episode_0070

William, the scout who had previously asked Sylvia for help, was chatting excitedly among the people.

“Ah, so I risked my courage and went to the carriage where the first hero party was located… .”

From that day on, William was the town’s hero.

It’s strange that he even dared to visit the first hero’s party in person and tell them their business.

I even got some help.

It was natural that everyone wanted to hear his heroic stories.

Of course, the fact that I saw the first warrior party up close was more interesting than William’s courage.

William also enjoyed it even though he knew it.

Anyway, he asked, he did it, and the village is safe thanks to him.

“… Sylvia came forward very willingly.”

“As expected, it’s Sylvia.”

“Just as I heard. I heard you get so much joy from helping people… .”

“So, are you pretty?”

“Don’t even say anything. A cold look that matches that dark blue hair… . Still, you have such a good heart.”

“Hey, but is that true? Sylvia said someone dumped her… .”

“That’s bullshit again.”

Everyone’s eyes focused on William again.

“Uh, ah… . well? I don’t know that much. You look a little gaunt, huh?”

William’s simple testimony grew old, and Sylvia ended up becoming a heartbroken woman.

Anyway, the facts weren’t important.

The mere mention of the first hero party provides a good story to pass the time.

but.

There was someone who raised a question that I would not have dared to think of in the past.

“Why don’t you talk about other people?”

“Uh, huh?”

“There must have been three other people there besides Sylvia. Why do you always brag about it but forget to talk about them?”

How did they react?

The question was a request for clues to judge the rumors currently floating around.

Kylie stabbed someone for money.

The 1st Hero Party knew that Badenberg’s dark beer was spoiled and promoted it only for money, not for fame or anything else.

Such rumors have already spread across the continent.

It’s a story related to the first party, so everyone is hushing about it.

In fact, there was a victim here who suffered from stomachache for several days after drinking that dark beer.

“It’s okay if it’s resolved well, why are you asking that?”

William tried to ignore it like this, but it wasn’t as easy as today.

It was a fateful day for those who desperately wanted to hear an answer.

One drink, two drinks.

Before William knew it, the alcohol continued to flow in.

William ended up drunk.

“Those bastards… . The rest of them, huh? Because I’m really sad… . Hey, do you know what Beatrice said to me?”

I ended up pouring out the insults I heard from Beatrice that day in front of everyone.

“Wow… . I understand why you hid it all this time.”

“So, why would such a rumor spread for no reason? If Kylie is in that situation, I wonder if everyone else is fine.”

“If Ji is a hero, that’s it? No matter what… .”

“Kylie, Aria, they both heard it all but didn’t even pretend to know… . Ah.”

William spilled out what happened that day without even knowing what he was talking about.

One more rumor about the first party has just been added.

*

While William spews out the truth about the first party.

At a farmhouse near the acute dungeon that Ian and his party solved, a different story was going on.

“I heard that acute dungeons are dangerous, but I’m really glad that it was resolved without any damage.”

“It’s all thanks to the warriors who came then. Vivian and Helena.”

“That is correct. I heard that you came right after conquering another dungeon without even resting… . These are people I am really thankful for.”

“Helena healed the injured people of the search party with the utmost care, right?”

Malcolm, who was listening to the conversation together and was the leader of the search squad at the time, nodded.

“That’s right. It may have been late for you to judge the situation as you were still a beginner, but I definitely felt the sincere goodness. Moreover, the magic skills I saw back then and the speed with which I cleared the dungeon… . These are not ordinary people.”

“Hmm. These people will do very well. He was so careful when he came to the village to receive thanks.”

“It wasn’t like other warriors. They are polite and kind-hearted people.”

Other rumors were also spreading about Ian’s party.

*

Silvia arrived in Spevia.

I wanted to see Ian for a little longer, so I kept my schedule tight.

After solving as many dungeons as quickly as possible, I took my time.

So it wasn’t an act of neglecting my duty.

‘If you do this, Ian won’t scold you.’

With a trembling heart, I first went to the training center where Ian would be.

From the day I reunited with Ian until today, I always brought along the notes of incorrect answers I had written.

Since I wasn’t going to meet Ian, there was no need to tell him the contents of the note.

