# Chapter 25: 25
—Oh…
Those were the initials embroidered on the handkerchief. They were proof that the events unfolding were not just an illusion.
If it hadn't been for that scarf, Radis would have thought it was just a fever dream, perhaps after he passed out after hitting his head while tripping.
Meeting him was something she couldn't believe.
“Like an angel.”
Caressing the initials with his fingertips, Radis delicately folded the handkerchief and held it tightly.
“If one day we meet again... I will return it to you.”
Then, she went to the women's bathroom and straightened her clothes, tried to fix her ruined high heels, then got ready before returning to the banquet hall, preparing for the scolding she would surely receive.
—Still, if you have courage, you can overcome anything, no matter how difficult it is.
The soft voice gave him courage.
When he returned to the banquet hall, he looked around to observe his surroundings and found a family coat of arms.
It was a shield engraved with doves, the shield of House Roschilde.
Radis approached the middle-aged man who was wearing clothes bearing the family crest.
Noticing that she had approached him, the man greeted her with a soft smile.
-Good night. Is…?
—Good evening, my name is Radis.
And having to force yourself, he added.
—From the Tilrod family.
—Ah, Miss Radis. I'm Felice Roschilde.
"It is an honor to meet you, Sir Felice."
Radis, who was not familiar with how conversation unfolded in high society, immediately got straight to the point after a brief moment of hesitation.
—I know a lot about the reputation of the Roschilde family subjugation squad. I heard that it is one of the shields that protect the Monsterwood Empire.
Felice smiled and shook her head humbly.
—I'm just doing my duty.
—No, he is a great man. By the way, are you recruiting new soldiers?
Felice looked at Radis with a slightly awkward smile.
His eyes seemed to scrutinize her.
Seeing her look, Radis realized that he had made a mistake.
At that place, she was talking to him while wearing that outfit.
If only I had met him in the proper attire and holding a sword instead of that frilly pink monstrosity…!
Then Felice opened her lips.
—The truth is…it's not recruiting season.
Radis, whose cheeks had turned red, bowed his head.
—Excuse me, I apologize for having made a mistake...
—But I cannot refuse the request of such an admirable lady.
-Sorry? Está diciendo…
—He mentioned that he is from the Tilrod family, right? I'll send someone later.
—Thank you very much, Mr. Felice!
—You don't have to be grateful. In fact, no matter how many people there are, we don't have enough in the subjugation squad.
Radis was so happy he wanted to jump up and down.
The imperial subjugation squad he was a part of in his previous life was impoverished.
Support from the empire was minimal, and most of the necessary supplies were provided only after having asked for support from aristocrats in nearby territories.
Although the difference was that the squad members were at least allowed to take as many magic stones as they wanted.
On the other hand, when he entered a subjugation squad belonging to a noble house, the magic stones they had to acquire were automatically given to the noble house. Even so, the squad members were treated better there than in the imperial subjugation squad.
Apart from regular subjugations, they were granted holidays and could also enjoy regular purification ceremonies at the temple.
And the best thing of all was that this way he could leave the Tilrod family.
"The Roschilde family was famous for treating their soldiers well during subjugations. If I can enter their squad...!"
When Radis was about to turn around, he felt his heart fill with hope.
But then, on his path, a gray shadow was cast.
—I found her.
It was Huber.
As he looked alternately between her and Felice Roschilde, he seemed enraged as he clenched and unclenched his fists.
"What's wrong with this bastard?" Huber asked.
Radis was amazed.
-That? Bastard? Radis asked.
"Is this bastard bothering you, Miss Radis?"
"You seem to have misunderstood something." I was the one who spoke to Sir Felice first.
Radis said it clearly.
—And it's none of your business who I talk to.
His words seemed to strike a chord with Huber.
Huber stopped opening and closing his fists and kept them closed. He approached Radis step by step.
He was visibly indignant and as he spoke, his voice was so low that it seemed to boil.
—I'm trying to treat her well, but she keeps testing me.
Radis stared at Huber, but he continued speaking.
—Her mother left her in my care. Do you think you have another option? Today it is mine. How dare you make me angry?
Huber grabbed Radis by the arm.
He continued to act more abruptly and his surroundings buzzed as other people noticed the commotion.
He could have rejected Huber, but he didn't want to make a fuss, so Radis followed him silently.
When they reached a deserted hallway, Huber turned to her and shouted.
—I'll fix that bad habit of yours today!
But when he turned around, Radis aimed for the back of his head, in a vital spot, and punched him.
Valiz