| Chapter 31

The refreshing and crisp scent felt a bit light compared to the atmosphere Lars exuded, but it wasn’t unsuitable. Kirhin’s eyes, which had been narrowed as he looked Lars over, suddenly widened. He had discovered the toy-like perfume bottle hanging at Lars’ waist.

While he might not recognize the scent, there was no mistaking the perfume bottle. A perfume bottle with a large, vivid emerald embedded in it, with very precise craftsmanship. He was certain, having caressed it with his own hands several times.

It was that very Dvainko perfume bottle that he had bought and given to Lucienne.

There’s no way that eccentric genius craftsman would have made two of the same thing. Kirhin blinked blankly as the image of Lucienne with an empty waist when she left flashed through his mind.

…When on earth did she…?

“I, I know this isn’t the time to ask such things, but perhaps.”

“Then keep your mouth shut. People are coming.”

Lars’ gaze flew to the window. Seeing him and Yanken instantly sharpening their senses and switching to a defensive stance, Kirhin’s mind also cleared completely.

He swallowed dryly and stepped aside towards the wall. The people approaching through the darkness all had their hoods pulled low, making it impossible to see their faces.

Those who approached in the silence knocked on the door. A deep voice was heard.

“On the morning of the end, I speak of the greatest sin Parki committed.”

Lars opened the door with a nod to Yanken and replied.

“It is making humans know the pleasure of submission. Welcome.”

“Lord Lars. Lord Kirhin.”

The person who entered first bowed his head as he removed his hood. The man with neatly tied ash-gray hair was Barret, the son of the leader of the largest merchant group currently in Freemont.

Though his clothes were modest, the headband around his forehead and his belt were embroidered with lavish embellishments that were hard to find elsewhere. Even the way he adjusted his clothes had a certain elegance to it, giving the impression that he was no ordinary person.

Kirhin, who was familiar with Barret, gave him an eye greeting and whispered to Lars’ back.

“Isn’t this password too different from Betty’s?”

“Would you have been able to memorize it?”

Lars snorted and guided Barret to the table. The two companions who came with him seemed to be in charge of guarding, as they stuck to the wall and began watching outside the window.

“It must not have been an easy decision, you’re quite bold.”

Barret smiled faintly at Lars’ words. Though his expression was gentle, his eyes shone with wisdom.

“Siding with the royal family rather than a tyrannical count is not a difficult decision. However, my father is feeling fear. He heard news that there were discussions about invading Freemont at the Edmus royal court. They say Count Balshwin strongly advocated for Freemont’s freedom.”

Merchant groups are faster with information than any other organization. Most of the information Lars obtained also came from merchant groups scattered everywhere. He smiled back at Barret while staring at him.

“It seems you think the merchant group will also protect you to protect the trade deals with Freemont.”

There seemed to be a clear intention in that smile, so Barret remained silent. As he expected, Lars leisurely crossed his arms and opened his mouth.

“If the day really comes when Edmus declares war on Freemont, even the count won’t be able to do anything. Because he’ll have to participate. And when that day comes, Balshwin will seize the merchant group before anyone else. He’ll devour it whole without leaving a single piece of flesh. He won’t leave even one person who can claim ownership of the merchant group. Even if it’s a three-year-old child.”

Barret’s face momentarily turned pale as he thought of his three-year-old son. Feeling uncomfortable under Lars’ sharp gaze, he adjusted his posture. The beautiful green eyes glowing even in the darkness felt eerie.

“And it seems your information wasn’t complete. The count wasn’t the only one who opposed the invasion at the royal court. Pelowic also opposed it. Saying that while there’s a chance of victory when looking at the military strength, too many citizens would suffer. As you know.”

Lars added quietly, crossing his legs.

“It hasn’t been many years since the war against Askun ended. It’s always ordinary people who suffer the most from wars caused by the greed of those in power.”

Barret nodded deeply. Then, with a face that seemed to have shaken something off, he said,

“Don’t worry. The fact that I’m here means my father has also made his decision. My father was very saddened by the news about Baron Bickman. He was a good person.”

Seeing his gaze turn towards him, Kirhin cleared his throat and lowered his voice.

“Yes. My father always couldn’t turn away from people in difficulty. He couldn’t sleep day and night worrying about people suffering…”

“The angel of death is blind, and her scythe does not discriminate its targets. The living can only find comfort in remembering the dead. He must have gone to a good place.”

Kirhin flared his nostrils at Lars’ gaze that seemed to tell him to shut up. Barret nodded with a polite smile.

