Sir Hero, It’s Time to Train!

After finishing their baths and taking a short rest, a cozy family dinner was arranged.

During that time, Christian had mostly dined with his mother, Neria, or had quick meals with Aira during training.

This gathering marked the first occasion where the entire family sat down for a meal together, making it both novel and exciting.

Sharing a meal with his entire family was something that Christian had never experienced in his previous life.

However…

‘Ugh, I feel indigestion coming on.’

Though he was putting food into his mouth, the atmosphere was so tense that he could hardly taste anything.

Usually, meals with Neria were filled with laughter and stories, often gossiping about Liana or playfully competing with Aira over food.

This was worlds apart from those occasions.

Even Christian, who usually enjoyed his food, couldn’t eat properly and could only watch the situation with caution.

‘Is this just moving our hands out of obligation without exchanging words?’

If this was what noble family dining etiquette was meant to be, it was strange, as Neria had never once criticized him over such etiquette while eating, making it even more nerve-wracking.

‘… But Aira seems surprisingly accustomed to this, doesn’t she?’

Unlike him, Aira, sitting across from him, was eating calmly.

Whether it was due to Liana’s presence beside her or having abandoned thoughts, her continued eating deserved praise.

Even Aunt was making sure her daughter got side dishes.

Of course, Aira’s face grew tense every time Liana added food to her plate, but it seemed their relationship had improved.

In contrast, Roberto moved his fork with meticulous care.

His cautious demeanor, as if avoiding a hidden trap, showed that dining was a nerve-wracking affair for him too.

Roberto’s hand stopped moving when Liana and Neria subtly pushed dishes his way.

And then, seeming resolved, he wiped his mouth with a napkin and spoke for the first time.

“I believe I’ll have to depart for the subjugation again soon.”

“What?!”

Neria, holding out a plate, gasped in surprise. Liana, who had been watching Roberto’s fork, also wiped her mouth with a napkin and inquired.

“You’ve only just returned from a subjugation. Shouldn’t you focus on the accumulated administrative tasks of the territory until next year’s major subjugation?”

Typically, they organized subjugation squads two or three times a year to eliminate threats around the territory.

Separately, every three years, the nobles of the Rangar region united for a large-scale subjugation, and next year happened to be such a year.

Given that preparations for many tasks and supplies were already underway for the large-scale subjugation, it was naturally perplexing to hear he planned to organize another squad.

In response to the two ladies’ reactions, Roberto nodded knowingly and spoke calmly.

“There is an urgent matter that I must address. It won’t take as long as it normally does, perhaps just a few months. You need not worry too much.”

“What kind of issue is it?”

“If Lady Liana’s cooking is the issue, I’ll take care of it. Why not take a rest?”

Liana shot a glare at Neria but maintained her composure, detecting a hint of a financial motive in this subjugation outside the usual schedule and reasoning.

Roberto, seeing even the children pricking up their ears, spoke as nonchalantly as possible.

“I found a nest of demon beasts; I’m going to deal with it.”

“A nest of demon beasts?!”

Aira was so shocked by Roberto’s words that she jumped up, causing dishes in front of her to spill onto the floor, creating a scene.

With all eyes on her, Aira’s face turned red.

“Sit down.”

“… I’m sorry.”

Liana looked at the food on the floor in silence before speaking in a cold, subdued voice. Both Aira and Christian flinched at the chilling tone.

“A nest of demon beasts, huh…”

Was it something to be so surprised about? Aira’s somewhat excited expression suggested a burning sense of ambition.

Christian recalled memories from his past life about the Rangar region.

“It was indeed more dangerous than other demon realms.”

The Rangar region was not only teeming with monsters but also had a higher frequency of demon beast appearances compared to other demon realms.

The dragonkin had historically expanded their influence by harvesting mana stones and spirit stones from this region.

‘This feels suspicious. Even with the eldest son dying young and the eldest daughter running away, it shouldn’t fall so easily, right?’

With that thought, a chill ran down his spine.

It was natural to worry whether the dragonkin’s influence was encroaching before they had even equipped themselves to counter it.

‘No, it’s not even the time for them to be very active yet, and events like national overthrow took place over a decade later. Let’s not unsettle ourselves with unfounded worries.’

