The battle was over, and we were returning to the castle by carriage.
On the ride back, I sat in the center with Albert to my left and Dian to my right. Alieze sat next to him, Sylpha handled the horses, and Shiro was curled up on my lap. Outside, Tao, Galilea, and the others walked alongside the carriage.
"Honestly, Lloyd, don't make us worry so much," Albert said.
"I'm sorry, Albert-niisan."
When I apologized, Albert’s expression immediately softened into a gentle smile.
"Well, at least we were able to conduct a field test for the Magic Sword Squad. The magic swords you created were even more powerful than I expected. I’ll be counting on you from now on, too."
"Yes, sir!"
"Hey now, Albert-nii, Lloyd and I were the ones who actually used those magic swords, yeah? I’d appreciate it if you didn't leave me out," Dian cut in.
Albert nodded at his brother's interjection. "Of course. I’m counting on you as well, Dian."
"You leave it to me! More importantly, Lloyd, I heard you took down a Majin. That’s incredible!"
It wasn't actually a Majin, though.
Hiding a wry smile, I gripped the Sword of Magic Absorption and nodded. "Yes. I might not have won without the magic sword you made, Dian-niisan!"
"Heh, you sure know how to make a guy feel good! I wasn't sure what we’d do with a sword that absorbs mana, but I guess it’s perfect for fighting a Majin!" Dian rubbed the tip of his nose, looking bashful.
Alieze popped her head out from beside him. "Lloyd, did you remember to give Shiro a proper reward? Sensing your danger from so far away and leading everyone here is quite the feat, you know?"
"Of course I know, Alieze-neesan. You did a great job, Shiro."
"Woof!"
When I stroked Shiro’s head, it barked energetically in response.
"Oh my, it seems I didn't even need to say anything. The two of them are bound by such a deep, deep bond. It’s lovely." Alieze smiled as she stroked both my head and Shiro’s. A tranquil, indescribable atmosphere filled the carriage.
"...On a different note, Master Lloyd, what do you intend to do with them?"
Sylpha waited for the conversation to lull before addressing me.
"They are members of the Assassin's Guild. Regardless of their circumstances, they have committed many dark deeds in the past. While they claim they wish to be your loyal subordinates, there is no telling what they might actually do."
After the fight, I had explained the situation regarding Ren and her comrades—that they were assassins who had served the Lord of Lodesto but now wanted to work for me.
I wasn't lying, but Albert and the others clearly harbored reservations.
"Sylpha is right," Albert added, his tone uncharacteristically serious. "Taking on subordinates is all well and good—you’ve reached an age where it’s appropriate, Lloyd. However, a superior is always held accountable for the failures of those beneath them. If you take on people with criminal records, you will be judged by the company you keep. You are royalty. There will certainly be those who voice their complaints. If that happens, what do you intend to do, Lloyd?"
I thought for a moment before answering. "Albert-niisan, your point is entirely valid. I will instruct them thoroughly so they are not viewed in such a light. Should they fail or commit a crime, I will punish them strictly and take full responsibility myself."
"...Hmm. Well said. You swear there is no falsehood in those words?"
"I do."
With that, Albert’s hand moved to the hilt of the sword at his waist.
"H-Hey, Albert-nii..." Dian started.
"Be quiet."
The air turned cold at Albert's icy tone, and a heavy silence fell over us. His fingers began to twitch—but at that exact moment...
"Please, wait!"
A voice cried out from outside. With a sharp neigh, the horses were brought to a sudden halt. I opened the window to see Ren and the others kneeling on the ground.
"We... we have certainly done terrible things," Ren said, looking directly at Albert. "We’ve killed people. Our bodies aren't normal, either. We’re used to being despised. But Lloyd... he didn't look down on us. He helped us. He saved our lives. We want to repay that debt, and we are prepared to stake our lives to do it! If you must punish someone for our presence, then please, strike me down first!"
The others quickly joined in.
"From where you princes sit, our word is probably worth less than trash," Galilea said. "What you said was only natural. But we owe Master Lloyd everything. We want to spend the rest of our lives paying him back. We want to live for him."
"I ask this of you as well. I’ll do chores, anything," another added.
