After Retirement, Living a Stud Life in Another World - 165

### Chapter 165: The Gold Brooch

Since returning from the ceremonial festivities in the royal capital, Michaela has been by my side as my personal bodyguard. This was necessary to strengthen my protection, as both Beato and I have likely become targets of the anti-establishment terrorists. Originally, Gretel, who most desired this role, had to lead the “Forest of Demons” development project, making it too valuable to keep her by my side all the time. Thus, Gretel recommended Michaela as the one to protect me constantly.

In official settings, Michaela dresses in a knight-like white pantsuit, but such occasions are rare in Baden. Most of her work involves outdoor tasks… During those times, she wears shorts and dark-colored leggings, which are apparently trendy among the edgy city girls in the royal capital.

As a man, I can’t help but feel a bit guilty about admiring the shape of her slender, well-toned legs. Gretel’s muscular, long legs are exceptional, and Beato’s soft, snow-white thighs are irresistible. But Michaela’s legs, with their balanced blend of muscle and fat, are youthful and healthy, making them hard not to stare at.

In this medieval-like world, noblewomen don’t usually wear clothing that accentuates their body lines… which is why seeing Beato and others in such figure-hugging outfits, like yoga pants, is uncommon.

So, while I pretend to inspect the territory, I actually end up admiring Michaela’s well-shaped legs. And while I pretend to supervise her work, I end up watching her buttocks sway as she moves.

“Hmph… It seems Lutz is on the verge of falling. Now, all that’s left is to get Michaela interested…”

Before I realize it, Gretel is standing behind me, arms crossed, catching me off guard. I instinctively tense up, but her eyes are smiling. Though she usually teases me relentlessly when I admire other women, she goes out of her way to provoke my relationship with Michaela… She must really like her.

“Yes. It would be wonderful if I could become her sister through you, Lutz.”

Ugh, I accidentally let my thoughts slip… but it seems my childhood friend is serious. I might understand her feelings a little. Despite having a harsh childhood, Michaela has retained a puppy-like innocence and brightness, which must make her soul shine brightly.

As I think this, the “puppy” comes running back to us, seemingly with something to report. A gold brooch on her left chest stands out prominently.

“Hey, Gretel, that brooch…”

“Oh, it’s a symbol of membership in the ‘Lira Society’…”

What is this suspicious-sounding group?

—

“So, what exactly is this ‘Lira Society’?”

“Well, you know, the Stuttgart family crest is a lilac. So…”

Ah, right. The family crest I inherited along with my title is a stylized lilac flower. And if I remember correctly, lilac is called “Lira” in German. I see…

No, that’s not what I’m asking.

“So, what exactly does this society do?”

“Well, uh…”

For once, the usually straightforward Gretel hesitates. Is there something shady going on?

“Well, uh… It’s basically a social organization for women in Baden…”

Liar. There’s no way my childhood friend would react like this over a simple social organization. When I stare at her, she averts her eyes. After a moment of silent staring, she finally gives in and starts confessing.

“Well, uh… We wanted to create a group of women who are loyal to and protect Lutz…”

Ah, so it’s part of what Gretel’s been talking about lately: “Strong women to protect Lutz…”

“I see, I’m weak, so it’s reassuring to be protected.”

“Right?”

“But surely, there’s some kind of price for that, right?”

Gretel gasps. It seems I’ve hit a sore spot.

“Well… Of course, it’s the duty of a noble to reward loyalty appropriately…”

“So, what kind of reward does the ‘Lira Society’ members get?”

I think I’ve got a pretty good idea now. The image forming in my mind is probably accurate.

“Well, uh…”

“Gretel, look at me.”

Gretel, who had been trembling slightly, looks at me like a child caught doing something naughty. Despite being a woman praised as both a hero and a valkyrie, she has these childish moments.

“…You won’t be mad?”

“I won’t be mad.”

“The reward for loyalty is… Lutz’s seed.”

Ah, I knew it.