After a sumptuous dinner, the group returned to their rooms to bathe and change clothes. After a long period of battle, the knights were somewhat covered in dust.

It was no easy task to lodge in the castle, and naturally, one would take a bath and change into clean clothes.

A large wooden tub had already been prepared in Laine's room. The Genetic Primarch submerged his robust male body into the hot water, comfortably exhaling: "Ah, this feels so good."

The water in the tub rippled as Laine leaned against its edge, relaxing and stretching his body as much as possible.

Since deploying to the Arden Forest in early August, it is now, without realizing it, late September.

The Holy Grail Knight's mind reminisced about the journey along the way.

"Hehe, I know that my actions will definitely be controversial, but it was the right decision." Laine murmured to himself: "This will certainly bring me trouble, but I firmly believe that compared to the numerous villages surrounding Arden Forest and next year's massive beast tide, what I did was correct."

The room assigned to Laine was a cleaned-up one within Atuo Castle, not particularly large, with a simple bed, table, and chairs inside a spacious room, constituting the entirety of the room.

The once glorious family had turned to dust; thereafter, Atuo Castle had become a dedicated military garrison, losing much of its residential function. Subsequent kings mostly utilized it as a military fortress rather than a noble residence.

Laine was still contemplating the consequences of his defiance.

The King summoned an army with royal authority, and it was the Duke's duty to send troops, but certainly no duke intended to dispatch their army to die for the King.

The vassal of my vassal is not my vassal; Laine is not the King's vassal. He need not answer to the King, only to the Duke of Winford, Francois. He successfully completed his mission and brought the troops out. In this matter, both the Duke of Winford and the Red Dragon Duke would undoubtedly support him, without a doubt.

Laine's issue lay in failing to rescue others.

His actions indeed sparked controversy across the entire Kingdom, and even if he had achieved victory, neither the Duke nor the King would appreciate his way of leaving others to fend for themselves. Putting oneself in others' shoes, would Laine like such an ally? Who would be willing to entrust their back to someone like that?

Everyone hopes for reinforcements when they are besieged.

Therefore, it was indeed correct when Duke Francois said he "caused trouble."

Laine was undoubtedly the Divine Chosen Champion of the Lake Fairy, and he was indeed a Holy Grail Knight, but this was no excuse for arrogance and willfulness. Rules are rules, and Laine is more aware than anyone of the importance of order. Order is the only magic against Chaos; he himself is both the Guardian and beneficiary of order.

First, see what Duke Francois and Duke Bohemond have to say. Both are Holy Grail Knights, their virtues indisputable compared to others, and they are influential figures in the entire Kingdom.

After bathing and donning clean noble attire, the dust gradually faded from Laine's handsome and dashing face. In his blue eyes, spiritual energy surrounded him. Draped in a deep crimson velvet jacket with white fur trim and matching trousers, Laine displayed his status as Baron Gene. The golden Holy Grail Knight Badge hung on his chest, shimmering with the Radiance that countless knights dreamt of.

The Emperor's youngest son exuded an aura of authority without anger, and after years of battle, a mature, confident demeanor began to manifest, along with the purifying aura unique to the Grey Knight Primarch, making one feel as warm as a spring breeze.

Indeed, not long after he had changed, there was a knock on his door: "Lord Laine? Father said you are awaited in the conference room on the third floor of the castle."

It was the voice of a female knight! Laine opened the door.

A look of amazement flashed across the Genetic Primarch's face.

The Duke's Daughter had changed into her standard Marchioness attire, a red velvet coat with a hat adorned with three rows of semi-mink fur, a crown set with a silver ring, and four golden leaves, along with four silver spheres.

Her golden waist-length curly hair still carried traces of moisture, and her refined, heroic face emanated a lovely glow with her fair skin. Her sea-blue eyes shone like gemstones, and her cherry red lips were very enticing.

With her golden hair and long legs, Laine's gaze lingered a moment longer on the female knight. It must be said, the Duke's Daughter before him was alluring in every aspect.

Surya did not urge her; on the contrary, the female knight's bright eyes also focused on Laine's face.

Outside the castle, autumn rain pattered persistently against the walls and windows. Inside, the Duke's Daughter and Baron Gene gazed at each other.

Soon, their gazes parted. Laine felt it improper of himself to keep staring at an unmarried Marchioness, so he broke the silence.

"I am ready, shall we proceed now?"

"Ah? Oh, alright." The female knight's face also turned scarlet, and she seemed a bit flustered.

So, Laine and Surya walked together toward the upper levels of the castle. On the way, perhaps due to the earlier incident, both of them remained somewhat silent.

"Father will support you in this matter… I also will support you. If not for you, we might have already faced total annihilation." Finally, Surya opened the conversation.

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