episode_0125

“… … .”

I looked at the two people sitting side by side on the guest chairs in the living room.

The two only glanced at me, unable to make direct eye contact.

aria.

And Kylie.

I asked the maid who served the tea.

“What is it?”

“Ian, uh, sorry… . I was wrong.”

“Ian. Well, I’m sorry. So I’m here to apologize… .”

They were found guilty, but their sentences were suspended due to a judicial deal.

So, when there is no work, there is a certain amount of freedom to come like this during the permitted time.

But, do you want me to hire you as a hero?

That’s impossible.

“Say something that makes sense. Aren’t you two now in a position where you have to move under orders from the imperial family?”

“Ma, that’s right… . but! If it’s him, this, Ian… . Isn’t it possible to manage it a little bit? Because I wanted to… . It’s okay if it’s just managed.”

“I’m not necessarily asking you to collect it now. So, even later… . Won’t this sentence end later? Because it’s better after that… .”

The two of them were busy talking at the same time, but they heard everything.

However, Kylie is too optimistic.

‘The death penalty and life imprisonment were suspended, but wouldn’t they at least be released only after the war ends… .’

I felt sick, so I took a sip of tea.

From the moment he raised his glass, he kept his mouth shut and watched, probably because he thought he shouldn’t be disturbed.

‘What on earth is this?’

The expressions on both of their faces are strange and awkward.

This is my first time seeing a face like this.

Desperate, earnest, and a little intimidated.

‘Why on earth is this happening?’

I’ve seen this kind of expression on other people.

People who barely find the light and try to chase it in the dark underground without a shred of hope.

Such people often do this.

Are you laughing or crying?

Are you happy or sad?

A complex expression that is difficult to discern.

I heard that my skills have declined.

Since one of Kylie’s arms was blown off, things won’t be the same anymore.

‘But why are you doing this to me?’

It makes me wonder that it was I who came looking for the solution.

No matter how much I do, I can’t make an arm that doesn’t exist.

“Let’s go back.”

I put down the teacup and said.

“I’m sorry, but I feel like I’m incompetent to help you both.”

“Oh, no… !”

“Why do you say that… !”

“Anyway. There is no help I can give you.”

“… … .”

But I’m curious about one thing.

“Rather, how did you come here?”

“Ah… .”

While Aria was stuttering, Kylie hastily explained.

“I took a break for a few days, and a warp portal appeared on the front line! After hearing about it, it turned out to be a very useful item. After hearing about the currently available transfer points, I heard that there was a place that had been newly adjusted to Ian territory, so I came right away. I was already trying to find you, so it worked out… Oh, no.”

There’s a warp portal on the front line.

As expected, warp portals appear to be being installed smoothly at each major location.

I haven’t checked everything yet, but I’ll look into it later.

“I understand. Let’s go back now. And even though he got a reprieve, it wouldn’t be a good idea to walk around like this. The imperial family will always be watching your movements.”

So, don’t come looking for me, but listen carefully to what the imperial family says.

That’s what I meant… .

“… … .”

Aria’s eyes became bright as she looked at me.

Kylie watched with her eyebrows furrowed, then lowered her head, covering her eyes.

“Ian… .”

Aria said.

“Um, us… Are you worried… ?”

“… Yes?”

“Ha… .”

Kylie muttered with a sigh.

“You still love us… .”

for a moment.

What is this touched reaction?

“I think there is a small misunderstanding… .”

“We actually knew… .”

What on earth.

“In court, Ian defended us to protect us… .”

“The misunderstanding was not a small one.”

“At that time, Ian could tell it like it is in front of people. Right?”

No, it could have happened.

“I’m just annoying… .”

“But you… . Out of concern for us, he did not reveal the truth.

“Not at all.”

“I’ve heard a lot about you since then.”

Are you not listening to me?

“Philip… It had an unusual name. That name you told us was one of your entourage.”

“I was puzzled. Why did you do such a troublesome thing? Why did he hide himself so thoroughly? .”

Kylie and Aria looked up at the same time and looked at me.

