After returning to Elariel Town,

Kaen instructed his commanders to compile lists—those who had fallen in battle and those retiring due to crippling injuries.

He, on the other hand, spent the entire day glued to Tifa's side before finally throwing himself back into the whirlwind of royal affairs.

Inside the study,

Kaen sat behind his desk, meticulously handling all the matters of the kingdom.

Orcs spotted in the wilds? Dispatch troops to clear them out.

Someone causing trouble and disturbing the peace? Dispatch troops to clean it up.

Merchants applying to open a shop in Elariel Town? Dispatch troops to… collect the entry fee!

…

These were affairs that should've been handled by civil officials.

But Kaen had sent every last one of them to Rivendell for further training, so for now, the burden fell squarely on his shoulders.

He ordered the troops transferred from Azure spring Town to return and informed Brie that Azure Spring could expand its forces to a thousand men—the expenses would be covered by the kingdom.

He wasn't worried about any lord building up a private army. Under the kingdom's system of separating military and civil power, Brie, as mayor, was only responsible for local administration. The military force was only temporarily under his supervision.

Soon, Kaen would send someone to formally take command.

By then, Brie would return to focusing solely on civil affairs.

Back in Elariel, Kaen was also preparing for a military expansion—across all branches.

With the wealth of mithril and treasure now in his grasp, there was no longer any need to act cautiously. He planned to grow his forces to 5,000 soldiers.

This was all part of a greater plan.

Kaen had already decided:

He would build a capital city deep within the valley of the Troll-woods. And when that time came, much of the standing army would need to be relocated.

"Darling, it's time for lunch."

Tifa entered the study, a tray of food in her hands. Her long purple dress clung to her graceful figure, exuding an aura of mature allure.

Kaen nodded, snatched a loaf of bread, and began eating it with some roasted meat stuffed inside.

He continued working through documents as he chewed.

Tifa smiled and walked behind him, reaching out her delicate hands to massage his shoulders.

The two remained quiet, simply enjoying this moment of peace together.

"Milord!"

Suddenly, a voice called out from beyond the door. It was Cathril.

Kaen didn't even look up as he called out,

"I'm in the study. Come on in."

Boots echoed on the wooden floor—tap, tap, tap—and soon the door swung open.

Cathril held a stack of papers in hand. But as she entered and saw Tifa massaging Kaen's shoulders, she froze for a brief moment.

A glimmer of disappointment flickered in her eyes.

Still, she inhaled deeply and stepped forward, offering a respectful nod.

"Milord, here are the lists you requested—the fallen, the wounded retirees, and those who distinguished themselves in battle."

Kaen took the papers and skimmed them briefly before handing them to Tifa behind him.

"You're the Minister of Finance. Handle the compensation and benefits accordingly."

"Make sure of the following:

—Ten gold coins to the families of those who died in service.

—If the deceased's household income per person is below three gold coins annually, grant them two years of tax exemption.

—Their families shall be recognized with the title 'Honored Kin of the Fallen.'

—If the deceased has children underage or no descendants but elderly parents, those dependents shall receive a subsidy of ten silver coins per year.

—Those retired due to injuries are to receive five gold coins each.

—They'll also be granted housing and assigned jobs that ensure a minimum monthly income of three silver coins.

—They'll receive the honorary title 'Combat Veteran.'

—Their underage children are to be given five silver coins annually per child.

—As for soldiers who displayed exceptional valor, reward them between five silver coins and one gold coin based on merit.

—If their family income falls under three gold coins annually per person, grant them tax exemption ranging from three months to a year."

Kaen wasn't foolish enough to simply hand out money.

He knew that would make soldiers feel like they'd just sold their lives for coin.

Instead, he implemented a policy of honoring military families—offering glory and privileges. That's how one builds lasting loyalty to the nation.

He wanted all his people to understand: fighting for the kingdom was a duty to be proud of, a responsibility to be embraced.

Even if a soldier perished on the battlefield, the kingdom would ensure their family bore the title of heroes—an honor uniquely reserved for those connected to the army.

As the old saying goes:

A soldier who fights for coin will lose heart when the gold runs dry.

But a soldier who fights for honor and belief will never falter.

"I understand," Tifa said with a nod. She took the documents and left the study.

"If there's nothing else, I'll be going too," said Cathril.

Kaen nodded. "Go ahead. Rest for a while—you've earned it. If you're ever bored, come see me. I have plenty of sweet nothings I've been saving just for you."

Cathril frowned. As a warrior, she wasn't one to beat around the bush when it came to her feelings.

Seeing Kaen finally open that door, she decided not to hold back. She spoke directly, her voice low and steady:

"You knew from the start that Ameliah and I both cared for you. Why haven't you said anything all this time? And now… Lady Tifa lives under your roof."

Kaen stood and walked over to her.

He didn't answer.

Because really, what answer could there be?

He simply looked at her—the beautiful, sharp-eyed woman whose gaze shone with sincerity and strength.

Softly, he asked:

"Would you like to move in?"

Cathril raised a brow. "Do you even have the space?"

Kaen chuckled. "It might get a little crowded."

Cathril asked, "What about Ameliah?"

"I'll build another palace," Kaen replied with a grin.

…

When Cathril walked out of the study, smiling with uncharacteristic softness, she found Tifa already waiting in the corridor.

Confused, she asked, "Lady Tifa, were you looking for me?"

"I was," Tifa said. "But it seems I don't need to anymore. Our king has already said what was in my heart."

Cathril blinked in surprise. "You… don't mind?"

"Why should I mind?"

Tifa smiled, her eyes gleaming with wisdom and warmth. "I can't handle him on my own anyway."

"…What?"

Cathril was puzzled.

"You'll understand soon enough," Tifa said, her voice laced with mystery.

…

The tale of how Kaen, with just five hundred men, wiped out an entire orc kingdom and the rock trolls spread across the western continent like wings on the wind.

The story's sheer epic scale drew bards and storytellers from distant lands.

After researching the events, they wove Kaen's deeds into ballads and stories, which they took back to towns and villages across the realm.

The name Kaen Eowenríel began to echo through the northern lands like the cold bite of winter wind.

Ever since the fall of the Kingdom of Arnor, there had been no human realm in the northern stretches of the western continent.

But the rise of the Eowenríel Kingdom sparked a glimmer of hope for the countless unclaimed folk who had long lived under the shadow of darkness.

From the eastern edges of the plains of Eriador, many began their journey—braving bitter snow and howling winds to reach the young kingdom.

At a tavern in Rivendell,

A Dúnedain ranger finished listening to a bard's retelling of the legend. Tossing a few copper coins on the table, he stood and left.

He carried a spear and bow on his back, tall and handsome—a man who had once briefly crossed paths with Kaen: Sigilion.

Outside, he took a deep breath and headed toward a blacksmith's shop, where weapons of every kind were proudly displayed at the door.

Standing at the forge was a middle-aged man with his eyes closed.

Sigilion approached him and said:

"Alante… someone cleared the entire Troll-woods of monsters."

The man's eyes snapped open in shock.