"So that's how it is..." Lucia lifted her head and smiled. "It sounds simple, but it's still a pretty good idea."
He strolled back to his seat opposite Kristoff and sat down, interlacing his fingers before him. Looking relaxed, he said, "But let me make one thing clear first. I'm well aware that I'm a 'problem,' but unlike that Omen Boy, I have no desire whatsoever to solve other people's problems for them."
"Whether I'm a thorn in their side, a stumbling block, a stepping-stone, or something else entirely, now that I've truly been born into this world, their likes and dislikes, their love and hatred, have nothing to do with me. I'll treat everyone who walks alongside me with complete sincerity and respect. But for those who insist on blocking my way forward, I won't show them the slightest mercy."
"Walking this path at my side means facing more than swords and blood. There may also be the lure of power, the corrosion of self-interest, and clashes of ideals... Perhaps one day, even my own life as your liege won't be safe, and I'll end up dragging everyone down with me until we all lose everything."
"Your Highness, I won't..." Kristoff began, but as soon as the words left his mouth, Lucia smiled and shook his head.
"I understand," Lucia said, looking at the young knight opposite him, whose expression remained resolute. "Strictly speaking, we've known each other for less than twenty-four hours. Perhaps you feel that nothing I just said could make you waver, and I believe that too—but I wasn't saying those things to you alone."
"You mean...?"
"At the Ancient Dragon Temple in Leyndell, there are currently 416 knights in the roster who received their initiation directly from the temple. You're only fourteen, but you're already