I feel a threat to my life in a different way than before.

It’s a bit scary… .

“It was all because of us… . Because of that material desire that I wanted so much… .”

“Yes. The qualifications, honor, and power that the strong deserve. There was something like that. you for that… .”

That’s true, but it’s not something I did with the specific expectation of gratitude.

It’s not like I wanted them to know.

Rather, it’s a bit surprising that I found out about it now.

“Ian, I’m so sorry… . Sylvia feels the same way. I’m always suffering.”

“Beatrice, who is doing rehabilitation training, also said the same thing. It would have been different if I had known a little earlier.”

“Stop. If you two are just going to say what you want to say, what did you come here for? Also, I omitted the explanation because I was worried it would be annoying, not for you.”

I spoke firmly and stood up.

“I don’t think we can have a nutritious conversation if we talk more. I don’t know if you know, but I have a lot of work to do since I took office today. Please leave now.”

I rang the bell and called the maid waiting outside.

“Customers are passing away.”

“Now, wait a minute!”

Aria stood up in a huff and took off her necklace.

“This, this… !”

“I remember sending it back.”

“Well, but… . Apologies come with a price!”

He only says what he wants to say.

“More than that, the feelings of the recipient of an apology are more important.”

“… … .”

“Would you be satisfied with this? ?”

Kylie took off her ring and placed it on the table.

Certainly, that is a rather coveted item.

It not only adjusts the size of the engraved armor to fit the wearer’s body, but also provides temperature and humidity control and automatic cleaning functions according to the environment.

‘It took a while to fit Lucia’s armor because I didn’t have that… .’

Kylie must have thought my hesitation was a sign of hope, so she spoke urgently.

“I’ll just give it to you. To this extent… .”

“Are you really willing to sell it?”

“Of course! … Sales?”

I need it, but I don’t plan on getting it for free.

I knew something would come out from behind.

I told the maid who came in to call Lucia.

Because the opinion of the person who will wear it is also important.

“Ian?”

Lucia came to see Kylie and Aria and frowned slightly.

“What’s going on?”

“I have something to ask you. It only takes a moment.”

I explained the artifact Kylie presented to Lucia, who was sitting next to me.

After hearing everything, Lucia nodded and asked.

“Ian, you think I need that?”

“Yes.”

“Yes. Then I need it too.”

… what.

It is true that she is quick to make decisions and calm like Lucia.

Why is it so close today?

I should say that his tone of voice is softer than usual, but it seems to have a bit of charm mixed in.

It’s not my fault, it’s obviously too close to me.

Although this chair is suitable for multiple people to sit on, it still hit hard.

‘Could it be that they did it on purpose in front of the first party? ?’

These aren’t great people who get upset over things like that.

“… … .”

As expected, their expressions were a little gloomy, but there was nothing special about them.

“I understand. I wasted your time for no reason. You can leave now.”

“Hmm.”

Lucia stood up with her hand on my shoulder.

“Then I’ll go.”

After she left, we proceeded with the transaction.

“How much will it cost?”

“No, I got the money… .”

“That’s 600 gold. I am willing to pay up to 1,000 gold.”

I saved money at the last auction thanks to Grace.

You can pay this much.

It is my complete private property, not the family’s public money, so there is no problem.

“Money really… .”

“If the price you want is not available, I will pay 600 gold.”

I took out a large sack from my subspace pocket.

It is a bag containing 6 gold bars worth 100 gold each.

“I… I am… .”

Kylie couldn’t help but look down at the sack.

“With your current status, you are probably controlled from accumulating assets. If you inform the imperial family of the money you received, they will take care of it.”

“… … .”

She looked back and forth between me and the sack with confused, shaking eyes.

“Okay… . You have always been so meticulous… .”

… What is this again?

Do you think I’m worried about you now?

Did you tell them in advance because you were worried that the imperial family might bother you later?

“… ha. I told you this purely out of concern that it might bother me, but you probably won’t listen anyway.”

Kylie, who was staring at me, nodded heavily.

“Money… I will take it. And, I’ll make sure to return it to you later… .”

