FDLBF 31

Chapter 31

The two went straight to Killian’s office.
It was a simple space, lit only by the crackling firewood in the fireplace.

Taking off his coat, Killian sat down on the sofa and said in his coarse voice,

“Well, this is surprising. To think the proud Ares would ask me to repay his life debt. That wretched husband who didn’t even bother to ask me about Cecile’s whereabouts. Hah.”

“Don’t call her by her pet name so carelessly. I already know you’ve been looking for my wife, even though I didn’t ask.”

“Ha. So Jeanne’s the one who talked.”

Killian clicked his tongue with a displeased face.
The tone of their conversation was completely different from the deadly hostility they’d shown just moments ago.
Perhaps that tension had only been a jest between two old friends who knew each other too well.

The place the duke had visited was the Principality of Axiuth—
an independent nation with a unique system.
Instead of farming or hunting in its barren lands, it sustained itself by sending its physically gifted citizens across the continent—serving in wars or selling intelligence for money.
A country functioning almost like an assassin’s guild spread across the continent.
In a sense, they might have been the largest power within the world’s shadows.

“So, what is this oath I must fulfill? Considering it’s a life debt, I hope it’s not something trivial.”

His tone was curt, but he couldn’t hide the spark of curiosity in his eyes.
Yet as the duke spoke in a low, quiet voice, Killian’s expression began to distort.
It was as if he couldn’t believe what he was hearing—utterly dumbfounded.

* * *

“Hehehe…”

While waiting for the carriage to the Imperial Palace, I couldn’t help laughing.
The amount of the transaction between Master Fatima and my grandfather was enough wheat to feed an entire village for a year.
Converted to cash, that came to roughly two thousand gold coins.
And she offered me the same price.

She must’ve thought that since I was just a child, I’d sign the contract without thinking.
But my seal wasn’t just any seal—it was one the Duke himself had personally crafted for me!

So instead, I demanded a 20% share in the premium medicinal trade.
I still can’t forget the look of shock on her face when she realized that was worth more than feudal tax revenue.

She tried all sorts of sweet words to coax me, but I wasn’t like my predecessor.
He’d made his contract excluding the only druid in existence.
I, on the other hand, offered her a symbolic 2% discount and said:

“Each month, I’ll produce a rare-items catalog. You may select goods from it, and we’ll trade accordingly.”

‘Of course, she won’t be able to include black-market goods in it, which is a shame, but still—it’s a solid deal. Ahahaha!’

[Hey. I know you’ve got a dark heart, but stop grinning like that. People will start getting the wrong idea.]

“Hmm?”

Only then did I notice Linda and Rosy whispering.

“Oh my, just look at our lady’s face. She’s up to something big today.”
“Ugh, I wish I could go too! Why can’t we enter the Imperial Palace?”

It had already been a week since then—today was finally the day to go to the palace.
Originally, the Duke was supposed to introduce me at the banquet, but something must have happened; he still hadn’t returned.
Even the maids said they didn’t know anything.
Apparently, only Master Jeanne knew what was going on—since she was already prepared to accompany me as his proxy.

‘Wow… She looks amazing!’

I couldn’t help admiring her new appearance.
Clad in a silver suit of armor with a white cloak, she looked like a prince straight out of a fairy tale.

“You’re so cool! So pretty!”
“And our lady looks perfect in her pink dress, too.”
“Hehe.”

Juno and I climbed into the carriage in Jeanne’s protective arms.
What kind of place was the Imperial Palace? What kind of man was the Emperor?
I had only seen it from afar—never entered—so I felt equal parts excitement and fear.

Still, I reminded myself firmly:

‘…Since the Duke isn’t here, I’d better speak as little as possible.’

Juno was sharp enough not to cause trouble, but I couldn’t risk revealing anything strange, so I had to stay vigilant.
Trying to calm myself, I looked out the window—when I suddenly felt a steady gaze from across me.

“Airy.”
“Hmm?”
“You said you were separated from your mother, right? Where did you last see her?”

So sudden! My shoulders tensed.
Everyone had always pitied me, but no one had ever asked so directly.

‘So that’s it. The Duke must not have told her that I’m a contract child. That’s why she’s being so kind…’

The thought stung for a moment, but then I realized—it might be a chance.
A chance to spread a little information about the Duchess.

