episode_0127

“Take it off.”

Marie said.

He’s as outspoken as any character I’ve ever seen.

But why are you doing this to me?

“I don’t like it.”

“Oh, take it off. What do you have hidden in your body? I can show it too!”

“No, what are you talking about?”

“It’s because I’m short, but it’s different inside!”

“Ah, I’m not curious! I don’t like it!”

“What? no? How soft am I… !”

For a long time, there was an argument that had no logic at all.

In the end, Marie walked out in a huff.

I left behind the internal documents of the Manager’s Guild that I brought.

‘I didn’t say the right thing… . Why on earth is it like that? Rather, I think there was someone outside when the door opened… .’

I was so busy arguing with Mari that I even forgot to pay attention to my surroundings for a moment.

At first glance, it looks like there were strawberries, oranges and grapes.

It’s my mood… Maybe not.

What on earth are you three doing?

*

Maybe it was my job to guide the training of those three, but I didn’t have time to investigate the suspicious and insidious behavior I was seeing these days.

It was early in the morning when Marie came.

Around noon, the Wolf Gang came to visit.

Everyone in the castle was more tense than ever.

It’s a different kind of tension than when the princess came to visit.

This tension stems from fear.

‘It makes sense since the original purpose of the military police is to hunt down corrupt officials to maintain public order.’

“Wolf Gang. Welcome.”

I came out to the gate to greet Wolfgang.

Wolfgang came out, looked around, and laughed.

“It’s hard to adapt.”

“Me too.”

“Is it okay for the Count to say that?”

“There has already been a rumor that he is a bit of an asshole.”

Wolfgang chuckled at those words.

The maids and butlers who came to see them off became thoughtful.

Anyway, he comes out to greet a distinguished guest, but he’s not even dressed properly, so he has nothing to say even if he’s called a bastard count.

Since the day of the ceremony, I have never worn that noble attire.

Wolfgang just laughed as if he didn’t care about that.

“Let’s go inside first.”

“Let’s do that.”

I moved to the living room.

The business for calling him today is simple.

Trying to control the discipline of people within the province is both a business and an accident.

“Has Penny’s death sentence been carried out?”

Wolfgang shook his head while eating a cookie.

“Not yet. I’m waiting in the detention center.”

“Hmm.”

“I was scheduled to be sent to the guillotine. Would you like to come and have a look?”

“No. That’s not what I’m curious about.”

Wolfgang, sipping tea, grinned.

“Do you have a plan again?”

It’s a joke.

I chuckled because it was such an appropriate expression.

“It is a very dark plot to say that there is no way to exonerate a death row inmate whose sentence has been confirmed.”

“Aha. What do you want to use it for?”

“I plan to take over the Manager Guild and appoint a manager to replace me.”

“The idea is good, but isn’t it a very trustworthy greeting?”

“Still, he’s a guy who used to do it, so I think he’s better than me. Although there must be a condition of being a good listener.”

That is not the only purpose.

What is important is the symbol.

By taking the guild master who was on death row and putting him back in his place, he will show off his dominance over the entire guild.

The penny is used as a symbol, and it is enough just to report to me everything that happens in the guild.

“Instead, we will attach a trustworthy person next to us to monitor.”

My plan is simple.

Use the Manager Guild to raise the overall quality of your warriors.

At this time, Penny is reinstated and several managers who can keep Penny in check are hired.

Several people, including the former sub-master, who have now replaced Penny as masters.

And, Marie watches them and reports to me.

It didn’t come from my head, I discussed it with Charles.

You don’t really need the penny, so it doesn’t matter if you can’t get it out.

It’s just the kind of card that’s good if you can use it, and doesn’t matter if you don’t have it.

“Penny isn’t actually that big of a criminal, so if she does well, she can get her sentence commuted. Above all, it is your request, Ian. But is it possible to take over the guild? Isn’t there a guy who is a master now? You might get rejected.”

“You have to make an offer they can’t refuse.”

“Khahahaha-!”

Wolfgang laughed evilly at my calm answer.

“Ah, as expected. It’s a shame you’re not in the military police.”

“If that happens, I don’t think the imperial order will survive.”

“That would also be a fun thing to see. I understand what you are saying. Dealing with death row inmates is within my authority and that of His Majesty the Emperor, so let’s talk about it positively.”

“Thank you. Oh, and please tell His Majesty the Emperor to be careful of the west because fall is coming.”

“I will.”

After shaking hands with Wolfgang, I saw him off.

He also obtained an appointment to meet Penny before his exoneration.

You can’t just take it out and use it.

“Phew… .”

The work isn’t over yet.

The next guest is a bigger guy.

This is why I hated the title of nobility.

Why is there so much happening?

Still, there are some things that will take care of the rest if you do them, so you should do them in advance.

