The King of the Kingdom of Lugnica was a middle-aged man nearing forty. His first impression was that of a dignified yet exceptionally benevolent elder.
However, Regulus would not simply believe what he saw on the surface. The Royal Family had quite a number of members, and the fact that this man was able to stand out among numerous ruthless siblings and ultimately ascend to the throne meant he did not rely solely on natural talent. Some necessary political tactics and friendly disguises were certainly easy for him to employ.
The outcome of the audience was exactly as Regulus had expected.
During their conversation, besides extending another political olive branch, the King also skillfully probed into Regulus's true reasons for coming to this country and participating in the war. The monarch's use of rhetoric was extremely masterful, making people listen without feeling interrogated or uncomfortable at all.
As for Regulus, he simply gave honest, blunt answers.
He came here to find wives, and participating in the war was strictly for the sake of protecting and freeing his wives.
This blunt honesty surprised the King, but it could also be said that it wasn't entirely unexpected. Since the miraculous news came back from the battlefield, the Crown had already conducted extensive investigations into Regulus's background in advance. Although there wasn't much information about him before he arrived in Lugnica, it could be seen from his actions that he was indeed scouting for excellent women as wives across various nations. The total number of wives in his entourage had already reached over a hundred.
However, unlike his current, relatively peaceful behavior, his previous methods of acquiring wives were known to be quite forceful and tyrannical.
But it was completely understandable to the King why he would change his usual forceful approach now. Why? Because in the King's opinion, if this man wanted to win over Theresia van Astrea, who was the current Sword Saint, he simply couldn't use force. Even if this generation's Sword Saint had a gentle personality and disliked wielding a sword, it would still be mathematically impossible to make her yield through sheer coercive means without destroying the capital.
"The Astrea family generally only accepts male live-in sons-in-law," the King noted, taking a slow sip of wine. "And while the Remelius family has no such strict succession issue, their entire family is known for their incredibly stubborn knightly pride. It would be quite difficult if you wish to formally marry Theresia and Carol."
"I have heard about that," Regulus replied calmly. "However, there will always be a way. There's no need to rush at this stage."
"You are truly optimistic," the King smiled. "But are you really not considering my offer? If you are willing to accept an enfeoffment and hold a formal noble title, these marital obstacles will become much simpler. At that time, if I personally speak on your behalf, I believe the matter can be settled directly."
"I am accustomed to absolute freedom, and this kind offer... I truly must decline," Regulus refused once again.
The King was momentarily speechless. He was utterly determined to keep this walking demigod and make him a sworn citizen of this country.
"If that is the case..." the King leaned forward, his eyes gleaming. "How about becoming an official Guest Advisor of the Royal Family? Merely as an honored guest, you would not need to bear any military or political responsibility, nor would your freedom be restricted in any way. In return, as a Guest of the Royal Family, anyone who meets you in the future must respectfully address you as 'Lord'."
"This... alright," Regulus sighed, quite helpless.
Being an honored guest sounded good; he wouldn't have to do anything, and his freedom wouldn't be restricted. But if he enjoyed their political protection and benefits, would he really have the nerve to do nothing at all when they eventually asked for a favor?
'I shouldn't have come this time,' Regulus thought. But he still needed to continue his activities in the Kingdom, and it would be a massive diplomatic incident to reject a direct Royal Summons.
"Hahaha~!" The King laughed heartily. "Since you have agreed, I will also summon the heads of the Astrea and Remelius families later to have a little 'chat' with them. I believe they will give me some face regarding your courtships."
"Thank you for your trouble."
"It's no trouble at all. Oh, and regarding the stipends for a Royal Guest, as well as the compensation for your massive contributions on the battlefield... since you don't want a noble title or land, then all of it will be converted into high-tier material rewards. I will have them delivered to your mansion's doorstep personally later."
"I understand. Then, if there's nothing else, I should probably head back soon. My wives at home are still waiting," Regulus requested to take his leave.
The King, whose mood was quite good and who had achieved his primary objective of tying Regulus to the Crown, naturally wouldn't refuse.
However, on the way back in the dragon carriage.
The more Regulus thought about the conversation, the more something felt slightly off.
'Was I just played?' he wondered, narrowing his eyes. 'I have a feeling the King had already guessed I would refuse a noble title, so his original goal from the very beginning was simply to make me a Guest Advisor of the Royal Family.'
Indeed... absolutely none of those who could sit on the throne of a major nation were easy to deal with.
But never mind. The status of a Royal Guest was still highly acceptable. The autonomy remained in his hands. Even if that old fox who played him wanted his help in the future, the King would have to politely ask, not directly order him. Whether Regulus helped or not would depend entirely on his mood.
When Regulus returned home and stepped out of his dragon carriage, he walked into the main parlor.
Besides his welcoming wives, he also saw two unexpected visiting guests sitting on the sofas.
No, calling them "guests" wasn't quite right, because the person who came was clearly looking for trouble.
A middle-aged man with striking red hair, sharp blue eyes, a distinguished handlebar mustache, and dressed in a high-class burgundy outfit stood in the center of the room. He had a deeply solemn expression on his face, and his eyes revealed intense, burning anger.
Especially when he saw Regulus walk through the door.
"You're the scoundrel who ran off with my daughter?!" the man roared, his eyes burning with even greater fury. He looked as if he wanted to draw a blade and teach Regulus a severe physical lesson right then and there.
Unfortunately for his pride, he didn't succeed.
"Ahem~" A deliberate, feigned cough echoed through the room.
In an instant, the angry middle-aged man froze and turned to look at the elegant middle-aged woman sitting calmly beside him.
"Did you come here to fight?" the woman asked her husband, her tone serene but carrying absolute authority. "And even if you did, you couldn't possibly beat him. Don't make our daughter feel any more awkward."
The middle-aged man was instantly rendered speechless. When he looked at his daughter, Theresia, his lungs felt like they were about to explode with protective anger, but under his wife's gaze, he could only give up his aggressive stance.
"He still has to give me an explanation today," the man muttered, huffily returning to his seat and crossing his arms.
Theresia breathed a massive sigh of relief. Her beautiful eyes, looking at Regulus, were full of innocence and a silent plea for pity.
Taking in this domestic situation, Regulus could easily guess exactly what was going on. These were Theresia's parents: Veltol and Tishua van Astrea.
"Hello, Uncle, Aunt," Regulus greeted them smoothly, stepping into the room with a polite smile. "I should have visited your estate immediately upon my return, but unfortunately, I was summoned by the King and had to go for a royal audience first. Please forgive my lack of manners."
"Who's your uncle?!" Veltol snapped.
"Dear, you need to calm down right now," Tishua warned smoothly.
"..." Veltol fell completely silent again.
Seeing her husband subdued, Tishua turned her sharp, assessing gaze back to Regulus.
"Being summoned by His Majesty is unavoidable," she said gracefully. "However, I'm a little curious. Would you mind telling me what the King said to you?"
Regulus's monstrous deeds on the battlefield were no secret; as the Astrea family, they had naturally heard the terrifying military reports. This royal summons must have been for a massive award. With his known merits of practically ending the war single-handedly, the rewards certainly wouldn't be bad.
"There's nothing inconvenient about sharing it," Regulus replied, taking a seat opposite them. "Besides some lavish material rewards, it was just accepting an invitation to become an official Guest Advisor of the Royal Family."
"A Royal Guest?!" Veltol blurted out, his jaw dropping in sheer shock.
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