Chapter 88: Chapter 88

Returning to the mansion, Luke immediately sought out Pail. He sat him down quietly in the parlor and began explaining the circumstances that had led to his trip to the capital.

He omitted any mention of Wellharun's recent actions that violated the treaty with Heinehrn. Theo had judged that this information wasn’t yet suitable for those below the commander level to know and had specifically instructed Luke not to share it with Pail.

However, it would have been odd to simply say, "I’m heading to the capital," without providing some kind of explanation. Pail, after all, was the one who knew best how Luke had left the imperial military and how content he was with his current life.

“So, you're saying you're going to Twellin to treat the commander’s arm injury?” Pail asked.

“Yeah. I’ve decided to get help from the military.”

Luke explained that his trip was unavoidable because of an injury he sustained while assisting Theo with the investigation of an incident. That much, at least, wasn’t a lie. The scale of the incident, which threatened the entire empire, and the fact that treating his arm might require tracking down and capturing a criminal who could be hiding anywhere—that was another matter.

“You told me it wasn’t a serious injury...” Pail’s eyebrows drooped, his gaze heavy with worry as it rested on Luke’s hand.

“I’m sorry. I just didn’t want you to worry.”

Luke, unable to endure the somber atmosphere, joked, “Well, at least I’m being honest now, aren’t I?” But his attempt at levity was met only with Pail’s reproachful gaze. Left with no other choice, Luke fell silent.

“I was right, wasn’t I?” Pail said.

“About what?”

“You don’t take care of yourself enough, Commander.”

Luke instinctively wanted to retort, pointing out how he drank all sorts of healthy fruit and vegetable juices daily to stay fit, but looking at Pail’s face, he realized there was no point in arguing.

“Pail, I’m fine. I’ve found a way to fix it, and it’s not like I can’t use my hand right now.”

Though Pail was grumbling in concern, Luke understood the genuine care behind his words. It was always unsettling to receive such worried attention, but Luke couldn’t dismiss it as unnecessary or unworthy.

“Thanks for worrying about me,” Luke said.

“I’m really worried. It’s your right arm, after all… Are you sure it can be fixed?”

“Man, you’re such a worrier. Look, you’ve got to think positively. That’s how things work out, even when they seem impossible.”

Luke knocked on the table, launching into yet another one of his life philosophy lectures. Pail, though much more relaxed and cheerful now than when he was part of the combat squad, still retained his naturally cautious personality.

“But it’s hard not to worry. What if things don’t work out and you really lose use of your arm…”

“Even if that were to happen, I’d take responsibility for it. You don’t need to worry.”

At that moment, a voice interrupted, cutting through the conversation between Luke and Pail.

“Even if, by some chance, Luke can’t use his hand anymore, I’ll take responsibility for it.”

Both Pail and Luke turned their heads simultaneously toward the source of the voice. Pail sprang to his feet, saluting Theo.

“What is it with you two? Why are you talking as if it’s a foregone conclusion that I won’t be able to use my arm?” Luke said, his irritation evident. He’d gone as far as agreeing to return to the hated capital and entangle himself with the imperial military again, all to resolve this injury. Yet here they were, assuming the worst.

“Luke, isn’t there something more notable in what I said?” Theo replied.@@novelbin@@

“What part?”

Theo furrowed his brow, clearly not expecting to have his words questioned.

“Why are you here?” Luke asked.

“The departure date has been set. We’re leaving for the capital in two days.”

It seemed that things at the Calum branch were wrapping up. While Luke wasn’t surprised that Theo had come to inform him, there was one thing he couldn’t quite understand.

“Thanks for letting me know, but couldn’t you have told me that through the communication crystal?” Luke pointed out. The crystal Theo had left behind after Benji’s capture was still sitting unused in Luke’s home.

“This was important enough to say in person.”

Important? Sharing the departure date hardly seemed like critical news. Luke glanced at Pail for confirmation, but Pail merely chuckled softly and averted his gaze.

“Well, now that you’ve delivered your message, you can go. I’ve got a lot to do,” Luke said dismissively.

After telling Pail to stay home and keep an eye on things, Luke began preparing to head out. The moment he stepped out of the mansion, Theo fell into step beside him.

“Busy? Why?”

“Since I’ll be in the capital for a while, I thought I should at least let the townspeople know.”

Compared to the vast, bustling capital, this village was incredibly small. Its close-knit, almost insular atmosphere gave rise to jokes about neighbors knowing even the number of spoons in each other’s kitchens. When Luke had first arrived, he’d struggled to adjust to the simultaneous curiosity and wariness of the villagers.

