After Retirement, Living a Stud Life in Another World - 184

**Chapter 184: The Judgment of Her Majesty**

The royal capital hadn’t changed at all since the last time I was here, except for the slightly warmer weather.

Well, that’s no surprise. I was just here last month to see my sister. When I first moved to a remote place like Baden, I thought I’d only visit the capital once or twice a year, but somehow I keep coming back frequently… And each time, I look forward to seeing Beato.

First, I decided to stop by my family’s townhouse. My mother and Sieg were waiting for me there. My father had already returned to the territory, busy calming the citizens to prevent unrest. It must be exhausting to clean up this mess.

“You’ve had a tough time, haven’t you, Lutz?”

“Yeah, well… What about you, Mother?”

“Hehehe, I’m happy. After working non-stop since I was fifteen, I don’t have to show up at the military today or tomorrow. It’s perfect timing. If a legendary hero like me kept hanging around, it’d only make things harder for the younger generation. This is the perfect opportunity to fully step back and leave the national army to Liese.”

I always thought my mother was a free spirit, not one to worry about others, but it turns out she’s been thinking about the military’s organization. That’s… unexpectedly considerate of her.

“I’ll consider this an extended maternity leave. Once this child is more independent and if I still have energy left, maybe I’ll ask you to hire me as an adventurer in Baden. What do you think?”

“That would be great. You’d be a valuable asset, Mother, and I’d welcome you anytime.”

If Mother came to the “Demon Forest,” the human domain would probably expand quickly. Any troublesome monsters would be burnt to a crisp in an instant. It might end up looking like the slash-and-burn farming of the old world, though.

“…I’m sorry, Lutz.”

“Huh? What for?”

“Matheus and Niklaus turned out the way they did, and I can’t help but think I raised them wrong. I was so busy with military duties that I wasn’t deeply involved in their education. I left them to the servants for too long… I think no one ever scolded them for their selfish behavior. And now, you and Liese are paying the price for it.”

“That’s not true. This is their problem, not yours.”

It’s true that they were left to the care of nannies and stewards, but that’s the standard upbringing for nobles. Liese and Sieg were raised the same way, yet they turned out to be thoughtful, considerate people.

Besides, my foolish brothers are both adults now. They’ve had plenty of opportunities to reflect on their mistakes, but they’ve ignored them every time.

“Don’t worry about it. But… even though they’re like that, they’re still your children. Their punishment is going to be harsh. Are you okay with that?”

My question may have been a bit careless. Mother, who had been looking down in melancholy, suddenly raised her face and fixed me with a sharp, determined gaze.

“Of course, I want them to face harsh punishment. It won’t be easy for me, but… what they did is a grave matter that could destabilize the entire nation. If we were lenient, it would undermine Her Majesty’s rule. We cannot afford to be soft on them.”

Her voice was resolute. Since she was a teenager, she’s devoted her life to protecting the peace of Berzenbrück, and it remains her top priority. However, the quiver in her voice suggested she had conflicting feelings.

“Alright, enough of this gloomy talk. I’m sure you’re eager to see Matilda, right? After that, I’ve prepared a grand feast for us, and we’ll open some of the finest wine, so look forward to it!”

Mother forced a bright smile and returned to her usual cheerful self.

—

The next day, my mother, Liese, and I appeared at the royal palace for an audience with Her Majesty. Unlike our usual casual meetings, this was a solemn affair in the grand hall with numerous officials present.

“Commander of the National Army’s Magical Division, Lady Anneliese!”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Anneliese, I’ve received your report on the recent incident. While some evidence is insufficient, the likelihood is high. Continue the investigation, and I order you to remain in your position as commander. Despite the misfortune of having foolish brothers, there is no other mage in this nation who can replace you.”

“Yes, Your Majesty! I will fulfill my duty even at the cost of my life!”

A murmur spread among the high-ranking nobles. While no one expected her to be dismissed from the military, many had anticipated a demotion from her position as commander. Liese herself seemed to share that expectation, as tears welled up in the corners of her eyes.

“Marquis Hildegarde von Freudenstadt!”

At the herald’s louder-than-usual call, my mother stepped forward and knelt before Her Majesty.

“You bear great responsibility for this disturbance, Hildegarde.”

“Yes, I neglected my foolish sons. I am prepared for whatever punishment Your Majesty deems fit.”

“Indeed, a parent must bear responsibility for failing to guide their children. However, it was I who kept you at the frontlines for over twenty years, depriving you of time to cherish and raise your sons.”

“Your Majesty…”

“And I do not know how to punish the ‘Hero of Fire’ who saved this country twice. Therefore, I command the Freudenstadt family to donate ten thousand gold coins to the church’s charity efforts. That is all.”

The nobles’ reactions were as expected. Everyone knew of the bond Her Majesty and my mother had forged on the battlefield, and none would dare diminish the achievements of the “Hero of Fire.”

And then, it was my turn.

“Marquis Ludwig von Stuttgart!”

The herald’s voice rang out, sounding somewhat harsh.