The son of the God-Emperor in Warhammer Fantasy

Addressing Lawen's issue is equally complex politically.

During the Matthew Bard rebellion, this duke found himself in an awkward position.

If Lawen is to be absolved of all responsibility, it won't be convincing. After all, he led the knightly army and, as the commander, bears some blame for the defeat.

Yet, heavily punishing him is unrealistic.

Bretonnia's law states that the first twelve Holy Grail Knight families, except for treason and blasphemy, are above reproach.

So, did Lawen commit treason or blasphemy?

No.

Matthew Bard is Matthew Bard, and Lawen is Lawen. Though father and son, they are distinct individuals.

Lawen is a Holy Grail Knight, combining virtue and valor, glorying in battle and excelling in administration. Since becoming regent, his capabilities have been universally praised by northern nobles.

Faced with the Leonasse rebellion, he worked hard to suppress it. Against Mousilon's undead army, he fought bravely to the end. He never betrayed the knightly kingdom or failed the Lady of the Lake's trust.

From a chivalric standpoint, Lawen has little to be criticized for. If anything, his fault lies in failing to discipline himself in his youth.

But that is neither treason nor blasphemy, and it's not even related to chivalry. Chivalry doesn't have such demands. Sometimes, when Holy Grail Knights are forced to stay with peasants, many peasants even let their wives and daughters serve the knights, hoping to "steal noble blood."

Such things are rare but not unheard of. Francois had once advised Ryan to be cautious about this.

So, from this angle, heavy punishment for Lawen is impractical and, at this juncture, would provoke fierce backlash from ducal families and obstruct Ryan's plans.

Ryan found this problematic and asked, "Is Lawen severely injured?"

"Very. Morgiana is using the best herbs the Lady provides to treat him, along with major spells to remove the toxins. The poison on Matthew Bard's sword is dreadful. Lawen's fever won't subside, and his condition is unstable. Two Lake Prophetesses are continually chanting divine spells to stabilize his vitals," Bohemond said, frowning. "Your court lady is also aiding in his treatment, producing ice to reduce his fever."

"Theresa?" Ryan nodded. "No wonder I haven't seen her."

"Hmph, serves him right!" Veronica, still resentful, leaned against Ryan and muttered, "Who told him not to discipline himself? Look at the son he raised..."

Ryan's serious expression broke into a smile at the witch's complaints. He couldn't help but chuckle, squeezing Veronica's gloved hand. "Don't be like that! We're discussing serious matters."

"I can't discuss serious matters anyway. As a mere witch, I'm naturally looked down upon by you Holy Grail lords. Can't I at least complain?" Veronica huffed, crossing her arms and leaning on Ryan's pillow, saying nothing more.

Francois pondered, pacing the room before suggesting, "Perhaps... Ryan, we might consider stepping back on this issue."

"Step back?" Ryan looked up, thoughtful.

"Yes, I think, for now, we should back down and act as if nothing happened." Francois nodded, his blue eyes gleaming as he stroked his chin. "The battle for the throne is settled. Pursuing blame now would be ungracious."

"How can we?!" Veronica almost jumped up like an enraged cat, shouting, "If not for his failure, would Ryan have to mobilize serfs during spring plowing? If not for his defeat, would we owe the Wood Elves such a big favor? If not for him..."

She trailed off as Francois looked at her with a smiling eye. "Are you done?"

"...I'm done." Veronica knew she had overreacted. She sat down, turning her head away, eyes still angry. "I got a bit emotional. Please forgive me."

Francois paused, then smiled, "I understand, Veronica. You care about Ryan and feel this is unfair to him. I get it."

"But the issue is, even if we pursue full responsibility, we can't do much to Lawen. Even sending him on a penitence crusade would hardly help with restoring production, stabilizing the situation, or pulling the kingdom out of Matthew Bard's chaos," Francois said earnestly. "Instead of adding chaos to the capital, it won't help at all."

Bohemond agreed, "Francois is right. Lawen is severely injured and ill. Pursuing blame now would violate the chivalric spirit of compassion. Richard's state is clear; he shirks responsibility when he can. Pushing Lawen to a monastery or a penitence crusade would leave the northern kingdom in ruins with no leader."

