"Return to the royal capital?"
At this moment, not only Yuri but even Marilyn was stunned.
Did they hear that correctly?
Riezel planned to return to the royal capital?
Why had he suddenly changed his mind?
"Didn't you refuse Marquis Charlier's request yesterday, saying you wouldn't return to the royal capital?" Yuri asked with a frown. "Why did you suddenly change your mind?"
Could it be that Riezel truly wanted to accept the noble title from the kingdom and become a noble?
It didn't seem entirely impossible to understand when she thought about it more carefully. After all, becoming a noble was something most people wouldn't refuse.
In fact, ninety-nine percent of people in this world were eager to become nobles and gain privileges, while only a tiny minority truly wished to remain ordinary.
She knew that Riezel had come from the countryside to the royal capital originally to gain fame and the chance to become a noble, so refusing such an opportunity would be strange.
As Yuri lost herself in thought, Riezel spoke up.
"Actually, I've had a bit of a change of heart..."
Riezel calmly shook his head.
"It's not that I want to become a noble or accept a noble title from the kingdom. I just think there's no need to keep hiding and avoiding things anymore."
Previously, because it was his first time dealing with the nobles of this world, Riezel had always felt a natural aversion.
After all, he didn't want to repeat the mistakes of his past life or step into that world of deceit and scheming again.
Besides, with what seemed to be an organization called the Heretic Assassin keeping a close watch on him, he decided, after careful consideration, to temporarily go with the flow and follow Yuri.
However, as it turned out, no matter what he did, when being watched by those in power with ulterior motives, whether willingly or not, he would inevitably be pulled into the whirlpool of conspiracies and schemes.
Even Jinas, who didn't openly trouble him, might be secretly making arrangements to bind him to the kingdom and ensure his loyalty, given that he was a rare talent—a Sword Master and Tactical-Class Magician.
Yuri's suggestion to solve such a situation was to become a Sword Saint.
As long as he became a Sword Saint and possessed the power to make the royal family think twice before acting rashly, he could avoid many troubles.
Understanding this, Riezel agreed with Yuri's suggestion.
He knew well that absolute power was the fundamental factor in making all the petty schemers back off.
Just like the Loki Familia, one of the strongest familias in Orario and even in the entire world of Danmachi, few dared to offend it.
Just like Yoriichi, a swordsman so strong that he frightened Muzan, a being who caused despair to countless people. Yoriichi's existence became Muzan's lifelong trauma, to the point that he hid from the world until Yoriichi's death.
From these two examples, it was clear that if Riezel had enough power, neither Jinas nor any country on the Akasha Continent would easily ignore or plot against him due to the consequences it could bring.
However, Riezel now felt there was no need to avoid those so-called conspiracies, the royal capital, or the royal family.
In the first place, he was originally someone who feared nothing.
Although he despised deceit and schemes, being afraid of such things was another matter entirely.
However, what was important was that during the six months of dimensional travel in the world of Demon Slayer, he had rediscovered his true self.
He was here to keep moving forward!
He had come this far to live freely!
No matter how many obstacles lay ahead, even if he had to face severe challenges, so what?
No matter what it was, in this new life, he couldn't just passively go with the flow like in his past life.
He needed to use his strength to fight for the life he wanted!
For this, even if it meant death, he would have no regrets!
For this reason, Riezel had no intention of avoiding things any longer.
"If this kingdom is going to become the cage that imprisons me, then I'll just have to break it."
Riezel spoke calmly as he gazed at Yuri.
"Royal capital... since so many people there want me to return, what's the harm in going back?"
"Let everyone come and try."
"Let's see who will laugh last."
Riezel's declaration was very calm and indifferent, yet it carried an indescribable strength, giving off a subtle sense of oppression.
"You…"
Yuri looked at Riezel, momentarily stunned as if she were looking at an alien.
"..."
Marilyn's eyes flickered, and her expression changed as she looked at Riezel, as if she were seeing a different person.
Both of them stared at Riezel, feeling that he seemed a bit out of place.
It couldn't be helped.
After all, this was the first time Riezel had shown his true nature in front of them.
If the members of the Loki Familia were here to see the current Riezel, they would simply think—Yeah, this is the Riezel we know.
In the eyes of the Loki Familia's members, the man who, even in the dungeon, dared to charge fearlessly at the Crocodile Dragon while coughing up blood, who could stand up time and time again against unknown worm monsters and slashed them relentlessly with his sword, was both a fierce warrior and a fearless hero—this was the Riezel Brynhart they knew.
"Tomorrow, I'll set out to return to the royal capital." Riezel continued with a smile. "You'll support my decision, won't you?"
