Page 134 of Lord of the Lone Wolf
Maseo nodded. “And using Valzerna’s money would mean raising taxes to make up for what you spent.”
“Which would punish our own people for a war they did not start,” Kitsuki confirmed. “The citizens of both kingdoms deserve better than to bear the financial burden of Nasume’s madness. It is not their fault that one man’s cruelty forced us into conflict.”
“You really care about both kingdoms,” Maseo said in awe. “Even after everything Kunushi put you through, you’re still thinking about what’s best for their people.”
“They are innocent in this,” Kitsuki replied. “A monarch’s duty is to protect all those under their care, not to seek vengeance against the blameless for the crimes of their leaders.”
“That’s what I mean,” Maseo said. “You’re not just a king; you’re a good man. Most rulers would have stripped Kunushi bare and called it justice.”
The praise sent warmth flooding through Kitsuki’s chest, his dragon preening at their mate’s obvious admiration. “My strong moral compass will not be much consolation to the warriors who put their lives on the line for our victory. They deserve recognition for their sacrifice, yet I cannot provide it without causing harm elsewhere.”
Maseo hesitated, opening his mouth as if to speak before closing it again, uncertainty written across his features.
“Please speak freely,” Kitsuki encouraged. “You may share whatever thoughts you have on this matter.”
Another moment passed before Maseo found his voice. “Why don’t you give the warriors the one thing they want more than money?”
Kitsuki tilted his head with interest. “Titles and lands? Many of them already possess both through previous service.”
“No, give them leave to visit their families for an extended period.”
The suggestion was so simple and yet so brilliant that Kitsuki could only stare at Maseo in amazement. “Extended leave,” he repeated, turning the concept over in his mind.
“Think about it,” Maseo continued, warming to his subject as he saw Kitsuki’s interest. “Not only does it cost you nothing, but it also saves you money because you’re not feeding your entire army. And the warriors would be thrilled to spend time with their mates, children, and families they fight so hard to protect. That’s worth more than gold to most soldiers.”
Kitsuki leaned back in his chair, his mind racing through the implications. “The logistics require careful planning. We cannot afford to show weakness by spreading ourselves too thin immediately after a victory.”
“Agreed. But you don’t have to let the whole army go at once,” Maseo explained. “You could do it in rounds, starting with those whose families live farthest away and ending with those closest to their loved ones. By organizing it by distance instead of rank, you can avoid lower-ranking warriors feeling undervalued.”
The more Kitsuki considered the proposal, the more perfect it became. There would be no financial burden on either kingdom, no resentment from citizens forced to pay higher taxes, and a reward that would mean more to most warriors than any amount of coin. “What made you think of such a solution?”
A soft smile crossed Maseo’s features. “Because that’s what they all talk about when they think no one important is listening. Sure, some long for gold or glory. But most of them dream about going home, holding their children, and sitting at their own table with their families. They’d prefer a month with their loved ones over a year’s wages. If you gave them paid leave, it would feel like a bonus, since they’d be rewarded for spending time at home.”
“Your insight is remarkable,” Kitsuki said, unable to hide his admiration. “That is indeed an ideal solution to what seemed an impossible problem.”
Maseo’s cheeks flushed at the praise, his good eye brightening in a way that made Kitsuki’s dragon rumble with satisfaction. “I’m glad you like it.”
So precious, Kitsuki’s dragon whispered, enchanted by how their mate absorbed every kind word like a flower turning toward sunlight.He has lived too long without recognition of his worth.
“Perhaps I should make you my advisor on behalf of the army,” Kitsuki suggested. “Your understanding of what motivates our warriors far exceeds my own.”
“I’m sure you have people much better qualified than me,” Maseo protested, his flush deepening. “I’m just a soldier, not a general or strategist.”
“You have proven yourself to be a formidable warrior,” Kitsuki insisted with absolute conviction. “Your courage in facing Nasume and your skill in battle speak to far more than mere soldiering.”
The compliment seemed to fluster Maseo even more. “I don’t know how good a warrior I am when my father still took me down.”
“Not before you defeated him,” Kitsuki reminded him. “Anyone else would have died. Your survival alone is a testament to your extraordinary abilities.”
Maseo touched the edge of his eye patch, a gesture that sent fresh waves of protective fury through Kitsuki’s dragon. He struggled to maintain his composed demeanor.
“Has your pain grown worse?” Kitsuki asked, concern sharpening his voice.
“It’s so constant that I sometimes forget about it unless I move wrong,” Maseo admitted with a rueful smile. “Like background noise you stop hearing until something makes it louder.”
The casual way Maseo spoke of his suffering only made it more heartbreaking. Kitsuki’s hands clenched in his lap as he fought the urge to reach out and offer the physical comfort he could not freely give yet. “I regret I cannot do more to ease your discomfort. Auslin is beside himself that Liros has not returned from his voyage to provide the help needed for your healing.”
“You’ve done more than enough by giving me a comfortable place to stay,” Maseo said with genuine gratitude. “And your library is magnificent beyond compare. I could happily lose myself in there for days. Kisano may end up regretting his kind invitation for me to spend time there.”
