Event 3

The moment the explosion erupted.

“AAAAAAHHHH!”

The crowd’s cheers turned into screams.

“There! The magic came from over there!”

“Seal the exits! Don’t let anyone out!”

Soldiers who had been standing by in case something happened rushed toward the spot where the magic had been cast.

“M-move…!”

Chaos erupted as people scrambled from their seats, terrified of being caught in the attack.

“…Lord Marquis! Are you okay?”

It was a terrorist attack.

A bold attempt to target the prime minister of a nation right in the middle of such a major event.

“…It’s been a long time since something like this happened.”

Unexpectedly, he seemed to have plenty of experience with this sort of thing.

The Marquis, who seemed briefly dazed, quickly regained his composure, brushed off his sleeves, and stood up straight.

And..

“I’m fine. Attend to that friend first.”
He looked at me and spoke. Somehow, his tone was much softer than usual.

“You must leave immediately!”

“Wait a moment.”

Even as the knights hurried to escort him from the stage, the marquis waited until I had recovered a little before approaching me.

It wasn’t a long thank-you, but—

“I’m grateful for what you did today.”

Something about it felt very unfamiliar.

Come to think of it, had the Marquis ever thanked me before?

‘…I don’t think so.’

I might recall a moment if I tried hard enough, but none would resemble what I was hearing now. Besides, I’d never done anything to deserve his sincere gratitude.

“When this matter is settled, I’ll call for you separately.”

With those words, the Marquis left, escorted by the knights, and I was left alone, replaying the events that had just happened.

Not that I intended to do this after receiving his thanks, but…

‘…Why did I even do that?’

Honestly, I regretted it a little.

Why did I throw myself in harm’s way to save the Marquis?

Especially from a spell strong enough to injure me, even in my dragon form.

If I had just let it be, the Marquis would’ve died—

‘Ah, maybe not.’

When I asked if Lee Baek-ho could kill the marquis, he had answered with this.

[Uh, that’s tricky… Even if you kill that bastard, he’ll revive in the royal palace.]

[…Revive? What do you mean?]

[Oh, you don’t know about that? Guess it wasn’t in the game. Anyway, the royal family has a relic like that. And the Marquis has it now.]

Whether I intervened or not, the Marquis wouldn’t have died anyway.

‘Well, if I look at it that way, maybe it isn’t so bad.’

I could use this to build favor, then later stab him in the back.

After all, betrayal cuts deepest when it comes from someone you trust.

‘Still… I really should fix this habit of throwing myself into danger.’

Regardless of how this incident turned out, I recognized a bad habit of mine.

Perhaps because of how things work in the Labyrinth, I’ve internalized the idea that I should always take the hit first.

“Th-Thank you.”

“…Huh?”

Now what?

Suddenly, Count Ranglestern, who had won first place in the contest, approached me.

“If you hadn’t pushed me at just the right moment, I would’ve been caught in the blast too. Baron Jandel, you saved my life.”

Ah, I suppose he could interpret it that way.

Come to think of it, he was standing right next to the Marquis when the spell hit. He probably would’ve been seriously injured.

“Glad you’re okay.”

I responded casually. Then, Count Langleston cautiously asked me:

“Pardon me for the blunt question, but… why did you save me?”

It was the same question the Marquis had asked.

I smirked and answered, “Why shouldn’t I have saved you?”

“Well…”

The Count hesitated before continuing honestly.

“I am your rival, right? Without me, you might have won first place instead.”

I almost laughed.

Did he think this contest was some kind of battle royale?

‘Or maybe… it’s just how noble minds work.’

“Even putting that aside, Baron, you have no reason to think fondly of me, do you?”

Translation: Didn’t I act like a jerk to you before?

Honestly, this was a complete coincidence.

I’d actually forgotten about him until he came over to say thanks.

But there was no reason to say that outright.

“I don’t care about such things. I saved you simply because I could.”

I patted his shoulder heartily as I said it.

The Count looked up at me with a strange expression.

“Baron Jandel… you really are just as the rumors say. I sincerely apologize for my past rudeness.”

Hearing such words from someone who had disliked me…

…it was surprisingly satisfying.

[Your character’s Fame has increased by +10.]
[Your character’s Fame has increased by +10.]
[Your character’s Fame has increased by +10…]
[…]
[…]

The construction competition that had drawn so much attention.

And the terrorist attack that occurred there.

Naturally, the entire affair was the talk of the town in Raphdonia by the next morning.

A failed assassination attempt on the Marquis—and the hero who stopped it: Bjorn, son of Jandel.

Though the headlines were different, the core story was the same.

There was no speculation about Noark sending assassins.

No claims that it was a political attack.

Or maybe that his son sought his position and orchestrated it himself.

Wild rumors circulated on the streets, but the press made no such claims.

Even the third-rate newspapers that usually thrived on stirring controversy kept silent on this matter…

‘The Marquis’s influence really is immense.’

It was honestly amazing. Even the papers that would usually twist the story to cast me as the villain fell in line this time.

Then again, he is the kingdom’s second most powerful man.

Anyway.

Three days after the incident—

“Wow… they still haven’t caught the culprit?”

