The Monster Knight wants Parental Leave

“Very well, let us commence the meeting of the Division Commanders.”

Leon, the son of the empire’s influential figure and the heir of the marquis family, held a position that demanded utmost respect, regardless of Commander Bengert’s fiery disposition.

Consequently, the atmosphere remained frosty until an aide’s arrival signaled the start of the meeting.

Yet, even as the meeting progressed, Ashan and Bengert couldn’t help but divert their attention towards Leon.

The reason being his stolen glances at Lucia, sitting beside him, with eyes gleaming like a puppy eagerly awaiting its master.

In a way, it was an overt flattery, impossible to misconstrue due to his innocent and noble aura.

However, that momentary distraction soon passed.

“…So, what do the esteemed Commanders think about this matter?”

The oblivious aide inquired, prompting those who had been observing Leon and Lucia to hurriedly refocus on their documents.

Clearing his throat, Commander Ashan was the first to speak.

“Hmm. It appears that the military budget situation for this year is becoming more urgent. What are your thoughts?”

“Yes, Division Commander Ashan. As I mentioned earlier, we are making diligent preparations to secure the budget. Particularly noteworthy from this meeting is the shipment of goods to the Continental Peace Organization and our allied nations.”

Upon hearing this, Commander Ashan’s expression hardened as he perused the documents in response to the aide’s answer.

“What is the meaning of this outrageous scale? Even if it’s due to the magic stones, consistently sending goods of this magnitude to the Kingdom of Hasnas will lead to the empire’s market collapse within the next ten years. Are you certain about this?”

The Kingdom of Hasnas was a land rich in magic stones, and due to this abundance, the influential Tituretion Kingdom had colonized it. Subsequently, the empire, which had championed peace on the continent, toppled Tituretion and forcibly claimed control. However, in return, the empire signed an exclusive agreement for the magic stones, effectively establishing a semi-colonial relationship in a seemingly polite manner.

Essentially, Commander Ashan’s query questioned whether it was prudent to supply them with essential everyday goods while resources were becoming scarce due to black pollution, even if the magic stones were purchased at a low price.

Taken aback by the reprimand, the flustered aide hastily responded, “Ah, those figures have not been finalized yet. Currently, discussions are underway among some nobles to address the volume…”

“Oh, it’s quite obvious even without seeing it. The young nobles are swarming like moths to a flame, seeking recognition from His Majesty,” Commander Ashan remarked with a sneer.

“You speak the truth. If they invest so recklessly, they will perish before they can even transform the magic stones into wealth. Isn’t that right? Ha ha,” Commander Bengert added, emphasizing Ashan’s point.

The targets of their mockery were the high-ranking nobles from small states that merged when the Kingdom of Eldarion transformed into an empire.

These newly titled individuals received neither authority nor wealth, as they had to make significant sacrifices in return, unlike the conservatives.

Nevertheless, they attempted to showcase nonexistent riches, all in hopes of catching the attention of an emperor who valued exchanges…

“Yes, indeed… It seems that the prophecy from the shrine played a role.”

The shrine?

Lucia’s previously closed ears perked up upon catching whispers about the shrine’s information.

“Oh, are you referring to that baseless talk about the barren land being revived? Haha.”

While there was no mention of the sacred tree that sealed the saintess, as the speaker claimed, the shrine had long discussed utilizing the saintess’s abilities.

Initially, this was merely a prediction concocted by someone within the priesthood, using the excuse of hearing the voice of God, stating that the polluted land would be rejuvenated. However, it was undoubtedly a falsehood.

The stolen confidential documents contained no reference to the sacred tree or the prophecy of land revival.

Moreover, very few people actually believed in it, as not even the esteemed High Priest’s sacred power could resolve the pollution.

Nonetheless, as Lucia listened, she found herself growing more serious for a different reason.

The fact was that the investments made by the emerging nobles before her regression had proven immensely successful.

Their noble territories were the ones where the pollution had recovered the most, and thanks to the abundant lands, they swiftly regained the resources they had invested.

Needless to say, their wealth multiplied tens or even thousands of times over due to their complete immersion in magic stones.

They were the ones who had greatly benefited from the saintess’s sacrifice. Initially, Lucia hadn’t questioned them, as it seemed natural that the majority of conservatives at the time faced consequences due to their corruption.

However, the rise to power and influence with their newfound wealth during the transition of imperial authority, becoming the hidden forces behind the throne…

‘Could it really be a coincidence?’

The belief that originated from the shrine and the emerging powers who blindly followed it.

Lucia began to recall the names of a few suspicious families, pondering their connection to these events.

“…Well, thank you all for your hard work.”

As the meeting concluded, the aide opened the door to the meeting room, ready to depart with the compiled documents.

