After Retirement, Living a Stud Life in Another World - 91
Chapter 91: I Don’t Need a Reward
After rewarding the adult contributors, it was time for the children’s turn.
Well, even though it’s called the children’s turn, it’s just Gretel and me. I’m not sure why they need to make a separate category, but apparently, the kingdom has always had the grateful policy of “not involving children in war”… Even though we clearly got heavily involved this time, it seems they want to frame it as “good children who reluctantly helped the adults, so here’s a little reward for you.”
“Marquess of Hanover’s daughter, Margarete!”
“Yes!”
Today’s childhood friend stepped forward, standing tall with her spine straightened. With her strawberry blonde hair tightly braided and her gray eyes filled with confidence, she exuded even more beauty. Her chest, proudly puffed out, was still slender, but she seemed to have grown a bit since we first met… That’s right, she’s still only fourteen.
“You, as the assistant to the Marquess of Hanover, contributed greatly to the defeat of the elite troops of the Principality of Liège and played a vital role in the battle with the Empire, always at the forefront, making contributions worthy of being called the ‘Return of the Hero.’ The reward will be sent to your mother, the marquess, but it will eventually be yours, there should be no problem.”
“Yes, I’m deeply grateful.”
“However, regarding the path you wish to take after reaching adulthood, we will grant your wish. If you wish to command a unit, we can leave the position of a general open for you.”
I see, so this is the kind of reward you get in the children’s category. It might indeed be attractive to be given the job and status you want after graduation. But to be honest, Gretel is a super skilled warrior, but fundamentally, she’s more of a solo player type, not suited to be a general.
“I’m grateful for your kind offer… But my greatest wish is to be with Lord Ludwig. I have decided that my lifelong duty is to protect Princess Beatrice and him from external threats.”
To hear Gretel express her feelings for me so openly, without any embarrassment, once again pierces my heart. I’m so happy that she desires me so strongly, really happy… But to have this happen in front of all the court officials, it’s quite embarrassing.
“Oh my, how adorable. Childhood love is so heartwarming.”
“To have such words spoken by that beautiful heroine, the future king consort can’t be left aside.”
“Youth is truly wonderful.”
The whispers of the surrounding ladies and older women are unbearable. They probably think they’re speaking quietly, but it’s subtle enough to be heard. It’s tough being in my position, where I just have to endure.
“Yes, indeed, Margarete has already been promised to be Lord Ludwig’s second wife. As she will protect Princess Beatrice and her husband, the royal family sees great value in her. If that’s the case, after graduation, we will entrust you with a squad of the Royal Guard.”
“The words of Margarete are greatly appreciated by Princess Beatrice as well. Let us join hands with Lord Ludwig and protect the kingdom together.”
With a radiant smile, Queen Beatrice concludes, and then Beatrice adds a perfect follow-up. Gretel bows deeply in gratitude… Now, inevitably, it’s my turn to be dealt with.
“Freudenstadt Marquis’ son, Ludwig!”
“Yes.”
Now, what will they give me? I asked Beatrice repeatedly beforehand, but she didn’t tell me anything. I don’t need any more honors or money… Because my future wife will be the next queen, my future father-in-law will be the next marquis, and my future wife will be the next chieftain of the dark tribe, so my abilities are not needed at all. And I don’t want to stand out any more. I don’t want to be treated like I was some brilliant tactician when all the women around me just threw their thoughts at me and I had to deal with them… It’s extremely uncomfortable to be treated as if I willingly acted as a military strategist.
Ah, I see. There’s something that crosses my mind. The royal family surely doesn’t want to touch upon the fact that I’m like a mobile battery for magic. If this became widely known, it would become troublesome again. So, they are probably exaggerating my contributions as a brilliant strategist, especially emphasizing that they don’t want the events in that wheat field to be recorded in official documents. I think the high-level wizards who were on the scene probably have an idea, but deliberately publicizing it would only bring danger to me… So, this embarrassing storm of praise is probably all about their concern for my safety.
“So, for Lord Ludwig, we shall send a reward.”
Here we go, what kind of trouble are they going to burden me with this time?