As I flipped through the newspaper to check for updates, Misha peeked over my shoulder.

“Bjorn, who do you think it was? Noark? A political rival? Or that annoying son of his?”

“Don’t know. Probably Noark if I had to guess… but can you back up a bit?”

“What, am I too close?”

I’d noticed that Misha’s mood had improved a lot lately.

Turns out, there was a reason behind her good vibes.

“Me? Not doing anything special. I’ve been exercising with Aynar during the day… and doing some painting after dinner…”

“Painting?”

“Yeah, just picked it up as a hobby. Went to an art gallery with Reins recently and got interested. Oh! Don’t ask to see anything. I’m not showing you!”

If she was comfortable enough to go to art museums with Amelia, then her days of isolation were clearly over.

Her old personality seemed to be returning, too.

‘Though honestly, the shy, quiet version of her was kinda cute too…’

As we kept chatting, I learned that she’d also improved her relationships with others.

“I’m not that close to Gowland yet, but she doesn’t seem so bad… As for Erwin… I’m not sure. Looking back, I think I was more at fault, so I apologized recently, but she avoided me…”

“I see.”

“But I’ve gotten really close with Miss. Emure! She’s super curious about Rotmiller! Oh, and two days ago, I met up with Hikurod and Rotmiller together!”

“What? Why didn’t you invite me?”

“Well, you were out that day, remember?”

Two days ago, I went to the Royal Intelligence Office to answer some questions about the attack.

Damn. If I’d known they had plans like that, I would’ve postponed.

“So… what are you doing today?”

“Today?”

“Yeah. If you’re free, want to come with me to Commelby? My sword hilt is all worn out—I need to replace it…”

“Ah… but I can’t come back with you. Is that okay?”

“Huh? Why not?”

“I’m meeting the Marquiss this evening. I’ll probably go straight to Karnon afterward. Maybe another time—””

“No, that’s totally fine! It’s just dropping off my sword anyway. I’ll get ready now!”

And just like that, Misha got ready at lightning speed, and soon we were off to Commelby.

After leaving her sword at the forge, we grabbed a quick meal, and since we were at Commelby we went to the exchange and spent time looking at the goods.

“Whaaat? Why is everything so cheap? If I had the money, I’d buy it all!”

“Since the labyrinth’s shut down, demand’s collapsed. Prices for exploration tools will keep dropping. Just wait a bit longer.”

Mm… Still, that was fun.”

“Yeah, I enjoyed it too. I’d love to stay longer, but…”

“You have to go, right?”

“Yeah. I promised the Marquis.”

“Alright… Take care.”

After parting with Misha, I went straight to Karnon.

This time, since I had an appointment, there was no fuss at the entrance.

“Welcome, Baron Jandel. The Marquiss is expecting you. Please, this way.”

Even the head butler was waiting for me at the expected arrival time. As I walked through the garden, rows of servants greeted me perfectly.

‘So this is what a real noble house looks like.’

The staff’s manners were naturally graceful. How long does it take to train people like that?

As someone who didn’t have a mansion yet, it was beyond my comprehension.

Sliiide.

I followed the butler, and as the door opened, I stepped into a meeting room that was both elegant and imposing.

‘…How many reception rooms does this house have?’

Come to think of it, the reception room is different every time I come.

It Seems they choose the reception room according to the guest…

‘This one looks the finest so far.’

Even at a glance, I could tell he was treating me pretty well this time.

“You’re here.”

The Marquis himself rose to greet me.

It felt different, there was a time when he only spoke to me through crystal orbs, even when I visited in person.

“…Sit down. Your legs must be hurting.” I said

“Haha, you sit first. Aren’t you the guest?”

“If you say so…”

The Marquiss took his seat once I had sat down, and from there, our conversation began naturally.

“Everyone’s talking about that incident these days. Have you figured out who the culprit is?”

“Not yet. The deeper we dig, the more it feels like it was thoroughly prepared. If it weren’t for you, I would have been in serious trouble.”

Anyone would’ve done the same.

…Serious trouble, huh.

So he’s still not planning to tell me about that resurrection item?

I couldn’t read his intentions, but his compliments toward me continued.

“Anyone could have done it, you say… Well, there were many nobles and many knights there that day, but when things exploded, you were the only one who threw yourself forward for me.”

“You were just lucky, Marquis.”

“I heard about the conversation you had with Count Langleston through the newspaper. You answered that you saved him simply because you could? Is that true?”

“Well… it is true, but…”

Since I wasn’t fond of being complimented so directly, I tried to change the subject.

“So, why did you call me here today?”

“First, I thought it was only right to update you on the progress of this incident. Ah, and I also intended to inform you that the reconstruction of District 7 will be entrusted to House Jandel. You should be contacted soon.”

So that’s settled. It’s a relief.

“But that’s not the main point, so let’s move on quickly.”

“…Huh?”

If this isn’t the main point, then what is?

As I tilted my head in confusion—

“Knowing your character as I do, I will be straightforward.”

The Marquis wiped away the gentle smile he had worn until now and called my name in a cold voice.

“Bjorn, son of Jandel.”

“……?”

“I believe you are an evil spirit.”

 

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