“Then shall we talk about the deal?”

* * *

The negotiation of terms proceeded relatively smoothly. Because both sides’ objectives aligned, neither side was overly greedy. Kirhin, who had to sit with a solemn face while constantly watching Lars’ reactions, could only say one thing when he stamped the contract with his ring.

“So with this, the contract is made.”

“May God’s blessing be with you.”

Barret bowed his head towards Lars with his hands clasped politely. Lars lightly accepted the greeting and stood up.

“Let’s go to the forest together. The path is not comfortable.”

“It’s alright. Merchants tend to have good night vision. The moon is our friend.”

As soon as Barret finished speaking, suddenly something flew and hit the wall with a thud. Kirhin jumped up in his place.

Tension instantly filled the house. Yanken went out to check outside the window at Lars’ gaze. Barret’s guards surrounded him.

Yanken, who immediately came back into the house, had an arrow in his hand. He spoke urgently.

“It’s a signal sent by Hardy. As expected, it seems Balshwin’s side has sent people.”

“What color is it?”

Yanken showed the arrow with a grim face. Lars’ face turned cold as he confirmed the red string tied to the arrow.

There was something they had agreed upon with the troops guarding the forest. If there was an attack, they would shoot an arrow, but depending on the situation, yellow if it could be handled on their own, blue if they needed help in a confrontation, and….

A red string to mean run away.

“Why, why? What’s important about the color? What does red mean?”

Lars grabbed one of Kirhin’s shoulders as he approached with an anxious face. A gentle smile appeared on his beautiful lips. Kirhin made a dazed expression at the kind smile that made him momentarily forget the urgent situation.

“Kirhin, I’m going to entrust you with an important task, so you must accomplish it. Understand?”

“B- by the way, I have no talent for wielding a sword. I’d die before even swinging it once.”

“But you have talent for running away.”

Kirhin nodded quickly at Lars’ words. Lars chuckled and whispered, crouching down.

“Run away. Together with Barret’s group.”

“What about you, Lord Lars?”

It was a question with a predetermined answer, but he couldn’t help but ask. Seeing his blue eyes tinged with fear, Lars grabbed both of Kirhin’s shoulders.

“From now on, there’s only one thing you should think about. Surviving and returning. Returning safely to attend the upcoming title succession ceremony. Officially becoming Baron Bickman like that.”

He wanted to protest that it wasn’t just one thing, but the solemnity in those green eyes made Kirhin keep his mouth shut. Lars spoke with a voice that felt weighty.

“Promise me.”

“…I will do so.”

If there was any hope, it was that Lars was smiling. If he had shown a panicked look, Kirhin might have fainted.

“We will fight too. My guards are skilled, and I also know how to use a sword.”

Barret showed the sword at his waist as he pulled back his cloak. Lars, with a faint sigh, quickly spoke while checking the situation outside.

“If something happens to you here, your father will kneel before Count Balshwin. Not many can resist fear. That’s why I will definitely send you back safely. I hope you’ll consider that as proof of my sincerity.”

There was an irresistible force in Lars’ words. Lars turned his gaze from Barret, who couldn’t easily answer, and threw words at Yanken.

“Yanken. You escort them.”

“Captain!”

“I’ll join up with Hardy. It’s better that way to open the path.”

Yanken immediately understood what that meant. Lars was saying he would prioritize Barret and Kirhin’s safety over his own. For Yanken, whose top priority was protecting Lars above all else, it was an unacceptable order.

“Rather, send Hardy and let me…”

“You don’t trust me?”

Lars frowned as he approached the door, gesturing that there was no time.

“Or do you not trust Hardy? Is that all we amount to?”

Yanken wanted to shout that it was vile to speak like that at such a moment, but he couldn’t. He could only blame his own dull mind for not being able to properly counter the cunning captain’s words.

“When I go into the forest, follow Yanken in the opposite direction. Once you see the village, hide somewhere suitable and wait for morning, and you’ll be safe.”

He nodded at Lars’ final words to Barret.

“You must be safe without fail.”

After showing respect with a graceful gesture that one might see in court, Lars left a relaxed smile and started running as he opened the door. Yanken, gritting his teeth, gestured to the group.

“This way!”

The sound of swords clashing and shouts echoing from the forest can be heard. As Yanken led the group, he looked back. Only the vague outline of Lars’ cloak fluttering like a black bird’s wings as he ran alone into the darkness could be dimly seen.

* * *