Upon hearing this, Yuri blinked her eyes in a daze and remained silent.
She was silent for a long time, not revealing her thoughts.
Riezel didn't rush her, quietly sitting there, waiting for her response.
After a long while, Yuri sighed.
"You've already decided, haven't you?" Yuri asked, seeming to make a final confirmation.
"Yup." Riezel replied briefly, not planning to say more.
"Okay..." Yuri nodded and smiled lightly. "In that case, go ahead and do it."
Upon hearing this, Riezel's smile deepened.
"Thanks."
As Riezel's thanks echoed in the office, the aroma and warmth of the tea filled the room, bringing a sense of comfort.
===
After chatting for a while, Riezel finally left.
Not wanting to disturb Yuri while she was working, Riezel only made a few casual remarks before bidding her farewell.
Yuri watched as Riezel departed, unable to focus on the stacks of parchment on her desk anymore, clearly losing interest in her work.
"Is this alright, My Lady?" Marilyn asked hesitantly. "If he returns to the royal capital, it might not be so easy for him to leave again."
"I know that..." Yuri replied expressionlessly. "But since he's already made his decision, I have no reason to stop him."
"...Aren't you worried, My Lady?" Marilyn asked after a pause. "From the looks of it, he seems to have no intention of accepting the noble title from the kingdom. If that happens, the kingdom will definitely be unwilling to let such talent be recruited by a foreign country, which could possibly lead to irreconcilable conflicts between them."
In her eyes, this situation was extremely dangerous.
After all, she didn't believe Riezel had the capability to challenge the kingdom.
If he possessed the strength of a Sword Saint, he might still give the kingdom a run for its money with the support of the Frenzel family.
However, in her eyes, he was at most an expert Sword Master, and such swordsmen weren't exactly rare in the royal capital.
Even if he was also a Tactical-Class Magician, so what?
Yuri was a Strategic-Class Magician, yet she too had to make some compromises in front of the kingdom.
Without enough strength, although the kingdom might show some consideration for his connection to the Frenzel family, it wouldn't be enough to let him do whatever he wanted.
If he were to cause a major incident by accident, perhaps even the Frenzel family wouldn't be able to protect him.
For this reason, Marilyn felt that Yuri shouldn't let him leave. Keeping him under the protection of the Frenzel family and helping him grow would be the most beneficial approach.
However, Marilyn didn't know that Riezel was no longer comparable to the person he had been just a day ago.
Moreover, Yuri, whether consciously or unconsciously, had always indulged Riezel, so no matter what Marilyn said, it was useless.
"He is not my subordinate, Marilyn."
Yuri glanced at Marilyn with a half-smile on her face.
"Do you, like others, see him as one of my people?"
Marilyn lowered her head and said nothing.
However, if she were to be honest, she actually thought that way.
After all, Riezel was not only a Sword Master but also a Tactical-Class Magician.
Such a valuable talent, and yet her master had gotten to him first, establishing a good relationship. With such advantageous conditions, not pulling him into the Frenzel family and bringing him closer would be a waste.
She even wondered if her master was treating Riezel as a lover to support and nurture. She knew her master's temperament very well, so she just couldn't imagine her master marrying anyone of noble standing in the future.
In her understanding, if her master wanted to marry, she would find a man she liked on her own before bringing him home and nurturing him to become her ideal partner, thus ending her single life and starting a family.
With this thought in mind, Marilyn naturally considered Riezel to be her master's person. Even if he wasn't a subordinate, he was a man raised by her master's own hands—definitely a worthwhile investment, even though she was still quite annoyed by the notion.
Yuri, unaware of Marilyn's thoughts, continued to speak.
"He's my only friend... I don't want him to be mine or anything." Yuri's expression was calm. "Besides, with his personality, once he's made up his mind, he won't compromise even if I try to stop him."
Anyone who saw Riezel's expression earlier would understand what she meant.
His eyes, burning with an endless flame as if to scorch away all obstacles, were impossible to hide, even though his expression seemed calm and indifferent.
Yuri felt that this seemingly composed and steady young man harbored a beast within him, and she didn't want to stand in its way when it was about to be unleashed for fear of being devoured in the process.
"Go prepare the carriage and the ship."
Yuri made the decision and gave the order.
"Tomorrow, we will set off with him."
Yuri's decisive order left no room for Marilyn's forthcoming objections.
"...Yes."
In the end, Marilyn could only comply obediently and sighed to herself.
'Looks like the royal capital is about to go into chaos...'
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The next morning, at dawn.
When Riezel arrived at the gate of the Frenzel main residence, not only was the carriage ready for departure, but a line of fully armed knights was also neatly arranged, prepared to set off at any moment.
