After some discussion, it was firmly decided that the wedding day would be held after the war officially ended.
Likewise, because His Majesty the King of Lugnica personally stepped in and did some heavy "ideological work" with the heads of the Astrea and Remendes families, Carol's problem was also perfectly resolved. The stubborn Knight family had no choice but to bow to the Crown's gentle pressure.
However, since the wedding dates for Theresia and Carol had been decided, the formal wedding arrangements for the other wives in the family naturally had to be put on the agenda as well.
Based on the sheer number of people in Regulus's mansion, if each person had one individual wedding ceremony, even if they scheduled it as one day per person, it would take nearly half a year to finish.
'This is going to be a rather demanding life,' Regulus thought, amused by the prospect. 'Being a new groom every single night.'
A few more days passed in the peaceful Capital.
As news of the Demi-Human alliance's desperate counterattack trickled in from the southern battlefield, Regulus once again met with Sphinx in secret.
For Sphinx, sneaking into the heavily guarded Capital was actually very simple; she just needed to use her flight magic to fly high above the anti-air wards and slip smoothly into the Royal City under the cover of darkness.
The only trouble was carrying her latest 'tool'. Bringing the undead corpse of Libre Fermi along meant spending a lot of unnecessary time flying slowly to avoid detection.
"I've already met with Valga Cromwell before coming here," Sphinx reported flatly, standing in the shadows of Regulus's courtyard. "Do you need me to lead the way to him so you can eliminate him?"
Regulus fell into thought for a moment.
'Should I kill him directly right now?'
If Cromwell were killed directly in advance, Regulus would certainly gain more credit with the Crown, but it would only be a decent amount of credit. More importantly, afterward, Sphinx might be able to forcefully control the remaining demi-human forces, but how would the Kingdom of Lugnica be willing to open up the situation and sit down to negotiate properly with the rebellion?
After all, if it were him in the King's position... with his own citizens causing massive trouble within the country, especially the demi-humans who were a different race entirely, it would be absolutely impossible to simply compromise. The demi-human race would definitely have to suffer a painful, unforgettable lesson.
Unless… the situation drastically changed, forcing the Kingdom to consider ending the war as soon as possible.
"No need," Regulus ordered. "The attack plan will proceed."
"Proceed?" Sphinx blinked, her deadpan expression tilting slightly.
"Yes, proceed as Cromwell planned."
"I understand."
Sphinx did not ask for the reason. For her, just doing exactly as Regulus said was enough.
"Has the exact time for the siege been set?" Regulus asked.
"Tonight."
"Tonight, huh? That's really decisive," Regulus couldn't help but sigh. The giant's shock troops must have just gotten into position outside the Capital walls.
"Come here," Regulus beckoned her closer. "I need to tell you about the upcoming matters."
"Mm."
Night fell over Lugnica.
Regulus set off for the Royal Palace alone. For anyone else, it would be impossible to secure a meeting with His Majesty the King at this hour. But for Regulus, who held the status of a Royal Guest Advisor, it was much simpler.
Especially with the sudden, chaotic changes developing on the battlefield. His Majesty, who had previously manipulated him into taking this title, would surely want to see him immediately.
Upon Regulus's arrival, as expected, he was immediately ushered into the inner sanctum to meet His Majesty.
"Come, come, don't be shy. Let's sit down and talk," the King's attitude was exceptionally warm, motioning to a pair of plush armchairs in his private study.
Regarding his behavior, Regulus could genuinely feel that the King was not treating him as a subservient subject, but as a true equal and honored guest.
'But then again,' Regulus mused, observing the man. 'For a king of a major nation, he is almost too benevolent.'
"Then I shall respectfully obey," Regulus said, taking a seat.
"Is there anything you'd like to drink?"
"Thank you, no need."
"Is that so," the King nodded, setting his own goblet down. "Then, is there something urgent you came for so late?" The King's tone shifted slightly, becoming more serious.
This clearly showed he didn't want to waste any more words on pleasantries. Of course, the King also had his own objective; regarding the brewing trouble on the battlefield, he desperately wanted to ask Regulus for his invincible help.
Even if there wasn't a strict military necessity right this second. Because even if it continued, the war would eventually subside with just time and attrition. The demi-human race could not withstand the Kingdom's resources forever, not just in manpower, but also in finances.
But the political problem was that the impact of the war was too severe. It had already made the Kingdom's fragile domestic situation develop in an even worse direction.
"Regarding the Demi-Human War," Regulus started casually, leaning back. "What is your true attitude, Your Majesty?"
"My attitude, you ask?" The King fell silent, his fingers tapping the armrest. He thought for a long moment. "In my opinion, this war is a completely unnecessary tragedy. It continues merely for some trivial, historical reasons, adding to the casualties and sorrow of my people."
"Trivial reasons?"
"Hatred certainly needs to be remembered," the King sighed heavily. "But a disaster from over four hundred years ago—merely because the race of the Witch who caused the disaster was a half-elf—to unreasonably exclude and oppress all demi-humans... in my opinion, it is a very ridiculous thing."
The King looked down at his hands, his expression pained.
"Moreover, for such a ridiculous historical matter, to causelessly harm and exclude compatriots of the same country, even causing countless people to lose their lives and their families... Such a thing should never happen in Lugnica."
"If everyone thought like you, it would be a wonderful country," Regulus couldn't help but sigh in genuine admiration.
He was actually very surprised. He hadn't expected the King to be this open-minded and progressive.
But it was a profound pity. After being politically manipulated by him previously, Regulus had done some investigating into the King's standing.
The King was quite perfect in all moral aspects, except for one fatal flaw: his political vision and authority were truly too weak. He was so constrained that even though he was the ruling monarch, his progressive proposals were often rebuked, vetoed, and refuted by the conservative Sage Council.
"I also wish everyone could think like me," the King said, his words full of absolute helplessness. "But alas… there aren't as many people in the world who can let go of the past as one might imagine."
Whether demi-human or human, as long as they were born in Lugnica, they were all his subjects. But the current situation made him feel incredibly powerless. The citizens were constantly suffering casualties, and the racial hatred was becoming increasingly intense. Yet, with his keen self-awareness, the King simply did not believe he could handle this matter well.
Perhaps if he interfered too heavily to protect the demi-humans, it might even add fuel to the fire and cause a human uprising. Since that was the case, it was better to let the flames burn out naturally; according to the Sage Council's cold assertions, this war would not last for too much longer. The outcome could also be predicted: the demi-human lineage within the country would be completely disheartened and broken by this final blow.
Thinking of this, the King couldn't help but think of his neighbors. Although other countries also had historical conflicts between demi-humans and humans, they were not as sharp and violent as his own. They had even found a tense balance. He felt very envious, and sometimes couldn't help but wonder if, with better political skills, he could have avoided this civil war entirely.
"Your Majesty," Regulus interrupted the King's brooding, his heterochromatic eyes locking onto the monarch's. "If you were to sit down and have a good, formal talk with the representatives of the demi-human race... do you think such a thing would be feasible?"
As Regulus spoke the treasonous suggestion, he clearly saw the benevolent King frown sharply.
The King stared at Regulus in dead silence for a long while.
Finding that Regulus showed no change whatsoever, completely unfazed by the royal scrutiny, the King realized this man's courage was truly extraordinary.
'Is he not afraid of being suspected of treason?' the King wondered, his eyes narrowing. 'Or does he have some sort of absolute assurance... some terrifying means to escape unscathed even if I call the guards on him right now?'
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