58.

“The Holy Knights Order can wait for you as long as it takes. So, perhaps you should think it over a bit more.”

Collins spoke with genuine concern and a touch of self-interest. He had ascended to the position of Holy Knight Commander after Norma Diazi disappeared, though he had always respected Norma as a knight. He believed that once Norma had settled his mind, he would naturally return to the Holy Knights.

However, Norma simply kept shaking his head gently.

“As I said, this isn’t an impulsive decision. I’ve been thinking about it for quite some time.”

“But Sir Diazi, you’ve only just awoken from your long sleep. You must be feeling confused.”

“Yes, I am indeed still in an unstable state.”

“Exactly, sir. So take your time―”

“But I’m retiring from the Holy Knights. It’s something that cannot be done concurrently.”

Norma shrugged as he spoke.

“…Concurrently? What do you mean by that?”

Collins, looking puzzled as if to ask if Norma had other plans, inquired. Norma gave him a slight, bashful smile.

“I have ambitions.”

“You have ambitions…”

Collins involuntarily furrowed his brow slightly. Norma nodded kindly, confirming what he had said.

“I didn’t realize myself that I had such great desires.”

“You have desires…”

Collins murmured again, fully frowning this time, unable to take his eyes off Norma’s slightly flushed cheeks.

‘Could it be that Norma Diazi is joking?’

It didn’t make sense; the man who was the embodiment of asceticism wouldn’t say such things. Moreover, Norma was never one to speak like this.

‘In my memory, he was never someone who talked about himself like this.’

‘Has the shock of betrayal been too much for him? Has Norma Diazi really gone mad?’

As Collins seriously pondered about his comrade, whom he had met again after 12 years, Norma thought about his tremendous ambition.

‘My ambition is indeed enormous. Not just anyone can become the consort of McFoy.’

The reason Norma had rushed to the capital was simple: to retire from the Holy Knights.

Officially, his body was still tied to the temple because Nicholas Diazi had refused to acknowledge his death, leaving him listed as missing in action.

To become the consort of the McFoy head, he had to reside in McFoy Castle and manage the household. Thus, it was nearly impossible to continue as a Holy Knight, who primarily served at the central temple or the eastern holy sites. Besides, there was no Holy Knights Order stationed in the west.

Norma chose to retire cleanly.

Of course, he had honor and pride as a Holy Knight. However, her words, “Now that you are free, can’t you do what you want?” had deeply inspired him.

During the short week he had spent at McFoy Castle, driven by an impulsive desire to see her, Norma had become certain.

Simply recognizing and cherishing his feelings wasn’t enough. He wanted to be by her side, not as anyone else but himself.

And the only position that allowed that was as her consort.

It was not a position to be taken lightly. There was already someone in that role. It was a time to give his utmost effort.

Thus, retirement was inevitable. Norma furrowed his brows, as if deep in thought.

Collins, who had been watching him with a worried expression, had to regain his composure seeing the beautiful, contemplative creature before him.

Moreover, hearing the word “ambition” from Norma was perplexing. It was a term that seemed entirely unfitting for someone who epitomized asceticism, making his words even more difficult to understand.

“My ambition is too great. Since it’s a position that’s hard to obtain, reversing my retirement is out of the question. Please understand.”

Collins wanted to ask what position he meant, but the resolute look on Norma’s face made him lose his words again.

He didn’t look like someone who was giving up or had gone mad. In fact, his eyes were more vivid than Collins had ever seen.

Having said everything he wanted, Norma stood up abruptly, as if in a hurry.

“Oh, there’s no need for a retirement ceremony. I must leave immediately.”

Norma cheerfully added as he left the Holy Knights Commander’s office, his face brimming with vitality, leaving Collins to nod absentmindedly.

“Sir Diazi, really, please reconsider.”

Norma’s escort knight, Von Bains, who had followed closely behind him, spoke up with a light step.

“Just ‘Norma’ will do.”

However, the answer Von hoped for didn’t come. Norma’s response sounded almost joyful.

Von Bains, who respected Sir Diazi, furrowed his brow deeply. He hadn’t heard about Norma’s immense ambition and was filled with concern.

‘What on earth is he thinking? Becoming a Holy Knight is no easy feat, yet he’s giving it up so easily. What is he planning to do next? Do the head of the house and Duke Milan know about this?’

Even as a mere escort, he was worried about Norma’s future, but Norma himself seemed entirely unburdened.

Von ultimately had to assume that Norma had thought everything through. As he followed Norma down the steps of the temple with a clear mind, he heard someone call out in a familiar voice.

“Sir Diazi?”

Norma turned to the welcoming voice calling him.

“Lady Stan.”

It was Ectra Stan, the overseer of Romdak, responsible for the route connecting the Imperial City and Katam.

