Episode 29 – Birthday Party (1)

＊

Robin couldn’t hide his unpleasant expression.

It might be a natural reaction.

Jennifer and Rose knew, but Banata’s existence was kept so secret that Mela didn’t even know about her.

The existence of a raped maid and a bastard sent to an orphanage immediately after birth might be a minor deviation compared to the Hero’s great achievements and reputation, but it was enough to leave a blemish.

He couldn’t easily let the victim and evidence of his wrongdoing out into the world.

However, Robin couldn’t reject that dangerous proposal outright.

It was probably because the amount I wrote down slightly exceeded Robin’s expectations.

Robin asked me.

“I’ve heard about the Baron’s character and experienced it myself, but why would you spend so much money for someone you don’t know?”

You’re trying so hard to use elegant language, Robin.

What you really want to say is this.

‘What gives you the right to interfere?’

I answered calmly.

“In a moment when it seemed no one could save me on the sea, I was rescued by the fishermen and workers of Flavis. That’s why I like this country. And I’ve decided since that day. I will definitely help those who need my help within my sight.”

Of course, it’s a lie.

But it was a perfect setup and justification for the character of Salvie Baron.

Robin chuckled slightly and replied.

“Is a master trying to discipline a maid really a crisis that requires your help?”

“I, the person involved, forgive her sins. And I must also find her missing daughter.”

Robin flinched.

Robin was basically a kind father to his children.

Even though he sent Banata to an orphanage because of Jennifer’s nagging, he seems to have been concerned about Banata, considering he provided continuous support and even got her into the academy.

Robin seemed worried that the fact that Banata was the Hero’s bastard would be revealed in front of me.

“Besides, she’s a child I have a connection with.”

“With the Baron?”

“Yes, during a fight between Banata-yang and Rose-yang, Rose-yang’s magic injured me. That was the start of a major incident that led to the deaths of two students.”

“Ah, I know from there. Hearing that story makes me feel sorry for the Baron again.”

Robin cleared his throat, trying to move on from the story.

I continued immediately.

“I had decided to be her patron. But I forgot about it because of various incidents. I’m worried something might have happened to her.”

Robin seemed to have a headache at my last words.

Of course, not handing over a maid is up to the owner, but Robin would be reluctant to refuse without a good reason.

It’s clearly an act of kindness done out of concern for both Mena and Banata,

and Salvie Baron is a victim of a direct injury caused by his daughter, and even his maid almost died after eating the poisoned refreshments Rose gave her.

Robin said in a sarcastic tone.

“The Baron is a truly wonderful person.”

“And me and my maids are not yet familiar with the geography or customs here. I was already thinking of hiring a new maid anyway.”

“I see, so it’s killing two birds with one stone.”

“Yes. That’s about right.”

Robin pondered at my words, which he accepted without getting upset.

Robin looked at the paper with the amount I had offered once more and walked to the cupboard to take out another cup.

Robin filled the cup he had been drinking from and the newly taken-out cup with alcohol, then handed one to me and said.

“The Baron said he’s not good at drinking, but it’s customary here to share a drink when a deal is made.”

I took the glass without a word.

Robin raised the glass above his head and said briefly.

“Take her.”

＊

Duke Villard was walking in the garden of Robin’s mansion with his son, Piadu.

After confirming that there was no one around, Duke Villard de Valguir spoke to his son.

“It might get a little noisy tomorrow.”

“The Emperor’s old geezers will be nervous.”

Today, they visited the mansion in a carriage with the Valguir family crest emblazoned on it as if to show off.

Following the funeral a while ago, it was only a matter of time before the nobles learned that both the father and son of the de Valguir ducal family had visited Boldiras’ mansion today.

This was no different from declaring to everyone that the Hero had definitely chosen either the Emperor or the Valguir ducal family.

Since Sionisia rose to the empire by absorbing neighboring countries under the pretext of the Hero Party’s achievements in the first place,

the Hero’s support heading elsewhere is enough to put pressure on the Emperor.

Villard wore a satisfied expression.

“Besides, I heard that Salvie Baron also visited today. His wealth will definitely be a great help. Can you feel the momentum is increasingly coming our way?”

Unlike Villard, who seemed to be in a good mood, Piadu hesitated as if he wanted to say something when he heard the name Salvie Baron.

Piadu cautiously opened his mouth.

“…Salvie Baron. About his father, I have something to tell you.”

“What is it?”

“Well… I ordered the kidnapping of Salvie Baron when he was returning home on the day of the funeral.”

“…What?”