Still, Sylvia did not forget the note.

Holding the note carefully in my hand, I followed Ian’s whereabouts… .

“… Is there any?”

Ian wasn’t there.

“Uh, where did you go… ?”

After investigating with his entourage, we learned that Ian had left for the city of Fiorene in the eastern part of the continent.

“See… .”

Sylvia clenched her fists and grumbled.

‘How long have I waited for today… . You came to the southern part of the country for no reason… .’

She turned her head to the east for no reason.

Then, as if Ian’s voice could be heard.

‘I wonder if I can see it if I go now… .’

*

Lorenzo di Fiorene.

SS-class warrior.

He has good skills, but is very vain and greedy.

The emperor of the empire, Edipus, was sitting in the center of the banquet hall waiting for Lorenzo and thinking about his characteristics.

The prince had just delivered his news to Lorenzo through his servant.

During the festival, the city is relatively open to outsiders, so Lorenzo must have only just found out about the prince’s visit and is running in a hurry.

What was placed in front of the prince was a cup of black tea and a simple snack like a cookie.

The castle tried to treat him to more than that, but the prince refused.

Because that’s not what I came here for.

Sitting next to him was Wolfgang, the commander of the military police.

Dozens of people were waiting around, including the castle’s head deacon and acting lord Lorenzo.

Originally, according to his personality, he would have sent all but the minimum number of necessary personnel, but today was different.

This means was needed to put pressure on Lorenzo.

In addition to the superficial information he had learned from the imperial family, he recalled Lorenzo’s personality that Ian had told him about.

Before coming here, Ian gave this advice:

‘To put it simply, he is a childlike person who doesn’t know anything about the world. He is someone who has been fighting like a hero even before the current imperial family established a hero system, so he will be even skilled in battle.’

‘But that was all he had in his life. I had absolutely nothing to do with politics, life, relationships, or anything like that. ‘I’m not good at dealing with people and reading the flow.’

‘Also, the mouth is light and the ears are thin. Even though he was often deceived, he was a thorough warrior who figured it all out with his own strength. At the same time, he is also a coward who is extremely wary of his reputation or standing being diminished.’

‘After this, it’s just my guess, but the Anti-Imperial Coalition probably won’t reveal their identity. Even after just a few words with Lorenzo, you can tell that he is not a trustworthy person. In other words, Lorenzo probably doesn’t know their identities… . So, I have one question. ‘What on earth made Lorenzo move?’

Edipus felt a slight headache as he thought about the timid and ostentatious old warrior.

‘It would be easier if you were a moderate coward… . ‘This is someone who needs gentle cajoling rather than pressure.’

Based on Ian’s advice, we put together a rough plan.

It is true that his prophetic abilities contributed most to his rise to his current position, but Edipus also values his insight.

His experience in intervening and resolving large and small situations while running the first party cannot be ignored either.

Especially since the opponent is a hero, there is a high probability that Ian will be right.

“Ah, my gosh… ! Aren’t you the prince?”

Before long, the door to the banquet room opened, and someone appeared with a loud speech.

“Wow, ayu, this is me, I’m really sorry! If you had told me in advance, no, I’m not blaming the prince… !”

Tall and bulky physique.

However, he is so strong that you can feel the muscles of a warrior hidden beneath the skin.

Incongruent with his appearance, his expression is a bit servile.

His beard, which clumsily imitates the dignity of an aristocrat, trembles along with his chin.

He was excited to see the simple refreshments prepared in front of the prince.

“No… ! The prince came, but only here and there… !”

“It’s okay.”

The prince was the first to raise his hand to stop him.

“I told you to do it, that’s enough.”

“Ah, ahhh… ! Well, you said that. Ah, uhm… .”

Lorenzo cleared his throat and didn’t know what to do.

There was no courtesy or formality at all when meeting the prince.

“Sit down.”

“Ah, yes… ! Thank you!”

Lorenzo seemed to be thirsty, so he poured the tea with his own hand and gulped it down as if he were drinking cold water.

The servants were saddened by the rudeness, but Eedipus quietly observed his actions and demeanor.

Even if you don’t necessarily listen to what people say, people’s actions reveal a lot of information.

