"That must have been tragic." Laine leaned against the edge of the bath in a similar manner.
"My lord guides me, from one battle to the next, I will dedicate my life to fighting evil. I firmly believe that when my soul returns to heaven, I will be by my lord's side, continuing to fight." Alfred nodded, and said to Laine, "Without sacrifice, there is no victory."
"Speaking of which, Afu, don't you plan to get married?" Laine thought that deep down, Alfred was also a fanatic.
"No, unless I meet someone particularly suitable, I don't plan to get married." Alfred shook his head full of water-soaked golden hair. Even in the underground hot spring, they could hear the patter of rain outside.
"Not getting married? Without descendants, how will you combat evil?" Laine dipped a hand into the warm spring water, indifferent to Alfred's reply.
"Marriage is essentially a luxury." Alfred's gaze became slightly deep as he looked at the mist in the room and said softly, "The Temple Knights don't forbid marriage, but what kind of woman should I marry? With a family, can I still charge against evil without hesitation like before?"
"You definitely can. Sometimes, a family is not only what you're attached to but also your strength and source for battle." Laine advised, "You're in your early thirties now, you should get married. Let me arrange a few suitable candidates for you."
"Forget it, let's leave it to fate." Alfred immediately gestured to let it be with his hand. He looked at Laine for a moment, then suddenly laughed: "I once imagined that neither of us would marry, the Kingdom Knights and Paladins would travel together, adventuring across the Old World, spreading justice, taking assignments to earn vast wealth, settling down in a city when tired or bored, playing board games and exploring lost relics, and when needed, we'd visit brothels for women. That would surely be a very joyful life."
Listening to Alfred's vision, Laine's mouth hung open.
He thought Afu's words were so reasonable, he was speechless.
"Laine, what's good about women? Is it more interesting than morning classes and prayers? Marrying early is putting a shackle on yourself. Look at you, now a lord nobility, owning land, female courtiers, a wife, and so many knights and soldiers under your command. You're like a chained warhorse, not as exhilarating as when we roamed wherever we wanted." Seeing Laine's expression, Alfred continued, "Women are troublesome and pretentious, forgetting your good in three days. It's not like doing morning classes, where body and soul are immersed in satisfaction. That feeling is different, Laine, don't remain obsessed."
"A wild horse, if not saddled and bridled, no matter how powerful or strong, is ultimately just a wild horse serving no purpose." Laine shook his head, laughing repeatedly: "My marriage with Surya was a solemn decision after thorough consideration, as well as the lady's oracle. Surya is very good to me, I'm very satisfied with her, she is my wife."
"So, now you're married, I was just saying." Alfred shrugged, his handsome and mature face showing a bit of regret: "You're now a Count and the Divine Chosen Champion. I'm also a formal Temple Knight. Since we've found our respective paths, let's keep moving forward."
"Yes, indeed."
