Ch.43Noisy Old Man

# 1.

What is this banquet for?

‘It must be a celebration for the Gardner Count’s family and the Hero Party—commemorating their victory over the Black Wolf, the great evil of the Empire of Light.’

Then why are you, the leader of the Black Wolf, attending this place?

‘Only because of her.’

Nahan’s self-questioning gaze shifted to the woman walking beside him.

Brilliant sky-blue hair,

Slightly darker sapphire eyes,

An expressionless face set against pale white skin.

“It’s exactly as I said. I’m inviting you to attend the banquet hosted by the Marquis of the Border along with the Light.”

He was here because he had been invited by Asha Mirabel, the leader of the Light and the Empire’s hero.

As Nahan’s gaze shifted to the corner of his vision, a deep blue system window appeared.

─『Sub-Quest Generated!』─

◆ I Too Am a Hero.

: Attend the party hosted by Count Gardner with <Light>!

◆ Completion Conditions:

1. Apply medicine to Asha’s face. (Completed!)

2. Attend the party with Light. (Completed!)

3. Converse with the surviving <Hestia>.

4. Prevent <Eclipse>’s attack.

◆ Reward:

: <Light>’s trust in <Ian Red>.

◆ Failure & Rejection:

: <Light>’s trust in <Eclipse>.

Currently, Nahan was here as ‘Ian Red’ rather than ‘Black Wolf,’ trying to clear the sub-quest “I Too Am a Hero.”

If he succeeded, he would gain Light’s trust; if he failed, Light would be taken away by Eclipse as in the original story, so he had to clear it by any means necessary.

There was a risk of being exposed as Black Wolf or getting into a battle with Eclipse, but he wasn’t worried.

‘Because Asha is here.’

He had already gained Asha’s trust by helping with Hestia’s return as the persona of Ian Red.

While he might not be close to the other heroes, he believed he was close enough to Asha Mirabel.

His plan was to stay close to Asha and simply pass on information while pretending not to know anything if a situation arose.

…Yes.

The fact that it “was” a plan meant that the plan he had set up had failed.

The biggest factor in the failure was,

“Have you eaten yet?”

“Not yet.”

“What a coincidence. I haven’t either. Since that’s the case, shall we grab a quick bite?”

“No. Bring something for yourself.”

“Ahaha… No, I’ll pass as well.”

Asha’s attitude had suddenly changed.

‘Why is she acting like this all of a sudden?’

This was Ian Red, after all.

The Knight of Iron Blood,

The Silent Empress,

The Expressionless Hero.

He was ‘Ian Red,’ a character tailored for her, who had become close enough to draw out even a hint of emotion from such an Asha.

“I’ll enjoy myself separately.”

“What? Didn’t you bring me here saying we would stay together?”

“I did. However, I’ve changed my mind.”

Why is she acting like this all of a sudden?

As the confused Nahan was fumbling to add something, Asha took something out from her pocket and handed it to him.

“This is a guarantee token. I’ve prepared a private carriage for you, so take it when the banquet ends. Present it again when you reach the gate, and they will take you back to the province free of charge.”

In simple terms,

Everything’s prepared, so read the room, enjoy yourself alone, and go back alone.

The very person who had extended the invitation was now abandoning him after arriving.

A normal person would at least pretend to be sorry, but Asha didn’t.

“……”

She simply stared at Nahan with her usual cold expression, waiting for his answer.

As if,

‘…she’s asking me to curse at her.’

He wasn’t sure what was going on, but one thing was certain.

Flinch.

Though she pretended to be emotionless, Asha was also feeling guilty.

If that was the case, what action should I,

no, what action should ‘Ian Red’ take?

“It’s alright.”

“What? Wait, let go of my hand…!!”

Stepping forward as much as he had been pushed away,

“I don’t know what you fear that makes you push me away, but even if you hurt me, please don’t hurt yourself.”

Unconditional acceptance, with a contained smile, taking Asha’s side.

“I have no intention of harming the Hero, so please enjoy the banquet with peace of mind.”

“…!”

When Nahan refused the guarantee token Asha offered, her brow furrowed slightly.

“Still, take this.”

“It’s fine.”

“But…!!”

“Then I’ll be going.”

As if she could be at ease.

‘I should pile on the guilt now, so she’ll come back to me later.’

Nahan quietly turned away after confirming her emotions were about to flare up again.

Step, step, step.

The serene footsteps befitting a free priest moved away from the solitary Asha.