But now, Luke was a well-accepted resident of the village. He had formed friendly relationships with people like Kael and the village chief, Chess. It seemed only right to let them know he would be gone for an extended period.

Luke headed toward the chief’s house to speak with Chess first, but Theo’s persistent presence at his side began to grate on him.

“Don’t you have anything better to do?”

“If you’re referring to preparing for the trip to the capital, that’s already done. I was wondering what to do with my free time, and this seemed like a good opportunity.”

Apparently, Theo intended to tag along. Luke thought about making a sarcastic comment about how “convenient” that was but decided against it. By now, he was more or less accustomed to Theo’s unpredictable behavior and chose to walk in silence.

Soon, the chief’s house came into view. Luke knocked on the door, and Chess, who was home, quickly answered.

“You’re leaving town? Going on a trip or something?”

“Well, something like that.”

“What about the flower garden?”

“That’s actually why I wanted to ask for your help, Chief.”

Ever since deciding to head to the capital to heal his arm, the flower garden had been weighing on Luke’s mind. It wasn’t the sort of place he could just lock up and leave unattended.

“Could I ask you to look after it while I’m gone?” Luke asked.

The garden required constant care to stay in good condition, and after some deliberation, Luke had decided the best person to ask was the chief. Theo, standing beside him, watched with mild curiosity as Luke made his request in a polite and respectful tone. It was a side of Luke he wasn’t used to seeing.

Chess, on the other hand, responded with an exaggerated exclamation, his booming voice catching Theo off guard. But before Theo could react, Chess began patting Luke heartily on the shoulder.

“Of course, I’ll help! What kind of person do you take me for? You can rely on me for something like this, you know. Honestly, you can be so reserved sometimes. You’re plenty sly when you’re selling flowers, though!”

“When have I ever been sly?” Luke retorted with a grin.

“We’ll take turns looking after it, don’t worry. Even that scatterbrain Woods seems to be shaping up these days. Oh, by the way, you know that Swendy flower? Scored some points with my wife thanks to that one.”

Chess leaned in conspiratorially, lowering his voice. “Since I’m helping you out, I’ll keep it a secret that you forgot your wife’s birthday last time.”

“Deal. Just make sure to take that secret to the grave.”

Luke’s laugh was met with Chess’s hearty chuckle, their shared mirth shining under the warm sunlight. The silver hue of Luke’s hair sparkled, but what truly drew attention was the radiant smile on his face.

Luke’s soft laughter, half-closed eyes, and lips curving into a smooth, cherry-red arc made for a captivating sight. Theo found himself unable to look away. The scene felt unfamiliar and somewhat awkward—it was a stark contrast to the Luke Theo knew from their days in the imperial army.

Back then, Luke was either clashing with commanding officers like Miles or disciplining subordinates. Seeing him engage in friendly conversation and maintain such warm relationships was entirely new.

“Theo, what are you doing? Don’t tell me you’re already tired,” Luke called out, tilting his head in mock concern.

Theo snapped out of his thoughts to find Chess had already gone back inside, and Luke was standing in front of him, trying to get his attention.

“We still have a lot of stops to make. If you’re tired, feel free to head back.”

Luke turned on his heel and walked ahead, leaving Theo to follow at a slower pace. Yet the sound of Luke’s laughter and the image of his smiling face lingered in Theo’s mind. He couldn’t shake the thought that he wouldn’t grow tired of looking at that face, no matter how long he stared.

“I feel like I’ve been seeing a different side of you since coming here,” Theo said.

Luke, caught off guard, cleared his throat. “Well, you know, being in a place with good air and water can really soften a person. Plus, do you know who the happiest people in the world are? Retired folks. The world looks like a much better place when you’re not working.”

Luke’s nervous rambling was an attempt to explain away the difference between his current self and the man Theo knew from the imperial army. He didn’t want Theo to start questioning him or drawing unnecessary conclusions.

“You look much better now,” Theo said simply. “The way you are now, I mean.”

“You’re mocking me, aren’t you? Just because you’re no longer my superior, you think you can get away with that?” Luke said, narrowing his eyes.

Theo let out a low chuckle. “I just think your smile is beautiful. That’s all.”

Luke’s eyes widened in surprise, but Theo simply looked ahead, his expression uncharacteristically serene. For once, he wore a smile that seemed genuinely content.