[No title provided]
Unlike Ashu the saintess, Jasgiria had no prior information about my abilities, so he peppered me with questions.
That said, I couldn't go into detail about Happy Moment, so I just told him it was a special ability that harnessed mana.
"Hey! I get that adventurers keep their aces hidden, but come on! To make something, I need some kinda inspiration here! If you're not gonna give me that, screw this!!"
...So when he said that, I explained that with my ancient language skills, I could not only use various magic tools but hijack other people's spells or gear too.
Hearing that, the old man slipped into his cool detective mode, puffing on his pipe.
"Hah, shit... This guy's pissing me off after all this time."
"Guess this level of teasing doesn't faze you, huh."
"Opposite. I'm all hyped up right now and trying to calm down. If I'd known a cheeky bastard like you existed, I'd have gone even bolder with those magic tools. Haa~"
"Plotting some brand-new design that doesn't exist yet?"
"Hey, shut it. I've got a lot to think about, so get lost. Pick up the stuff for her and the girl in two days. Yours'll take longer, so wait."
"You planning to pull another all-nighter? You'll drop dead at this rate."
"Haa~ What a riot. Lately, thanks to the materials you gave me, I've got energy to burn. Look at the roots of this white hair."
Jasgiria took off his hat, ran a hand through his hair, and showed me the roots. There was a faint red glow.
His hair was white now from age, but it must've originally been red.
"You're the guy who reignited the passion in my body and soul, so that's why I remember your name. Kirgil."
Enough chit-chat. Out. I'm not open for business, so come back in two days.
Jasgiria clearly didn't want to waste time and shooed me out of the shop.
His shove had more force than before. Guess he absorbed some of the basilisk eye's effects after all.
That's why the potion from Agnes perked him up.
Still, losing all that blood and getting drained by the sword must've taken its toll. I got winded after a short walk.
Heading to the Piterio Merchant Company to meet Rauga, I had to stop and catch my breath two or three times.
Last time I visited, they treated me like Ashu's servant, but this time when I gave my name, Rauga came rushing out from somewhere soon after.
He didn't grovel flat on the ground, but he looked ready to submit completely. When I asked why,
"Master Piterio told me all about you, Sir Kirgil. I didn't recognize you before—my deepest apologies. And if you have time, could you perhaps tutor my son? He's really into ancient script..."
The merchant kids must be real bookworms. Probably 'cause rare items and books flow through here nonstop. Gotta know valuables to price 'em right.
Anyway, Piterio must've instructed them to treat me royally and mentioned Lirisa's magic too.
With my own workload and injuries keeping me sidelined, I politely turned him down and left another parcel.
For Lirisa, a bracelet boosting magic enhancement. For Rada and Suu, necklaces like auxiliary batteries to extend magic tool use.
Jasgiria said simple gear like that could be made from materials alone, no special intent needed.
Rauga promised the fastest delivery again—relay riders swapping horses day and night.
My letters and packages were basically getting that VIP treatment now.
They've got their own couriers!?
That's royal decree or invasion alert level! No wonder Piterio's intel network is so damn fast.
With my errands done, the sun was nearing sunset.
Not that I saw it—just the bustle of shops closing and workers heading home before dark. Off to dinner or family. Agnes Village had that vibe in the late afternoons with all the birds chirping.
Back at the inn, Ashu greeted me in her usual revealing outfit, hugging me warmly.
Since I wasn't in the room, she figured I was well enough to roam, and that put her in high spirits.
Might as well eat out, I suggested. She swapped to outing clothes in a flash and told me to wait outside first.
Setting a date vibe, probably.
Waiting outside, the anticipation hit different. Wonder what she'd wear.
As I pondered how to greet her, that young Kalderan priestess from when Ashu smashed the door came sprinting by.
Heading straight for our inn. Looking for Ashu?
...Yup, right on cue.
Ashu burst out in her priestess robes instead of casuals.