“…In the countryside. I only remember my mom’s name. I was told I’d lost my memory.”
“I see… So you’ve lost your memory. That rascal Dane—he probably didn’t tell me because he didn’t want me to worry. Thank you. That’s a good clue.”

Phew.

‘If the Duke later asks why I said that, I can just make up something plausible.’

Fortunately, Jeanne seemed more focused on finding the Duchess than doubting me.
I didn’t know exactly what kind of person Lady Cecilia was, but judging by Jeanne’s expression, they must have shared very fond memories.

So I asked curiously,

“Master Jeanne, what was your relationship with my mom?”
“Hmm, so Dane didn’t tell you. Cecile and I were very close friends and comrades. We traveled across the continent, hunting monsters together.”
“Huh? M-My mom was a mercenary?”

What? That delicate, cotton-candy-like woman?
I stared in disbelief, and Jeanne chuckled, patting my head.

“The name ‘Iorife’ attached to Cecile’s name was given to clerics blessed with divine power—it’s the name of a goddess.”
“…!”

‘A holy healer and a sword master—what a perfect couple!’

Sensing my admiration, Jeanne smiled gently.

“She had a strong yet warm heart—she suited your father perfectly. Though they argued a lot at first…”

Her eyes softened as if recalling old memories, and she reached out her hand.

“May I hug you once?”
“…Mm.”

As I nestled into her embrace, she whispered softly into my ear,

“Now I understand why Dane suddenly found his courage again. It’s because you resemble Cecile so much.”

‘Courage…? The Duke?’

Murmuring something I couldn’t quite grasp, she patted my back—like greeting a long-lost friend.

Her warmth made my heart race… but also sink with guilt.
Because it wasn’t mine to have.

I silently apologized in my heart.

‘I’m sorry, Madam. Please let me be your child… just a little longer.’

* * *

After passing through heavy security, we arrived at the main palace—the grandest structure on the continent.
What caught my eye first was the pavilion.
The golden spire stretched into the sky, dazzling under the sunlight, forcing me to avert my gaze.
Then the garden came into view—filled with sculptures depicting the noble history of the royal family, like a banquet hall of gods.

‘Wow, the Imperial Palace really is on another level.’

Overwhelmed by its grandeur, I was still looking around when someone approached us.
Judging from the fine uniform and the small emblem on his chest, he must have been a high-ranking attendant.

“Welcome, my lady. Lady of Marquis Orsena.”

Huh? Marquis’ daughter? Who?
There was no one else around us—it had to be Jeanne.

Perhaps because people saw mercenaries as commoners, the revelation that she was a marquis’ daughter shocked me.
She replied politely,

“Master Arjeanne of the Mercenary Guild. I am serving as escort knight today.”
“I-I see. Master Jeanne.”

The attendant seemed nervous, as if he was the one being cautious.
What was their history?

“Please, this way to the reception room.”

Still puzzled, I followed him.
But something felt off.
There were far too many guards along the way for a mere reception room—
so many that they seemed to be guarding the room itself.

And when the door finally opened, I understood why.
Because of the man sitting in the sunlight.

As we entered, he turned at the sound of footsteps, tilted his head, and then sprang up in surprise.

“What’s this? Why are you with the young lady, Arjeanne? I expected the Duke to bring her!”
“I am acting as the Duke’s proxy, Your Majesty.”

At that, his handsome face lit up, golden hair gleaming like sunlight.

“To think the famed mercenary who ignored my summons would appear before me like this! Since you’re here, why not have some tea and chat about this year’s Arena tournament? I happen to have a hundred-year-old dried mandrake blend—excellent for the body!”

The Emperor spoke rapidly, not once glancing at me, and even handed Jeanne a cup himself.

Huh? What was going on?

He looked almost moved to tears—as if he’d just discovered a mountain of gold.
Perhaps it was because every nation on the continent sought her allegiance.

I was supposed to be the invited guest, but at this rate, I’d have to guard my own escort from the Emperor.

Fortunately, that worry was short-lived.

Crash!

Huh?

“My apologies, Your Majesty. It seems you’ll have to drink alone. I’m glad I have no interest in the Arena.”

Only the broken handle of the cup dangled from her fingers.
She smiled as though it were an accident, but the overwhelming pressure emanating from her left no doubt—it was intentional.
Her message was clear: Stop your nonsense and greet the real guest.

The Emperor swallowed hard, then finally looked down at me.