“How dare you show your face before me, Pfeil!”
“Jared Murphy, you seem greatly consumed by anger, more than I anticipated.”
“Naturally!”
Jared’s magic power was already surging uncontrollably with his emotions, visibly overflowing from his body. Although he should have depleted much of it in his fight with Drew, Jared was currently converting his life force into magic power separate from his reserves. This was unconscious, linked to his rage, and incredibly dangerous—he was literally burning through his life.
However, it was understandable. Pfeil, a member of Waalthe, the organization that kidnapped Yeny, was standing right in front of him. He might not be acting on his own, but he was still part of the organization that took her.
Regardless of Pfeil’s purpose in appearing before Jared, the reason to defeat him was more than sufficient.
“Please stay back, Olivier. And I apologize, but the terrain might change slightly.”
“I have no intention of fighting. I have only come to deliver a message and make a proposal.”
“At a time like this, how can I possibly believe your words!”
“Calm yourself, Jared!”
Olivier forcefully slapped Jared, who was about to spring forward.
It was Olivier, not Jared, who recoiled from the impact, doubling over in pain. After groaning silently for about ten seconds, Olivier stood up and, in a fit of pique, kicked Jared in the thigh.
“Olivier, now is not the time for horseplay. We need to capture Pfeil and find out Yeny’s location.”
“Yes, I understand that. But, think carefully. Pfeil appeared before you of his own accord. If he wishes to impart information without resorting to brute force, he will tell you what we want to know—isn’t that right?”
As she finished her question, Olivier shifted her gaze from Jared to Pfeil. She received a nod in return.
Pfeil took a step forward and addressed Olivier, who was positioned behind him, as if shielded by Jared.
“Precisely, Olivier Alway. This is the first time we speak directly, isn’t it? I am Pfeil of Waalthe, who was ordered to kill you and your mother until recently.”
“Oh, what a shame you couldn’t fulfill your orders. As I believe you know, I am Olivier Alway. It’s a pleasure to meet you… though whether it truly is, depends on you.”
“Indeed, you are more spirited than the rumors suggested. A fitting match for Jared.”
“Thank you. I never imagined I’d receive praise from someone who once sought my life.”
Though Olivier wore an elegant smile, it was clear she was observing Pfeil closely. Pfeil, on the other hand, maintained a calm, natural expression.
Olivier let out a sigh as if resigned and moved in front of Jared.
“Olivier!”
“Just leave it to me.”
“But!”
“I said leave it to me. We won’t fight; we will talk. Isn’t that right, Pfeil?”
“That is correct, Olivier Alway. I did not come to fight Jared Murphy, but to deliver a message and make a proposal entrusted to me.”
“Very well. Then, let’s hear it. However, I have no intention of letting you into the mansion, nor will I offer you tea?”
“That is fine. I am not seeking such things.”
Pfeil raised both hands towards Jared.
“I am not carrying any weapons. Search me thoroughly if you are still uneasy.”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Jared carefully patted Pfeil down over his clothes, searching for any hidden weapons. He felt an urge to strip Pfeil bare, but he couldn’t do that in front of Olivier. Besides, even if Pfeil were naked, he wouldn’t feel secure. Jared knew that even if every last piece of clothing were removed, there were ways to conceal weapons within the body itself.
He continued to search Pfeil’s body obsessively, but nothing was found. If even a single knife had appeared, it would have provided immediate grounds for attack. Yet, as Pfeil had said, he was unarmed.
“Are you satisfied?”
“Yes. However, if you step even an inch closer to Olivier, I will kill you.”
“Understood.”
Standing protectively in front of Olivier once more, Jared remained vigilant, just in case.
“Jared, is that sufficient?”
“Yes, you may proceed.”
“The sight of one man groping another is quite unpleasant. In the future, please request to do so in a place where I cannot see it. Now then, Pfeil, as you can see, Jared is so blinded by rage due to your organization kidnapping his dear cousin that I fear he may not be able to converse properly, so I will speak with you in his stead. Is that acceptable?”
“I have no objections. As long as I can convey what needs to be told to Jared Murphy, that is all that matters.”
“Excellent. Then, first, please tell me the message you have brought.”
Pfeil nodded to Olivier and slowly began to speak.
“This is a message from Rosa Roen, the daughter of Waalthe’s leader, Wahash, to Jared Murphy. Come alone tonight to the Alway Ducal Family’s separate residence on the outskirts of the Capital City. No reinforcements or weapons are permitted. The objective is not Yeny Daum, but Jared Murphy’s life. If you surrender your life, I promise, in the name of Waalthe, to release Yeny Daum—that is the message.”
“And if Jared does not go?”
“I was not told. Rosa was confident that Jared Murphy would not choose to abandon the hostage.”
“You seem highly valued. And assuming Jared were to offer his life, is there any guarantee Yeny would return safely?”
“You may not believe my words, but we do not break our promises. If Rosa were to take Yeny Daum’s life, I swear I would kill Rosa.”
Pfeil’s clear declaration that he would kill his own comrade stunned not only Olivier but even the enraged Jared.
“We are fully aware that we are not pure beings. Therefore, we are taught to act with sincerity and not break our promises. Even if our bodies are stained by killing, we strive to ensure our souls remain untainted.”
“I see… If you say so, then I don’t need to worry about Yeny?”
“That is correct. Rosa is a ruthless woman who will stop at nothing to achieve her goals, but she is not so villainous as to kill a girl who is not her target. However, Jared Murphy, if you defy Rosa, Yeny Daum will be in danger.”
“I know that without you telling me. In other words, if I offer my life, Yeny will be saved, right? But if I die, then Olivier, you and Hannelore will be targeted next—What do you want me to do!”
Jared had no intention of abandoning Yeny. He would not hesitate to give his life if it meant her return. However, if Jared died, Olivier and Hannelore, the original targets, would be in peril.
He was at an impasse, knowing that saving one would mean sacrificing the other.
At that moment, Olivier turned to Pfeil.
“So far, that was the message from Rosa, your successor. What is your proposal, then?”
Unlike Jared, Olivier maintained her composure and engaged in conversation, seeking to glean any information that might lead to the best possible choice. She, too, wanted to save Yeny. If she were the only one being targeted, she would have proudly told Jared to prioritize Yeny’s rescue. However, since her dear mother was the true target, she couldn’t place Yeny’s safety above that.
“Until now, that was solely Rosa’s message. If Jared Murphy sacrifices his life, Yeny Daum will undoubtedly be released unharmed. However, if Jared Murphy dies, the next targets will be you, Olivier Alway.”
Then, Pfeil smiled chillingly.
“It’s simple. If Jared Murphy defeats Rosa Roen, that will suffice.”
