“Was there anything unusual before the ride began?”
Even in Jaius’s voice—someone who’s well-versed in how a lord’s steed is selected—there was a note of doubt.
Something strange…
Ah! There was one odd thing. A faint pheromone scent I didn’t recognize had lingered in the air.
“I don’t know whose it was, but I did smell a faint pheromone…”
A chill ran down my spine, cutting my words short. I wasn’t the only one who sensed something. Jaius pulled the reins, bringing Mark to a stop.
The scenery around us had changed at some point. The trees and flowers that had been so green and full of life along the path were now withered and brittle.
Strangely, only the leaves at the top of the trees remained lush. Probably to conceal someone’s presence.
Whoever was hiding nearby was skilled enough that we hadn’t noticed a spell had been cast. That meant they were definitely talented.
Even though I’d never been trained in it, my instincts kicked in, and I became hypersensitive to the energy around me. And then—there it was again, that now-familiar scent, thick in the air.
“…It was like this. Just like now.”
It had happened twice now. That meant it couldn’t be a coincidence. Someone was clearly behind this. That hazy and suffocating scent confirmed it.
More than fear at facing an unknown enemy, what I felt first was anger.
I was furious that I couldn’t use pheromones in a moment of danger. That someone else had to risk themselves to protect me, that’s what made this unbearable.
But now wasn’t the time to be upset about my own powerlessness. That could wait until we were back at the mansion. Right now, we have to face the danger in front of us.
“Jaius.”
“Shh.”
Unlike me, Jaius could control his pheromones. He had already locked on to where the enemy was and was staring intently in that direction.
The air around him shifted. An aura flickered around his body, making his hair stir. That had to be his pheromones.
They were visible. I was jealous and relieved at the same time.
Who the hell had the guts to pull something like this? When I find them, I’m going to rip their hair out, one by one!
I glared in the same direction Jaius was looking.
“Hold on.”
“Huh? Hold what?”
“Me.”
Before I even understood what he meant, a strong arm wrapped around my waist.
My whole body tensed up. That was a sensitive spot! And I’d just eaten—my stomach was probably sticking out…
But those thoughts vanished the moment his outstretched hand released a surge of pheromones that made me reel.
Thanks to Mark’s quick footing, I didn’t fall off.
“Got one.”
“Really?”
“Two got away, though.”
It was a bit disappointing, but it’s better to catch one than lose all of them.
With a flick of Jaius’s hand, someone wrapped in black pheromones was dragged down from above and pulled before us.
From head to toe, the person was covered in a pitch-black robe, making their face hard to see. I craned my neck to get a better look, and Jaius helpfully used his pheromones to pull back the hood.
He even lifted the person’s chin, which had been lowered to avoid our gaze.
“Wha—!”
The face was someone I’d seen before. The day I met Richt by the stairs, this person had been one of the two standing beside him.
Why is this person here?
“You know him?”
“I… saw him at the mansion once. Don’t know his name, though.”
“Ha.”
Jaius scoffed, clearly fed up.
And who wouldn’t be? This wasn’t someone sent by another clan, it was someone from our own which was absurd.
If this got out to the other clans, Hale would be harshly criticized. They would say, “How can someone who can’t even manage his own house be a clan lord?”. They might even demand him to step down.
I climbed down from Mark and walked up to the man. He flinched when I approached, but only for a moment.
Then he straightened his back and looked me square in the eye.
“Richt ordered you, didn’t he?”
“I don’t know who that is.”
“I saw you. You were with Richt and that woman.”
“…”
“Want me to jog your memory? You were the one who said, ‘What should we do with the young lady?’ when Richt stopped you.”
The man bit his lip. It seemed he hadn’t realized I’d overheard that conversation. Did Richt not tell him?
“Remember now?”
I crossed my arms and stared down at him.
“…”
He didn’t answer, but his expression said everything.
I already knew Richt didn’t like me, but I didn’t expect him to stoop so low. I’ve been quiet since that day, but he wanted to make the first move?
Jaius had dismounted and was standing beside me. I turned to him and said, “Jaius, let him go.”
“What?”
“Trust me. I’ve got a plan.”
“…”
Jaius, who had shown no reaction even when capturing the man, now clearly looked displeased.
“I mean it.”
“Lord Hale won’t let this go, you know.”
“I’ll take full responsibility. Don’t worry!”
“…”
Why did Jaius look more and more skeptical the more I talked? Was I not convincing?
“You get it, right? I say let him go, so let him go!”
At my insistence, Jaius finally nodded, albeit reluctantly.
Yes! Now that Jaius was on board, it was time to do my part.
“Mister.”
The man scowled deeply.
What, offended by “mister”? But you’re obviously not a “young man.” Calling you “oppa” would just be lying to myself.
“Tell Richt this: Thanks, but no thanks. If he wants to live long, he should keep his eyes shut and ears closed!”
Hmph. Who does he think he is, trying to threaten me? I’ll admit I was scared at first, but not anymore.
Now I’ve got someone on my side. I won’t back down anymore.
If someone tries to intimidate me, I’ll strike first.
“Jaius, you can let him go now.”
“…Sigh.”
Jaius reluctantly released the pheromones binding the man.
The guy gave us both a wary glance, then vanished in an instant.
At the same time, the illusion over the forest dissipated, and everything returned to normal.
“Senika.”
I was about to head back to Mark when Jaius stepped in front of me.
His eyes said it all—he had questions. So why not just ask them? What’s with the fiery stare?
“What?”
“What’s your plan?”
“Oh, you wanted to know that?”
Sheesh, you should’ve asked sooner. Ahem. It’s not that impressive, but—
“Ahem! It’s called: ‘Strike First Before They Get You!’ Pretty self-explanatory, right?”
“…Sigh.”
Jaius sighed deeply while rubbing his forehead. I felt a little offended, i’ts as if he were saying my plan was useless.
“Why are you sighing?”
“I should’ve asked earlier…”
…Wait. Is he regretting listening to me? Why? It was a great plan!
“You didn’t like it?”
His expression said, “Do I really need to answer that?”
Ugh! Come on!
“What, are we supposed to just wait around and let the enemy make the first move? No way! Striking first is the best tactic, especially now that we know who they are!”
There’s a massive difference between fighting unprepared and going in ready. Even a dog on the street knows that.
So yeah, preparing and launching a surprise attack was the right move. That’s what I learned in my past life, too. I wasn’t wrong.
“You’re not wrong.”
Phew. So why the grumpy face?
“If I’m not wrong, then why the sour face?”
“Do you really think Richt is the only one involved?”
“…Oh.”
Jaius’s sharp remark hit me where I least expected it.
I had acted quickly, making decisions on the fly—and I’d missed something important.
That was my mistake.
‘Crap… I think I just made a huge mess.’
I probably would’ve made the same choice again if I had to. I know myself that well.
I had said I’d take responsibility. And I would. No more doom and gloom. I’ll face whatever comes.
Because I’m not alone anymore. I have people on my side.
