Chapter 23

After the kidnapping incident involving Jeremiah was resolved, I headed to the Security Bureau to report the case.

After all, the criminals had crawled out of the back alleys and into the open.

Moreover, since I had to leave my post unavoidably due to my work as a fixer, I hoped that security around the mansion would be strengthened during my absence.

“The request to increase patrols in the area has been approved, so you can rest easy now.”

Fortunately, the Security Bureau had actively accepted the suggestion.

After confirming that several security officers had been stationed near the mansion, I expressed my gratitude to Captain Carly, who had handled the matter on behalf of the Security Bureau.

“I’m always indebted to you, Captain.”

“Well, it’s not something we can overlook when a criminal group from the back alleys brazenly causes trouble in the streets. While we can’t undo what’s already happened, we should at least make efforts to prevent such incidents.”

So, they intend to cut down on the shadows encroaching on the light.

If they take it that seriously, they’ll surely feel a sense of responsibility and work harder to protect the mansion’s surroundings.

“By the way, I heard rumors that you wiped out an entire criminal organization while rescuing the kidnapped master… What’s the truth?”

“…Haha, what do you think?”

In reality, I didn’t wipe them out completely; I just rescued Jeremiah and left the rest. But I judged that they wouldn’t dare attack again after the scare I gave them.

However, exaggerating the story might just lead to unnecessary reprimands, so I decided to keep quiet. Carly didn’t press further and prepared to return to her post.

“Well, I’ll be in charge of field command in this area for a while, so you can go out without worry.”

“Yes, I’ll leave it to you then.”

As they say, it’s good to have connections. Having someone I know in the Security Bureau made things go smoothly.

So, I thought it would be good to maintain a good relationship with her. I entrusted the security around the mansion to them and focused on my work as a fixer.

From minor tasks like housework and catching rats to, when the opportunity arose, capturing wanted criminals and handing them over to the Security Bureau…

As those days continued, the time came when the label of a rookie fixer was finally shed.

“Congratulations on achieving the Silver Rank, Mr. Sebastian.”

Silver Rank. The rank that distinguishes beginners from experienced fixers.

When the silver badge, proof of achieving that rank, was placed in my hand, I felt a small sense of joy as I faced the congratulating staff member.

“Silver Rank… Isn’t it a bit too much for someone who hasn’t been a fixer for long?”

“Indeed, growing this quickly is unprecedented in our branch, but considering Sebastian’s achievements, everyone will understand. You’ve perfectly completed numerous requests in a short time and even arrested five high-value wanted criminals… Oh, and I heard rumors that you unofficially took down a criminal organization from the underworld. Is that true?”

Oh dear, news of wiping out a black-market organization had already reached the association’s ears.

I chuckled and deflected the question.

“I’ll leave that to your imagination.”

While making a big deal out of it might attract unnecessary attention, rumors could subtly boost my reputation and help me receive more named requests.

With that ambiguous answer, I left the association, bought the necessary groceries and supplies at the market, and leisurely walked home.

“Making a living isn’t much of a problem anymore.”

A thicker envelope than usual and a lighter step as days went by.

Feeling the growing ease in my life, a natural smile formed on my lips as I walked home.

“Maybe it’s time to aim for something bigger.”

Come to think of it, isn’t it around Silver Rank that fixers start opening their own private offices?

Indeed, having an office would make it easier to build trust and reputation, and receiving high-value named requests would become more manageable.

So, I thought about opening a private office for the future, but there was one more issue to handle before that.

“The ball… It’s in a week.”

The social gathering of nobles held in Herta Shi was an event the head of the Andersen family had forced me to attend.

Since I couldn’t afford to make the entire Andersen family my enemy, I needed to at least pretend to achieve something there for the sake of maintaining a peaceful life.

Of course, considering the previous kidnapping incident involving Jeremiah, following the family’s orders wasn’t exactly appealing, but the will of the first heir and the current head of the family should be seen as separate matters.

“…No, there’s no guarantee it will stay that way.”

If I fail to achieve satisfactory results at the ball, the head of the family might not just collaborate with criminal organizations to cause trouble but could mobilize the entire family to threaten Jeremiah.

