Changed Status

So, Kasha’s eyes were on the case after all.

Unlike other NPCs, this old man gives quests right away, but there was a reason why he was talking nonsense.

The former Minister of Military Affairs, with a serious face, whispers lowly, as if afraid someone might overhear.

“A demon has appeared in our territory. The problem is, we know of its existence, but Haimon’s knights and soldiers can’t catch it. It appears and disappears so unpredictably, only to cause trouble… at any moment.”

It was a serious problem.

The fact that a demon appeared in a territory and couldn’t be caught was no different from revealing the incompetence of the ruling noble.

But, they know of its existence but can’t catch it? What kind of guy is it?

For now, the suspects are narrowed down to a few, considering it can appear and disappear.

Scarl told Kasha not to come in at the sound of her knocking on the door.

He could hear Kasha’s voice outside, ordering no one to approach.

“I don’t understand. Minister of Military Affairs Roberto. Could you explain in detail?”

“Hmm… good. You need to know more to understand what kind of guy he is. He has the appearance of a human. Or should I say, a form? And the moment he commits a crime, he vanishes without a trace.”

Roberto sighed when Scarl remained silent, prompting him to continue.

“Bernatore, descendant of the Hero, aren’t you an expert in this field? I know very well that you cleverly dealt with the demon who charmed the citizens of the capital. It may sound disrespectful to say this, but Princess Sophia isn’t that bright when it comes to schemes. It must have all been your doing. Anyway, after hearing this far… you must take on this task.”

“Of course.”

“Good. Then I’ll tell you about his methods. He sends a pre-written notice before the murder. Who, when, where, and how they will die. He calls it the ‘Warning of the Grim Reaper,’ a grandiose name, but I don’t agree with that unpleasant expression. So, I set a trap to catch him right before. I locked the target in a sealed room. I couldn’t just stand by and let the murder notice with the exact date happen, could I? The person who is now dead agreed to it… I told him to stay inside for just one day.”

Something smells fishy.

There’s only one guy who sends out notices.

“But before the day was over, a scream echoed from inside, as if mocking us. The deceased died painfully, strangled. As if committing suicide, he hanged himself from the ceiling.”

The method and the way are the same as that guy I know.

The demon added in the DLC, Samigina.

“The problem is that the target he’s marked is my beloved family. The notice is for a week from now. Please. Save my granddaughter, Io.”

The trembling hands were unlike the man called the Iron-Blooded Roberto, filled with fear.

The fear of an irresistible death had something that made the man, who wouldn’t be strange to call the hero of the empire, tremble.

“I understand.”

Roberto’s face brightened at Scarl’s acceptance.

“Shall we go right away with me?”

“Give me two days. I need to prepare something to deal with him.”

“Oh! It seems you have a way to deal with him!”

“Of course.”

Roberto, who was laughing heartily at Scarl’s confident appearance, instantly brightened up as if he had relieved all his worries. But this was as far as his appearance as a family member went.

He had to take responsibility for the numerous members of the family, not just worry about the safety of one granddaughter, and he couldn’t help but aim for the added effects of this matter, which was directly related to the fate of the entire territory. Some might call his decision a heartless cold-blooded act, but in the worst case, he thought it would be good enough if he could create a connection with the most popular figures in the empire.

“Thank you. If this matter is resolved well, Haimon will side with Princess Sophia. We will gladly help your endeavors.”

With this one sentence, Scarl realized that Roberto had other purposes in mind for the reward.

‘As expected.’

As befitting a family that produced the Minister of Military Affairs, Haimon reveres power.

It is one of the families that provides a lot of help to the Hero, even without such an event.

‘Wait a minute. The words ‘help’ from earlier…’

“You mean siding with Princess Sophia—”

“That’s right. I know well how you feel about the Princess. Wouldn’t the engagement of Io Haimon and Scarl Bernatore be enough?”

Scarl waved his hands in a flustered manner.

“No. Just supporting us is enough.”

Roberto wore a sly smile but didn’t push it further.

“Hahaha. That’s a shame. But if you see our granddaughter, you’ll think differently.”

Roberto, smiling leisurely despite Scarl’s refusal, showed a doting side to his granddaughter.

“She’s a really lovely child. Unfortunately, she’s graduated from the academy, but many students willingly plucked flowers for her. Such a child…”

“Let’s pretend I didn’t hear about the engagement.”

Roberto raised his eyebrows at Scarl’s repeated serious expression.

“Of course, there’s a lot more. Is that all? If this matter is resolved, my granddaughter Io will also like you. The two of you are about the same age. Can’t you meet her at least once?”

“That—”

“How about it? Isn’t this fate? You save our Io, and the two of you get engaged…”

In Roberto’s mind, he was already writing a novel where Scarl saves Io and they get married.

‘I’m going crazy.’

