Epilogue
LUCAS went about his days as normal upon his return to Eizeria. It was as though the past few months of his desperate search for his parents were all a dream. He was on a business trip to the royal capital today with Iris in tow; the two were scheduled to attend an evening banquet hosting the new aristocrats of the nation. Even in the royal capital, the number of new aristocrats rapidly increased as they gained more power, and Lucas was at the center of all the attention. Baron Lucas Stock was still a bizarre existence, but he had built a place to belong in his own way.
Iris was enjoying a chat with a lady of the royal family, and Lucas had just finished conversing with a nobleman. The third prince wasn’t about to miss this opportunity.
“Why don’t we have a little chat? Just the two of us,” His Highness suggested.
“Most certainly,” Lucas said. He handed Leik his half-empty glass and entered a private room that the third prince had prepared. The baron was all alone.
A butler brought in a wagon, prepared a drink for the third prince, and lit his cigar. The royal gazed down at Lucas and grinned. “You look rather refreshed,” he observed.
“Thanks to you, work is going well,” Lucas replied.
“That so? I heard you made a branch in Lapisasther.”
“I did.”
“The Bearbrooks Trading Company no longer has a stronghold in Lapisasther. I’m sure you’ll still run into your fair share of troubles in the near future, but you can assume that they’ll be on the decline.”
It seemed the first prince’s faction was slowly weakening. Marquess Diascia hadn’t raised a finger against Lucas since, and those in that opposing faction were slowly trying to conduct business with Lucas. The first prince was already over the age of fifty, and he probably didn’t have much fight in him left.
“Heh…” the third prince chuckled. “It truly is fun to raise a little chick.” He took a satisfied drag of his cigar and gazed at Lucas with his sepia eyes. “I didn’t think my little canary would transform into a hawk.” He flashed a testing smile. “Perhaps people won’t try to shoot down a flying bird for much longer. Indeed, you will be fighting against a different force now.”
“You’re absolutely correct, Your Highness,” Lucas replied. “Danger will always follow me around. But for you, Your Highness, who approved of my wedding with Iris, I will continue to give my utmost best.”
“Lucas…”
“Yes?”
The third prince stared at the baron and narrowed his eyes with another chuckle. “I didn’t think you could make a face like that. Perhaps I must thank the lady. I can have fun with you for quite a while yet it seems.”
“We can happily invite the ladies to our salon again.”
The third prince gave a strained smile. “Don’t say that. I’ve been receiving complaints from their parents, claiming their daughters have been pestering them to visit Solalitika again. The summer trend might be visiting Solalitika—it’ll become a tourist spot.”
“I couldn’t wish for more. Guests can enjoy a ride by train.”
“I’m still having fun, so I shall continue to support you. Even if you’re a hawk, you’ll always be my adorable canary.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
“So, Lucas Stock. What will you do now?”
“I would like to continue protecting what I desire. That mindset shall never change.”
“Is that so…”
“And I would also like to be your shield, Your Highness.”
“My shield?” The third prince blinked back.
“Because you supported me until now, I’m here today. I don’t want to only be constantly supported. As a former commoner, I’d like to be your footing and be the one to support you in turn. Not just you, but your future generations as well.”
Lucas gave a squinty-eyed smile, trying to look as friendly as he possibly could. In a way, this man was like a second father to him, and Lucas was rather aware that he would need to deal with this royal for the rest of his life.
“I don’t think this will be a bad deal for you either, Your Highness,” Lucas added.
The third prince chuckled upon seeing Lucas’s smile. “Depending on your work…perhaps I shall consider reinstating titles as well.” He patted the baron’s shoulder and stood up with his servants falling in line behind him. Before the royal left the room, he stopped in place. “Ah, Lucas, do you like puppies?” he asked.
“I’m still struggling to train him, but he’s adorable in his own way,” Lucas replied. “I’ve got no plans on tossing him out.”
The third prince, satisfied with his response, finally left. Once their conversation was over, Lucas headed back to Iris. She was conversing with a few noblewomen. Enveloped in a navy-blue dress reminiscent of the night sky, her pale, slender arms stood out beautifully within the dark hue. Her pearl necklace decorated her collarbone splendidly, and she suited the precious accessory very well. As she smiled softly at a lady cracking a joke, she didn’t look like air at all—indeed, she was proud and confident, standing out in her own right. When Lucas thought this dignified flower was his wife, he couldn’t help but beam with pride.
Iris noticed her husband gazing at her and smiled back, her radiant expression enough to make flowers bloom. Her face alone conveyed her affection for him, and Lucas’s chest warmed.
He tried to maintain his composure as he smiled back warmly and headed for his wife to take her hand. Lucas felt the stares from people around him with every step he took. He gathered everyone’s attention and took his wife’s hand as people started to focus on her as well.
Iris was self-deprecating and called herself plain, an invisible wallflower that should be treated like air. She had pushed herself down, but to Lucas, she was his pride and joy. Even if other men had noticed her charm now, it was far too late.
“Let’s go, Iris,” Lucas said.
“Of course, love,” she replied.
Like the hems of her dress, the gazes that gathered upon her felt nice. Lucas’s wife, who had gotten used to being the center of attention, stood beside him proudly and walked alongside him as though it was only natural.
“His Highness, the third prince, seems to be in high spirits,” Iris remarked.
“Why do you think that?” Lucas asked.
“The strong scent of cigars is on you. You must’ve spoken with him in close proximity.”
Iris was as sharp as she was beautiful. Lucas gently patted the small of his wife’s back and smiled.
“Bingo,” he said. “I need you to bury this with your scent instead, Iris.”
Her cheeks turned scarlet as Lucas planted a kiss on that beloved mole by her eye. Iris gave a sheepish smile, but her endearing expression was reserved for her husband and her husband alone.
“Yeah, stay by my side, Iris,” Lucas whispered. “Don’t ever leave me.”
✦ ✦ ✦
🌻 🌻 🌻
YEARS later, a man with dark hair and brilliant eyes the color of the sunset would be conferred a peerage of the Traditional Twelve—he would be a part of House Karelia.
His name was Marquess Travis Karelia.
Travis was the eldest son of an incredibly wealthy merchant named Baron Lucas Stock; the baron was commended for his many deeds in helping his kingdom prosper. Once Baron Stock retired, he moved his residence with his wife, a former Karelia noblewoman, and took a few servants along. Baron and Baroness Stock spent the rest of their lives peacefully in the countryside.
It was said that the couple had first tied the knot as a mariage blanc, a connection without love, but they were so affectionate toward each other that it was hard to believe that rumor. The couple was blessed with many kids, and they lived their lives in happiness.
Many claimed Baron and Baroness Stock needed to be by each other’s side; they were inseparable, much like how a person requires air.
✦ ✦ ✦
End of Volume 3