Claude didn't actually want Layla to be here—as a commander, at least. She was his concubine, and although nearly two years had passed since she gave birth to the future heir of House Xalvach, she was still recovering.
According to Regina, his royal physician and the head of concubine care, five years was the minimum recovery period before a woman could safely conceive again.
It wasn't just about the body—mana depletion was a real threat, especially when a baby had drawn heavily from the mother's core.
But Layla, stubborn as ever, had insisted on joining Claude's new military campaign: Operation Lock & Destroy.
She badgered him for days until, finally, he gave in—not because he agreed, but because she wouldn't leave him alone.
Llyold, too, eventually caved, unable to endure the pain of being ignored by his daughter for a whole week.
'That weak old man…' Claude shook his head in disbelief.
