At the End of Ruin, There You Are (56 Chapters Left to Complete) - Chapter 42

“What about Sir Sirenster, then?”

Caella seated Sir Renard and asked him about various people. Sir Renard was amazed that the Grand Duchess, who had only recently arrived in Lusenford and met the noblewomen just once, remembered so many names.

“He’s an upright man—the knight among knights, if you will. He’s held in high esteem by many. But he dislikes seeking attention and absolutely abhors groveling, which slows his promotion.”

Pheon looked at Sir Renard as if hearing this for the first time. Indeed, it was clear that even the one at the very top couldn’t possibly know everything.

“That’s why I’m asking you. Is his wife the same?”

“Well, I understand they married for love. Sir Perwedding’s marriage was an alliance between houses. Sir Sirenster may not show it openly, but he adores his wife deeply. He always returns home early and never stays behind drinking with the other knights. That’s partly why his promotion is slow, but he doesn’t mind at all.”

“You mean promotions are delayed simply because one doesn’t stay behind drinking after work?”

Pheon responded sharply. Such things shouldn’t happen in Lusenford. After all, they faced numerous immediate threats—it was ability, not camaraderie, that should determine who rose.

“How much influence does camaraderie really have in recommendations? Of course, recommendations in Lusenford differ from elsewhere—you must prove yourself through merit—but even so, to reach His Highness quickly, one still needs to drink a bit.”

Pheon, who had been observing Sirenster without giving him much thought, pressed his fingers to his forehead.

Caella understood why he, whose expression rarely changed, now furrowed his brows. Sir Renard, sensing Caella no longer looked at him or urged him to speak further, naturally fell silent.

What should she do? She knew well that, whenever possible, it was best not to interfere in Pheon’s affairs.

Besides, he had never once permitted her to meddle. That would be overstepping her bounds. Yet many eyes watched closely here, and Pheon wore an extremely grave, almost anguished, expression.

“Your Highness, Lusenford is a vast and sprawling estate.”

Caella reluctantly spoke up.

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