“Ah…”

Asha, who had been staring blankly at his retreating figure, unconsciously twitched her hand, but,

-You must live, Asha.

-No matter what, you must survive.

-Only then can you have your revenge.

As forgotten memories surfaced, she withdrew her hand and clenched it into a fist.

“…That’s right.”

Because I am a person who shouldn’t be happy.

In the end, Asha turned in the opposite direction from Nahan, clutching a handful of lingering attachment.

# 2.

Left alone, Nahan,

or rather Ian Red, strolled through Count Gardner’s mansion, avoiding the lavish banquet hall.

Two conditions remained.

◆ Completion Conditions:

1. Apply medicine to Asha’s face. (Completed!)

2. Attend the party with Light. (Completed!)

3. Converse with the surviving <Hestia>.

4. Prevent <Eclipse>’s attack.

Conversing with Lady Hestia and preventing Eclipse’s attack.

To be honest, conversing with Hestia was the biggest problem.

‘The Hero Party will somehow resolve <Eclipse>’s attack anyway.’

But what about Hestia?

A frail woman who had already been kidnapped once by the <Black Wolf>, who hadn’t even awakened her family’s power, who couldn’t even walk—she wouldn’t be able to freely move around the banquet hall.

Moreover, this wasn’t just any banquet.

It was a banquet that essentially provoked the Black Wolf, who had been defeated by them.

Since the enraged Black Wolf might attack again, no sane family would let their daughter wander around,

“…Where might she be?”

Even a simple greeting would help me clear my sub-quest, this benefactor who could help me.

Growl.

“…Oh my.”

As he was about to return to the banquet hall to find something to eat while rubbing his hungry stomach.

A thunderous voice that had been quiet for a while roared in his head.

-[Someone is approaching!!]

“Ah, you startled me.”

Oh right, this guy was still here.

Nahan hastily swallowed the words he had blurted out in surprise and spoke in his mind.

‘I told you to be quiet.’

-[I was quiet!!]

‘Please speak more quietly too.’

-[I’ll try to be mindful!]

He seems to be trying to lower his volume, but it’s still too loud.

-[By the way, what was your name again?!]

The name of this noisy old man is the Progenitor of the Iron Wall – Balak Gardner.

Due to a misuse of a guaranteed enhancement right, “Celestial Shield” was enhanced to Ex grade, and as a result, the will dormant in the relic awakened.

The awakened Celestial Shield settled on my left hand, and this old man followed it, forcing a contract.

Well, I’m not entirely sure, but,

【Celestial Shield (Ex).】

◆Effect: “Gardner’s shield is the best in the world!”

If you plant both feet on the ground and raise your shield, whatever you wish to block will receive an absolute defense judgment. Can be transferred to others according to your will.

*However, when transferring to others, the consent of the hero – Balak Gardner is required.

Having acquired a shield that can block any attack is an absolute gain, except for the fact that Balak Gardner is noisy.

It’s a shame it’s not the Ring of Iasos, but as long as I can block before getting hurt, it’s fine.

‘But wasn’t this artifact supposed to play some important role…?’

It seems like I could take it, but also like I shouldn’t have just taken it.

While deep in thought, ignoring Balak’s question,

-[What!! Is your name!!!]

“…!!”

As the shouting voice urged for an answer, Nahan frowned and replied inwardly.

‘I’ve told you many times, it’s Nahan!?’

-[Ah, right!! Nahan!!]

As if finally remembering, Balak laughed heartily and added,

-[Didn’t I say someone was approaching!! Your eyes will meet if you just turn your head now!!]

‘Why are you only telling me this now…!!’

Only then did he notice the presence behind him.

-[Looking at how elegant they are, they must be my successor!!]

‘…What?’

-[They’re watching you fidget and are quite wary!!]

Balak’s words were true.

“…Are you alright?”

The familiar gentle voice was tinged with deep caution, and Nahan, predicting their identity, slowly turned and showed respect.

“Free Priest Ian Red greets the brilliant lady of the Gardner family.”

Simultaneously, a floating status window appeared.

◆ Completion Conditions:

1. Apply medicine to Asha’s face. (Completed!)

2. Attend the party with Light. (Completed!)

3. Converse with <Hestia>. (Completed!)

4. Prevent <Eclipse>’s attack.

‘Done.’

Now he just needed to smooth over the situation and wait until Eclipse’s attack was prevented.

As Nahan was contemplating an appropriate topic,

Hestia, who had been staring intently at his red eyes, unconsciously murmured.

“…Black Wolf?”

“……”

This is truly maddening.