The land that had been a conflict zone so far was rich in an enormous amount of natural resources. And Fudelfin still lacked the technology to utilize them.

It felt as if all the energy of the world was urging Carson to gain strength quickly. He thought about becoming even stronger, so that no one could shake and exploit his weaknesses, doing his best to support him more than now.

“Then, what assurance can I get?”

Hansen, who had been silent until now, opened his mouth with some difficulty.

“What kind of compensation are you talking about…?”

“If I hand over that land, can Fudelfin’s safety be secured afterward?”

“Fudelfin already has a king.”

It wasn’t a sarcastic remark but a pure statement. At times like this, Carson thinks. Maybe being a member of the royal family is really something predetermined from the heavens.

“I just want to prevent innocent people from being in danger for my personal revenge.”

“Besides, you’re also a good king.”

“…….”

“It’s simple. Let’s make a pact. For the next ten years, Monstera won’t attack Fudelfin. I can’t discuss the details now, but it won’t be a loss.”

“Ten years…….”

“More than that is unreasonable. And I think it’s enough. It’s time for you to prepare to become a true king.”

Of course, Carson would return to Landhill soon, but Monstera was already his kingdom. It was a statement that the owner of this place wouldn’t change easily unless he wanted it. So, the promise could be kept sufficiently.

“If you want, we can proceed with the political marriage as well. It’s a sign of the promise for safety.”

Hansen shook his head. Carson had already guessed that he wouldn’t accept it, considering his personality.

“Lord, your promise is enough. I believe you have enough power to keep that promise.”

Even after everything between the two was settled, Hansen couldn’t easily give an answer. Carson sat back down and poured himself a drink.

“Do you need more time…?”

Hansen couldn’t answer quickly to that question.

“If you need it, I’ll give you more time. It’s not a simple matter. But it can’t take too long. On the day of the Water Festival, some of our troops will set out. It’s for the new strategy.”

As Carson finished speaking, he finally gulped down the drink given to him as his share.

Because of the high-proof liquor that heated his throat, his face involuntarily grimaced. However, after Hansen finished all the drink, his face had a different light than before. He raised his head and smiled a little more intensely.

“No, I don’t need more time.”

As Carson gestured, Noah refilled Hansen’s glass.

“If I know any woman who, for revenge, became a temple servant or gave up noble status, it wouldn’t be too much to say that.”
Hmm, Noah’s hand, which was pouring the drink, stopped. Unconsciously, he glanced at Carson himself. Sure enough, for the first time, a crack appeared on Carson’s face, which had been consistently relaxed in the story about Ines.

“Moreover, that woman said she doesn’t regret the choices she made.”

Hansen’s face, clearly thinking of her, lit up with joy. Unbeknownst to him, Carson clenched his teeth against the inexplicable emotions.

“So there’s no reason why you can’t become a king like that.”

Carson, who had lost his answer, got up and walked to the window.

It was his habit to do so when everything seemed beyond his control.

Hansen had no idea, but Noah knew. The lord’s shoulders shot up, as if trying to rise and fall.

After staring into the distance for a moment and sweeping his hair back, he slowly turned around. Turning around, he touched the window sill with his hand, making the rising sun’s light his background.

Carson walked slowly and sat across from Hansen again. He then personally put the red jewel ring on Hansen’s right fourth finger.

When he made eye contact and smiled broadly, the whole room felt brighter. Both Hansen and Noah held their breaths.

“It suits you very well.”

The young priest’s face blushed as if a woman unexpectedly received a proposal.

“But, how about learning to shoot, the new king of Fudelfin?”

“Ah, no.”

“Then you’ll have to start today.”

As Hansen nodded decisively, Carson extended his hand. The handshake confirmed the agreement. A new king and the birth of a new kingdom, without the permission of anyone.

In the dim light of dawn, near the Monstera Castle square, people began to gather one by one.

Liberalia, the water guardian sent down by the god of creation for the birth of life.

On the last day of July, people crowded into the streets as if to face the scorching sun and prepare to sprinkle water towards the world.

On this day, regardless of status or gender, everyone accepted the pouring streams of water in the square.

Ines, Charlotte, and even Hansen put everything aside today and went to the square to enjoy the festival.

People collected water at home as if gathering gold for this day.

Holding water pots called nezey like a competition, some were big enough to reach the chest of an adult man, and others were small enough to fit on a woman’s head.