episode_0007

“Dead?”

“Yes. He died crushed under the collapsed building,” said Ribat.

“Well, serves him right.”

I shrugged.

The building was already decaying from its foundations when I visited. Of course, I expected it to collapse soon, but I never imagined it would happen just a day after my visit.

“Of course, that’s true. It’s better without such trash in this city. However, there’s something I must tell you…”

Ribat narrowed his eyes and looked at me.

“The survivors amidst the rubble are telling strange tales.”

“Strange tales? Like about witches or something?”

“That too, but I can’t help but start with a story about you.”

“Me?”

“That trash, his name was Ducat, right? Anyway, Mr. Rashwood, you were said to have borrowed money from him…”

“Money? What money?”

“Mr. Rashwood… Could it be that you borrowed money knowing that the inn was about to collapse?”

“I’m not a prophet; that’s nonsense.”

“You borrowed money without any intention of repaying it, didn’t you?”

“I’m not listening to any of this.”

“According to the laws of the Labyrinth City, the property owned by that man should be part of our guild’s possession. However, even after searching through the ruins, not much money has been found.”

Just three gold coins.

Not a significant sum for the entire guild.

Yet, why such insistence on this small amount?

Or is there another reason…

“…Nothing came out of it?”

“Not exactly, but even after emptying his possessions, it seems we won’t be able to cover the fine he owes.”

“How long since it collapsed that you’ve already emptied everything? And even if I did borrow, what does that have to do with you?”

“Of course, it matters. You borrowed money from him; shouldn’t you repay us?”

“What’s your point?”

“As I said…”

“You called me here for this trivial matter. Do you have something else to say to me separately?”

“Haha, as expected of you. Or is it because you’re an Evony?”

…”

When Ribat mentioned “Evony,” Rinde flinched, and Ribat glanced at her briefly.

Seems like an uncomfortable gaze.

“What does that have to do with anything here?”

“Of course, you…”

“Enough, get to the point.”

“I have a proposal for you.”

You’d think they’d come out more straightforwardly. So, what is it?”

“There are many foreigners in the city nowadays.”

“I know.”

“Having many people is good; money flows. But… having only good things isn’t always ideal.”

“Why not hire mercenaries for protection then? I’ve been thinking about that issue lately.”

“It’s the opposite.”

“The opposite?”

“Yes. There’s someone who wants you to find and protect them.”

“Find and protect? Just hire mercenaries if needed.”

“We need to handle things discreetly, which is why we reluctantly sought you, Mr. Rashwood.”

“I won’t be swayed easily. Besides, finding people isn’t my specialty.”

“Just take the commission. And I assure you, on our guild’s name, it’s nothing illegal. We just want to handle it quietly.”

“Hmm… Who specifically am I looking for?”

“An Evony.”

“!!”

Rinde flinched again.

With her small stature and a robe covering her whole body, along with a huge hat, Ribat seemed unaware.

“An Evony?”

“Yes. Your kin. Our client is looking for an Evony, who, like you, hides their face to conceal their race.”

So that’s why they were talking about Evonys earlier.

“In this city, there is only one, no, now just two suitable candidates from the Ebony tribe like yourself.”

“Sounds even more suspicious. Did you get commissioned by some crazy scholar wanting to uncover secrets about the Ebony tribe?”

“Absolutely not… I didn’t want to mention this name, but if it’s you, then you can be trusted. Hearing our client’s name will change your perspective.”

“Who is it?”

“The Dragon Slayer of the Briagal Kingdom.”

“…!!”

“…!”

This time, not only Linde but I was also surprised.

“Oh…”

Linde was trembling slightly.

If this continues, Rebath might become suspicious.

I reached under the table and held her hand, meaning for her to calm down.

Her trembling subsided a bit.

“I don’t think he’s that kind of person… but you must never disclose this, okay?”

“I won’t.”

“That’s a relief. So, have your thoughts changed a bit?”

“Before that, I want to hear why that person is searching for the Ebony tribe.”

“Well…”

“I know he’s not a suspicious person. Still, someone has emerged who wants to secretly find the Ebony tribe. You’ve probably heard ‘that old story’ so you understand what I’m talking about, right?”

“I know about the tragic history of the Ebony tribe, but…”

There are plenty of legends and sayings about specific races, mostly circulating within their own communities. However, stories about the Ebony tribe have spread widely even among unrelated people.

Linde started trembling again.

I held her hand a bit tighter, but she didn’t stop.

This is troublesome…

“Well, at least tell me roughly. I just want to confirm that he’s not up to something shady.”

