Pfeil and Rosa saw Jared off after he returned to the mansion.
“Why didn’t you tell Jared that Wahash was in the Capital City?”
“It would only confuse him needlessly to tell him.”
Pfeil gave Rosa, who hadn’t told Jared the full story, a reproachful look.
“That may be true, but Wahash will surely come to see Jared.”
“That’s beside the point. If I tell Jared Murphy anything unnecessary right now, the chances of Luzer Fischer killing him will increase significantly. He’s too soft.”
Pfeil knew well about Jared’s softness.
He believed Jared was a man who could clearly distinguish between friend and foe, but once he recognized someone as a friend, he became incredibly lenient.
Jared Murphy was allowed to stay at the mansion where Hannelore Alway and Olivier Alway, whom Pfeil had once tried to kill, lived, partly because Hannelore, the target, had permitted it, but also significantly due to Jared’s softness.
It could also be seen that Rosa had earned a certain level of trust by becoming an ally and protecting the mansion in return for a debt, after she had kidnapped Yeny and cornered Jared.
Not quite trust, per se, but Pfeil wasn’t that presumptuous.
For Pfeil, the Alway Ducal Family Villa was a comfortable place to be. He didn’t forget he was a member of Waalthe, but he could savor a different kind of daily life than when he only sought battle and self-improvement.
If anything were to happen to Hannelore and the others, Pfeil would protect them without being asked.
“You, on the other hand, didn’t mention that Dolf Ein accepted Cornelia Alway’s request, did you?”
“I wanted to avoid Jared losing his composure. Besides, your wording isn’t correct. Cornelia Alway didn’t request it; it’s more accurate to say that Dolf Ein took advantage of that woman who was in a predicament.”
“So, in the end, you’re also worried about Jared.”
Pfeil found it strange. When they first fought, he never imagined he would worry about Jared this much.
“I will be careful regarding Jared. Many would be sad if he died.”
What came to mind were the Alway mother and daughters, Hannelore and Olivier. Then Trane, Almeida, and Rio.
They had to avoid any potential fatalities for the sake of these women who cherished Jared like family. He knew now that Jared was an indispensable presence in that mansion.
“What about you?”
“Well… I would probably be sad too. However, that’s because Jared and I wouldn’t be able to have a rematch. There’s no other ulterior motive. We are not friends.”
“Let’s leave it at that. Then, I’ll leave Jared in your care. I will search for Flames and other traitors in the Capital City.”
Specifically, she wanted to personally deliver judgment to those who were supposed to have been successors.
She was determined not to let others take away her role.
“Do you have a place to live?”
“I have money, so it’s not a problem. Besides, I’ve arranged to work as a live-in employee at a restaurant owned by a supporter of Waalthe.”
“You’re going to use a false identity? What kind of restaurant?”
“A family restaurant.”
“You’re not suggesting you’ll be a waitress?”
To Pfeil, who was unusually wide-eyed, Rosa replied as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
“What else would you have me do? The deciding factor was the cute uniform.”
“…”
Pfeil was dumbfounded by his colleague’s unexpected preference. Honestly, the words “consider your age” nearly escaped his lips, but he desperately swallowed them.
He had learned all too well in the past few days that one must not make careless remarks to women.
He had witnessed Jared being punished for saying things that angered Olivier or Almeida. It wasn’t just once or twice that Pfeil himself had been punished for his thoughtless remarks, getting caught up in it.
Almeida’s punishments, in particular, were extreme. She would say something like, “I’ll train you a little,” and he would face a near-death experience.
He was amazed that Jared, who had no strength back then, had survived when he trained with her.
“I’m prepared to die as a fighter, but if I live, I might eventually retire. I’ve always wanted to own my own restaurant someday. What do you think, Pfeil?”
“I live for battle and die for battle. I can’t think of anything else.”
“But Father will eventually wind down Waalthe. Especially after this incident.”
“I’ll think about it when that time comes. For now, let’s just focus on getting stronger and defeating our enemies.”
“That’s so you.”
Rosa forced a wry smile, and Pfeil returned it.
After all, he and Rosa had a long history together. Unlike other successors, she was easy to get along with as a comrade. Rosa also acted like an older sister to Pfeil at times, so their relationship could be considered good.
If possible, Pfeil wished for her to live until she could eventually retire.
***
Luzer Fischer was drinking at a mansion owned by an unnamed organization.
A girl in white stood by his side, but he didn’t pay her any mind, as was usual. He had long forgotten when the girl, who stayed close from mealtime to bedtime, had started being with him.
“It’s good you’re doing well.”
“Are you talking about Jared Murphy?”
The girl asked, responding to Luzer’s mumble.
He nodded and tilted his glass, smiling happily.
“He’s my pride and joy, my brother. It makes me proud to teach him how to use his fists, especially now that he’s decided to become a Court Mage.”
Luzer’s expression was serene as he reminisced about the past, as if his declaration of revenge against Jared were a lie.
When he arrived at the mansion with Flames, he knocked out his colleague, who had woken up and screamed in pain, again. Then, he administered proper first aid and tossed him onto a bed.
He could easily imagine Flames heading towards a rematch with Jared within a few days, acting as if nothing had happened. It was troublesome to stop him, but since it was Luzer’s duty, he had no choice but to comply.
“Don’t you resent Jared Murphy, Luzer?”
“I do resent him. He didn’t keep his promise. But he’s my precious younger brother. I both hate him and love him.”
“I see.”
As the girl replied, as if deep in thought, Luzer drank the liquid in his glass without any further comment and stood up.
“I’m going to rest now. What about you, Mia?”
“I’ll join you. I’m always with Luzer.”
“Then let’s rest.”
As Luzer put away his glass and moved away from the girl, Mia, she quietly said,
“I’m sorry, Luzer.”
She then softly apologized.
