Luka walked along the corridor, heading to the breakfast hall just two buildings across from his sleeping quarters. He glanced back at Vaun, who followed two paces behind him to the right in her maid outfit.

He found the slight glimpse of her fair thighs when the breeze blew past was quite the delight for sore eyes.

’With the archers taking shape, I hope that Gerard handles the warriors and knights, then I can focus on gathering strong, talented individuals like Vaun, Luvia and Galatea to become my captains and generals...’

The situation was strange enough that he almost laughed. A few days ago, Babylon was on the brink of disaster, a dying border territory with damaged walls, exhausted old knights and a sickly heir whose life had already reached its limits.

Now that Amol is saved, the western pass will soon become its main source of income and the focus of defensive planning.

To do this, he needed Ironhold’s supplies.

Though his fiancée had brought a large amount, Luka still planned to purchase more using the ores mined from the mountains over winter, and the biggest boon was that the Crown had recognised him as Baron de Babylon.

Yet none of these things meant stability or safety.

’Recognition means responsibility. Responsibility brings burdens and the watchful eyes of my enemies and rivals.’

Babylon wasn’t a strong territory, with a few villages and towns, and without regaining Amol, it was quite small compared to the surrounding lords. The grasslands and fields of Babylon were among the most fertile and abundant in the east and central kingdoms, which lacked such vibrant, healthy crops.

These thoughts reminded Luka of a certain person who, at the moment, seemed worthless and had no backing.

The second prince.

’I should think about introducing the rotation method invented by the second prince...’

In the dark days of the past, humanity fought to the brink of destruction a total of five times, but during the third, food and resources became so tight that families were abandoning their children in droves.

’That kind-hearted prince couldn’t stand it, and used his tiny amount of resources to help the people, and to do so. To think a human could create such a thing with only a few years of studying when we divine struggled for decades...’

"Vaun, do not force yourself to serve me."

"M-Master, it is my honour...!"

"Haah..." He couldn’t help but cover his face, knowing now how strange elves were, Luka could only give up.

The Queen’s decree put Babylon back on the map and announced that Luka de Babylon had recovered from his illness and inherited his father’s seat. These minor nobles ignored Babylon before, but they might start watching again.

Merchants who once overcharged them would have to adjust their smiles and foul deeds, but the Crown would be the most dangerous... would they expect his service or keep him at a distance like his father?

Luka couldn’t see the future, and so would have to prepare for every possible outcome.

And Vivienne...

’What will I do about that girl...?’

He didn’t know Vivienne well, but from her actions and tone, Luka couldn’t heartlessly throw her away; she’d brought supplies and help out of her own pocket.

This changed everything Luka remembered from the past.

’Why didn’t she help in the previous life... No...! What if she couldn’t help in the previous life...? What if Luka’s death was the reason?’

Luka’s fingers brushed the front of his shirt as he remembered the way she had clung to him in the courtyard, sweet and soft on the surface, yet with something much darker beneath her smile.

’Lady Vivienne Aldebaran.’

She didn’t demand anything of him, nor did she insult his people... a woman of strange insight who brought everything he might need.

Even if she was a little crazy.

He couldn’t turn her away because of that.

A proper noblewoman’s support, wrapped in the behaviour of a true noble who looked at him like a fully cooked meal ready to eat.

Though she was a great aide, she was far more troublesome than any enemy.

A normal schemer could be broken, bought, outplayed or exposed. A woman who loved him enough to act unreasonably could not be handled by normal means, especially when her value to Babylon was painfully clear.

’I will treat her as I do Galatea. If she seeks love, then I will give love.’

Vaun’s quiet steps followed him down the corridor.

Luka glanced back again and found her silver eyes lowered, her posture neat, her hands folded before her waist as if she had always belonged in that maid outfit. Without the old disguise, she was too eye-catching. Her midnight black hair flowed down her back like a curtain of night, and her delicate face made the corridor’s dull morning light seem softer around her.

’She’s too good to remain a mere archery captain. I will have to consider her and Luvia’s future if Babylon is to grow—nobody can slack around.’

Though he felt Vaun needed more confidence in herself.

What kind of role could he give her, a title, or purpose so large she is forced to break her current chains and all that binds her to normalcy...

"The Bow of Babel," Luka whispered, watching her index and middle finger lightly tapping her skirt, before drawing back as if holding an arrow.

