Just then, the deliciously grilled meat arrived, wafting a tantalizing aroma.

Lutz, feigning high spirits, exclaimed, “Let’s eat a piece first!”

I wholeheartedly agreed. The meat, emitting a soy-sauce-like scent, was incredibly tempting!

I quickly popped a piece into my mouth and couldn’t help but smile.

“How is it? Really delicious, right?”

“Yes,” I replied, almost moved to tears by the flavor.

However, the restaurant was quieter than expected. For such a tasty place, it should be bustling with customers.

Lutz, seemingly reading my thoughts while munching on the meat, said, “The current recession has hit hard. There used to be no empty tables here.”

“I see.”

I thought about the economic cycle but had some doubts, considering the tax collection reports to the crown prince didn’t show major issues.

This wasn’t something Lutz could clarify. I’d need to delve into it myself at the royal library.

Lutz refilled his empty beer glass.

“Sigh, it’s a tough world for those without money.”

His muttering hinted at something deeper, likely related to his current gloom.

“Sir Lutz, aren’t you a noble? Are you struggling financially?”

Being of noble birth is a requirement for the Royal Guard, mainly to ensure they don’t get distracted by financial woes during duty and to prevent them from rebelling against the royal family.

Nobles are less likely to start a revolution, which usually begins with the hungry common folk. Thus, noble birth is essential for the royal guards to ensure they don’t turn their swords against their masters.

Lutz chuckled softly.

“Of course, I come from a noble family. But I have many friends who aren’t nobles.”

I realized it was a silly question. Lutz, with his personality, wouldn’t limit his friends to nobility alone.

Lutz then spoke again slowly.

“Sigh, actually, a commoner friend of mine recently lost his son.”

He shared the story.

His friend’s 8-year-old son, like a nephew to Lutz, was playing outside his house with friends. The road in front of the house was narrow, with no clear distinction between the road and sidewalk, a common situation in this world.

Reducing carriage speed in residential areas is common sense, and residents usually avoid the noise of an approaching carriage. But not everyone can do so, especially children.

“The kids don’t react as quickly as adults.”

When the boy was playing, a carriage belonging to a wealthy noble family, adorned with ornate designs, sped through the area.

The children quickly moved aside, but the boy stopped to pick up his new shoe, which had fallen off.

“The boy’s family wasn’t well-off, so new shoes were precious to him.”

He paused to pick up his shoe.

That’s when the accident happened. The boy was hit by the fast-moving carriage and died.

The carriage owner, adhering to the legal procedure for such accidents, compensated the parents with a certain amount of money.

“That man followed the law to the letter, abiding by our nation’s laws exactly.”
The noble responsible for the accident continued to brazenly roam the streets as if nothing had happened. In contrast, the child’s parents were left to live with their hearts torn apart.

“The compensation paid for the accident is nothing to a wealthy noble,” Lutz exclaimed, his face turning red with anger. “It’s just an unexpected expense, nothing more, nothing less!”

Lutz, himself a noble, lamented, “How can I console my friend when the noble who killed his son freely walks the streets? Why should only my commoner friend suffer?”

I was at a loss for words, pained by the story.

The law did have regulations for handling accidental deaths. Unless the accident was intentional, the perpetrator was required to financially compensate the victim’s family.

However, the specified compensation or fine was not equally burdensome for everyone, unfortunately.

“For someone with substantial wealth, paying compensation is hardly a punishment,” I said bitterly.

Lutz, with a further sunken expression, agreed, “It would have been less unfair if the compensation was hefty enough to impact the culprit.”

“But that amount is specified in the law,” I pointed out.

“Yes, exactly. Isn’t it justice to take more from those who have more?” Lutz replied.

We ate and drank silently for a while, the delicious barbecued meat tasting bitter in our mouths.

Both of us were born into nobility, though not as wealthy or powerful as the Mechlinger duke or the carriage accident’s perpetrator.

Even though we lived closer to the commoner class, we were still part of the privileged class.

It felt shameful. Enjoying the privileges of nobility while being unable to address the glaring injustices.

Lutz despaired, “Justice shouldn’t fluctuate with wealth. The law, set to be fair by its creators, fails to reflect reality.”

The thesis written by Muzel before I possessed him addressed these issues.

What constitutes a law that applies fairly to all citizens? How can the law demonstrate that it is indeed justice?

Muzel had pondered these questions deeply, inspiring the future emperor, Crown Prince Klaus.

I fiddled with my empty beer glass.

“Lutz, there’s still hope,” I said, smiling faintly at his puzzled look.

“The crown prince is aware of this ‘skewed justice.’ He appointed me as his aide because of my thesis.”

“Your thesis?” Lutz’s green eyes blinked in innocence.

“Yes, it’s about the current legal system. Not many have read it, but the crown prince did.”

“Ahh…”

He nodded, finally understanding.

I soberly stated, “But changing laws is not easy, especially when those making them are the privileged class.”

“But with competent people like you by the prince’s side, and by seeking more talent, things can change!” Lutz said, now more hopeful.

I wished his hope would last as long as possible.

“Yes, I’ll do my best, Lutz.”

We cheerfully clinked glasses again.

“Um, Sir Muzel. Didn’t you say you weren’t good at drinking?”

“Sorry. I was just making excuses earlier.”
Lutz and I were walking leisurely back to the palace. Though neither of us was excessively drunk, we were both pleasantly tipsy.

Lutz chuckled softly, “I’ve never talked this long with you, Muzel. It was really enjoyable.”

“I feel the same. Just as you said, having a drink was the best way to unwind,” I replied.

The cold air of the winter night felt refreshing. The heat from the alcohol on our faces gradually subsided.

“Muzel, I have a request,” Lutz said earnestly.

“Yes, go ahead.”

“With a serious tone, Lutz spoke, “Please continue to assist the Crown Prince in loving his people as he does now.”

“Of course. May I also make a request of you, Lutz?”

“Absolutely, ask away.”

I looked directly at Lutz.

“Please ensure that those who don’t want to relinquish their privileges do not dare harm the Crown Prince. The path he will walk is fraught with dangers, akin to a pack of wild beasts.”

Lutz clenched his fist and thumped his chest firmly.

“Worry not, Muzel. As a royal guard, I am fully prepared to lay down my life to protect the Crown Prince!”

We smiled at each other.

“Let’s go for another drink sometime, Muzel.”

“If it’s the same place we drank today, then definitely, Lutz.”

Discovering a new favorite spot thanks to a friend’s recommendation was a bonus. Next time, I’d have to try the food without the alcohol.

It was a night that left my heart feeling full.