Chapter 81: Departure

"M-, My... b-, bra──?!"

Sophia's smile instantly vanished as she stepped back in a panic, crossing her arms over her chest to cover herself. She suddenly felt naked and embarrassed after the young lord made such a blunt comment.

All three of Vritra's women turned to him with small frowns on their faces.

"What...?"

Vritra looked at them, clearly confused.

He couldn't see what the problem was.

Or rather, he pretended not to.

"What did I do wrong? She wasn't wearing a bra, and I just pointed it out."

"Men... always so insensitive... hmph!"

Luciana crossed her slender arms and looked away.

She was clearly annoyed.

Not wanting the mood to sour because of her own embarrassment, Sophia cleared her throat and tried to hide the discomfort on her face.

"I-, It's fine. Lord Vritra can say whatever he pleases. I should just be thankful he acknowledges me."

She let out a small, awkward laugh.

The fact that she was now self-conscious about her chest made her feel even more awkward.

However, Vritra didn't seem to care and relaxed on his bed.

"So, introduce yourself properly, braless knight."

"Y-, Yes... my lord!"

A bead of sweat formed on Sophia's forehead.

The conversation had taken a strange turn in a very short time. As an Imperial Knight, she was used to handling herself well around those in power. But with God Vritra, it was almost impossible to stay composed.

He was so random.

"Uh, are you planning to speak anytime soon?"

The young lord called out to her again.

... Ahem!

The lady knight cleared her throat before speaking.

She clearly explained that she was an Imperial Knight, and her order was highly skilled at mapping out vast and dangerous areas like the Red Desert. While she was there to assist Vritra on his journey, she had also been sent to gather information about the Serathen knights and their military strategies.

Her mission included acquiring some of their armor and weapons so that Bulwark, the Shield City, could study them and figure out how to improve equipment for the inter-state military forces of Gladius City.

So far, Duranzia hadn't had much success in capturing any of Serathen's gear because the knights of Gladius always lost their battles against Serathen's troops.

Their biggest advantage, though, was Fort Bridge Dersat, the largest defensive structure still protecting the knightdoms of Gladius City.

Sophia adjusted her glasses and gave Vritra a firm salute.

He loved looking at her gentle face.

It's hard to believe she was well into her middle ages.

"I'll bring back some gifts and souvenirs from the Red Desert for you and the children. I hope by then you've settled into your new role as marquis and have learned your duties well, lovely Katherine."

Katherine nodded, smiling back at him.

"Yes, please visit us soon. My children are starting to grow fond of you, and they might begin asking about their real fathers if you're gone too long, mhm-mmm~"

Her cheeks turned a bit red as she said this.

She felt a strange excitement at the thought of Vritra as a father figure for her two boys.

"Well..."

Vritra glanced over at her sons, Edward and Edgar.

The two boys were stacking empty crates on top of each other to build forts. When they noticed Vritra watching them, instead of freezing or running away like they usually did, they giggled and waved.

He turned back to Katherine.

"I am also... their father's killer."

A sad expression crossed Vritra's face.

Katherine hesitated, unsure how to respond.

She rarely saw him like this.

But she took a deep breath, held both his hands, and looked up at him with her beautiful amber eyes.

"Don't worry about that! I'll explain everything to them when they're older. O-, okay?!"

"I suppose so..."

Vritra's voice was still dull.

Seizing the moment, Katherine leaned in and planted a soft kiss on his lips. It wasn't a long kiss, but it was long enough for Luciana, Ghislaine, and Esmeralda to frown at the sight.

"Eh?"

Sophia was the only one who didn't understand what was happening.

Before she could even ask the calm and composed Neron, the old man shook his head.

"That's none of your business, young lady."

"But, I... fair enough..."

Sophia sulked in silence.

When they finally stopped kissing, the magic airship was all packed and ready to go.

Vritra gave Katherine one last kiss on her forehead, keeping a sad expression on his face to gain her sympathy and trust.

Now, he was set to move on to his next target.

Kaalen Tower City!