“Our client mentioned that he considers the Ebony tribe as friends. I didn’t hear more than that. I didn’t inquire further.”

“Hmm.”

“Will you take on the commission?”

“Just in case, what if I refuse?”

“We’ll make your life miserable for about a week, bothering you until you return home around dinner time. It’s quite a coercion.”

“That’s outright bullying.”

Just three coins and they’re already going too far.

“But I’ll ensure you’re compensated generously. It’s none other than a request from Dragon Slayer Krisha. The stakes are high.”

“Well, since it’s the Dragon Slayer…”

“…”

“But is the person next to you alright? She’s been trembling a lot since earlier.”

Rebath looked at Linde and spoke.

“Oh, that… she had a bad experience related to dragons in the past. I think she got scared from the recent conversation.”

“I see… Dragons are creatures known to bring disaster.”

There are often stories about dragons casually attacking villages. Survivors are said to be deeply marked by fear of dragons, even getting scared at the mere mention of them.

Hence, being a Dragon Slayer carries great honor.

“Well… it’s difficult to give an immediate answer here. Can you return later today to give us your decision? My colleague needs to calm down too.”

I placed my arm around Linde’s shoulder.

Finally, her trembling subsided.

“…We’d appreciate it if you could provide an answer by evening.”

“Got it.”

I took out my pocket watch to check the time.

It’s almost time for lunch now.

“Is this it? Shall we go?”

“Very well. I must emphasize once more, you must never disclose this story. Your colleagues as well…”

I may have credibility, but this is probably Linde’s way of ensuring my discretion.

“Got it. I’ll discuss with my colleagues by this evening and then I’ll come to see you.”

“Alright, I appreciate it.”

I left the waiting room with Linde.

Chief Guard Marco was waiting at the door in a relaxed posture.

There were no other guards in sight.

“Take care.”

I waved lightly to him.

…”

Marco didn’t return the greeting.

Judging by how he avoided eye contact with everyone else, he seemed to have something specific to say.

After leaving Linde waiting alone at the end of the corridor, I returned to Marco.

“…Master.”

Finally, when only the two of us remained, Marco spoke up.

His tone was different from when he came to fetch Linde early in the morning.

“Are you talking about what happened before?”

“…”

“If you have something to say, say it quickly. Time is short.”

“I… I am getting married soon.”

“Oh, really? Congratulations. Is she a good match?”

“She is the daughter of a viscount, but… I haven’t met her much.”

“Well, noble marriages are like that. You’re a viscount yourself.”

“I used to think that becoming a noble would make everything better…”

“It did get better. You have your own estate outside the Labyrinth City, and now you’re marrying a noblewoman.”

“These days… I’m not so sure.”

“What happened?”

“The woman I loved in the past came to find me.”

“Ah… Julian?”

“You remember her well. Yes, it’s Julian.”

“It’s been quite a while since you two broke up.”

While Marco was away at war, Julian, who was his childhood friend, had married another man. He had told me how he had cried and drowned his sorrows in alcohol that day.

“Is she here to reconcile?”

“She… Her husband passed away, and she’s asking me to take her in…”

“Hmm. Why would you agree to that?”

“Her husband left behind a lot of debt and died, so she fled from where they lived. She has two children with her…”

“That’s even worse! Tell her to leave.”

“Is that the right thing to do?”

“That is the right thing to do… But you won’t listen, will you?”

“…”

“…You probably started thinking a lot because you’re marrying into nobility. It might be okay to give her a place to stay on your estate out of old feelings. But just limit it to that.”

“…”

“Ugh, you fool.”

I put my arm around Marco’s shoulder and rested my hand on the back of his head.

“You’re a noble now. Accept the responsibilities that come with it. That was your dream. Don’t be swayed by the woman who left you.”

“I understand…”

“Don’t dwell on what you’ve lost. Focus on what you have and what you will have.”

“I understand. Thank you, Master.”

“Geez, I taught you swordsmanship, and you still call me ‘Master’?”

I said as I released my arm.

“Still, you are my Master… The wedding will be on June 1st next year. I hope you can attend, Master.”

“Well… If I have the time, I’ll come.”

“Thank you.”

“Then, I’ll take my leave.”

I shook hands with Marco and went to where Linde was.

“Um, Master.”

“What now?”

Without turning around, I responded from where I stood.

“Even though you are of the Ebony Clan…”

“We don’t need to discuss that.”

“Understood.”

Whether in the past or now, why does everyone make such a fuss about the Ebony Clan…