When I returned to the Percus manor, it was already early afternoon.
I had just finished a simple al with Sir Reynold, and it seed his reputation as a forr rcenary was not exaggerated; he ate the al prepared by the countryside inn without a single complaint.
On the other hand, so of the younger mbers of the Mage Corps displayed slightly discontented expressions.
Mages were a valuable asset, and the exceptional ones even more so.
Having been accustod to special treatnt from the family, being sent to a rural territory likely caused so dissatisfaction. Moreover, their lack of achievents during this period made their efforts seem vain.
So, it would be rather strange to say they were comfortable.
Perhaps due to this, a few mbers cast hostile glances my way. As befitting mbers of a high-ranking noble family, they seed to have grown up in a competitive atmosphere as well.
This was evident from their inability to differentiate between those they needed to cooperate with and those they needed to compete against.
However, there was no unnecessary conflict.
Sir Reynold's stern warning to the mbers played a role in maintaining peace.
"He is soone who might beco a son-in-law of the Rinella family. Be cautious in your words and actions."
It was a public announcent that I had beco an official candidate as Elsie's fiance.
I sighed deeply and continued walking, feeling weary.
I couldn't tell whether this was a fortunate or unfortunate developnt. Elsie was far beyond my league, and I still couldn’t decipher the nature of her feelings for .
It was too confusing to determine whether her feelings were of love or re admiration.
Lost in these complex thoughts, I entered the manor's reception room.
There were already two people present in the room.
It was Leto and Yuren, two of the few n in the group besides myself.
Thinking about it, I could understand why Ria was particularly upset. Four out of the six guests were won, so it was natural for soone as jealous as her to harbor dissatisfaction.
If I had only brought Leto and Yuren, Ria's attitude might have been more lenient.
However, given the current situation, such thoughts were rely futile.
Typically, when mbers of the sa gender gathered, everyone was included. Yet sohow, Leto and Yuren were having a eting without .
It seed I had been excluded from their inner n-only circle.
I cleared my throat, drawing the attention of Leto and Yuren. Only then, with a touch of disappointnt, did I ask,
"What are you guys doing alone? Forget about Yuren. You're into won, aren't you, Leto?"
"Ian, let's say that I am owed so money. Would you touch that money?"
I showed a bewildered expression at Leto's cryptic response.
"What kind of nonsense is this? Why would I take my friend’s money?"
"That's how it is... Well, he’s an opponent I can't even face in the first place."
Leto's curt response remained ambiguous.
However, probing further would likely result in criticisms from Leto, such as remarks about the Knight Division's foolishness or other critiques.
I didn’t want to hear unnecessary insults, so I decided to ignore Leto.
Instead, I turned my attention to Yuren.
His expression remained indifferent as he tapped the table with a card.
"Sigh, is there anything interesting? Swords, bloodshed, combat... I didn't butt in just to help Sister, but..."
"Butting in, you say?"
"I thought I would offer so advice since Sister seed to cry a lot at night... Oops, was that a secret?"
As he said this, Yuren wore a peculiar smile.
Despite his mysterious and handso appearance, his one flaw was being so attractive that sotis, I felt the urge to hit him. However, there was no way I could win against Yuren, known for his martial arts skills. So, he wasn’t an opponent I could hit even if I wanted to.
There seed to be so hidden aning in Yuren's words, but I decided to let it go.
It was fortunate timing, as I had news that could alleviate Yuren's boredom. There was no reason to delay my friends’ excitent.
It was information ant for the entire group, but there wouldn’t be any harm in sharing it a little earlier with a select few.
Yuren's expression visibly brightened upon hearing the rough explanation of the situation.
"Finally, a battle?!"
"I don't know yet. There might not be a battle...?"
"No, I’m sure there will be a battle!"
Yuren spoke with such conviction that it seed strange.
"Ian, do you rember what I said last ti? Controlling demonic beasts isn't exclusive to demonic humans. Dark priests also have that ability. However, why didn't that Dark Priest summon demonic beasts in the forest?"
"...To avoid detection?"
"Of course, that could be a reason. But now that she's been exposed, hasn't she?"
A weary sigh escaped Leto's lips.
He pressed his hand against his forehead, indicating he had a headache.
"So now it will definitely lead to a battle... the question now is whether she belatedly summons the demonic beasts or if has enough power that she doesn’t need them."