Yuri and Marilyn had even arrived at the gate before him, accompanied by Ain and Ian, engaging in some conversation.
Seeing this, Riezel paused briefly, sighed after a moment, and continued to walk forward.
"Good morning, Riezel."
Yuri spotted Riezel's arrival and greeted him with a light smile.
Meanwhile, Marilyn, Ain, Ian, and the knights around them all promptly bowed to Riezel in unison.
Riezel responded with a nod and then approached Yuri.
"You know, I was planning to return alone..." Riezel sighed slightly.
Seeing the current situation, he knew full well that she intended to accompany him.
"I know." Yuri lifted her gaze, looking straight into his eyes. "But I'm not at ease if you're alone."
Being uneasy meant being uneasy—she wasn't planning to beat around the bush, so she stated her thoughts directly.
"You're underestimating me..." Riezel said with a calm smile. "Anyway, it's not easy to get back home and leave the royal capital. You could stay home a while longer."
He knew Yuri never really liked returning to the royal capital, so he didn't want to drag this young lady into a mess because of his own decision.
"Besides, you still need to handle the aftermath of the War Festival, the follow-up with the Demon Swordsman, and the territory management, right?" Riezel continued. "With your father in his current state, he definitely can't manage these things. Is it really okay for you to leave?"
"Don't worry." Yuri calmly shook her head. "My family isn't completely without support. I've arranged everything, so you don't need to worry about them."
Riezel was about to say something more but was interrupted by Yuri.
"Alright, let's settle it this way." Yuri nodded. "Since you dare to face it, why should I avoid it? If we're going back, then let's go together."
Upon hearing this, Riezel had nothing more to say and could only nod in understanding.
As the group prepared to get into the carriage and leave the Frenzel main residence, two people suddenly came to see them off.
"Elder Sister! Mr. Riezel!"
"Elder Sister Yuri!"
With these two voices, a boy and a girl ran out of the manor.
It was none other than Mediste and Isaac.
"What are you doing here?"
Yuri stopped and turned around, looking at her younger brother and sister before quickly approaching them.
Riezel also stepped forward, approaching the two siblings.
Apparently, the siblings seemed to have just learned about Riezel and Yuri's plans to return to the royal capital, so they ran in a hurry and looked out of breath.
"Why are you suddenly going back to the royal capital?" Isaac protested. "I thought you guys weren't going back!"
Mediste nodded along while sneakily glancing at Riezel.
Strangely, when Riezel noticed Mediste's gaze, her face turned faintly red before she quickly looked away.
"Well, the plans have changed." Yuri didn't explain much to her younger siblings but just patted their heads. "Sorry, you'll have to manage things at home for a while. You need to be obedient, okay?"
"How about I come with you to the royal capital?"
Isaac's eyes darted around for a moment as if he were thinking of something before immediately making this suggestion.
"Isaac! Don't be a nuisance to Elder Sister and Mr. Riezel!"
Mediste furrowed her brows and quickly scolded Isaac.
"It doesn't matter, right?" Isaac pouted, clearly displeased. "I haven't been to the royal capital in a long time, and the last time I went, I was only six years old. It's been two years since then..."
"I haven't been to the royal capital in three years, but do you hear me complaining?" Mediste shook her head. "Elder Sister and Mr. Riezel are going there on business, not for leisure. You'd just be a troublemaker."
"But… Father is in that condition, and after the War Festival, Elder Brother just disappeared..." Isaac mumbled, his expression downcast. "Now that Elder Sister Yuri is leaving too, doesn't that mean it's just me and Elder Sister Mediste left at home?"
"..."
Mediste fell silent.
Riezel looked at the pair of siblings and suddenly felt that they seemed quite pitiful.
It was clear that their father, Alderman, was incompetent when it came to family. Not only now but even before, he hadn't really cared about the daily lives of his children.
Sefaz was always out and about, furtively engaged in who knows what, never home—clearly not doing his part as the eldest sibling well.
Since Yuri became the Chief Court Magician, she frequently had to stay in the royal capital to handle affairs.
Moreover, the eldest daughter, who was the second child of the Frenzel family, had left for her mother's family because of their terrible father and hadn't been back for years.
As a result, Mediste and Isaac, this pair of siblings, had become isolated, often left alone at home, only able to keep company with knights, guards, and servants.
It was only natural for them to feel lonely.
'No wonder Mediste looks so mature for her age, while the youngest one is always causing trouble. It seems this loneliness has shaped their characters, huh...' Riezel mused silently.
Yuri looked especially guilty, not knowing what to say for a moment.
Seeing this, Riezel thought for a moment and decided to make the decision for Yuri.
