Even today, modern slavery, including forced labor, human trafficking, and debt bondage, still exists, despite being illegal in every country.
From this, one could see how difficult it was to challenge these customs and norms. Today was like an eye opener for many. Starting from looking at demi humans differently, the world would slowly understand that there was strength in unity. No, he would make them understand, before it was too late.
"I hope the reforms the queen took today bring some change into this world".
"I hope so too".
The two became silent for a while before Vaerion opened the conversation again, "By the way, how do you know that Therianthrop woman?".
Hm? Suddenly raising the topic about Zerina, what was he on about?
"Ah! Don’t get me wrong. There is only one woman that I love and that is Diana. The reason I am asking is because she is strong".
Reinhardt realised his intentions "You want to scout her?"
"Haha, there is no hiding things from the Divine Paladin. That’s right, I want her to join my squad. If need be, I can make place for her and her people in the Kingdom of Aetherion."
Vaerion revealed his true thoughts "I want to create the strongest knight order unprecedented in the history of all of the Seven Great Kingdoms. For that reason, I want strong people by my side".
"Oh? Are you saying that you can give the demi humans legal rights of a citizen in your kingdom?"
At that question, the dark knight became embarrassed. That said, the seriousness in his eyes did not disappear.
"Maybe not now. However, once Diana becomes the Queen, she and I will change the country for the better".
Reinahrdt combed through his memories, his time at the kingdom of Aetherion when he was just a level 7.
"If I recall correctly, then doesn’t Aetherion have three princes? Can Princess Diana rise to the throne with them vying for it from the sides?"
Just like Solaris, the kingdom of Aetherion has its own complex political situation. The three princes he mentioned were all older than Diana and led their own faction. When the time came to choose an heir for the throne, there was no doubt that a bloody battle would ensue.
"Haha, you know quite a lot about our kingdom. I guess you must have visited us at least once during your missions. It’s as you say, it is difficult. However, she has me and a srtong backer by her side. I think we stand a pretty good chance. Anyway, this is not what I want to discuss with you. How about it? Can I send my recruitment offer to her?"
Vaerion grinned, appearing all suave.
Reinahrdt thought for a while, his eyes darting towards the corner of the rooftop, behind the water tank.
"Rejected. Zerina is a free person, so she has the right to decide what she wants to do. However, unlike you who only wants her for her strength, she is someone... close to me. If anything, I plan on raising her as the next Vice Commander of my Order".
At this moment, there was a strong gust of wind, rustling the hair of everyone present on the rooftop.
"I see... It’s as you heard, young lady. Although you would have been a fine addition in my order, he needs you more than me. It’s a bummer that I could not recruit you. However, I had a good time talking with you. We will meet again, Reinhardt."
Vaerion left after flashing him a grin.
After the other party left, Zerina who was eavesdropping on them from behind the water tank, came out from her hiding spot.
"Did you two know from the beginning that I was hiding here?"
She had felt a sudden presence from the rooftop of a nearby building. When she came here to check on them all stealthily, she realised that it was Reinahrdt and the Commaner of the Black Gryffin Legion.
Although unintentionally, she ended up overhearing their conversation. Reinahrdt flashed a helpless smile.
"You can’t really trick the senses of level 10 being you know".
What kind of being did she think a level 10 hero was?
Heroes who have long surpassed the level of superhuman and cannot be judged by common sense.
"I see," Zerina’s face was all red, and she fidgeted around trying to avoid meeting eyes with him.
"About what you said earlier, were you serious?"
Reinhardt nodded. The clouds in the sky moved, allowing moonlight to shine on their person. "Yeah, I am indeed thinking; no, I plan on inviting you to my order".
Everything that he discussed with Vaerion earlier was all true.
"N-Not that. About what you said after the other guy tried to recruit me".
So that was the case. He smiled, stepped closer, and pulled her in his embrace.
"You are indeed dear to me. Someone I cannot afford to lose, even if the other party was a level 10 hero".
"I-I see," Zerina became silent, her face buried in his embrace. That said, from her happily swaying tail, it was pretty clear how she was feeling.
Later that night, he had some fun with her and basically ended up going at it all night.
.
The next day, the entire capital was a mess. A messenger arrived at their mansion, bearing the summons from the Queen to the royal palace immediately.
Inside the audience chamber, other than the king, the Queen, and the royal guards, there were two additional people present.
"Yo!" The dark knight called out. It happened to be that he and Diana were also here.
"Sigh! The nobles wouldn’t settle down. They made quite a racket today. I was barely able to stop them from calling out another hearing on the Divine Paladin."
The king sighed, one could see how tired he looked after attending that meeting.
"You did well, Your Majesty, keeping those nobles contained" The Queen comforted. After that, she looked at the two people who were the source behind this commotion and trouble that they were facing in the capital.