#Chapter 102
—
Jeannie trembled with unease as she spotted the two people who had come looking for her.
*‘Why would they suddenly come to me…?’*
On one side stood the mad Young Lord.
On the other, the deranged Prince.
From her standpoint, it was chilling enough that two people who could hardly be called “normal” had barged in all at once.
And unfortunately, her premonition was not wrong.
“Jeannie. How about working with us on something?”
“…Work?”
“Yes. It’s about killing someone. We need your help.”
Jeannie’s mouth fell open in shock.
“You’re saying you’re going to… suddenly kill someone?”
“Yes. Do you know the name Dormund?”
“Dor…mund?”
At the name, Jeannie furrowed her brows.
*‘I’ve definitely heard that name before…’*
Was Dormund a person’s name?
Or a family?
As she pondered, the answer struck her and she gasped.
“Do you mean *that* Dormund—the most powerful noble house of the Empire?”
“That’s right.”
“Aha. But why all of a sudden?”
“Because the one we’re about to kill is the eldest son of that Dormund.”
“……”
Jeannie blinked, then asked in disbelief.
“Are you serious, Young Lord?”
“Of course I’m serious.”
Arthur smirked as the corners of his lips curled.
“So we’ll need your help, Jeannie. Naturally, you’ll agree, won’t you?”
—
—
The uproar in Arcane did not subside easily.
*Whisper whisper.*
Five hundred soldiers of the Dormund army were staging protests outside the city.
For the first time in history, Arcane Academy had suspended its midterms.
And now, for the first time in ages, a wanted bounty worth twelve thousand gold had appeared.
The entire underworld and even the respectable districts alike were abuzz with the unprecedented chaos.
Watching it all unfold from <Manners Make the Man>, the tailor shop, Willet muttered.
*‘Strange. How many years has it been since something like this happened?’*
As he mused, his shoulders gave a slight twitch.
Come to think of it, it had only been a few days since such an incident broke out.
*‘Donn… no, Arthur Bayern. It hasn’t even been long since he killed Balans.’*
Normally, that matter would never have been buried so quickly. But this new incident was so great that it had been easily overshadowed.
As Willet mulled it over, he slowly nodded.
*‘Well… not bad.’*
If he let the current chaos swallow it up, Arthur Bayern’s affair could, surprisingly, be swept under the rug.
With that thought, Willet relaxedly took a sip of his morning coffee. At that moment, the door opened and someone stepped inside.
Turning his head, Willet widened his eyes.
“Arthur Bayern?”
“Hello, Elder Willet.”
Willet blinked.
*Why would he suddenly show up here?*
Then, peeking through the crack of the still-open door, another head appeared.
“Jeannie?”
“Hello, Elder Willet….”
Willet set his coffee cup down.
And then, yet another person entered.
“Oooh! So this is the famous <Manners Make the Man>!”
It was an extraordinarily handsome young man, the sort of face one could hardly forget after seeing once.
Willet stared at the odd combination of the three for a moment before turning back.
“…What in the world is going on here?”
Arthur smiled gently at his question.
“We’d like to ask a favor of you, Elder.”
“A favor?”
“Yes.”
Willet’s gaze narrowed.
“You don’t mean…”
“Pardon?”
“You’re not here for what I think you are, right?”
Arthur tilted his head.
“Uh… whatever it is you’re imagining, Elder—I’m pretty sure it’s not that.”
“Are you certain?”
“Yes.”
Willet rubbed at his forehead, then pointed at the disguised Leon.
“And who’s that?”
“Oh, an acquaintance. Someone trustworthy.”
“…Fine. Follow me. We’ll talk downstairs.”
Willet rose and headed toward the tavern located in the basement.
Arthur, Jeannie, and Leon followed after him.
“……”
Unlike last time, the tavern now had several mercenaries seated at tables.
They were sipping their drinks when they belatedly noticed Arthur—and their eyes widened.
“Donn?”
“That’s the Donn from the rumors?”
“What? The one who supposedly took down Balans?”
Murmurs spread, and soon every mercenary’s gaze in the tavern was on Arthur.
Some even stirred as if to rise, but Willet spoke first, warning them.
“If you’re going to pick a fight, save it for later. Don’t turn this tavern into a mess.”
At his words, the mercenaries froze mid-motion.
Still, none withdrew their hostile stares from Arthur.
Beside him, Leon whistled playfully.
“Wow. Intense atmosphere. So this is the mercenary world, huh?”
With that, Willet stepped into his office, and Arthur and Jeannie followed inside.
*Click!*
Willet locked the door, sat heavily down, and rubbed at his brow.
Then, looking at the three seated before him, he asked:
“So, why did you come to me?”
Arthur raised his hand slightly.
“We were hoping to get some information, Elder.”
“Information? On what?”
“On Yenika Hazel. Anything about her.”
Willet’s eyes widened.
“Yenika Hazel?”
“Yes.”
“Earlier, you said it wasn’t what I was thinking.”
“Huh? Then weren’t you thinking something else?”
Willet let out a deep sigh.
“I don’t usually like nagging, but didn’t I tell you to keep your head down for a while? And already you’re doing this?”
“I’d like to, too, but… too good an opportunity came up.”
“Too good an opportunity? You’re not strapped for money. So, do you have some grudge against her?”
“Well… I do. Strictly speaking, not against Yenika Hazel herself, but against the one chasing her.”
Willet’s gaze sharpened.
*‘A grudge? Could it be that revenge he mentioned before?’*
He tapped his fingers on the desk, then sighed again.
Revenge or not, Arthur Bayern needed to keep his head down for now.