"Actually, bringing them along wouldn't be a problem, right?"
Riezel's sudden words surprised Yuri and caught the attention of Mediste and Isaac.
"You know, we're not going to battle or anything." Riezel smiled slightly. "Since something so big happened last time, it's unlikely that any such lawless behavior will occur again in the short term. It shouldn't be a problem for Mediste and Isaac to stay in the royal capital for a while, right?"
"Uhh…" Yuri hesitated.
However, her hesitation immediately gave Mediste and Isaac hope.
"We promise we'll be good and won't cause any trouble!" Isaac immediately raised his hand to vow.
Mediste, aiming to maintain her mature image and composure, didn't act as childishly as Isaac, but her hopeful look still softened Yuri's heart.
"Hahh… alright."
After thinking for a moment, Yuri eventually agreed.
"Yay!"
Isaac cheered, and Mediste had a beaming smile on her face, clearly delighted.
"Done? Let's get going then." Riezel smiled subtly.
With that, Riezel, Yuri, and Marilyn led the cheerful Isaac and Mediste into the carriage, while Ian and Ain took their places in the driver's seat as always before driving off.
As the carriage headed down the main road, the knights lined up behind it began to move, trailing after the carriage in an orderly manner and creating a loud, rhythmic sound of footsteps.
And so, Riezel and Yuri finally set off on their journey back to the royal capital.
Ultimately, news of their departure spread rapidly, reaching not only various people but also making its way back to the royal capital.
===
It took about four days to travel from Undine in the Frenzel territory to the royal capital, Yeluvia.
During these four days, three were spent traveling by water, from Undine to Trantia by ship, and one day was spent traveling overland, from Trantia to Yeluvia by carriage.
Earlier, Riezel and the others had left the royal capital in the same way to reach the Frenzel territory, and naturally, they were returning to the royal capital in the same manner.
It had been less than half a month since Riezel and Yuri last left the royal capital, and now they had returned once more.
Evidently, this surprised everyone.
No one expected Riezel and Yuri to return so quickly after leaving the royal capital amidst the previous commotion.
However, for some, their return was undoubtedly a good thing.
As a result, when a luxurious carriage bearing the crest of the Frenzel family and leading a knightly order appeared grandly at the city gate of the royal capital, a carriage emerged from the city to welcome Riezel and Yuri.
Ain and Ian, who were driving the carriage, were the first to notice it.
They exchanged surprised glances before quickly reporting to the carriage.
"My Lady, there's a carriage with the crest of the Charlier family stopped up ahead."
Ian's announcement caused the conversation inside the carriage to cease.
"Let's go greet them."
Yuri's voice came from inside, prompting Ain and Ian to move the carriage forward without hesitation.
Meanwhile, on the Charlier family's carriage, two familiar faces who had recently visited the Frenzel family disembarked.
Who else but Phillip and his attendant Glimann?
Accompanied by a large group of guards, they approached the carriage where Riezel and the others were.
Riezel and Yuri immediately got out of their carriage and met Phillip.
"Good to see you again, Marquis Charlier." Yuri greeted with a graceful bow.
"Oh, good to see you again, Marquis Frenzel." Phillip returned the gesture with a wry smile. "You two just declined my invitation to return to the capital, and now you're suddenly back—it's quite puzzling, honestly."
"It's just a sudden change of plans..." Yuri said without changing her expression. "We have some matters to handle here, so we apologize for any inconvenience."
"No, it's fine. It's good that you two are back." Phillip's earlier bitterness disappeared, replaced by a genuine smile. "Since you two are back, my earlier task wasn't a failure then."
In the next second, as if he had remembered something, Phillip informed Yuri of it.
"By the way, your mansion has been rebuilt with the assistance of the court magician sent by the palace. Are you going to head there first, or...?"
Phillip's question was met with a prompt response.
"I'll head there first." Yuri replied lightly. "Since my younger siblings have come along and the mansion needs time to settle, as it's newly rebuilt, we're really sorry that we can't host you, Marquis Charlier."
"Understood." Phillip nodded understandingly. "In that case, I won't disturb you. Speaking of which, the palace should issue a summons soon, so you can go there then."
Yuri nodded and said no more.
Phillip smiled at Riezel and, along with Glimann and his guards, left.
Riezel watched them silently, deep in thought.
"Let's go. We'll head back to the Frenzel residence first."
Yuri turned her head toward Riezel as she spoke, breaking his train of thought.
"Yeah."
Riezel nodded casually and followed Yuri back into the carriage.
Soon, the Frenzel family's carriage was once again on its way, entering the royal capital and heading toward their secondary residence.
However, with Riezel's return, the brief period of calm in the royal capital had finally ended.
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