Side Story Chapter 39

The Duke of Croyso arranged for a wedding ceremony the very next day, most likely so that Riftan would not have time to change his mind.

Riftan paced around the room like a caged beast. Guilt ate away at him for the heavy burden he had placed on his men in exchange for his stepfather's life. He would not have felt so terrible if the knights had lambasted him for his selfish decision. However, despite their fiery rage at the duke's actions, none of the Remdragon Knights had raised a single protest.

Slumping into a chair, Riftan clutched his aching head. As commander, it was only right that he ignore his stepfather's plight, yet he found it impossible to do so. He could not bring himself to abandon the man twice.