“No, just take it and use it.”

“Ian, I… .”

Aria asked belatedly, but there was nothing she needed.

This is one of the reasons I received this ring from Kylie in the first place.

Because without this, Kylie’s power won’t be greatly weakened.

‘Because Kylie’s armor has an environmental adaptation effect in addition to magic resistance. There will be no reason to change to other armor.’

If those who must carry out the imperial family’s orders become weak, it will be difficult for both the imperial family and me.

My heroes are still growing, so until then, I need them to prevent a major situation.

‘The same goes for the sea dragon that will appear in the fall.’

“Please leave.”

“… … .”

Just like before, the maid came in and took the two away.

Before leaving, Kylie stopped and said to me.

“Ian… . I was sorry… .”

With those words, the two completely left.

I took the ring and went out a different door from them.

*

It was quite an awkward experience to greet each butler or maid who saw me as I passed by.

Although Lucia said it was natural for me.

Well, I guess it will take some getting used to.

‘I’m giving orders, but I’ve done it a few times so I’m used to it. ‘It’s very uncomfortable to be respected as if you are a great nobleman.’

anyway.

So I went to the room where the group was gathered.

“Oh. The Count has arrived!”

Mercy chuckled playfully.

“Show yes.”

“ Count Ian’s grace is infinite… .”

“No, no! Who really does that?”

Mercy was about to kneel, so I quickly stopped him.

“Hmm? You told me to do it myself?”

“Be quiet.”

“The Count’s grace… .”

“Don’t do it Lucia either.”

“Chet.”

The place they were in was a 5-person room.

This is a room shared by the Fruit Heroes, including Katy and Mercy.

Across from this room, there is also a room that can be used separately by individuals.

Vivian spoke in a dreamy, dazed voice.

“Hey, Ian… . I don’t really feel reality… .”

Well, wouldn’t the manager in charge become a count overnight?

They are treated as VIPs at the castle, and each person is given two maids.

It must be sudden.

However, Kati and Mercy refused to be maids, and told them to respect their wishes.

Helena also felt awkward.

In the meantime, a calm Lucia asked.

“How was the transaction?”

“It went well.”

I handed over the ring.

It was a ring that was transparent and changed color like a rainbow depending on the viewing angle.

“Elegant… .”

Lucia wore the ring while being admired by Vivian and Helena.

“Hmm. I will write well.”

“How is your last name?”

As soon as the question was asked, the four of them, including the Fruit Hero and Mercy, started listing good points in order.

Of course, friendly attendants.

A spacious room for 5 people to stay together and a private room where each person can decorate and manage freely.

A separate training ground for warriors located behind the castle.

Even nearby gardens and walking trails.

I haven’t looked at everything yet, but I’m glad that you seem to like it.

“What about Galatea?”

Galatea and Malion were also in the room at the time.

Neither of them had a maid.

“Ah… . What should I say… .”

Galatea and Mallion had no maids.

This is because it is not time to reveal Galatea’s identity yet.

However, it is only a matter of time before they are found out because of the baby, so the timing of disclosure must be brought forward as soon as possible.

“Just… . thank you. I thought I would spend my whole life wandering outside. Our condolences… .”

“Thank you… .”

Marlion bowed and bowed.

“If there is no problem, you are done. Rather, I have something to talk about with Lescentimants. Can you find it?”

“Hmm… . Let me take a look.”

It will take quite some time to find it on your own.

I also talked to Mercy.

“Are those elves doing well?”

“Yes, yes. I heard you saw a portal being built. And I don’t know why, but the animals near the west coast city are scared. Some even run away from the city.”

Can animals know in advance when a sea dragon will appear?

The timing may be different from the second time, so I will have to inform the imperial family once more.

“Yes. Tell him to stop by here sometime. It might be difficult if you stay in a remote area. And it would be nice if you could come and help me find Le Sentimant.”

“Hmm.”

Mercy looked up with her head crooked and smiled mischievously.

“You just do pretty things! It didn’t happen that way!”

“Stay away, man.”

