Chapter 102
“Anna Piace”
The youngest-looking mercenary dropped his weapon the moment he saw all four of his comrades collapse instantly from just a grazing slash. He surrendered on the spot.
If not for the poison smeared on his blade, things could have turned deadly. Ban ground his teeth in frustration as he tied the trembling mercenary.
Unable to hold back, he shouted:
“If you act recklessly like that one more time, then I swear—!”
“Anna, are you alright?”
“Edwin… Why are you even here?”
Ban let out a hollow laugh. Edwin had completely ignored his warning. Binding the ropes tightly around the mercenary, Ban stood and watched the two speak.
“…It’s a long story. But Anna, I truly never thought I’d find you here.”
“…”
“I only came to check, thinking maybe—just maybe—you might be here. But to actually see you… I can’t believe it.”
Edwin’s voice shook with emotion. Anna listened with a stiff face before giving a short nod.
“I understand. I never thought I’d meet you like this again either… but thank you.”
“….”
“You saved me.”
“Anna, I—!”
“But…”
Anna cut him off, turning her eyes to Ban.
“Who is this man? Judging by his manner, he doesn’t seem like one of Count Elliana’s people.”
‘Oh? Perhaps she’ll be easier to reason with than the Count himself.’
Ban bowed, studying the woman whose body looked ready to collapse but whose eyes still burned sharply.
“It’s an honor, Madam. My name is Ban. For certain reasons, I’m temporarily working with Count Elliana.”
“…Thank you for your help earlier, Ban. You’re very skilled.”
“It was my honor to assist, Madam.”
Ban deliberately spoke smoothly, with practiced courtesy.
Anna gave him a short look, then turned to the bound mercenary.
“Do you realize the man you’ve captured is one of the Marquess Piace’s hirelings?”
Ban didn’t answer, only looked at her in silence. She continued:
“Count Elliana will be fine. No matter who the Marquess is, he wouldn’t dare act recklessly against a Count.”
“Hm. Unless I’m mistaken, Madam… are you worried about my lowly life?”
“….”
“Or are you asking whether the one backing me is strong enough to handle the Marquess?”
Edwin glanced toward Anna at those words. She nodded firmly.
“That’s right. And if he is, I’d like to ask if that person might help me.”
“W-wait, Anna! Talk to me first!”
Edwin hurriedly pulled her away, holding her wrist. But when Anna looked down at his hand, he quickly released it.
“S-sorry. I was just desperate.”
“It’s alright. But please be more careful in the future.”
“Anna…”
“You and I both have families.”
“Anna, don’t tell me you still—about the Marquess—!”
“Edwin.”
Her cold, quiet voice stopped him instantly. She met his eyes with a blank face.
“Say what you need to. Quickly. I don’t have time to waste.”
Edwin sighed, then said:
“I don’t know why you’d ask that man for help, but don’t. His background is unclear, and he can’t be trusted. He’s no ally of the Marquess, true, but still—it’s dangerous to get involved.”
“….”
“And did you notice? His speech has traces of a Hestonian accent. He might not even be from Xeros.”
“Then that’s even better.”
“…What?”
Edwin blinked at her firm reply.
“What do you mean, better?”
“Rebellia is in danger.”
“Rebellia? You mean… your daughter, Rebellia Piace?”
Anna bit her lip, emotions surging. Edwin frowned, confused.
“If she’s who you mean, she should be in the capital. Safe in the Marquess’s house. Why—”
“Did you see her yourself? With your own eyes? Living safely there?”
“Anna.”
“Or even—are you certain she’s in the capital at all?”
Edwin said nothing. Anna pressed on.
“The Marquess doesn’t speak idly. If he mentioned Rebellia to me, it means she’s in danger.”
“…Fine. I understand what you’re saying. If it’s about that child, I’ll investigate when I return to the capital. So, please—”
“Wait.”
Ban cut in, stopping their exchange.
Edwin scowled at him.
“How dare you eavesdrop on our conversation!”
Ban smirked.
“A man like me, raised without manners—how could I do otherwise? Just calm yourself and listen.”
“Why would we—”
“Speak,” Anna said firmly.
“Anna!”
Ban shrugged, smug. Edwin bit back his anger and turned away. Clicking his tongue, Ban faced Anna.
“I kept hearing a familiar name in your talk.”
“…?”
“If the one you seek is Rebellia Piace… then I may be able to help. Would you come with me?”
“W-what do you mean? Do you know where she is?”
Anna’s eyes widened, trembling. Ban answered quickly, before Edwin could cut in.
“It’s a long story, but simply put—your daughter, Lady Rebellia Piace, is staying at our castle.”
“I can’t believe this. You’re not even a Xeros man, are you?”
“Haha, my nationality is complicated, true. But as for proof…”
Ban met her doubtful gaze.
“The young lady living in our castle has hair the deep violet of lavender, and eyes blue as a lake. Does that convince you?”
“Th-that child is really in Hestonia…?”
Ban raised his hand to stop her. She closed her mouth, letting him continue.
“By now, a physician my superior sent should have reached the two-story house in Raymond where you were kept. One of the Count’s knights was poisoned, and he ordered a doctor there for treatment.”
Anna looked to Edwin for confirmation. He frowned, but after a moment, nodded slowly.
“I know you don’t wish to return there, but if you go, the physician can treat you. After that, I’ll take you to our castle.”
“My treatment doesn’t matter! Take me to Rebellia, now—!”
“No. Even if it’s not my mission to keep you safe, if you collapse on the way, it’ll cause me problems.”
“….”
“If you promise to follow my lead without reckless actions, and accept treatment, I’ll personally ensure you meet your daughter.”
“Anna.”
Ban left the choice to her. After a long pause, Anna lifted her head.
“One question.”
“Go ahead.”
“Where is this castle of yours? The place where Rebellia is staying, and where your superior resides?”
Ban smiled.
“In the north of Hestonia stands the Grand Duke’s castle of Esperos. My superior is none other than His Grace, Calliere Esperos.”
