Chapter 110

I was speechless for a moment at her words when she said she would follow me.

Seeing my silence, Harnier held my hand tightly and explained her reasons.

Listening and seeing, it made sense. I thought staying outside might be better than listening to nagging from the Marquis. That’s why I decided to go with you.

Do you have no other place to stay?

There is a place, but I can’t go there now.

What?

Just take it that way. I have my own circumstances too.

…

Though I heard there was a place to stay, it was impossible to go there. Her circumstances were understandable, but the problem was that she wanted to come with me.

I planned to buy some items and return to the territory on my own, but you want to come along to such a place?

Harnier narrowed her eyes and placed her hand on her side.

Do you think I, as a noble lady, will only sleep on beds, and unless I sit at a table with luxurious food, I won’t be satisfied?

Hmm… While it’s true that I hadn’t considered this, it’s not really important.

Then, what’s the reason?

Because my destination is Rusmaier.

The Rusmaier territory is currently in no condition to accept guests.

Even though they gave me nothing more than a glass of milk during the test, there’s practically nothing to offer guests in that mountain location. At most, one spare room.

Isn’t it completely inappropriate to host guests there?

If it were the Duke’s House, it might have been possible, but I have no intention of going there anytime soon. It’s difficult to take you along because I need to live as a commoner.

You are indeed unique. To think you would have such thoughts.

…Isn’t that a normal thought?

She squinted, then chuckled.

Not at all. Most people would say that nobles should wear expensive clothes adorned with jewelry and enjoy a glass of fine wine with a steak.

Hmm…

While it’s not entirely wrong, honestly, she seemed like a born noble from the first impression.

But she raised three fingers to prove otherwise.

Don’t worry about that. I’ve lain down after pulling weeds and slept on the floor instead of a bed or sofa when I was too exhausted. And the food tastes good even when you’re starving.

After that day, Harnier experienced the lives of commoners more deeply.

Upon experiencing it firsthand, she realized it wasn’t so different.

The rigid etiquette of nobles didn’t exist here. Their free-spirited life full of warmth was actually enjoyable.

As she listed her experiences, each finger folded.

It was clear just by listening.

She had experienced it more than once.

She didn’t view these experiences negatively.

She was truly a noble who harmonized best with commoners.

Thanks to this, I could become closer to commoners. So, I could learn secrets unknown in the Marquis House. Even so, you’re worried about me?

No, it makes me feel like worrying is part of my fate.

Is that so?

Indeed, worrying is part of my fate.

Who would think of her as a noble?

Alright, let’s go to Rusmaier together.

I thought I’d be going back alone, but… who would’ve thought someone would get on a horse in such an unexpected place.

***

After leaving the shop, I headed to where the horses were kept to take her to Rusmaier.

When asked if it wouldn’t be better to cross my arms, she replied,

We can’t be too careful. There might be people watching.

Harnier didn’t let go of my arm, warning me not to let my guard down.

Suddenly noticing something needed, she tried to buy it.

That one next to it is better. The price-to-quality ratio of what you chose is too low.

Whispering to me, she helped reduce expenses or pick better items.

Though I couldn’t buy much for myself, necessities for Rusmaier piled up.

Suddenly, inside the tavern, a bottle shattered.

“Ahhh!”

A woman’s scream echoed as rough noises spilled out of the tavern.

“You filthy thing! How dare you come here?!”

“Disguising yourself…!”

“Get lost already!”

-Clang!

Broken glass shards flew toward me and Harnier.

Instinctively, I drew my sword and deflected three shards.

Are you alright, Harnier?

Yes, thanks to you…

Thankfully, Harnier seemed unharmed.

But I couldn’t relax.

This game always has such rules.

A small-scale event in the marketplace. If we pass by the tavern, a commotion like this often occurs, sometimes draining Carsein’s stamina or causing status ailments.

Although I don’t understand why these things happen, Carsein always gets involved in such places.

Especially since we have a companion now, it can’t be helped.

Let’s take a detour. There’s a fierce fight happening inside, and the bottle thrown earlier might hit us again.

But Harnier walked resolutely towards the tavern.

Harnier?

Wait a moment. I need to check something.

Then, let’s go together.

What?

It’s dangerous. I’ll lead the way, and you follow.

Alright.

With her permission, as we approached the tavern, no more bottles came flying.

However, the tavern became even louder.

The more we got closer, the clearer it became how chaotic it was inside, with sounds of breaking and crashing objects.

Nevertheless, despite the bottles flying unpredictably, Harnier entered the tavern.

Sure enough…

Harnier covered her mouth upon seeing the situation inside the tavern.

“Filthy Yarikin!”

“What nerve do you have to walk around like this in the Empire?!”

“Your guts are hanging out! Get lost!”

I didn’t like this situation either.

Several men were ganging up on one person.

But what truly infuriated me was that the man was taking their attacks head-on without dodging.

Why? He doesn’t seem to lack strength.

Instinctively, I felt it.

His body was no ordinary creation.

Ghastly and deeply engraved scars showed repeated damage and healing processes.

My calloused hands were child’s play compared to his.

Blisters on his feet? Those weren’t even wounds.

Scars from sword strikes? Could they compare?

Through countless real battles and relentless fighting, they were formed.

Not by wielding practice swords or wooden swords like amateurs, but by fighting monsters with real swords.

Three drunkards were provoking the man, but if he stood up and showed his true strength, the tavern would easily be subdued.

Yet, despite his power, he remained seated.

…

Carsein, I know this is a rude request, but can you do one thing for me?

She pleaded sadly, holding my arm tightly.

Can you help that Yarikin?

She wanted me to save the man being beaten by drunkards in the tavern.

In fact, I had expected this.

The moment the bottle shattered, her expression hardened, and she insisted on going to the tavern.

She seemed to know what was happening there.

It was inefficient.

If news spread that a Bargrand’s son attacked with a sword in the tavern, it would surely affect the Duke’s House’s reputation and the training hall’s standing. Affinity would plummet.

However…

Take this.

I handed my sword to Harnier and stepped forward.

***

When the hood fell off, Pollux sighed faintly.

Immediately, those inside the tavern began throwing bottles and cups.

“Damn Yarikin!”

“How dare you call yourselves Imperials when you can’t defend your country properly?!”

“You haven’t changed since back then. Savages!”

These were the voices the Imperials were used to hearing.

Of course, these voices came as expected once their faces were revealed.

As usual, having a drink lightly today seemed impossible.

The Imperials rushed towards Pollux and started punching him.

Along with mocking jeers about selling out the country, they kicked him.

They cursed not only Pollux’s family but all Yarikins.

Calling them non-Imperials, they threw bottles at his head.

Still, Pollux did not react.

He couldn’t.

No matter how many times he mentioned the House of Aiferos, to them, he was just another Yarikin.

This happened many times before.

Having come this far, encountering Imperials meant it was bound to happen.

It was something to endure.

So, Pollux closed his eyes and didn’t resist even as a mob beat him.

But then, strange sounds began reaching his ears.

Something crashed with a thud. Something heavy fell with a thump. A massive object struck the wall.

And.

“Guh! What did we do wrong…”

The man who had been tormenting him said this, then gasped for breath.

Curious, Pollux opened his eyes.

“Looks like it’s mostly settled… Oh, you opened your eyes.”

A boy with black hair looked at him.

His hand came closer. Was he going to hit him too? For a moment, that thought crossed his mind.

But.

“Why aren’t you grabbing it? I’m offering my real hand.”