"Kuku, I’m quite the chef, you know. We’re surprisingly useful. We won't let you down."
"I’m also... good at cleaning. So, please."
Seeing them all bow their heads as one, Albert let out a short sigh. He released the hilt of his sword and turned back to me with a bright smile, ignoring my stunned expression.
"Haha, don't look so shocked. I was only testing your resolve, Lloyd. I would never actually draw a blade on my dear little brother. Though, I must admit, I didn't expect things to play out like this."
Albert looked out at the kneeling assassins and gave a wry chuckle.
"I, Albert di Salarm, Second Prince of the realm, have heard your resolve. I shall not permit anyone to harass you with petty grievances. You may work for Lloyd’s sake with a clear conscience."
"Y-Yes, sir!"
Albert nodded, satisfied with their response. With him as their shield, few would dare to openly mock or mistreat them.
"Master Albert’s leadership was magnificent, and Lloyd’s trust in him was perfect-aru. This beautiful bond between brothers... it’s quite a treat-aru. Ehehe," Tao muttered.
"To command such loyalty from assassins who even gave the Adventurers' Guild a hard time... You are truly impressive, Master Lloyd," Sylpha remarked.
"Yes, yes. To not flinch even at my threats shows a terrifying level of resolve. Subordinates of that caliber are hard to find. Well done, Lloyd. Keep that up and aim for even greater heights!" Albert encouraged.
"Heh... subordinates and Lloyd, both ready to die for each other. It’s a hell of a story... Dammit, it’s not even raining, but my face is getting wet... sniff," Dian sobbed.
"It’s love. It’s pure love... hic," Alieze added.
Everyone was mumbling or getting emotional over the exchange. Dian and Alieze were even full-on crying. I didn't really get it. It was actually a little creepy.
A few days after our return to the castle, I was summoned by Charles. I was shown into the Throne Room, where I knelt before him. He looked incredibly stern.
Ugh, this is bad. I’m definitely in for a scolding.
Sneaking out in the dead of night was one thing, but I’d taken on assassins as my personal retinue and practically turned the Lodesto territory upside down. Even I had to admit I’d been a bit reckless.
Trembling with apprehension, I waited for him to speak.
"...Lloyd. You have done something truly outrageous."
"I... I’m sorry..."
As I bowed my head, Charles continued.
"I have long been wary of the Lodesto territory. The lord there was constantly plotting war. That was why I had Albert prepare our forces, so we could respond the moment they mobilized. That was why we reached them so quickly this time. However, Lloyd, you arrived even before our army. You went straight into the heart of the uprising and delivered judgment upon them yourself. It is truly an astounding feat."
"Wait... what?"
I looked up, caught off guard by his words.
"Furthermore, Albert tells me you’ve recruited some incredibly powerful individuals as your retainers. I hear they’ve sworn to serve you with their very lives. Honestly, I always knew you were a remarkable child, but I never imagined you were this capable."
Charles nodded to himself, looking very impressed.
...Uh, okay. What is going on here?
Still unable to wrap my head around the situation, I asked, "Father, does this mean... you’re praising me?"
"How could it be anything else? You did a magnificent job, Lloyd. Truly, you are my son!"
The Ministers began to applaud. I glanced at Albert, who gave me a wink while he joined in. It seemed he had "interpreted" my actions in the most favorable light possible when reporting to our father.
"Such a feat deserves a reward. Tell me, Lloyd, how would you like to govern the Lodesto territory?"
"Wha—! You want me to be the lord!?"
"No, you can leave the actual management to someone else and simply give them orders. I know all too well that you are a vessel far too great to be contained by a single lordship. However, even indirect rule will be a valuable experience for your future. Besides, you’re at the age where you have more and more things you want to do, right? Having land and manpower at your disposal is quite convenient."
Hmm. Now that he mentioned it, having a territory where I can do as I please might be incredibly useful for magic experiments. Large-scale Magic and Super Wide-range Magic require massive amounts of space. I hadn't even considered them until now, but with my own land, the day they become possible might actually arrive.
"...I understand, Father. I will take responsibility for the Lodesto territory."
"Good, good! Work hard, Lloyd!"
Charles nodded with immense satisfaction at my answer.