But judging from those eyes, he wasn’t about to back off.
*‘So whether I stop him or not, he’s going to dive in anyway.’*
With another sigh, Willet pulled out a few files and handed them to Arthur.
Arthur carefully examined the documents.
*‘Oh-ho… locations and routes of the Black Cross, all mapped out.’*
Not only that, but reports on the Imperial regular army’s involvement in Arcane’s turmoil—all laid out in detail.
*‘As expected of Elder Willet. Coming to him first was the right call.’*
While Arthur smiled in satisfaction, Willet warned:
“You probably won’t listen, but let me at least give a warning.”
“What is it?”
“You said you’re moving because of your grudge. But don’t forget—there are others chasing you for the same reason.”
Arthur’s eyes widened.
“Oh? Who?”
“Pirates. And the Seven Sovereigns.”
“Oho….”
“Both groups are on your tail. Honestly, I’d prefer to tell you to just hole up in Arcane Academy.”
Arthur gave a calm smile.
“Thank you for the advice, Elder.”
At that smile, Willet clicked his tongue.
*‘He has no intention of backing down.’*
Well, if he were the type to, he wouldn’t have shown up with such a bizarre combination of allies.
Willet shook his head slowly and muttered.
“If it were anyone else, I’d stop them… but you, I can’t read. You’re unpredictable.”
Arthur shrugged.
“I hear that a lot.”
“Same as always, come back alive.”
“Of course. I still need to meet Julie.”
“She’s been waiting. Now go on.”
At his gesture, Arthur rose from his seat.
Jeannie hesitated before rising as well.
Willet bit a cigar and muttered.
“Your complexion looks much better, Jeannie.”
“…Pardon?”
“You look healthier. Happier now, are you?”
Jeannie thought a moment before replying.
“Compared to before, yes.”
Willet chuckled softly.
“Enviable.”
“You should retire soon too, Elder.”
“I’m considering it. Seriously thinking about it lately.”
Jeannie smiled faintly and left the office.
Willet watched her go, exhaling cigar smoke, and murmured.
“Youth… a new generation, eh?”
Though, it struck him that this wave was a bit too abrupt.
*‘Even when I was young, I wasn’t this reckless.’*
Willet chuckled faintly.
At the same time, he couldn’t help but wonder—
Just what kind of storm this new generation would stir up next.
—
—
After leaving Willet’s office, Arthur flicked the papers and said:
“Let’s each get ready. We’ll meet this evening.”
Leon nodded.
“Alright. I should make some preparations myself.”
With a rare serious expression, Leon left. Jeannie, tying her straight hair back in a knot, muttered:
“Sigh… I swore I’d never get into this mess again.”
Grumbling, she too left alongside Leon.
Arthur turned and headed back to the mansion.
“Oh? Young Lord? You’re home early today.”
“Yeah. By the way, is the crystal orb connected? I’d like to speak with Mother.”
“Of course, always ready.”
Following Anna’s guidance, Arthur activated the orb.
Before long, a familiar voice flowed out.
\[Arthur?]
Smiling, Arthur answered.
“Yes, Mother. It’s me.”
\[…My dear son. Why’s it been so hard to reach you lately?]
“I’ve been busy. A lot has happened.”
\[Busy with exams?]
“Well… to be honest, not because of exams.”
\[Goodness! I may love my son dearly, but even so—you can’t neglect your studies at school!]
At Yonel’s words, Arthur laughed.
“I’m a model student, Mother.”
\[Can I believe that?]
“Of course. The professors adore me, you know.”
Yonel fell silent briefly, then spoke again.
\[Son. Is something wrong?]
“…Huh?”
\[Your voice sounds heavy.]
Arthur blinked.
*‘Heavy? My voice?’*
He tilted his head slightly.
“Hm… I don’t really notice it. Do I sound heavy?”
\[Not like your usual self.]
“Really? Funny, because honestly—I’m feeling really good right now.”
\[Good? Something happened?]
Arthur’s lips curved into a smile.
“I found my goal.”
\[Goal?]
“Yes. One of my life’s greatest goals. And soon… I think I’ll achieve it. That’s why, truthfully, I’m in such a good mood.”
At that, Yonel laughed softly.
\[That’s my son. Already accomplishing his goals.]
“Heh… feels odd to say this myself, but I think I’m pretty amazing.”
\[Shall I put Irene on?]
“No, I have to head out again soon. I’ll call another time.”
\[Hmm… well, if you must. Oh, son?]
“Yes?”
\[They say Arcane’s in turmoil right now… Don’t wander about too much, alright? You understand me?]
Arthur paused at her words.
\[…Arthur?]
After a moment’s thought, for the first time, he furrowed his brow slightly as he answered:
“Of course. I won’t wander at all.”
Yonel replied a beat later.
\[My son. Always remember, I love you.]
“I love you too, Mother.”
After ending the call, Arthur stood up.
“…Hmph. No matter the reason, lying to Mother never feels good.”
But soon, brushing away the uneasy feeling, he smiled.
*‘Still… with this, I’ll bring her a great gift.’*
Ian Dormund.
The enemy he could not kill in his previous life.
The man he wanted dead almost as much as Cain Dormund.
The one who had tormented his mother more than anyone else.
“…Heh. Just wait a little longer, Mother. I’ll bring you good news.”
Activating the artifact ring of the white beard, Arthur left the mansion.
When he lifted his head, the full moon hung bright in the sky.
Staring at it for a moment, Arthur murmured:
“Well then… shall we?”
By the time he returned to this city again, much would have changed.
With that thought, Arthur took his first steps forward.
—
