The Royal Military Academy's Impostor Owns a Dungeon [BL] novel Chapter 515

Chapter 515: What a Father Deserves

An actual contract was signed.

But unlike the earlier one, this was not a final agreement. It was a promise. A promise to come back to the table and finalize everything once the King returned from cleaning up his lands.

It became a quiet lesson to the cadets.

King Garick told them clearly.

"Never promise what you cannot deliver."

His voice was calm but heavy.

He explained that without knowing how much damage he would find back home, or what resources might be lost, he could not guarantee locations or delivery schedules yet.

But he promised they would revisit the deal. And then, almost smiling, he added that by the time they did, perhaps these young ones would have come up with something even more revolutionary.

He hadn’t planned to stay this long. And yet now, knowing he was leaving his daughter behind for an indefinite time, he found himself wishing he didn’t have to leave at all.

But duty was duty. And Garick intended to leave at first light tomorrow.

Tonight, though, he would stay.

Spend time.

Be a father.

At first, Luca thought about inviting the King into the dungeon-linked space. But surprisingly, it was his parents who gently stopped him.

He had asked why, genuinely confused.

The Duke answered with a knowing smile.

"It’s because he loves his daughter," Leander said.

Luca tilted his head.

And the father continued, his voice soft and even.

"The less he knows of her whereabouts, the safer she is. If he is captured, no one can force the truth out of him if he does not know it. And he cannot be tempted to search for her if bad days come."

Luca looked down, quietly realizing just how much thought went into a father’s love.

Duke Leander finished with a faint smile.

"A man who knows his enemies are still hiding would rather keep his daughter’s secrets than risk her safety."

Luca’s voice was quiet when he asked.

"Papa...then would it be okay to help in a different way? Or would that be bad for everyone?"

The Duke and Duchess looked at each other.

Then both of them smiled.

The proud father placed a hand on his son’s shoulder.

"My son," he said warmly, "we trust your judgment. You’ve shown better judgment than any of us in matters like this. If you want to help, then help. If you need us to do something, tell us."

Luca’s eyes widened slightly.

"But...what if my decision makes trouble?"

"That’s alright," Leander said simply.

Duchess Amelia added, smiling softly.

"That’s why we’re here. You make the decision you think is best. And if something goes wrong, we’ll make sure we’re strong enough to fix it."

This was something they should have done from the very beginning, but they didn’t get to do for their son, who had to grow up on his own. But just because they missed out on it before doesn’t mean they couldn’t do that now.

"There’s always a risk when doing things. But not all risks are equal. And when possible, it’s best to take calculated risks, because sometimes it’s the only way to progress."

"And when you know you’ve done your part to minimize the risk to yourself and others, then you could be at peace with your decision."

The quiet certainty in their voices made Luca’s chest feel warm.

He thought about it all day.

By nightfall, he decided.

And he sought out Xavier.

He explained what he was thinking. The kind of help he wanted to offer.

The Imperial Prince listened patiently, then finally answered.

"Emergency supplies," he said without hesitation.

Luca blinked.

Xavier’s voice stayed calm as he explained what he knew.

"Orcs value strength. If we send soldiers or weapons now, it might undermine him. His people must believe he won this himself. His authority has to come from him. Not us. So for now..."

He placed a hand over Luca’s.

"...we send what he needs to keep himself and his people alive while he wins his fight. That will speak for itself."

The little chipmunk took Xavier’s words to heart.

That night, Luca went straight to his stash. He thought carefully about what to pack, even buying a revive pill after a moment of hesitation.

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