Side Story 3 – The Gift Left by the Delegation (Part 2)

As he carefully rolled the vial in his hand, the events of earlier that day came to mind—specifically, the moment before the delegation he had been overseeing departed.

In truth, overseeing a delegation was far from Kahin’s usual responsibilities.

For one, his allegiance lay with the Astina family as a vassal and Knight Commander. His primary duty was to serve Rune Astina, the head of the Astina family, rather than the Imperial Family. This had been the case since his childhood and would remain so.

The only exceptions had been the times he had carried out orders from Eden or Cherta, which were solely to assist Ria in resolving certain matters. The title of Earl that he held was merely to maintain the family’s lineage, not to engage in political affairs, making it even less likely for him to be involved in foreign diplomacy.

However, Kahin held an honor greater than that of an Earl or the Knight Commander of the Astina family.

He was known as the “Empire’s Greatest Sword.”

This title elevated him to a status comparable to that of the Crown Prince or the two Dukes, despite being merely a Knight Commander of a Ducal family. It also drew immense interest from people of other nations.

This time was no different.

As the Empire expanded its diplomatic relations, a wealth of information flowed in and out of its borders. Among this information was news of Kahin’s unparalleled swordsmanship, which was a source of pride for the Empire.

A particular nation, eager to establish ties with the Empire, had heard of Kahin’s reputation and made it a condition of their delegation that he be assigned as their liaison.

This nation, though also ruled by a single monarch like the Empire, differed in that it lacked titles such as Duke or Earl. Instead, they divided ranks based on martial prowess, placing great importance on and reverence for the art of combat.

Given their obsession with martial arts, it was no surprise that they were intrigued by Kahin’s skills. In fact, the leader of the delegation, known as the “Great One,” was himself deeply versed in martial arts.

‘I had heard of your exceptional swordsmanship, Sir, but I never imagined my subordinates wouldn’t even stand a chance. Thinking back on it, I am still in awe.’

‘You flatter me.’

‘There’s no need for modesty. I’m considered one of the top five swordsmen in my homeland, yet even I was overwhelmed when we crossed swords.’

The Great One let out a hearty laugh.

Despite being utterly outmatched by a foreigner, he bore no resentment. On the contrary, he was exhilarated. Just recalling the moment he witnessed Kahin’s swordsmanship and faced him in combat made his heart race with excitement.

Having never encountered such skill even in his own land, it was only natural for him to feel this way. His admiration for Kahin grew immensely, to the point of envy. How envious, you ask…?

‘Well, I was planning to bring my second daughter next time to introduce her…’

He was so envious that he wanted to make Kahin his son-in-law and a member of his family!

‘Pardon? What did you say?’

‘Ah, nothing.’

The Great One, who had been muttering wistfully, clicked his tongue in regret and shook his head when Kahin asked him to repeat himself. In truth, Kahin, with his superior hearing, had caught the muttered words, but he simply nodded and let the matter drop, as he had no interest in it.

‘Ahem. More importantly, I have something for you.’

Sensing Kahin’s lack of interest, the Great One quickly suppressed his lingering regret and cleared his throat. He then pulled something from his inner pocket and placed it in Kahin’s hand.

‘By chance, I learned that today is your birthday. The person who mentioned it was your wife, I believe?’

Kahin’s head snapped up at the mention of “wife.”

‘Haha, it’s natural for one’s perception to sharpen with age. Seeing how your fierce and steely gaze softened like sugar melting in hot tea whenever you looked at her, I realized you’re just as human as the rest of us.’

The Great One briefly recalled the scene he had witnessed while strolling near the palace assigned to the delegation. He had always thought of Kahin as a predator, ready to pounce at any moment. But that perception shifted slightly when he saw him with the black-haired woman.

In her presence, Kahin had hidden his claws and fangs, exuding nothing but tenderness. Every movement of his body, every glance, every step—all of it was directed solely at her, revealing just how much he cherished and loved her.

This was why the Great One had abandoned the idea of bringing Kahin into his family. It was clear that Kahin’s heart belonged entirely to one person.

‘I’ve heard that the Empire allows polygamy and polyandry. Knowing this, I didn’t need to dig too deeply to understand your relationships with the others. Oh, dear…’

The Great One abruptly took two steps back. No sooner had he spoken than Kahin’s previously calm demeanor erupted into a sharp, menacing aura that rippled through the surroundings.

Feeling the chilling pressure, the Great One wiped his sweaty palms on his clothes. He realized Kahin’s feelings for his wife ran far deeper than he had anticipated. Even a vague mention of her had provoked a deadly aura.

‘Sir, didn’t I say this was a gift? Please, calm yourself.’

The Great One, feeling the sweat trickling down his back, hurriedly tried to pacify Kahin.

‘This is a tonic from my homeland, used to make nights with one’s partner more… passionate. It’s only consumed by the man, so it won’t harm your wife. In fact, it’s been well-received by the women in my country, with no complaints to date.’

Kahin, scrutinizing the Great One’s expression, sensed his sincerity and reined in his aura.

‘…I apologize for startling you.’

‘No need to apologize. It only shows how much you treasure your wife, and that’s admirable.’

As the Great One closed the distance he had instinctively created, Kahin glanced at the vial in his hand. However, after a moment, he returned it to the Great One.

‘Thank you for the thought, but I cannot accept this. If word of this were to spread, it could cause complications for both of us.’

The Great One, who had never even considered the possibility of rejection, was inwardly taken aback. Until now, not a single person had refused this tonic. On the contrary, many had subtly asked if there was more available.

‘It’s not even that expensive. I’m giving it as a token of my gratitude and to celebrate your birthday, so please don’t refuse. Besides, your wife will love it!’

The Great One passionately and enthusiastically explained the tonic’s benefits, making it impossible for Kahin to refuse. Every time Kahin opened his mouth to decline, the Great One would cut him off with even more fervent praise.

In the end, Kahin had no choice but to reluctantly accept the tonic.

“Hmm.”

Snapping out of his thoughts, Kahin lifted the glass vial higher than his line of sight and tilted it slightly. The shimmering liquid inside glistened as it flowed in the direction of the tilt.

After tilting the vial back and forth for a while, Kahin seemed to make up his mind. He opened the lid. Surprisingly, a sweet scent wafted out. Contrary to its somewhat off-putting color, the fragrance was not unpleasant. Without hesitation, Kahin poured the liquid into his mouth and swallowed it.

To his surprise, the liquid had no taste. It was almost flavorless.

Raising an eyebrow, Kahin set the vial down on the table and stood up, heading to the bathroom. He wanted to look in the mirror.

However, even after wiping the steam off the mirror with his hand and staring into it for a long time, there were no significant changes. The Great One had said his wife would like it, but Kahin couldn’t understand what exactly she was supposed to like.

“Kahin?”

Just as he tilted his head in confusion, Ria’s voice called out from outside the bathroom.

Stopping his inspection of the mirror, Kahin immediately stepped out. At that moment, something soft and furry moved in the reflection of the mirror.

“Ria.”

“Oh, there you are…”

As Kahin called out to her and approached, Ria, who had been looking around the room, turned toward the sound of his voice. Her eyes widened as the distance between them closed.

“Uh… um…”

Her brown eyes darted back and forth between the top of his head and below his waist. Noticing her strange reaction, Kahin’s dark eyebrows arched slightly. Ria, who had been opening and closing her lips wordlessly, finally spoke.

“Um… are you cosplaying as a wolf?”

Fluffy, fur-covered ears were perched on his head, and a large tail was attached to his lower back. The tail, in particular, wagged enthusiastically from side to side, as if greeting its owner.