I almost hugged him suddenly, but Katy, who was far away, came up and blocked my way.

-width!

Thanks to this, Mercy was able to hold Katy.

“What!”

“No.”

“What!”

“No.”

“Eight, really!”

Leaving the grumbling Mercy behind, I told the Fruit Heroes about our future schedule.

First, we will completely clear out the dungeons in this area.

*

The elf scouts who came to the city seemed very happy to have a place to return to.

In addition to scouting activities, they even gave us precious mushrooms they collected in their free time.

I don’t know how good it is, but seeing as how the chef who received it took off, it’s definitely good.

With the help of the elves, contact was quickly made with Lescentimants.

Since we couldn’t invite them publicly, we met secretly behind the castle late at night when everyone was asleep.

“Is this the same effort you mentioned last time?”

Rhamnus said.

“Yes. I still need to work harder.”

“… … .”

He looked around the cityscape near the castle in silence for a moment.

“In a place like this, we… .”

“Sorry for the delay, but I can’t stay right away.”

“I guess so.”

“There is an unused warehouse in the basement of the castle. I’ll have to stay there for a while.”

“Hmm… . I guess it can’t be helped.”

Rhamnus licked his lips with regret.

“I don’t plan on staying there for the rest of my life. I have something on my mind.”

“Thoughts?”

“Effort is not something I can do alone. Currently, this territory is not peaceful. It seems that monsters overflowing from dungeons often appear on the outskirts of town.”

Rhamnus nodded as if he wanted to continue listening.

“You prisoners can solve that problem. Without revealing your true identity, while leaving clues that you are prisoners. Do you understand?”

“I don’t know who helped me, but are you trying to create a strange flow where I feel like I somehow know who it is?”

“You understand quickly.”

Rhamnus narrowed his eyes, rested his chin and seemed to be thinking, then slowly nodded.

“It’s a fun method. good. But I have a question: Just because we are, it doesn’t mean we can deal with all monsters.”

“If it is difficult to handle, it is enough to just give nearby residents time to evacuate. I will find a way to handle the rest on my own. And our heroes will take care of the dungeon, so don’t touch it.”

“That’s obvious.”

When Rhamnus held out his hand, I shook hands with the bear’s paw.

Soon, under Katy’s guidance, Lescentimants entered the basement one by one.

Then the last time.

A prisoner stood in front of me.

Shiny scales and a thick tail were visible beneath the covered robe.

“… Ian. Did I pronounce it correctly?”

“Okay.”

After taking off his hood, he was a reptile-like human with black scales.

This is the beastman who rebelled against Rhamnus, who tried to cooperate with humans when we met before.

“I am Kartil.”

The pronunciation was different from the standard, perhaps because the tongue was split, but it was not to the point where it was unintelligible.

He bent down so that I could see the back of his head.

“… Thank you.”

With those words, he hurried down to the basement.

You must be embarrassed.

“Master.”

After completing the delivery, Kathi came up.

I couldn’t come out alone, so I brought her, who was perfect for this job.

“You had a hard time… .”

I couldn’t finish my sentence because Kati suddenly hugged me.

Kati, who was in her arms, spoke softly.

“… Thank you.”

There is no reason why I am doing this.

He knows that too.

“I really appreciate your help. Because of me, I couldn’t sleep properly… .”

Kati, who fell from his arms, shook her head resolutely.

“Rather good.”

“Huh?”

“Because I can sleep with my master tonight.”

“… Ah.”

In the end, I had no choice but to sleep in the same bed as my cat, Katy.

***

Lescentimants is working in secret.

The fruit warriors grow by steadily organizing the dungeons in the territory.

One day, Ian was planning to take over the Manager’s Guild.

Today, the Fruit Warriors completed group training at the training ground within the castle instead of going to the dungeon.

After washing and eating, they gathered in the room.

There was a strange tension between the three of them as they stood facing each other.

“I can’t do it.”

Helena glanced around to see if Kati was around, and spoke again as if resolute.

“I need to take it off.”

Vivian and Lucia also nodded solemnly at those words.

One day in late summer.

Something was happening.