Arthur's Point of View

Pendragon Estate

Apparently, my tone came out harsher than I wanted as even Aydalia and Alwin flinched. “My wish was to apologize to General Farro for the pain he was caused… The humiliation and torture he had to endure.” Freya informed me softly. “Given that his state is partially my fault, I had hoped to help him if he needed anything.”

Alwin, to my surprise, smiled as he leaned back onto some pillows. “The thought, and offer, are appreciated. However, they are unnecessary. I heard you voice your distaste for what your mother was doing several times. You even insisted she let us go.” The Elf stated before he gestured to me with a weak nod. “Arthur has several of the memories as well from Lucia and he confirmed the same.”

Aydalia decided to pitch in as well. “Not many would’ve stood against their parents, much less their ruler, in such a situation.” She then glanced to her boy before she moved to sit on the side of the bed next to him. “Alwin told me how you snuck him some food and water. He’s likely alive thanks to your refusal to follow your queens’ orders.”

That was something I did not know. “Hmm.” I hummed out and turned their attention back to me. “The more you know…” My comment made the mother and son exchange a glance with one another, but neither spoke out.

“I wanted to thank you again as we-“ Freya began as she turned to me.

“Unnecessary.” I cut her off.

The Succubae looked nervous at that. “Very well.” Freya quickly turned back to Alwin. “Did you need any help?” She asked the Elf.

“It’s doubtful that Alwin will need your help with Lucia around. However, given how closely you two look alike, perhaps it would be best to keep you close.” Meeting Alwin’s eyes, I continued. “Lucia seemed to be making some rather bold attempts with the Elven General.”

Alwin immediately blushed as his mother looked at him with a raised brow. “What does he mean?”

“It means Lucia’s boytoy needs to learn how to say no.” I crossed my arms. “The mind may be willing, but your body will pay the price. I’ll even have Marina make you a spray bottle incase Lucia gets frisky. If Lucia comes here again, what will you do?”

Glaring at me, Alwin replied through clenched teeth. “That’s private.” His blush didn’t help his glare.

“Your funeral will be private too if you keep this up.” I warned him.

He blanched at that. “You seriously cannot be threatening me because of this. I understand you are protective, but our relationship is-“

Holding up a hand, I stopped him. “There seems to be a mistake here. I don’t care if you two have sex. By all means. Go crazy.” Many in the room seemed surprised at that as I shrugged. “I wasn’t here, so I can’t exactly start playing the protective dad role who judges her romantic interests. That being said, do it once you’ve recovered. Until then, keep it in your pants unless you’re just that determined to die by every man’s fantasy.”

Wide-eyed, Alwin stared at me for a moment before he cleared his throat. “You make a valid point. I will think on your words.”

A sneer came to my lips, as I replied sarcastically. “See that you do. The sooner you’re better, the sooner you can go home. The sooner you go home, the sooner you can help Kheri deal with the Priestesses, so I don’t have to.” I told them more honestly.

“You want me better to force your work on me?” Alwin asked back.

“It sounds almost rude when you put it like that. Also, it’s not my work.” I then gestured to him. “Odds are, you’re going to be tasked with finding a new General for the ‘Humans’, so have fun with that.”

That seemed to alarm the two elves. “…What are you saying, Sir Arthur?” Aydalia questioned with an emphasis on my title.

“I’m planning on stepping down from my position. Both as a General and Knight of Lestrania.”

Aydalia was looking at me with such tensity that it unnerved me slightly. “Why?” Mamma Farro asked after a moment.

“Aside from the obvious?” I shot back with a cocked brow. “Avoiding Arceana would probably be best. It will also be the perfect punishment for what happened. For me anyway.” The three were quiet as they listened. “Can’t have Generals going around trying to kill people. Sends a bad message.”

Alwin snorted at that. “You don’t say?”

I nodded. “I do say. Anyway, staying under whatever manner of power they think they have isn’t something I feel like doing.”

Aydalia tapped one of her fingers in thought. “Then why did you do it in the first place?”

“Bored, mostly. That, and it was something to do. Not like I had anything better to do.” Both Elves seemed surprised at that.

“That’s why you became a Knight?” Alwin inquired in disbelief. “You were bored?”

“I say bored, but indifferent would also fit.” My neck rolled in slight annoyance. “This is the best course of action. Alwin will bring this up to Elincia, who can bring it up to Arceana, and boom! Everyone’s happy.”

Alwin, being the piece of shit he is, immediately pointed out the flaws in my brilliant plan. “And you think both Priestesses will be fine with you remaining in this house, the base of the mountain, Helmsforth in general, or even Lestrania as a whole?”

I shrugged. “That’s the beauty of it. It’s not my problem. I bought this house fair and square. Both Arceana and Elincia can suck my dic-“ My voice caught as I realized what I was about to say. “Well, they’ll get over it sooner or later.” A scoff left my lips. “Pfft. If not, what’re they gonna do?”