In the Fano Dukedom's barracks outside Intelar.

Duke Soleil was already over 50 years of age, and after learning that his only son had been trapped in Intelar by an encirclement of freemen, he immediately set off from Fasentate with 20,000 elite cavaliers, arriving at Intelar four days later.

To his surprise, the one who greeted him was none other than his precious son, Aike.

After their reunions, Aike gave him a recount of how he had gotten acquainted with Lana and how she had quelled the freeman rebellion.

"Oh? That sounds like a very interesting woman," Duke Soleil mused after hearing Aike's story, then asked, "Why did you get her to come with you to see me? Were you worried that I would try to plot against her?"

Even though Duke Soleil was asking that last question in jest, it actually was exactly what Aike had been thinking.

"Don't worry, I wouldn't do that. She saved your life, so I'm indebted to her, and I'm not the type of person to repay kindness with ingratitude," Duke Soleil assured with a smile. "Besides, if she's really as powerful as you say, then it's not like my soldiers can do anything to her."

Immediately thereafter, the tone of Duke Soleil's voice took a turn, and he continued, "This is the first time you've ever...