Part 2 Chapter 44

Part 2 Episode 44

The male official and the external guild members he had called for help looked thoroughly intimidated. It was understandable, especially since it was none other than Raphael standing before them.

And Raphael… his expression seemed to be growing fiercer lately, and his temper had become a bit prickly, too.

When he was younger, he rarely got angry, but these days, he acted like he was ready to devour someone at the slightest provocation.

Was it because he’s a duke now? There must be a lot more things to be upset about now. I wished those bothering him would get their act together.

“Hmm. There are too many eyes here—shall we continue this conversation inside the residence? Viscount Weatherwoods, may we enter?”

Phew.

I nodded at Desherro’s words. With one hand holding Rue and the other gripping the Legion official (he looked at me with eyes screaming, “Why me?!” but there was no helping it), I stepped inside the headquarters.

The office had already been neatly cleaned by the quick-witted assassin-butler. However, one peculiar object remained untouched.

“Ah, the furious hedgehog duke has arrived.”

The Swordmaster, wearing a shoddy pink rabbit mask made haphazardly out of paper—who knows where he got it—turned his head while reading the “New Hero Report.”

“……”

“……”

A low, dignified voice.

A slender yet impressively tall and intimidating stature.

And an unfinished pink rabbit paper mask.

Maybe it was because of this bizarre combination that no one could open their mouth easily, and the Swordmaster flailed about freely like a fish in water amidst the strangely frozen atmosphere.

“Pleasure to meet you, Duke Raphael Zenail. I am the handsome swordsman affiliated with the Gray Spear Guild.”

“……”

“For reference, ‘Handsome Swordsman’ is an impeccably fitting title given to the finest swordsman in Penrotta, chosen by the great eye of the Viscount Weatherwoods herself.”

He opened his mouth again, then.

My shameless master was already brazen enough, but with the mask on, he seemed even more audacious.

Fortunately, the silence didn’t last long. Thud. Raphael, who sat himself across from the Swordmaster, massaged his forehead and asked in a deeply uncomfortable voice:

“Just what… are you up to?”

“What am I up to? This handsome swordsman is merely acting on the trust of the guild master, which is why our Sir Andert and I will be crossing the Wall of Fire.”

“The Wall of Fire? That place…”

Desherro, sitting beside Raphael with a puzzled expression, turned to the Legion official.

“Ah, could it be that the <Gray Spear> has been selected as the support guild for the second-half party? In that case, you must be the Legion’s guild support liaison.”

The man from before snapped to attention and saluted with a rigid expression. Why was he saluting?

“Yes! The guild has been selected as the support guild for the Demon Slaying party! H-however, we have no record of this ‘Handsome Swordsman,’ and Sir Andert Fager’s records are also…”

“Ah. Are you doubting his reputation?”

“N-not at all! I only meant it’s difficult to verify given how sudden this is!”

Raphael’s cold crimson eyes fixed on me.

“Indeed. This is rather sudden news for us as well.”

“……W-well, while it is truly an honor to meet you like this, Duke Zenail, if you could perhaps vouch for the authenticity of his support… it would make reporting to my superiors much smoother.”

This official… though prickly, certainly knew how to handle his job.

Desherro smiled faintly, his gaze just as icy as Raphael’s as he stared at me.

“I, too, am genuinely curious. Viscount Weatherwoods? Why don’t you come over and take a seat instead of standing there blankly?”

Rue had already disappeared before I knew it. It’s bothersome, so take care of it yourself. How cold-hearted of my lover.

Left alone, I had no choice but to slump dejectedly into the seat beside the Swordmaster.

Now that I thought about it, this felt unfair.

‘I’m just doing what needs to be done. Why should I be the one feeling intimidated?’

Don’t back down.

To my left was the Swordmaster, to my right was Ash. I might as well be the strongest person in the world right now.

“Please explain why Sir Andert must go to the Wall of Fire.”

In response to Desherro’s request, I answered confidently.

“It just worked out that way.”

The reaction wasn’t positive, so I hurriedly added more.

“It was the best possible measure. Raphael, you know this too—my family hasn’t been able to go outside for a long time. So, I had to step up… no, Andert Fager had to step up.”