“Judging by the fact that she has exposed herself, it's safe to assu her preparations are complete. So, the latter option seems more probable, right?"
Leto, who had eased his headache, and Yuren, who was exhilarated, their voices ford an unusual harmony.
Regardless of who voiced it, that statent indicated one thing.
Though we were unsure of what awaited us in the forest, a battle was inevitable.
However, I couldn't fully agree with that statent.
"Mitram might not be in that forest. Do you believe that bastard would get caught so easily?"
"...Get caught?"
Yet, with an air of confidence, Yuren wore a slightly skeptical smile.
"Dark priests typically don't wander far from their hideouts. If their main body is waiting, it should be near the location where they revealed themselves."
How did an escort knight from the Holy Nation know so much about the situation inside the Dark Order?
Though I inwardly scoffed, I couldn't shake off the foreboding feeling.
I must make it clear that we need to be well-prepared.
After composing the ssage I would convey to the group in my mind, I began to prepare for our journey into the forest.
***The next morning, the hastily assembled exploration party set out.
The Rinella family's Mage Corp, part of the expedition, served as external reinforcents.
We had a duty to disclose not only our destination but also our objective to the Percus family mbers.
Naturally, Ria voiced her strong opposition imdiately.
"...No, no, you are absolutely not allowed!"
Until the mont of departure, Ria showed no signs of letting go.
Usually, our father or brother would intervene to dissuade Ria, but not today.
It wasn't that they couldn't intervene; but rather, it was just that emotionally, they were in agreent with Ria.
Ultimately, I was left alone to face Ria's resistance, and a sigh escaped .
"Ria, we have to go. This concerns more than just the Percus family.”
"If it's not just the Percus family's problem, why must Oppa step up? Can't we just wait for the central army?!"
As I wore a troubled expression, Da Irene intervened.
Since our previous eting, Da Irene had often been by Ria's side, diligently following the instructions from the future '.’
"Lady Ria, Master Ian is a crucial mber of the expedition team. Apart from the Rinella Mage Corps, we absolutely need soone to lead the remaining forces."
"...T-Then let soone else lead!"
"In the battlefield, where lives are at stake, the commander's judgnt is the line between life and death. As vital as that responsibility is, gaining recognition from your comrades is equally crucial."
Otherwise, instructions might beco tangled or delayed in urgent situations.
Despite my unfortunate history with Mitram, I had to shoulder my responsibility. Since that knot was tied, it was up to to untangle it. Fleeing from it in the face of potential danger wasn't noble.
Unable to counter my argunts, Ria made a final, desperate plea.
"No, no… No matter what, you shouldn’t go! Even if you must go, take with you!"
"...Ria."
I sighed once more, shaking my head.
I couldn't indulge Ria's complaints any longer. So, I turned to Da Irene for assistance.
"Da Irene, please take care of Ria."
"I will do my best... I'm tired of failing as an escort."
Irene gave a wry smile as she shook hands with .
Eventually, Ria succumbed to Da Irene's physical strength and was reluctantly pulled away.
"Ah, Da Irene! Let go of ! My brother might die...!"
Leaving Ria's pleading behind, I turned to bid farewell to my parents.
"I'll be back."
"Ian..."
My father wore an unusually sad expression.
"Rember, if you get involved with the Dark Order, there will be nothing but regret and pain. Do not trust anything that cos from their lips."
I was well aware of that.
But I reassured them casually.
"Don't worry, Father. I'll co back unscathed."
My father and I shook hands, and my mother embraced for a long ti. My brother, Aaron, silently patted my shoulder.
My companions also shared a brief farewell with the family mbers they were close to.
Senior Elsie was passionately explaining to my father how amazing I was, while the Saintess reassured my mother that she would definitely protect .
Seria received another ruby gem from Aaron, perhaps as a token of encouragent.
Despite becoming accustod to battles where lives were at stake, the thought of leaving my beloved family behind weighed heavily on my heart.
So, I made a sincere promise that this ti, I would return unscathed, to the best of my ability.
However, of course, as with most things in the world, it was a resolution that could not be guaranteed.
Unexpectedly, as soon as we entered the forest, we were confronted by individuals who appeared to be civilians. In response, I shouted,
"...Everyone, prepare for combat!"
Because among them were familiar faces.
They were the missing persons.
They were my neighbors, turned into Mitram's experints. Screaming, they rushed to attack us.
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