Following suit, the Commander of the Yellow Division exited, while someone hastily entered the room.

It was Vice Commander Berl.

“Commander…!”

Appearing worn-out, as though he had been waiting on his knees for days, resembling a substitute for a convict.

“What is it?”

“T-That is…”

Berl, who had rushed here with the Commander in mind, stood dumbfounded upon realizing that the meeting had already concluded.

Then, as if rousing from a nap, a languid chuckle resonated in the air.

“Well, well. Vice Commander Berl who attends as a stand-in. Ha ha, look at you. Are you searching for your mommy?”

The source of the voice was Commander Bengert of the Red Knight Division.

Appearing as if he had just awakened from slumber, a faint drool stain remained at the corner of his mouth.

“I-I apologize. It was thoughtless of me.”

Berl’s complexion worsened at Bengert’s words.

He felt that his unpreparedness had brought dishonor to the Commander’s reputation.

“Well, what a pity. The fearsome Black Knight Division must rely on someone who can only console a weeping child as an officer. Tsk tsk. But then again, it was always a band of cowardly criminals, wasn’t it?”

Bengert positioned himself in front of Lucia, flaunting his imposing figure, looking down arrogantly and sneering.

Indeed, the backgrounds of the members of the Black Knight Division were quite unconventional.

They were none other than former members of the Dark Guild, commanders of various criminal organizations.

When Lucia formed the knight division, no one else joined, so she gathered individuals as if breaking through barriers. From her perspective, she selected based on skill, thus comprising the division in that manner.

Of course, there was significant resistance to bringing in a criminal group. However, at the time, in the midst of war, Lucia couldn’t afford to be selective, so it became a practical solution.

The task of cleaning the tarnished reputation of such a knight division only truly began after five years of specialized training, following the end of the war.

Though Lucia endured the insult in silence, Bengert, the Red Knight commander, maintained his poker face but grew increasingly infuriated.

The pitiable man knew the truth.

While Lucia was often called a monster, she displayed her terrifying abilities solely on the battlefield. In normal situations, she was nothing more than an emotionless doll, incapable of even getting angry in circumstances like these.

That’s precisely why he felt somewhat relieved and continued to provoke her without hesitation.

“Commander Bengert, these knights are a source of pride wherever they go! I implore you to retract your words.”

Berl, unable to contain his anger any longer, was incensed by Bengert’s remarks. Leon, unable to tolerate the situation, was also about to speak up.

However, just then…

“Ugh, ahhhh!”

Bengert suddenly groaned, clutching his chest.

His inexplicable behavior bewildered Berl, and Leon was taken aback, sensing a surge of red energy coursing through Lucia’s body.

“Cough, ughhh… what… what is this…!”

Struggling to breathe with his lungs seemingly collapsing, Bengert fixed Lucia with a suspicious glare.

Lucia, the Grand Sword Master.

In her ultimate state, she melded with the red sword energy, reaching the pinnacle of her boundless power.

When Lucia, who personified the red sword energy itself, grew angry and unleashed her sword energy, she could pressurize and overpower others with just a gaze.

It was akin to an overwhelming aura seen in certain comics.

Thus, she was no longer concealing her anger.

-Thud.

Finally, Bengert collapsed, his face paling, and Lucia looked down at him, speaking calmly.

“Six months, as you’ve said. I look forward to what unfolds afterwards. Our Vice Commander will take over in my absence. Please take care.”

If one were to judge solely by her voice, it would be no exaggeration to say that she had struck him down with a terrifying presence.

Indeed, if she were still the same as she had been in the past—being a female Commander and leading a division composed of the weakest and outcast individuals—she would have remained indifferent when insulted, treating it as someone else’s affair.

But the regressed Lucia understood the significance of the members she would spend the next 20 years with.

Bengert, the Commander of the Red Knight Division, felt a chill run down his spine, causing goosebumps to appear on his skin.

The pressure that had twisted his gut following her deadly warning had dissipated, replaced by a fear of the day she would return to her duties like a furious wave.

Was a Sword Master truly this awe-inspiring?

Although it was a mere fraction of Lucia’s true power, the ignorant man who had never witnessed such a level could only look up at her, his pupils trembling with fear.

However…

Amidst this intense atmosphere, there was someone present with teary eyes.

“Our… our…!!”

In his mind, the echoes of the single word uttered by Lucia reverberated like a grand feast.

Tiny droplets of water trickled down Berl’s face, dry as withered tree roots.

Berl, whose sensitivity outweighed his large physique, wiped away the pooled tears and followed behind her—the one who always led the way—through the now wide-open door, radiant smile adorning her face.

People’s nature does not easily change. Although it’s a bit regrettable about the hair of the returning Deputy Commander…