In that case, it would be impossible to protect Jeremiah by requesting cooperation from the Security Bureau as I do now.

If physical threats arise, I can handle them, but if they come in overwhelming numbers, gaps are bound to appear.

“…There’s a limit to what I can do alone.”

I need allies.

Allies who won’t betray me and can protect her in my absence.

Perhaps opening an office and hiring staff could solve that, but as I pondered, I heard sobbing.

While walking home, I heard the sound of someone crying.

The voice seemed to belong to a young woman, and I couldn’t ignore it, so I turned my gaze toward the source.

What I saw was a woman with white, short hair.

Her body was quite mature, but her face showed the sorrowful emotions of a child.

“Why did this happen? I only came down to help people…”

…I don’t know the details, but she seems pitiful.

Moreover, her body was quite dirty, as if she had been living on the streets.

“Excuse me…”

It’s not a good sight to see a grown woman in such a state.

For that reason, I spoke to her, and she looked up at me with wide, startled eyes.

“Who, who are you?”

“Just a passing butler… Hmm?”

As I was about to introduce myself, I noticed something unusual about her.

She was wearing a thin dress.

While her voluptuous body was noticeable, what caught my attention more was what was on her back.

Yes, something white like a swan…

“Wings?”

“Eek! T-this is…!!”

When I pointed it out, she screamed and quickly covered her wings.

Tears welled up in her amber eyes.

“T-this is just a decoration! It’s nothing, so don’t throw stones at me! It hurts if you hit me!!”

“…Calm down. I won’t harm you.”

“R-really? You won’t throw stones? You won’t hit me with a thick book!?”

What has she been through to think a stranger would immediately resort to violence?

Seeing her pitiful state, I couldn’t just leave her. So, I gently asked her a question.

“Seeing you crying alone here, it seems you have some trouble. Did you lose your way and can’t return home?”

“W-well, the thing is…”

-Grrr.

“…Ugh.”

She clutched her stomach and made a crying sound.

Feeling sorry for her, I took out a piece of bread from the envelope in my pocket and offered it to her.

“Would you like some?”

“Huh? Are you offering me a tribute!?”

“…Tribute?”

“N-no, I mean… Thank you! I’ll eat it!”

She fumbled over her words and took the bread from me.

She then devoured it without even breathing, and the color gradually returned to her previously pale face.

“It’s delicious!!!!”

Her tears of sorrow turned into tears of joy, and the large piece of bread disappeared into her mouth in an instant.

Is this what they mean by eating heartily? Well, it’s good to see.

“If you’re still hungry, would you like to come to my home?”

Seeing that she still seemed unsatisfied, I made the offer, and her eyes widened.

“An invitation? For me?”

“Yes, if you don’t mind, I’d like to offer you a meal and hear your story.”

“You’ll provide a meal and listen to my story…”

She looked bewildered.

After imagining the meal I would prepare, she swallowed her saliva and asked me with reverence.

“Are you a god? Or perhaps a messenger of a god who came to save me?”

No, I’m just a butler.

“I’m Sebastian, a butler. If it’s not too much trouble, may I know your name?”

“Ah, yes. I am… Ahem!”

She cleared her throat.

After composing herself, she puffed out her chest and declared proudly.

“My name is Angela! I am an angel who descended from the heavens to spread blessings to the people of the lower world!”

“…Angela?”

Angela, huh.

Could she be the Angela I know?

“Y-you don’t believe I’m an angel, do you? You think I’m a heretic, don’t you!?”

As I felt a sense of déjà vu, Angela looked at me with a sad expression.

Noticing her distress, I smiled as kindly as possible and replied.

“No, I don’t entirely disbelieve you.”

It’s not a lie.

After all, the name Angela appeared in the game I played, Romancing Academy, as a being worshipped as a god.

To be precise, as the idol of fanatics, the ‘Fallen God.’

In the game, her followers led to some pretty nasty bad endings, so the name Angela wasn’t something I could take lightly.

“R-really? You believe I’m an angel?”

“Well, knowing you’re an angel makes me even more curious about your situation.”

If she’s an angel and not a fallen one, and considering why she’s in the city in such a state at this time…

As someone who knows the future of this world, it’s something I need to look into.