* * *

‘Damn these stairs. Why are there so many steps in this temple?’

Ectra, descending the crowded steps of the Grand Temple with the help of an attendant, had lost count of how many times she cursed under her breath.

Descending was the easier part. Climbing up felt like it was meant to keep the elderly away from the temple.

Of course, she was in the habit of sending bribes to the temple, but the way they eagerly accepted everything was still infuriating. What unpleasant folks they were.

Grumbling as she went down, Ectra noticed that everyone ascending the stairs had stopped, staring blankly past her.

What are they looking at? Turning around, she jumped in surprise.

“Sir Diazi?”

The man who stood out brightly in the natural light was Norma Diazi, whom she had parted ways with in Katam.

“Lady Stan.”

Recognizing Ectra, Norma smiled warmly at her. For a moment, Ectra felt as if she were facing a powerful beam of sunlight.

“My goodness, Sir Diazi! How long has it been? I never expected to see you here! I had no idea you were in the Imperial City!”

Ignoring the dazzling brightness, Ectra exclaimed as she hurriedly climbed back up the stairs she had just descended. Meeting Norma Diazi by chance, especially on a day like today, felt like destiny.

Norma hurried down the steps to meet her, supporting her as he spoke.

“Lady Stan, it’s dangerous to rush on the stairs.”

“Oh my, you’re as charming as ever, Sir Diazi.”

“And you, Lady Stan, are as splendid as always. What brings you to the Grand Temple? If there is anything I can assist you with, I would be happy to help.”

Von Bains, who had quickly followed Norma, thought to himself, ‘You just retired, and you’re offering help already?’ as he secretly glared at the back of Norma’s head.

“How do you manage to make every word sound so lovely? I’m here on business for Romdak, but I’ve just finished.”

One of Ectra’s tasks was to regularly deliver bribes to the temple. Handling this personally, rather than through subordinates, she concluded her errand smoothly.

“I see. Do you have a carriage?”

“Yes, it’s right at the bottom of these steps.”

“Would you do me the honor of allowing me to escort you, Lady Stan?”

Ectra’s face lit up at his words, and she eagerly nodded while Von inwardly groaned.

‘Oh, not again!’

Ectra Stan, the overseer responsible for the route between the Imperial City and Katam, was extremely busy today. Apart from her usual Romdak duties, she was also secretly transporting several items on her lord’s orders.

As a result, her carriage was packed to the brim, leaving barely enough space for her to sit. Seeing the state of her carriage, Norma naturally offered her a ride in his. Ectra had hoped for this.

Quickly taking up Norma’s offer, Ectra requested to be dropped off at Denba Street, one of the busiest areas in the Imperial City, where the Romdak trading company had its building. It was quite a distance from the Grand Temple, adjacent to the Imperial Palace, necessitating a long carriage ride.

During the lively conversation with Norma, Ectra nearly squealed with delight upon learning that he had stayed at McFoy Castle before coming to the capital.

She knew that the Diazi family, led by Milan Diazi, had sent a delegation to McFoy Castle, but to hear that Sir Diazi himself had been there!

‘Who would’ve thought! I always thought he was shy, but it turns out he’s quite bold. And to personally visit McFoy Castle while supposedly recovering…’

She couldn’t contain her excitement, wanting to shout the news from the rooftops.

‘There’s no need to even ask. It’s clear that Sir Diazi has feelings for our lord!’

Ectra Stan was a highly proactive individual with excellent situational judgment. After pondering for a moment, she clapped her hands in realization.

‘Wait. Judging by how things are unfolding… it would be perfect to replace Morfolk and put Sir Diazi in that position instead!’

She glanced at the packed items in her carriage, her eyes gleaming with excitement. Just thinking about it made her chuckle.

Steeling herself for a potential backlash from her lord, she spoke up.

“Sir Diazi, have you ever been to a masquerade ball?”

Norma found Ectra’s ever-changing demeanor amusing. It was clear that she had some scheme in mind, but he simply smiled brightly and shook his head.

“I think you would look wonderful in purple!” Ectra exclaimed, filled with certainty.

“Yes, I do like purple,” Norma replied, smiling softly.

At his words, Ectra’s heart swelled with endless excitement.

‘Oh my, did he say that on purpose? Even if our lord isn’t aware, Sir Diazi is definitely having a romance with our lord, right?’

Trying to calm herself, Ectra cleared her throat and adjusted her posture. She needed to broach a very delicate topic.

‘If this gets out, I’ll be in serious trouble, but I can’t miss this opportunity. Finding a consort for our lord is my duty as her retainer!’

After taking a deep breath, Ectra lowered her voice.

“Sir, are you aware of the rumors surrounding our lord who survived Tartaros?”

Her face was now completely serious, a stark contrast to her earlier exuberance.