Villard’s steps came to a sudden halt.

The expression on his face as he turned to look at his son was as if the good mood he had just shown was a lie.

Piadu hurriedly explained.

“Ah, no, I heard he had a lot of money, so I just thought I’d try to make some pocket money…”

“So,”

“Ah, well, I ordered it to those city snake bastards, and well,”

“Ha, didn’t I tell you not to associate with those low-life trash?”

Villard, the lord of the Valguir territory, was famous for strictly governing his land.

Before joining the Empire, he had started small wars with Sioland, which bordered his territory, several times, and he had personally stepped in to kill all the criminal organizations within his territory.

‘If you enrage Villard, you will surely die’ was already a famous saying in the Valguir territory.

After being included in the Empire, the Valguir family, who moved their residence to the capital, took charge of the security of the capital.

It was obvious that it would be a big problem if there were rumors that the next head of such a family, his son, was connected to a criminal organization.

Feeling the anger rising in Villard’s voice, Piadu started to raise his voice as if it was nothing.

“Yes, you did, but nothing happened. Those guys just took the down payment and disappeared.”

“…”

“Seeing that the Baron came today perfectly fine, it seems like those guys just pocketed the money and ran away to another area. I was really pissed off back then, but it’s a relief.”

“Piadu.”

Ah, I’m fucked.

Piadu shut his mouth.

He knew very well that his father calling him by his name meant that he was very angry.

Villard approached Piadu, placed his hand on his shoulder, and said.

“Those guys called city snakes are trash, but they’re tenacious and toxic trash.”

“…”

“Of course, they’re picky about who they target, but if it was at the funeral when it hadn’t been revealed that the Baron’s wealth was literally beyond imagination, there’s no way the city snakes wouldn’t have targeted him, who was just a foreigner.”

“What does that mean?”

“I knew you were dull, but to tell me such an important fact now. I’m really furious.”

Piadu felt his father’s hand on his shoulder getting stronger and stronger.

As magic began to subtly rise in Villard’s body, Piadu turned pale.

Duke Villard enjoyed using magic that left lasting pain on the opponent’s body.

The information spat out by criminals tortured by that magic was one of Villard’s secrets to maintaining security.

Piadu had also been punished with that magic since he was a child.

Piadu hurriedly opened his mouth in terror.

“I, I’m sorry, Father.”

“Do you know what it means that the city snake members disappeared without a trace?”

“…Well, that means…”

“It means that the Baron has the power to shake off the sparks himself.”

“Uh…”

“If the Baron knows that it was your doing, we’ll be in a very difficult situation.”

“Kheuheuk!”

Piadu grabbed Villard’s hand holding his shoulder, trying to pull it off, feeling a sharp fishhook piercing through his shoulder.

But Villard’s tough hand didn’t budge.

Soon, a pain rushed in as if the fishhook on his shoulder was being pulled strongly.

Piadu knelt down on one knee in the dizzying pain and begged Villard.

“Uwaaak! F, Father. I was wrong!”

“…Salvie Baron.”

Villard looked at his son writhing in pain and pondered.

The city snakes must have attacked Salvie Baron.

But it was strange that they had disappeared without a trace.

Is it possible to secretly leave Sioland’s walls, which are strictly managed 24 hours a day?

Maybe they’ve already been disposed of so that even their bodies can’t be found?

Salvie Baron may be hiding something.

Villard snapped his fingers once.

Freed from the pain, Piadu stood up abruptly, covered in sweat, and bowed his head.

“Jennifer said that Salvie Baron visited here today. Don’t try to approach him rashly. Do you understand?”

“Yes, I will keep that in mind.”

At that time, the mansion’s butler was seen looking for the two of them.

Seeing the butler discovering them and approaching, Villard dusted off Piadu’s clothes and said.

“It seems the Hero’s youngest daughter’s birthday party is starting.”

The two headed to the banquet hall with the butler’s guidance.

Robin, Jennifer, and Mela were seated there, and several invited nobles were seated around them.

Villard carefully looked at the guests.

Seeing that there were no Emperor faction nobles at first glance, it seemed that Robin had definitely made up his mind.

Villard and Piadu simply exchanged eye contact with Robin and sat down to wait for the party to begin.

However, the party did not start even after a long time.

A maid approached Robin and whispered something in his ear, and Robin looked noticeably flustered.

Feeling the strange atmosphere, Villard began to look around again.

First of all, Salvie Baron was not there.

And Robin’s youngest daughter, the protagonist of today’s party.

Dena was also not there.

.