While Louis was chatting with Olivia about his farm ga, at the sa ti, in front of the main hall of the Imperial Palace.
William Sean knelt on one knee outside the hall, watching the slow opening of the emperor’s chambers, montarily lost in thought.
He ca from a knight family.
His grandfather was an Iron Guard of the emperor, even granted high honors.
Naturally, he was also proud of this.
At the age of 13, he successfully beca a warrior.
That day, his aging grandfather donned his uniform, grood his hair, and took him to the Imperial Palace to et the lord he pledged loyalty to.
Under the emperor’s throne, he witnessed a scene that he would never forget.
At that ti, his grandfather pleaded with the emperor to grant him the power of the Iron Guard.
The emperor refused.
He said, "He’s still young, and he should have his own life."
His grandfather said nothing, just gently nudged him forward.
At that mont, the young William raised his head, fearlessly walked forward, and looked at the emperor, saying:
"Are you the emperor?"
Laughter echoed from the golden throne bathed in light.
He said, "Child, why do you want to beco an Iron Guard?"
William shook his head, "Being an Iron Guard isn’t easy, but grandfather said that everyone should find a aningful goal in life, and I think being an Iron Guard suits ."
The emperor shook his head and said:
"But many hope you can break free from the past and enjoy the pleasures of life."
"For example, becoming a scholar who teaches and enlightens others."
"For example, marrying and starting a family with the girl you like, without bearing the risks of being an Iron Guard."
"For example, living a quiet life and enjoying the joys of being a parent, adding descendants for yourself, not just for your parents."
"The Iron Guard has a heart of steel, but they too grow weary."
"If what you seek is fa and fortune, there’s nothing your ancestors haven’t experienced. It’s just life’s illusion."
"As your king, I hope you have more choices."
At that ti, William sowhat understood and sowhat didn’t.
He simply thought that royal lords also faced danger, and that the Iron Guard would sacrifice themselves before the lord fell.
So people might find such sacrifice laughable.
But he thought that if it was for a worthy lord, it wasn’t a bad thing.
The most morable scene of his life was the day when a magical calamity erupted in the Burning Smoke Mountain Range.
His grandfather and father stood like a moving wall, supporting the trembling village.
The blood and steel magnificence of the calamity was etched into his mind, and he never forgot it.
"I want to be an Iron Guard like my grandfather and father."
This was the most sincere thought in young William’s heart, and he said so as well.
"If that’s what you think..."
The emperor placed his fingers on his head:
"Then as you wish, I’ll grant you the power and sword of the Iron Guard. Until you find a worthy lord, your shield will respond to your call."
"Find them, pledge your loyalty, and then... beco a true Iron Guard."
Over the years, he hadn’t found that suitable lord as he wished.
Lady Beatrice already had a trustworthy deputy.
He t her; she was competent, and even quite strict with herself.
As for Lady Olivia...
The Princess Consort entrusted her to the half-elf who had lived for hundreds of years.
Thus, when he looked around now.
Huh?
Am I the only one left out?
This situation persisted until His Highness Louis arrived.
He thought he would be unable to fulfill his duties as an Iron Guard, yet he was presented with a new choice.
Beatrice ca to him and said:
"He (Louis) might beco my other half in the future. Before that, I hope you can help protect him."
He t the young prince.
Very young.
Not arrogant.
Very talented.
William couldn’t determine his suitability, but after accompanying Louis to the market, he felt that at least this was soone kind, yet not lacking in sharpness.
"Maybe I should give it so thought?"
Just as he thought this, he received a ssage from Lady Beatrice.
"Father wants to see you."
William was excited; he finally woke up from the throne.
With a complicated and indescribable feeling, he t the emperor again.
The emperor said, "William Sean, is your sword still sharp?"
William replied, "Ready to wield my sword at any ti."
The emperor asked again, "Have you found soone worth your loyalty?"
This ti, William hesitated. He had known Louis for too short a ti to judge.
Being straightforward, he could only say the truth: "I don’t know."
So the emperor gave him a proposal:
"Then go and test the potential of my good son-in-law."
"If he is not worthy of loyalty, you will gain your freedom."
"If he becos a source of chaos, then witness his downfall."
"But before that, protect him with your sword."
Suddenly, William looked up: "But what if he’s worth my loyalty?"
"Then the ti to retrieve your shield and beco a true Iron Guard has arrived."
...
At this mont, the palace gates opened wide.
William heard the emperor’s voice: "William, have you made up your mind?"
William closed his eyes.
He recalled his experiences over this period.
The kindness when buying slis.
– Actually, it was Louis searching for Limuru’s true identity.
Exposing the factory’s iron curtain.
– Actually, it was the foresight of future hangs at work.
The decisiveness during the sewer battle.
– Actually, Louis fearing that if he didn’t beco stronger, he’d never have the chance to run away.
Having mouse at first when dining at Grace’s house.
– That’s true, Louis was quite respectful to people.
The resoluteness in entering and planning the Dragonbone Prairie plan.
– A combination of protecting the chief wife, punishing the Libra Saintess, and making Grace grateful.
All these scenes flooded his heart.
Finally, William raised his head:
"Emperor, I want to retrieve my shield."
"Then... enter the palace."
William stood up, walking resolutely into the depths of the dark palace.
He wasn’t sure, if Louis were here and could hear his heartfelt words, whether he would laugh or cry.
"What the heck are you doing? It’s all a misunderstanding!"
...
So what was our Louis up to now?
He was bickering with the little swan.
Suddenly, a rumble echoed.
Olivia shuddered, a network of glowing green circuits erging from under her skin. Louis’ eyelids twitched, and he instinctively stepped back.
Dazed, he seed to feel a clear and evident threat emanating from the little swan.
Realizing she had reacted, Olivia blinked, and the circuits on her body disappeared instantly.
Looking at Louis who was frowning at her, she put her hands on her hips and said fiercely:
"Humph, so you’ve seen how strong I am!"
"Louis, if you don’t work hard and beco stronger, you’ll be left behind by !"
Seeing that Olivia had no intention of explaining her situation, Louis looked at a vacant spot in the corner of the Imperial Palace and asked:
"What’s going on there?"
He ntally added a note:
"Is it a granary explosion accident? The future diary ntions this little thing, but it seems it won’t influence the empire and Beatrice."
What he cares more about is the public banquet next week with Beatrice.
The future diary records that an imperial faction executive suddenly died of poisoning, causing chaos.
This unexpected variable at an otherwise unremarkable banquet made him suspicious.
After all, this high-ranking mber of the loyalist faction did not die in the protagonist’s future.
– His na was Hino York.
The York Marquis he had briefly t.
"I must find a way to uncover the mastermind. My instincts tell there’s sothing fishy behind this."
anwhile, Olivia said with great enthusiasm:
"Looks like sothing exploded."
In her heart, she thought:
"Here it cos, finally! The granary explosion I’ve been waiting for."
"Heh, I don’t believe you can find out the truth, Louis!"
Without providing further explanation.
"""
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