Scarl squeezed into the gap between the endless words.

“Minister of Military Affairs. I have no intention of getting married yet.”

“Hahaha! You’re already 27 years old! Back in my day, I had two kids at your age! And that’s like the destiny of someone who stands on the battlefield.”

That’s a story from when you didn’t know when you were going to die.

“I’ve heard that Hero Luna has some kind of relationship with you. But aren’t you the hero and noble of the capital? It’s not a flaw for someone like you to have multiple wives. Then how about Flare, Luna’s younger sister?”

As I refused, the words flowed like a game.

“Why Flare…”

“Our grandsons are quite handsome too. They’re very popular with women. And they happen to be the same age and attending the academy. They’d be a good match.”

He came in person to play matchmaker.

As he said, he has a late son in the 3rd grade and a grandson in the 2nd grade.

The eyes of the former Hero, reading Scarl’s dumbfounded gaze, became infinitely serious.

“Princess Sophia and the Heroes are all in your grasp anyway. Don’t take me for a fool, Scarl. You can’t do anything alone.”

At those words, it became burdensome to refuse not only for himself but also for Flare.

“…I’ll think about it.”

“Good. How many am I?”

“You’re the first.”

Roberto nodded.

“Okay. Good work. And this is just something I’m saying as a senior in life… there will be a lot of temptations like this in the future. The past is just the past. Everyone knows now that you’re a dragon, not a snake. You need to reveal yourself a little more to protect the people around you safely. Baron.”

“Advice. Thank you.”

“Okay. This old man will be on his way. I’ll send my youngest son and grandson, who are attending the academy, to Bernatore Manor tomorrow where you are. Can’t you teach them a thing or two, at least for my sake?”

“I understand.”

“Luna. There will be no classes today, so don’t call everyone.”

“Yes? Yesterday too…”

“We have guests coming to Bernatore Manor today. We’ll have class tomorrow. Tell everyone.”

“I understand.”

“Okay. Have a good class today too.”

“Yes. You too, Scarl.”

Two unfamiliar people came after lunchtime.

Bright blonde hair and blue eyes.

A male student with a captivating smile and a sharp jawline like thin hair.

“Hello. Professor Scarl. I’m Jantz Haimon.”

Roberto’s late son, Jantz, a 3rd-year student.

His hands are more suitable for a merchant who taps an abacus than a swordsman who holds a sword.

In the actual game, his performance is not outstanding. He is just one of the people who carry on the Haimon family, one of the extras.

“Hello. Professor Scarl! I’m Berk Haimon!”

On the other hand, Berk, a 2nd-year student, was full of military spirit.

This guy was different.

‘Berk Haimon.’

As Roberto said, he is one of Flare’s sub-male leads attending the academy.

He has an honest personality, a steadfast way of speaking, and the impression of a passionate sports enthusiast, often showing the angular and solid appearance typical of a military family, but inside, he has a soft, contrasting charm.

‘Young, capable, and from a good family.’

He is often used when there are not enough perks, such as in the first or second playthrough.

One guy who is spirited and one guy who is already looking for a way to escape.

I don’t like both of their plausible appearances, so I’ll have to torment them.

“Draw your swords.”

Unlike Berk, who raised his practice sword fiercely as soon as I finished speaking, Jantz hesitated.

“Please give us some pointers!”

“Please be gentle. Professor. Unlike my nephew, I don’t have any talent~”

Berk’s eyes were blazing at that sight.

“Uncle! Grandfather will be furious if he hears you!”

“It’s okay if you don’t tell Father, Berk.”

“Great-uncle!”

“Haa— I get it. Please take care of me. Professor Scarl.”

Jantz had already fallen out early, but Berk endured really well.

I only taught him for one day, but as expected, Berk is a useful resource.

As the Demon King once said, even ordinary soldiers can be important at times, so he will have plenty of opportunities to make a name for himself.

On the other hand, Jantz threw his sword in the middle, saying he had blisters on his hands, and started to look away.

‘He’s always been like that, but…’

“Really. Professor, you’re just as I’ve heard.”

I’m a little curious about this.

The reputation I have among the students.

“What do you mean, student Jantz?”

“When you teach, you’re no different from my father. Strict, scary. No wonder you’re not popular.”

I see… is that so?

Perhaps Scarl’s expression was strange, Jantz gave a captivating smile.

“That’s just what I mean. You’re just taciturn usually, right? You’re cool. And there are many female students who like that side of you.”

This is a bit tempting.

“Really?”

Perhaps sensing the curiosity from the raised end of my words? Jantz rounded his mouth.

“I guess you’re more interested in women than I thought?”

From the beginning, Jantz had no interest in Scarl.

He only found out about him after his recent activities in the capital’s square, so he didn’t know the secret rumors that had been circulating before.