“As I understand it, the guild has nearly a hundred members aside from your four or five family members.”

It was the assassin-butler standing by the door who countered Desherro’s unwavering response.

“We dismissed all external personnel two days ago. Thus, only a handful of guild members are available for dispatch.”

Nice one, butler assassin.

“What? All of them?!”

Ignoring the stunned Legion official, I met Raphael’s gaze with a look that said, ‘Try and stop me if you can.’

“If Natasha hears about today, she’ll be furious.”

“…I suppose so.”

“We have no intention of restricting your freedom, Viscount Weatherwoods.”

“…….”

“No… Actually, I do feel the need to restrain you. You’ve always done as you pleased, disappearing without a word and only returning as you please after some long time.”

Just as I began to ease, his chilling gaze returned, freezing me to the core. Sensing his genuine concern, I found myself reflexively falling into a posture of remorse. I couldn’t find any excuse.

“The world has changed a lot over the past eight years. The Containinos Republic didn’t gather heroes from across the globe and stake the Crucible of Deus for nothing. And you don’t necessarily need to be part of it, Viscount Weatherwoods.”

“…….”

“We just want you too… We just want you to relax for a bit. Rest.”

Desherro also gave a slow, deliberate blink, as if agreeing with his words.

I understood the concern of my dear friends.

At times, I wonder how someone like me ended up with such remarkable companions.

But I still had work to do.

“Rein is my sworn enemy.”

Because I was born a stubborn fool.

“Right before my eyes, he burned down an entire neighborhood and stole my heart. As if that weren’t enough, he even cursed the employees of the estate.”

I understood my friend’s worries, but I could not accept or act upon them.

“This isn’t something to be solved by watching from the sidelines or running away. From the very beginning, what he’s after is my heart.”

The mention of “heart” briefly silenced the office.

Hold on, they’re not mistaking my words to mean taking my heart romantically, are they? I wasn’t talking about a romantic confession!

“…I see. I didn’t expect you to be persuaded by our words anyway.”

Contrary to my expectations, Raphael calmly acknowledged it, his eyes firm with resolve as he parted his dry lips.

“Then I will go as well.”

What?

“I will cross the Wall of Fire with you.”

Are you insane?

“No! Absolutely not!”

“Absolutely not!”

Yes, Deshero! Stop him!

“Please remain calm and not get carried away, Your Excellency. If even you leave your post, what will become of this nation?”

The oblivious Swordmaster shook his head and laughed.

“The Duke is always so impulsive. Haha. Temperament certainly doesn’t change with age. Wouldn’t you agree?”

“I’d rather not hear that from you, Your Grace.”

Just imagining Raphael nitpicking my every move made me break out in a cold sweat. I was relieved to see everyone holding him back.

“Let me say it again. You going is absolutely out of the question. I don’t need to add to the list of reasons. If you insist on going, you’ll have to cut off my head first.”

Sigh. At Desherro’s threat, Raphael let out a short breath and sank deeper into the sofa.

“That’s enough. Don’t actually offer your neck so seriously, Deshero. I was only joking.”

Everyone’s expressions brightened like the sun.

“Phew. I’m glad you understand. In that case, I have something for Sir Andert first.”

Desherro, who had been sighing repeatedly, placed the box he’d been holding onto the table.

“What’s this?”

“Assets to be bestowed upon the Vladiev family by order of His Majesty the Emperor. The list is quite long—lands, treasures, personnel, estates—so please review it. You must also attend the Medal of Honor ceremony which will be held a month from now. Without fail. Absolutely.”

We’re rich!

I glanced with joy at the assassin-butler, who nodded back with a kindly smile.

‘But a month from now… that’s plenty of time. I should be able to attend without any issues, right?’

Just then—

“……Um, I’m sorry to interrupt your conversation, but…”

All eyes turned to the Legion official.

“According to the schedule, if the support personnel are confirmed, we must board the ship to Contaninos by dawn tomorrow…”

He bowed his head in the most respectful manner he’d shown so far.

“So, may I ask… if Sir Andert Fager’s support has been confirmed?”