‘… ‘It’s just as Ian said.’

Edipus has three purposes.

Concrete location of remnants of the Anti-Imperial Coalition whose whereabouts are unknown.

The identity of the remaining remnants has not yet been revealed.

And, how involved was Lorenzo?

In order not to hide from surprise, Ediphus opened his mouth with a gentle smile.

“I apologize for not notifying you in advance. I also happened to hear it, so I came here unplanned.”

“Oh, that’s not it… .”

“It is said that it is a competition held by the empire’s proud warriors, especially SS-class warriors, but there is no time to go through unnecessary procedures. I hope you understand that I have high expectations for you.”

“… ! Yes, yes… ! I know, of course! Haha, haha-!”

Lorenzo could not hide his joy at the sincere praise.

As he is a coward and has a strong desire for fame, he is weak to praise.

‘It will be solved surprisingly easily.’

Once again, I am reminded of the metaphor that Ian added at the end, which is somewhat vulgar to say in front of the prince.

‘Hukou is hukou because it is hukou for everyone.’

Emperor Ediphus’ eloquent speaking skills captured Lorenzo’s spirit.

*

“Holy shit! Why on earth did the Emperor come here… !”

Henry Somerset slams the wall! I pounded and shouted.

At best, it only hurt my hands, but I needed to at least vent my anger.

Edgar, the leader of the Liberal League, quietly watched him.

“You probably didn’t come here knowing everything… ? Lorenzo What if that person tells everything?”

“I’m so crazy I’m going to die. Didn’t you say you didn’t tell that rude count everything?”

“That’s why it’s more of a problem. I’m just an unofficial guest here! Lorenzo has no reason not to say my name!”

Edgar had no choice but to agree with those words.

“There will be military police stationed at the entrance to the city, so it will be difficult to escape… .”

Edgar was equally embarrassed.

He is being chased by the military police.

The good news was that, unlike the noble sons Henry and Gustav, Edgar’s montage was not specifically known.

“Damn… . First, I have to tell Gustav about this. There must be something he can do… .”

Henry quickly wrote a letter on the spot and handed it to Edgar.

“Please. I can’t go out, so please pass it on to the employee outside.”

Edgar received the letter and opened the door.

Coincidentally, Lorenzo had also come to this place and was right beyond the door.

“Ah, dear friends. Do you like the place I have prepared?”

“Then, of course… !”

Henry answered, hiding his embarrassment.

“Edgar, where are you going?”

“I have some business to run.”

“Hmm.”

Lorenzo looked Edgar up and down with mischievous eyes.

Unlike Henry and Gustav, he is a barbaric man with no sense of aristocratic elegance.

However, they were kept in this castle because they were close friends.

“I see. Then, let’s do some business. Henry, I have good news for you.”

“… What is it?”

“The prince wants to see you.”

“… … .”

As Henry worried.

Lorenzo told in detail the fact that Henry was staying here.

He added with a big smile.

“How glorious is this?”

Henry, who was stiff, immediately thought of the names of Kylie and Beatrice.

No matter how much you call them, if you hear their names… .

*

Edgar left the castle, leaving behind a contemplative Henry.

He pretended to be calm, but even he was in a difficult situation.

The Emperor came here accompanied by military police.

What it meant was very clear.

If things continue like this, it won’t be surprising if one’s head falls off.

‘Have I been complacent…? .’

After the organization’s prestige was greatly reduced by a guy named Ian, Edgar became impatient.

There are only a few large criminal organizations on this continent, but since there are so few, once you look down on them, you have no choice but to keep looking down on them.

Still, safety was my top priority, so I was always careful.

The possibility of entering Supebia, which no organization could touch, was too fragrant honey.

For a moment, the sweet scent clouded my judgment.

It is not necessarily a matter of judgment.

The plan for the public examination went awry due to Ian, Lydia was put on the tail, Bertolt’s name was revealed, and until now.

It was impossible for Edgar or Henry to understand this trend.

He may be able to hide because his main base is nearby, but he doesn’t know how many military police forces will be in this city.

It is rare for people to recognize themselves at a glance.

That’s why I’ve been active so unnoticed.

