After Ren's words, the group delved into a varied conversation, but, in general, the topics revolved more around Ren and Emi than the others. From time to time, Ren and Emi posed questions to the quartet, though these were usually non-intrusive inquiries.

While the six of them enjoyed their lunch and chatted, the cafeteria gradually filled with soldiers arriving for lunchtime. Naturally, the presence of Ren and Emi didn't go unnoticed, drawing discreet glances from the soldiers around, curious about the couple's presence. However, both Ren and Emi were accustomed to this and usually disregarded the curious looks that occasionally fell upon them.

Thus, the conversations continued, filling the atmosphere with occasional laughter from the group's table. Meanwhile, Penelope took the opportunity to ask Ren a question, who had just taken a fork with a combination of salad and meat to his mouth.

"By the way, where did you get the idea to create a weapon like that? I mean, the first impression it left on me was extremely impactful. Just trying to understand how it works gives me a headache"

Penelope asked the question, and all eyes turned to Ren. Hearing this, Aizen, who was next to Penelope, couldn't resist and let out a chuckle before commenting.

"Well, thinking was never your strong suit anyway"

Teased Aizen. His words drew small laughs from the group, while Penelope turned to Aizen with an annoyed look. Suddenly, Aizen's expression darkened instantly, and he quickly crouched down, catching the attention of the others.

"What happened? You seem to be in pain"

Asked Ryan, who was on Aizen's right side. Hearing his friend's question, Aizen's next words came out almost like a whisper as he tried his best to hold back the urge to cry.

"It's nothing, just my leg started hurting suddenly"

Mumbled Aizen with a muffled voice. Hearing these words, everyone looked at Aizen confused, trying to understand why he had acted that way all of a sudden. However, upon noticing Penelope huffing and giving Aizen a look, it became quite clear what had happened.

With that, the six continued to eat. Occasionally, soldiers approached Ren, trying to initiate conversations. In fact, this happened quite often, but everyone who approached was met with friendliness. In the end, everyone was thinking the same thing, both Ren and Her Highness Emi were notably kind to the commoners.

The author's content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

There was something in Emi and Ren's behavior that everyone, except themselves, noticed. This made them even more popular among the soldiers. What captivated everyone was the fact that Emi and Ren acted in that way as if it were natural. For those around them, it seemed that they themselves weren't thinking too much about the situation. Of course, neither Emi nor Ren had noticed that this was happening.

With the night approaching, Ren and Emi would have to head back to Ren's mansion, where they would spend the night. In the end, the only reason Ren went to the base was to showcase the new weapon. Although Ren didn't find it strictly necessary to be present for this, the commander insisted that it would have a greater impact if Ren himself conducted the demonstration of the new weaponry. Combining that with the fact that Emi was also curious to see the weapon, it ended up leading Ren to accept the commander's request.

As the night drew closer, Ren and Emi prepared to board the carriage. Before that, they bid farewell to the quartet that had accompanied them throughout the day. While Emi and Ren had talked to all the soldiers they crossed paths with during the day, these four in particular were the ones who made the couple feel most at ease.

"Well, I guess this is where we part ways"

Ren said with a gentle smile as he looked at the four. Hearing these words, the four wished Ren and Emi a safe journey. Just before Ren got into the carriage, he approached Aizen, getting close enough to his ear and whispered low enough for only Aizen to hear.

"Also, good luck with Penelope, I'll be rooting for you"

Hearing Ren's words, Aizen realized that, despite trying to hide it as much as possible, Ren had somehow noticed. His expression turned slightly more flushed, and Aizen let out a sigh, then responded.

"Thanks for that, but it might be a bit tough. While the person in question is perceptive enough to know new people, they're also as awkward as a rock when it comes to relationships"

Hearing Aizen's words, the group looked at him in confusion. Ren, the only one who had understood the meaning behind Aizen's words, let out a laugh that caught the attention of the others, who now looked at Ren, bewildered.

"Well, sometimes there's also that kind of person"

Ren said with an air of understanding. He turned to Emi and noticed that she was also looking at him, with a smile on her face. Ren continued.

"Sometimes, it's when we push ourselves to the limit that we can achieve our goals"

Looking back at Aizen with warm eyes, Ren continued.

"Believe me, the journey to reach our goals can be tough, but overcoming the difficulties often leads us to success"

Aizen felt as if Ren knew exactly what he was going through and chuckled.

"I can't deny your point"

Aizen said.

"Just as you said, often we can only achieve our goals when we face our limits"

With those words, the two said their goodbyes. Ren got into the carriage alongside Emi, and as the carriage moved away, Penelope, who was still curious about the earlier conversation between Aizen and Ren, approached Aizen.

"What were you two talking about?"

Penelope asked. Aizen put an enigmatic smile on his face and replied.

"Who knows? Maybe you'll find out soon"