*

In the afternoon, Johannes, the Holy Father of Seonghwa Church, visited.

His visit was scheduled early, so there was no emergency at the castle.

Once the owner of a new territory is decided, the Emperor is expected to visit to bless the entire territory.

Charles, the deacon, and Veronica, the bishop of my land, greeted the great crowd.

Then, the four of them toured the jurisdiction together, gave blessings, and returned to the castle.

Only Seonghwang and I sat in the living room.

“You have been given fertile land. Ian.”

“The land utilization rate is still not good.”

“That’s a problem you can solve quickly.”

“With His Majesty’s blessing, things will go even better.”

Johannes laughed.

I guess the problem is that I feel like I’m talking about things I don’t really mean after being given a title.

“I have something to tell you, so I asked you to stay patiently.”

“If it’s Ian’s request, I’ll be happy to do so.”

I was reluctant and started from the main point.

“I will bring prisoners into my territory.”

“… … .”

A moment of silence.

The gentle and benevolent smile remains like a mask.

However, I saw eyebrows shaking for a moment.

“Ian, that’s… .”

“Berthold.”

He paused on purpose, and just as he was about to say something, he pulled out a negotiation card.

We need to make it clear that the conversation is in control.

“Bertolt Schultz. Bishop of the Southeastern Diocese. He again led the plan to establish a sacred nation and joined hands with the remnants of the Anti-Imperial Coalition, but was discovered and fled. Afterwards, while hiding in a hidden dungeon, he was attacked by a monster and died. This is how it was written and it is known.”

“… … .”

“Officially. Even the imperial family knows that.”

And, having dug into the inside story myself and brought it to you, I know the ‘unofficial truth’.

I am now threatening the entire Seonghwa Church.

Nothing major.

Not even the first time.

“There is no need for any support from Seonghwagyo.”

“Ian… . Just because you are now pushing for something like that will have a huge impact. Regardless of my position.”

“I know. I’m still going to do it though.”

“… … .”

“I don’t go out like that. This means that the truth about the prisoner is not going to be announced right away.”

His expression seemed untrustworthy, but he didn’t point it out.

“Gradually. I will first make them accept the residents of my land.”

“What are you…? . ha… .”

He sighed deeply, folded his hands as if praying, and muttered.

“Fire… . Is this really your guidance? .”

Frowning, he took one look at the ceiling and nodded.

“I will follow. If that is your path as an apostle… .”

Anyway, Seonghwang has no choice.

He also warned Seongwang once more about the sea dragon that would soon appear in the western sea.

Since many people may be injured, the role of the Seonghwa Bridge is also important.

“Phew… .”

After seeing off the crowd, I returned to my office and sat down.

I’m tired.

What’s even more terrifying is that there’s still work left to do.

It would be much easier to travel around and train with the fruit warriors.

Since I train and work at the same time, I don’t feel tired.

‘To be exact, it’s not that my body is tired, but that I have a headache because I have more things to worry about… .’

After sitting back in the chair for a moment, the door swung open.

I can’t see anyone.

I can’t hear anything, but I know who’s coming.

“nyang.”

Katy jumped up on the desk.

Kati mostly spends her days in the castle in the form of a cat.

That’s because it’s easier to get to me that way.

My group, including Katy, didn’t really need anyone’s permission to come visit me, but there were a lot of eyes watching the castle.

“Nyaang-.”

I put my arms around Katy and picked her up, and she let herself go comfortably.

I relieved my fatigue by petting Katy for a while.

It’s soft, soft, and warm, so it makes you feel drowsy.

“Nyaah… .”

More than anything else, it’s good to spend time stroking it at times like this because it puts your mind at ease.

“… Oh right. Do you know what fruit warriors are doing these days?”

“nyang?”

“No, I guess I should say it’s somehow suspicious… . Yesterday and today I haven’t seen you except during training, so I don’t know what you’re doing.”

“… … .”

I think I just growled lowly. Is it because of my mood?

Soon, Kati closed her eyes and purred as if she was in a good mood.

After stroking it a few more times, I placed it on my desk and finished organizing my schedule.

‘They said there were no blacksmiths because they were driven out, and the clothes were made by handicrafts at home by the residents. I’ll have to go to Supervia soon, stop by the Manager’s Guild, and see if I can bring Anton and Ruby.’

Kati quickly fell asleep with her tail on my arm.

***

-Take it off.

The three fruit warriors still haven’t forgotten Marie’s shocking direct words.

It was something that went beyond the word ‘honesty’.

The fruits had to put their peeling plans on hold for a while.

Because of Marie, his vigilance must have reached its peak.

We even made eye contact when the door opened.

So, you need to take some time.

Until Ian’s guard lowered a little.

“Ha… .”

By the time I decided that.