Vaun lifted her head.

"My Lord?"

"I am granting you a title, consider it my vision for your future, a burden and formal unit of Babylon. Small, flexible, and answerable to you. You shall be known as the Bow of Babel."

Her eyes widened slightly.

"To me?"

"Yes."

She looked down at once, but not before he saw the flash of emotion cross her face.

"I am grateful, but there are better candidates. Sir Gerard has command experience. Lady Galatea has battlefield authority. Sir Zack is more accepted among the younger men."

But Luka wasn’t having any of it.

"Do not be disingenuous, there is no one in Babylon, nay. No one in this kingdom can match your potential in archery."

Luka slowed near the next turn, letting his voice remain low enough that the passing servants could not hear.

"The Rangers of Babel cannot become a line of pretty archers shooting from safe ground. I need you to be the strongest, the best ambushers, messengers and capable of fighting both from a distance and close range... You will be the focus of our military, Vaun."

Vaun didn’t answer instantly.

As they approached the dining room, she slowly lowered her head and gave a bow to Luka. The nervousness and softness in her eyes slowly faded as she nodded.

"I understand."

Vaun’s voice was softer than before, but the wavering uncertainty had faded. Luka heard the change and allowed himself a faint smile as they reached the breakfast hall doors.

"I’m counting on you, this title is not a decoration, it’s a chain to keep you bound to me, Vaun. If you accepted it, then don’t expect to escape."

Vaun watched his back like two silver torches. She appeared to smile faintly as her bangs lowered, hiding her expression.

"Yes, my Lord."

The two guards opened the doors.

A deliciously scented warmth spread from inside, buttered bread, roasted vegetables, berry jam and black tea. The long table had been arranged with more care than Babylon usually managed in the morning. Silverware sat neatly beside clean plates, while several Ironhold servants stood along the wall with lowered eyes.

At the far side of the table sat Lady Vivienne Aldebaran.

Her dark hair had been arranged with silver pins, and a pale morning dress softened her figure without hiding the elegance of her posture. She turned her head the moment Luka entered, and her smile bloomed slowly, as if she had been waiting for one person alone.

"Good morrow, my dear husband."

Luka walked toward the table.

"Good morning, Vivienne."

Her smile thinned with playful displeasure.

"Still so severe. Shall I spend the morning grieving over my wounded heart?"

’This girl is so strange...’

"Eat first, then you can grieve."

A delicate laugh escaped her lips.

"My, how cruel."

Luka took the seat opposite her, while Vaun moved behind him and stood with her hands folded before her waist. Vivienne’s gaze passed over the half-elf only briefly, but Luka noticed the pause. Her eyes appeared to swallow the maid outfit, pretty face and delicate features that Vaun no longer hid.

Then Vivienne returned to Luka.

"So this pretty maid is yours as well?"

"Mhm, she’s the most delightful and beautiful maid around."

Vivienne lifted her teacup, smiling over the rim.

"You’re quite the stud, dear husband. How many women will you keep around you when I already exist?"

Luka picked up a piece of bread and tore it in half. He had barely eaten since the previous day, and the first bite reminded his body that even a former archangel needed to eat when he became a human.

Vivienne watched him eat with visible satisfaction.

"Where is Lady Galatea this morning? I had thought your knight would be standing behind you with those fierce eyes of hers."

Luka did not stop chewing.

"Resting."

"Oh?"

Her voice remained sweet, yet the word sharpened at the edges.

"Is she unwell?"

"Exhausted."

Vivienne set her cup down with a quiet click.

"How troubling. A guardian knight must take care of herself, especially while staying so close to her lord."

Luka sighed as he met her gaze.

"Do not concern yourself, I sent another to guide you... She served me well last night, and is in need of rest."

"Oh, my?"

Vivienne’s smile remained, but there was something dark swirling in the depths of her eyes as she slowly brought some salad to her lips.

"Did she now..."

"Very."

For a moment, the hall felt colder despite the morning sun.

Then Vivienne laughed softly and reached for the jam while speaking to one of the maids standing behind her.

"Then I am relieved. Have a broth sent to her room. A woman who serves my dear Luka so earnestly deserves a proper breakfast when she wakes. After all, I wouldn’t dare neglect your beloved knight, darling."