Suppressing his anxiety, Christian looked at Roberto. Roberto also seemed to glance at Christian momentarily before shifting his gaze back to Aira and the two ladies.

“I intend to finish preparing for the subjugation before the year ends. It’s not a demon beast we can afford to delay with.”

It was common knowledge that nest-type and territory-type demon beasts rarely left their domains once they settled in.

Although this understanding had been shattered recently due to very particular events, these were exceptions, not rules.

Especially with nest-type demon beasts, the nest’s size and strength would grow as time passed. Prolonging the issue only added to the damage, so resolving it swiftly was best.

“Therefore, I have some requests regarding the children for my wives.”

With Roberto’s serious demeanor, the two mothers seemed to have a flash of realization and responded simultaneously.

“No!”

“No, you can’t.”

He hadn’t even begun to state his request, yet they seemed to know what it involved. Neria, half sobbing, spoke with difficulty.

“You’re planning to take the children on a demon beast subjugation, aren’t you? I am absolutely against it. It’s good to give them experience, but Chris especially needs a mother’s love at this age.”

The Worden County was essentially the leader among the nobles in the Rangar region.

Therefore, they knew the children would eventually have their time to participate in subjugations.

But now was too soon.

Though both children had awakened mana and could use waves at will, though they were talented, and though Christian and Aira had already proven themselves in a subjugation of demon beasts, the mental maturity was still lacking for such participation.

No matter how overwhelmingly powerful, casualties in demon beast subjugations were inevitable.

Neria believed that exposing the children to “human death” was premature.

Even a rival like Liana agreed, nodding at Neria’s opinion and insisting firmly,

“It’s too early for the children to take part in demon beast subjugations. Let’s prepare gradually over time.”

With both mothers adamantly opposing it, Christian and Aira could not help but feel disappointed.

‘A nest-type demon beast would be a remarkable training opportunity for Aira, though…’

Nest-type demon beasts had unmanageable traits. Thus, there were countless scenarios, rich with elemental lessons and risk management skills, that could be fostered during combat.

‘Aira seems to be inwardly hoping for it, too…’

Although Aira couldn’t voice it against her mothers, she was visibly expressive about her desire to join the subjugation of demon beasts.

Witnessing this, Christian almost laughed inappropriately, controlling his laughter with effort.

At that moment, Roberto cleared his throat, trying to calm the heated atmosphere.

Liana and Neria kept staring at him, with eyes wide open, to ensure they couldn’t yield.

“Ahem, it’s not about taking the children on a demon beast subjugation, so please calm down.”

“What?”

“… It isn’t?”

Liana and Neria stared at Roberto with bewildered eyes.

From the way the conversation flowed, it wouldn’t have been surprising if he intended to bring the children along.

Christian and Aira, expecting this, showed hints of disappointment, their lips curving downward.

‘Have you backed down under the mothers’ vehement opposition like this?’

‘If I asked him to take us… that would cause trouble, right?’

Christian was ready to reproach Roberto for his lack of decisiveness but instinctively knew now was a time to remain silent.

Still, Aira watched Roberto with eyes full of disappointment, her lips parting slightly.

Roberto, feeling overwhelmed by the insistence of both mothers and his children, sighed and said,

“No, ladies. I do have thoughts. It wouldn’t do to take underaged children to such life-threatening journeys like demon or monster subjugations?”

“…”

“…”

“Really—and I truly mean it. When they achieve adulthood, perhaps, but knowing you both will be opposed, how could I just up and take them? Even if you’ve approved their participation before, now would set a terrible precedent, regardless of their mana capabilities. So, those looks you are giving me, please stop? The same goes for both of you, kids. Your skills are impressive, but you’re not ready yet.”

Roberto’s earnest denial seemed to placate Liana, who nodded in understanding, accepting his words. However, lingering curiosity led her to ask sharply,

“Then, why would you ask for our assistance? Are there any issues concerning the children’s upbringing?”

It’s infrequent to enlist a spouse’s help with child affairs. Liana’s pointed inquiry drew an equally tense gaze from Neria toward Roberto.

Likewise, Christian and Aira felt anticipation steeped in an understanding that what Roberto was about to say could change many things.

“I wish for Christian and Aira to be sent to the capital.”