Peaceful Life System: I only need to live peacefully-Chapter 151: Arc 2 Epilogue (2)

Away from the boisterous celebration in the courtyard, in a quiet royal study overlooking the gardens, King Harius III poured two glasses of amber-colored brandy. He handed one to Lord Arnold, who was staring out the window at the distant bonfires lighting up the city.

"It’s a beautiful sight, isn’t it?" the King said, his voice softer than it had been on the balcony. "A city that feels like it can breathe again."

"It is, Your Majesty," Arnold replied, taking the glass. "For a time, I feared I would never see it again."

The King took a slow sip. "The court is not the same without you, old friend. The paperwork has doubled, and the number of fools giving me counsel has tripled. The kingdom needs your steady hand, Arnold. I want you to take up your post again. As Lord Chamberlain."

It was the highest honor, a full restoration, an offer Arnold would have wept for just weeks ago. But he simply smiled, a weary, gentle expression.

"You honor me, Harius," he said, using the King’s name as only his oldest friend could. "But my hand, while steady, is no longer meant for signing royal decrees." He turned from the window, his gaze clear. "I have seen my family threatened. I have watched my grandchildren cry in a dungeon. My desire for political life... it is gone. I wish to truly retire."

The King studied his friend’s face, seeing the unshakeable resolve there. He sighed, a sound of understanding, not disappointment. "I respect your wishes. But what will you do? A quiet life in Luxia?"

Arnold’s eyes seemed to hold a distant, hidden purpose. "Something like that," he said vaguely. "Perhaps I will travel. See the world that was almost taken from my grandchildren. Spend my remaining days in a place where the air is clean and the politics are simple."

"Then I wish you peace, my friend," the King said, raising his glass. "You have more than earned it."

Arnold took his leave a few moments later. But instead of rejoining the banquet, he slipped through a quiet side corridor, his movements silent and purposeful. He exited the palace through a discreet gate, leaving the sounds of celebration and politics behind.

In the shadows of a side street, a simple, unmarked carriage was waiting. The driver, seeing him approach, gave a single, curt nod.

Lord Arnold stepped into the carriage without a word.

"Where to, My Lord?" the driver asked.

"East," Arnold said, his gaze fixed on the road ahead, leaving the glittering lights of Luxia behind. "Towards the dawn."

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While Luxia began its slow, arduous journey of political healing, the hidden village of Elowen flourished under a sun that seemed warmer than ever before.

The sounds of construction were a constant, happy hum. On a grassy knoll overlooking the new farmlands, two figures stood over two separate sets of blueprints, their argument lively and echoing across the valley.

"Absolutely not!" Sherry declared, her arms crossed as she pointed to Lysaria’s blueprint. "The Church of Light cannot possibly be grander than my new temple! The shadows command respect through imposing architecture, not just... bright, airy spaces."

"Grandeur is a reflection of the Light’s glory, Sherry, not a tool for intimidation!" Lysaria retorted, her own finger jabbing at Sherry’s drawing. "And your spire cannot be taller than mine! It would cast a literal shadow over my prayer hall! That is unacceptable!"

The old man butler, a man of infinite patience, cleared his throat delicately. "Perhaps a compromise, my ladies? Two churches of equal size and stature, built side-by-side in harmonious fellowship?"

"NO!" they both snapped in unison.

"Err..." The old man could only sigh.

Meanwhile, in Chief Barou’s longhouse, a different kind of planning was underway. Riku sat at a large wooden table with the village’s new council of elders. A detailed map of the valley was spread out before them.

"If we clear this section here," Chief Barou said, his finger tracing a line along a forest’s edge, "we can double our wheat production by next season."

Elder Borin, his beard braided with new silver clasps, nodded. "My people can also help. We can set up a stone quarry for the construction needs as required."

Marquis Gregor, now dressed in the simple, comfortable robes of a retiree, pointed to another section of the map. "And the soil in the western fields is perfect for root vegetables. With a proper crop rotation, this valley could feed a small city." ƒrēewebnoѵёl.cσm

He looked at Riku, a genuine, relaxed smile on his face. "This life... it is good."

"I know, right? Retirement feels the best."

Just then, the door to the longhouse burst open. Lila stood there, her hands on her hips, a look of utter exasperation on her face.

"Riku, you have to come," she said, sighing dramatically.

"What is it, Lila?" Riku asked, looking up from the map.

"It’s your high priestesses," she said, rolling her eyes.

"They’re going to declare a holy war over whose bell tower gets to be taller. You’re the only one they’ll both listen to. Please, go mediate before they start smiting each other."

Riku let out a long, theatrical sigh of his own. "Alright, alright." He turned to the other men. "Gentlemen, if you’ll excuse me. Affairs of state—and of the heavens—require my attention." He left the planning to the capable elders and headed out into the sunshine.

On his way to the new church site, a wave of happy chaos caught his attention.

In a clearing near the orphanage, a chaotic game of tag was in full swing. He saw Korgin, with his stout dwarven build, laughing as he easily dodged a lanky human boy from Vintross. A few feet away, Brina was showing a group of human girls how to properly braid a tough mountain flower into their hair.

Sister Alia and Elara stood at the edge of the clearing, trying to referee the happy pandemonium.

"If you knock over the water barrel again," Alia called out, trying and failing to sound stern, "no chocolate for a week!" The threat was met with a chorus of playful groans.

Riku walked over, a warm smile on his face. "Is everything alright, Sister Alia? Are the new children too much to handle?"

Alia beamed, her face glowing with a happiness he had never seen in Luxia. "Too much? Master Riku, this is the most joy this old heart has ever known. They are a blessing. All of them."

Riku nodded, his own heart feeling lighter than it had in a long time. This was what he had fought for. This simple, unadulterated peace.

He finally reached the church site. As expected, he was immediately accosted.

"Riku, tell this zealot that my shadow spire must be taller!" Sherry demanded, grabbing his left arm. "It’s a matter of spiritual presence!"

"No, Riku!" Lysaria countered, grabbing his right. "The Church of the Light must be the most prominent structure! It symbolizes hope for the entire valley! Her temple can’t cast a shadow on it!"

They both started talking at once, pulling him in two different directions. Riku just shook his head, a wry grin on his face.

"Enough with you two."

With two swift, gentle movements, he delivered a soft karate chop to the top of both their heads.

"Ow!" "Hey!"

They both let go, rubbing their heads and looking at him with identical, petulant glares. Behind them, Lila, who had followed, let out a soft, melodic laugh.

Just as the argument was about to start again, a villager’s voice called out from the path leading to the village entrance. "A carriage is approaching! From the hidden path!"

The group exchanged a look of surprise and headed towards the village gate. A simple, unmarked carriage, the kind used for long-distance travel, rolled to a stop just outside the illusionary ward.

The door opened.

A lone figure stepped out. He was an old man, dressed in simple traveler’s clothes, but he carried himself with an undeniable air of dignity and wisdom.

It was Lord Arnold.

He looked around, his eyes taking in the vibrant, impossible village—the lush fields, the sturdy new homes, the sounds of happy children. A slow, genuine smile touched his lips. His gaze finally landed on Riku.

He stepped forward and gave a deep, respectful bow.

"Master Riku," Lord Arnold said, his voice clear and filled with a newfound purpose. "It seems my retirement will be more interesting than I planned."

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