"Besides, Ryan is the victor. Lawen no longer threatens the throne and should be magnanimous," Francois added. "Stepping back now would make Lawen owe us a huge favor. I even suggest, Ryan, you propose to Richard that Lawen remain as regent."

"Keep Lawen as regent?" Ryan pondered this, gaining insight. "You mean, use Lawen's influence to ease northern-southern tensions?"

"Yes, to the northern nobles, Lawen is their representative," Francois nodded. "Now, the northern knights have suffered heavy losses in the wars. No one has the strength to oppose Ryan's ascension. They urgently need our grain and military support."

Ryan bowed his head, weighing the pros and cons. "If I were a northern noble, I'd worry whether Ryan and Francois would interfere with our vital interests, like territorial sovereignty, trade tariffs, and population."

"If we show magnanimity by not pursuing Lawen, allowing him to remain as regent, it sends a strong signal," Ryan understood. "Northern nobles won't feel marginalized from decision-making. Our tolerance will earn Lawen's gratitude. With no claim to the throne, his regency benefits us."

"Good, you understand," Francois was increasingly pleased with his son-in-law's quick learning.

After further discussion, the three Holy Grail knights stood up. "You need rest, Ryan. We'll leave you to it," Francois said.

As they left, Bohemond asked, "When do you plan to start reclaiming Mousilon?"

"Ten days of rest! With the Wood Elf army and your forces here, our troops will rest for ten days, then we'll head south to reclaim Mousilon," Ryan said earnestly. "The army's morale is high; we must seize the momentum."

"Is your injury okay?" Francois asked, agreeing with the plan.

"Yes."

"Good, we'll head south in ten days."

After they left, Ryan looked out the window, noticing it was late at night. He smiled wryly, then asked Veronica, "Angry, dear?"

"How dare I be angry with the esteemed Duke of Mousilon, the future King of Knights, and a noble Holy Grail lord!" Veronica pouted, crossing her arms and turning away. "You're the most powerful person in the kingdom now. Should a witch be involved in such matters? Does Lord Ryan need a witch's advice on kingdom affairs?"

Ryan laughed, hugging Veronica and kissing her swan-like neck. "Dear, thank you for enduring this for me. I'm happy you sacrificed so much. Remember, I'm still that ranger knight you charred with a fireball, grinning with white teeth."

"Hmph~ You smiled like a fool; I barely remember!" Veronica's heart softened, leaning on Ryan's shoulder. "Is this how you charm women? No wonder so many like you—female electors, Lake Witches, dark elves, and Lady Sulia?"

"Are you teasing me?" Ryan joked. "If a 30-year-old wanderer praised you now, would you be moved... Ow!"

"Damn man! Always ruining the mood!" Veronica pinched his waist, annoyed. "Sleep alone tonight!"

"Don't be like that, dear. Stay and chat with me tonight," Ryan pulled her close.

Veronica blushed, realizing his intent. The Garland witch nodded, slipped off her high heels, and slid her small, stockinged feet under the blanket. "Just chat?"

"Of course, just chat!" Ryan grinned mischievously. "But we might need to change the method a bit."

...We're just chatting...

After ten days of rest, Ryan's injuries had somewhat healed. He promptly led the knightly army, dwarven forces, and Wood Elves south, officially commencing the reclamation of Mousilon!

By now, the undead forces in Mousilon were unable to resist Ryan's advance.

By the end of May, Richard Castle and Vaas Castle fell, with all undead defenders annihilated.

In early June, Biokari Castle and Pid-Ocon Castle fell, with all undead forces destroyed.

In mid-June, the Kreitchat Forest was cleared of beastmen tribes.

By late June, the Freya Ancient Cathedral was captured. The undead tombs were cleansed, and three ghoul kings were slain by Ryan, Francois, and Karad.

By late June, the greenskin tribes at Orphan Hill were annihilated, with their corpses burned for a day and night.

By early July, almost all of Mousilon had been reclaimed, with only Mousilon Castle standing at the mouth of the Grismerie River, its high walls awaiting Ryan's knightly army.

The final battle to reclaim Mousilon would be fought here!

_________________________

[Check out my Patreon for +200 additional chapters in all my fanfics! $5 for all!!] 

[w w w . p a t r e o n .com / INNIT]

[+50 PowerStones = +1 Chapter]