Lucia let out a deep sigh.

“I wonder if I have to do something like this… .”

A sense of self-destruction came over me later.

What on earth are you doing?

Why is Ian’s body doing this?

Vivian and Helena, who heard the story, had similar feelings.

Suddenly, they look back on their short alliance and operations.

It was shameful.

What on earth were you trying to do?

‘But, what I’m curious about is the truth… .’

Although I was ashamed and embarrassed, my curiosity still remained.

*

“… Okay.”

Lucia woke up earlier than usual.

It’s because I toss and turn in my sleep because of plans that couldn’t be accomplished.

Although she felt an unexpected sense of self-destruction, it was true that she was also disappointed.

I stand up in a daze and look around the spacious 5-person room.

The scene of the room is cozy and has a cute side thanks to Vivian’s taste and touch.

Each bed is decorated to suit each person’s taste.

Today, Helena was in charge of Mercy.

I lay down, combed my smooth purple hair with my fingers, and then got up right away.

I couldn’t sleep again.

The late summer dawn might not be that cool, but I just wanted to go for a walk.

I don’t know everything about this castle yet.

It was a night when both the maid and butler were asleep.

The maid in charge, who would come running when the bell was rang, also fell asleep.

This is an opportunity to fully explore the castle without any interruption.

This place is smaller than Fiorene Castle, but it is not lacking.

I like this place, which is simple but full of people, rather than a desolate place.

Suddenly, Lucia got up and carefully left the room.

As I walked aimlessly, I headed towards the training ground used by the fruit warriors.

This is a space located behind the castle, covered with soft grass and open on all sides.

It may be cold in the winter, but there is no need to worry because there is a separate indoor training ground.

It wasn’t a bad idea to imagine training in the snow with great heat.

I arrived with that kind of imagination in mind… .

‘Who is it… ?’

Someone was at the training ground.

I couldn’t see it yet, but I knew it by sound.

Creak, creak.

The sound of the iron bar used when doing pull-ups moving.

Rough breathing that occurs when exercising.

When I turned around the hallway and saw the open training area, I was startled and closed my eyes.

The blatant flesh color was moving passionately there.

That too for a moment.

When I opened my eyes out of curiosity, what I saw was Ian exercising with his shirt off.

“… … .”

Lucia wasn’t even aware of what she was looking at.

I looked at the body in fascination.

It was closer to appreciation rather than seeing.

I dismantled every inch of his body with my gaze.

‘This is what the human body looks like.’

To the point where I could feel that way, his muscles were clear and huge.

The muscles that wriggled each time they moved seemed like living creatures in themselves.

The wide shoulders and spread back reminded me of a huge bear or tiger.

The awkward feelings disappeared.

I was just amazed by the sheer physical beauty.

That too for a while.

Lucia recognized something even smaller.

‘The scar… There are so many.’

Was his body like drawing paper prepared for drawing scars?

I even had that thought.

Cuts, stabs, scratches, scratches, tears.

Even burn marks.

There was no scar anywhere on his body below his neck.

‘How can this happen…’ ?’

It wasn’t just a small scar.

There were many large, deep scars, each of which looked like a fatal wound.

I wonder how they are alive.

In particular, that gap-like scar visible in the middle of the back.

It was as if it had penetrated the front and back of my body.

‘It looks painful just by looking at it… .’

It was a body that was far from beautiful.

Even when viewed from behind, the thickness of the body can be felt, the pulsating muscles, and the traces of wounds passing over it without hesitation were even barbaric.

But, why?

What feels more aesthetic than any other work of art?

The moment I watched with fascination.

Ian turned around and made eye contact.

“Huh… !”

Lucia covered her mouth with both hands, but she could not hide herself.

The front of Ian evoked a different impression than the back.

‘Look, you can’t look…’ !’

I turned my head.

But my eyes didn’t turn.

Her eyes swept over Ian’s body as if she was seeing a male creature for the first time.

Even though I know it’s very rude.

The muscles of the entire body were split and bulged, and the chest that matched the broad shoulders were so sturdy that you would want to lean on them just by looking at them.

The tendons on his arms looked as nervous as his face.

Sweat flowed through my muscles.

‘There are a lot of scars on the front too… . There is something in front of it that looks like it was opened… .’

And the veins visible in the lower abdomen extend downward and into the pants… .

“No-!”

Lucia closed her eyes tightly and shouted.

The afterimage I had just seen flickered beneath my eyelids.

There was a sound of laughter coming from the direction where Ian was.

“What’s wrong?”

-Jump, jerk.

At the sound of steps, Lucia hurriedly put her hand forward.

“Oh, don’t come… !”

– Jeopuk.

Still, I didn’t stop walking.

I could feel his shadow beyond my eyelids.

Ian is close.

Lucia’s heart throbbed.