"Our supporters aren't as numerous as Prince Reina's. We must achieve tangible results to silence the critics," Yufi began outlining her campaign strategy.
"I want you to tackle public safety first," she said, turning to Kestia.
"Crime is surging across the kingdom—especially assassinations and robberies targeting nobles and wealthy merchants. The situation has grown critical."
"Even Prince Reina's faction is scrambling for solutions. I intend to solve this first and outmaneuver him."
Kestia didn’t object outwardly, but inwardly, she found the task thorny.
These cases were fragmented—a chaotic mix of isolated incidents with no single culprit or organization behind them.
Diving headfirst would drain time and energy.
"You created innovative products like the new malt liquor and Claire Beer. You’re clearly brilliant. I believe you can solve this," Yufi said earnestly, her eyes full of expectation.
Kestia remained silent.
*It’s not me who’s clever. It’s Lan, the man you look down on.*
She hesitated to trouble Lan. As a noble Dragonfolk princess, she wanted to prove herself.
After a moment’s thought, she accepted. This was her first step with Yufi—a chance to demonstrate her capability.
Yufi beamed. "We’ll visit the Knighthood tomorrow to gather details. Time is tight! With our combined wit, we’ll catch these criminals!"
Kestia gave a faint nod, silently shouldering the troublesome duty.
Later, over tea, they discussed commerce, growing slightly more familiar.
When Kestia finally left with Liya, they exchanged awkward glances.
She’d taken on a massive task with no clear solution.
*Can we really solve these cases tomorrow?*
"Just ask Lan. We’re not keeping him around for nothing—he’s your husband," Liya consoled her.
Kestia hesitated, then shook her head. "I can’t rely on him too much. I’m a princess. Besides... he wouldn’t understand matters like this."
Liya considered this. Lan had flashes of business genius, but likely no insight here.
*Better not expect too much. He’s just an untalented boy after all.*
...
After leaving the Knighthood’s small square, Lan strolled with Lekui and ducked into a tavern for lunch.
He preferred taverns over restaurants for the "pre-meal news."
Men gathered here loved swapping tales of recent adventures or national affairs—it was common pastime.
"Baron Bailaku’s entire family was slaughtered. Horrible."
"Heard it was one of their own soldiers. Probably corrupted by demons."
"Disgusting demons," many muttered in disgust.
In their context, "demons" meant evil entities—monsters or Demon Kin. No actual race bore that name.
Lan doubted any "demons" were involved.
In Fokxas, he’d heard how the kingdom’s swelling population strained resources. While those with Talent Level 3+ remained rare, sheer numbers made them significant.
Especially Level 2 talents—they could lead soldier squads. In better times, military merit might earn knighthood.
Now? Soldier pay had dropped. Nobles grew arrogant—*plenty of replacements, after all*.
Knighthood requirements tightened, blocking commoners’ path. Only nobles’ sons ascended.
Once a dream for peasants—a symbol of rising above one’s station—it now bred disillusionment.
Lan overheard constant grumbling in taverns.
*Female knights get promoted faster. Everyone knows why.*
With morale collapsing, many quit the army for the Mercenary Guild. Others turned to crime for quick coin.
This was the root of the kingdom’s failing safety.
"Reform or war to thin the population," Lan mused.
He estimated unrest within three to five years.
*If I told the rulers this, they’d call me a prodigy like Zhuge Liang.*
After lunch, he wandered the streets, observing.
Lekui was used to his idle strolls—though she never understood what he sought.
When he guessed Kestia had returned to the inn, they headed home from the Royal Capital.
"So? Deal sealed?" Lan asked casually.
Kestia nodded, explaining her public safety assignment.
Lan pondered, then suggested: "Find the worst criminal. Make an example of them. Publicize it—that’s your achievement."
*Solving everything? Impossible unless you’re king rewriting laws.*
"Understood," Kestia replied flatly.
Lan dropped the subject, content with his leisure.
Back in the village, he resumed his relaxed routine while Kestia grew busy, commuting daily to the Royal Capital.
She and Lekui needed no carriages—magic flight got them there instantly. Distance wasn’t an issue.
One afternoon, Lan napped in the courtyard with tea. Enami crept up silently, her hand reaching for his neck.
Lan caught her wrist, eyes opening. "What now? Testing me again?"
Enami huffed, trying to pull free—but his grip held firm.
He yanked her into his lap, hugging her like a pet. "Ahhh~ Been too long since I held a girl. So nice~" He nuzzled her chest—modest but soft. *All pretty girls are warm and sweet-smelling.*
Enami froze, face flushing crimson. "You said you wouldn’t do this!"
"Last time was last time. Now you listen to me." Lan tightened his embrace, soaking in her presence. "Sigh... Met so many women, yet none to touch. Have to comfort myself with a petite frame. How tragic." He sighed against her chest.
"I’m disgusted by you! Let go! I’m not your toy!" Enami squirmed fiercely.
"Forgot who pays your salary? This is part of your job. Why hire someone cute if I can’t touch?" Lan glared, shameless and unyielding.
Enami’s regret burned deep. *I shouldn’t have come back!*
*Pervert!*
