side.
“Muscles…?”
Ruelia's face flushed.
She remembered the scenes of Raw this morning, especially the Duke's prominent muscles that floated before her eyes.
“M, m, what... I've never seen anything before...”
She was afraid they would discover her morning spying, so she immediately denied it.
Admitting to seeing the Duke's muscles means admitting seeing everyone training semi-naked.
“What a pity! If you had seen her once, you would never have been able to escape.”
The knights exchanged glances.
Without words, they sent signals, ‘What do we do now?’
Someone came forward.
“We hope you will work with the Duke here forever.”
Sudden words. The others stabbed the fool in the side.
"What?"
There is no longer any room for retreat.
“Thanks to your excellent work, we are more comfortable.”
“That's right! Since you came, our benefits have improved, our budget has increased, and our meals have become better.”
“The new knights’ clothes you designed are amazing and very comfortable.”
Words of praise rained down on Ruelia from all sides.
No one dared to ask her directly if she was resigning.
They feared that she would discover that they had found and destroyed her resignation, so she would write a new one.
The priority is to change her mind.
“Thank you for the compliment. I hope I can continue to serve the Duke.”
Ruelia's answer was ambiguous.
Aren't these phrases usually said by someone who is thinking of quitting?
But she did not say that she would leave immediately...
“We will do our best from now on, so if you feel tired, let us know.”
“We're serious. Whatever it is, we'll figure it out for you.”
“Right! Those who target you, like we did before, we will get rid of them all...”
What idiots with brains full of muscles.
Someone's tongue slips. Ruelia did not know that the knights were protecting him.
“Who are you going to get rid of?”
“Well, I mean...”
“It is the Duke’s orders.”
Belen suddenly stepped forward.
He knew his comrades wanted to keep Ruelia, so he remained silent until now. But continuing this discussion will get them into trouble.
- Do not talk about the master in his absence, especially with Ruelia alone. –
He felt that the result would be the same even if they spoke as a group, especially since the topic revolved around the Duke.
You must end the conversation and disperse quickly.
But Ruelia's eyes trembled.
“Ah… right, I was oblivious. Of course, they might target and threaten Aid to obtain duchy information.”
Her face turned pale.
She looked frightened, as if she wanted to flee the duchy immediately.
They looked at Belen Bloom.
What if I wrote a new resignation and rushed to the Duke?
“Okay… then, knights.”
“Don't worry. We kept your protection a secret so you wouldn't panic.”
“Thank you. But I’m worried that the bad guys will target my sister as well. So, can you protect her with me? If you do, I can work in the duchy with peace of mind.”
The knights looked at each other at her last words. Without words, they exchanged meanings with their eyes.
Someone came forward.
“If we resolve this, will you stay in the duchy? Not move to a safer place?”
“Are you going to stay with our Duke forever?”
The knights' eyes gathered on Ruelia.
Their eyes were shining with a confusing intensity.
If she said no, she felt like she would die.
"naturally."
1500 gold. Her future salary determined her answer.
“The Duchy is my favorite place. If I could, I would love to work here forever.”
The knights clenched their fists excitedly.
We succeeded!
We will protect her at all costs!
For our peaceful life as knights!
“Of course! We will ensure that you and the Duke stay here forever.”
"forever?"
They said forever, now forever?
Is it because they are knights, their verbal choices are exaggerated?
“Thanks, help!”
The knights took turns shaking her hand and thanking her, but she had no time to process the matter.
What's going on?
Gratitude must be extended to Ruelia's sister for receiving the protection of the empire's most powerful knights.
I looked at them in confusion.
But, as long as they were happy, was it over?
The happiness of the knights moved to Ruelia.
* * *
Caelus looked at the faces of the gathered knights with a strange look.
“So, she said she wants to live here forever?”
“Yes, sir! We asked her about everything.”
Belin looked at his companions with dissatisfaction.
How do they tell the Duke about their passing conversations with Ruelia?
It was no use explaining the reasons for his reprimand yesterday.
“What did you ask?”
“How do you see, sir?”
They acknowledge a private conversation in real time.
“I apologize, sir. I will discipline them again...”
“What did she say?”
Caelis interrupted Belen's words.
If they continue to speak unconsciously, the game will be over.
Perhaps greater pain awaits them than morning training. Riders may not be able to move their legs.
“She said you were so cool.”
“And she's sorry she didn't see your muscles.”
They even distort the truth.
“And if her sister is protected well, she said she wants to stay by your side forever.”
The corners of the Duke's mouth stretched and hardened.
Belén, who noticed this, tried to deter his comrades and expel them.
“It seems she is not thinking about resigning.”
The Duke smiled warmly.
Is it rare for a duke to smile and speak so softly?
Sounds good.
But why do they feel afraid?
There was silence for a moment, then one of them laughed embarrassedly and said naturally:
“Yes! That's right! So, treat her well, so she can stay in the duchy forever.”
"correct!"
“Yes, it should be.”
Caelus rapped on the desk with his long, heavy fingers. The voice was cheerful, as if playing a melody.