However, if you are caught in an unexpected search, you will be found out right away.

On the way back from handing over the letter to Henry’s employee, Edgar blamed Ian.

‘If it weren’t for that guy… .’

I stayed here because of the possibility that he might come to Lorenzo’s duel competition.

So, from Edgar’s perspective, it seemed like Ian was the culprit of all of this.

‘Is there any way to check if it’s here…? . Once confirmed, you can leave right away… .’

As he paused and pondered, a man carrying a woman with black hair and a bandage on her face passed by.

‘Where are you…? .’

***

I brought Lucia, who had fainted, to my room and laid her on the bed.

I couldn’t help it.

None of the servants of Fiorene Castle passing by could answer about Lucia.

It was like he didn’t know her.

This was a passage that showed how Lucia was treated in the Fiorene family hierarchy.

That too was questionable.

He is the second superhuman among Lorenzo’s children and has such talent.

Why on earth am I being treated like that?

I thought as I looked down at Lucia, who had fainted for a moment.

What Lorenzo pursues is restrained movement.

Because of his inferiority complex due to his basic origins, he values aristocratic elegance even in battle.

On the other hand, Lucia’s battle… He is strong, but not noble.

It can also be said to be cruel and cowardly.

Do you hate your superhuman daughter simply because of that?

If it’s Lorenzo… It seems like that might be possible.

Because he is a person who harbors illusions about aristocratic life and culture.

The reason he deals with ‘swordsmanship’ also stems from that fantasy.

A sword is a noble’s weapon or something.

But no matter what, he is the ‘superhuman’ I have longed for.

Do you hate it that much?

I know him a little bit during the second meeting, but since we don’t know each other very well, I can’t say anything for sure.

A trickle of blood flowed from Lucia’s mouth as she lay quietly.

Did he not simply collapse from exhaustion, but suffered internal injuries?

There is no corner… .

After wiping away the blood, I supported the back of the head with my left hand and took a sip of the potion.

I’m not sure if I’m completely unconscious, but I drink a little bit.

It was like this, but no useful information came out… .

By the way, it is also questionable why a superhuman with strong resistance to most diseases suffers from such diseases.

This is my first time seeing someone with this much tangled mana circuit.

Not only was he breathing hard, but the bandage had already become dirty with red and yellow pus.

When I carefully inspected the small exposed neck, I noticed lumpy hives and inflammation.

A lesion at a level that is almost theoretically impossible… .

– Rumble.

“Ian! We give you a gift… !”

Suddenly, Mercy stormed in.

Not only Mercy, but also Kati, Vivian, and Helena who accompanied her.

I froze in place when I saw what I was like now.

So, the person who was holding Lucia’s head and examining the lesion on the nape of her neck… .

“… I know it’s easy to misunderstand. I can explain.”

“… … .”

The door closed quietly against my will.

Behind the closed door, the sound of footsteps that felt cold somehow became more and more distant.

“… Ah.”

*

By the time I had finished giving a general explanation to Katy about the Ring of Subordination, Lucia woke up.

“Are you conscious?”

“… Sorry.”

Lucia quickly grasped the situation and apologized.

It seemed like something familiar to her.

“How much do I… .”

“Not old”

“Is that so.”

Lucia, who was quiet for a moment, spoke calmly.

“Of course it won’t work.”

It meant that I wasn’t enough to help him.

It was amazing, but it’s not worth worrying about because he had the stamina to pass out after only a few minutes of fighting.

“I’m not sure about that yet… . I have a lot of questions, so I’ll start by asking the ones I’m most curious about. Why do you want to participate in the duel competition? Is money the goal?”

She is Lorenzo’s daughter, a superhuman, and has overwhelming talent, although it is different from the direction Lorenzo pursues.

You will be able to enjoy Lorenzo’s favor and your family’s glory without having to go down a difficult path.

But why?

With such an inconvenient disease?

Lucia quietly looked into my eyes and answered in that calm voice.

“… Actually, I am not Lorenzo’s child.”

“… Yes?”

“And, my goal is to kill everyone in the Fiorene family, including Lorenzo.”

… no way.

The reason she was the only survivor of the Fiorene family in episode 2… .