Chapter 30: Maintaining Dignity

“Huh? What?”

Duncan let out a drunken hiccup, squinting at the distant banners.

Seeing the Papal State’s white flags approaching, he widened his eyes, slapped his cheeks, and shook his head to sober up.

Despite his efforts, the stench of alcohol lingered.

Freeman, beside him, shook his head.

When he’d backed Duncan years ago, the man was a spirited young hero, mature beyond his years.

But since becoming king, he’d grown arrogant.

If Duncan didn’t still respect him as a key advisor, Freeman might’ve been ousted from Londe.

As Freeman mused, the Papal forces reached Elan City’s gates.

Alexius rode forward, catching a whiff of alcohol before even nearing Duncan.

As one of the Church’s most devout, Alexius adhered strictly to its disciplines.

Though the Church’s reforms a century ago permitted clergy to drink, he remained abstinent.

Seeing Duncan greet them in this state, he frowned, his tone laced with sarcasm.

“Your Majesty, had a lively night? Coming out reeking of wine to welcome us—did we interrupt your fun?”

Freeman, seeing Alexius challenge Duncan, was startled.

He’d missed last night’s banquet due to poor health, unaware Duncan had drunk so heavily.

Had he been there, he’d have stopped him.

Now, seeing Duncan criticized by the Church, Freeman sighed inwardly.

Though the Church had resolved the dragon issue, Duncan’s attitude might cause future trouble.

‘Your Majesty, with that man still missing, you can’t sink so low.’

Freeman thought, but with outsiders present, he held his tongue.

Duncan, stung by Alexius’s words, felt a surge of anger.

‘Who does this guy think he is? I’m Londe’s king, equal to the Church’s Pope or Saintess. How dare a lackey act superior?’

But he needed the Church to thrive on the continent. Swallowing his pride, he forced a sheepish smile.

“No, no, I was just so thrilled hearing of your great victory that I held a banquet last night.”

He hiccuped again, continuing, “Rest assured… we’ve prepared a victory feast today, ten times grander than yesterday’s!”

Alexius’s eyes flashed with killing intent at Duncan’s extravagance, but he suppressed his irritation, snorting coldly.

“No need. The Papal Guard are God’s loyal servants. Save your hospitality for others.”

He glanced at the open city gates.

“Let’s move on. We have matters to discuss with your kingdom. Shall we enter?”

Duncan nodded eagerly.

“I’ve arranged a feast in the city. Even if you don’t drink, you’ve traveled far and deserve a good meal.”

Freeman looked at the Church’s group.

He spotted the Saintess on horseback, and beside her, Fratina, with a cloaked figure sharing her horse.

*

Days earlier.

As the group prepared to depart, Lucia approached Fratina and Dorothy.

She held the reins of the horse the Church provided, her expression awkward.

Though Fratina and Dorothy couldn’t see her face, they sensed she had something to discuss.

“Um… Fratina, I… don’t know how to ride a horse.”

Lucia’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

Both Fratina and Dorothy were stunned but soon understood.

Who was Lucia? A dragon.

When dragons traveled far, they flew—far faster than horses.

Asking a dragon to ride was like asking a human to crawl.

Seeing neither showed odd reactions, Lucia relaxed.

‘Good, they’re not mocking me.’

Dorothy spoke up. “But we didn’t bring a carriage… Lucia, you’re our guest. We can’t let you walk.”

Turning into a dragon wasn’t an option Dorothy considered.

While she knew Lucia’s nature, others didn’t. Passing human settlements in dragon form would cause panic.

And rumors of the Church traveling with a dragon would harm its reputation.

“We have supply carts, but having a guest ride one…”

Alexius, overhearing, approached with a suggestion.

Walking or riding a cart seemed disrespectful to a guest or ally.

Fratina suddenly had an idea. “Lord Lucia, if you don’t mind, you can ride with me.”

“Huh?”

Not just Lucia, but Dorothy was shocked.

To Dorothy, a man and woman sharing a horse felt too intimate.

Even with different species and Lucia’s odd habits, it seemed…

Lucia was also concerned.

Her magic cloak hid her form, voice, and face, but physical contact might disrupt its effects.

“Um… if it’s too much, I can ride a cart…”

Lucia’s voice was timid, but Fratina, as if triggered, spoke firmly.

“No, Lord Lucia. I’m your loyal knight. Upholding your dignity is my duty.”

‘But sitting in your arms on a horse isn’t dignified either!’

Lucia groaned inwardly.