She snatched my hand like a lifeline and dragged me off.
"Wh-what!? Ashu, what's up? What happened?"
"Inario's here. It's urgent—details on the way."
The kingdom's capital, Darania Royal Palace, has four gates—east, west, south, north. The 1st Knight Order guards the widest, busiest southern gate; 2nd the east; 3rd the west; 4th the north.
The 1st's commander is the overall head of Darania's knights, and "commander" usually means him.
Due to some historical event, the knights became a separate military from the royal guard—basically a warlord faction near the capital.
A warlord that close to the capital...?
Ticking time bomb, right? But they've rolled smoothly so far. Ashu said there were plenty of backroom plots.
Anyway.
Darania 2nd Knight Order Commander, Baron Inario.
A baron probably has some stuffy family name, but I haven't heard it yet.
Anyway, with their "commander" sliced up like butter by Katona, the knights need a new one.
Even as a warlord outfit, near the palace means the king or queen appoints the commander.
So now the knights and palace are scheming over it.
Each order flaunts their power, connections, diplomacy to prove they're commander material.
The queen's toying with how to crush and weaken them.
In this mess... Ashu, princess and symbol of royal ties, is gold to the knights.
Same for Katona's head—the one that took out a third of their commanders. Prime trophy.
"Do those guys know I killed Katona?"
"They do now. When I left Prosek,
The hero Kirgil who rides the oxcart next door.
Vanquished Katona, routed the demon army.
Felled the troll, saved the lord's wife.
The miracle hero seeks new frontiers...
That's what the Prosek folk were singing."
Ashu explained fast while power-walking. Hearing that song made me wanna hide from the shame.
Thank god this world has no YouTube or internet.
Merchants or guild might know it already, though.
"Inario came here to rescue his son, right?"
"Likely, but too fast. Reports went out today, petitions and letters sent— and he's already here...? Ah!?"
Near the Kalderan cathedral, Ashu halted mid-stride.
Her eyes locked on a man emerging. Even from afar, his silver armor gleamed. A burly middle-aged guy.
"...No way?"
"......"
Ashu steeled herself with a sigh and approached. The knight spotted her and came over too.
Soon enough, he stood before her.
If Count Prosek was a massive lion, this guy was a hulking panther. Eyes like a predator stalking prey in the shadows, glaring at Ashu.
Intimidation hit before any dignity. That man...
"Darania 2nd Knight Commander Inario bows to Princess Ashushikara. As a knight sworn to protect Her Majesty and the realm, I am deeply relieved at your safe return to adventuring."
"Rise, Sir Inario. I'm astonished you worry for me—and that you've shown up here. I am equally impressed by the knights' loyalty."
Damn... power plays even here.
Ashu's basically saying, "Why're you here?" and "You talk loyalty?"
"To end the princess's unease and swiftly crush the blade of rebellion against the kingdom. Now Her Majesty and Your Highness may attend to state affairs without worry."
"...What?"
Ashu's face twisted. Inario looked smug.
Even silver-tongued Ashu was at a loss. She glanced nervously at the cathedral he'd just left.
"...Sir Inario. Your swiftness never fails to amaze me. Always."
"My thanks for Your Highness's heartfelt praise. I have pressing matters—I'll take my leave."
Inario brushed past her like she was nothing, then eyed me.
Panther sizing up prey, for sure.
"Could you be the famed Kirgil?"
Hard to believe Inadia's son of this grave, menacing guy.
If Inadia's a street punk, this is straight-up mob boss.
...And his looks bugged me big time.
I met the noble's gaze without bowing.
"Yeah, that's me."
"......"
My curt reply threw him off.
Shoulda scratched my ear and played dumb?
"Indeed, no ordinary hero. My mistake. Allow a proper introduction. I am—"
"Didn't you say you were busy?"
"......"
Oho, he took that.
Was hoping he'd snap and draw—Happy Moment counter ready.
Worlds apart from that Inadia punk in poise and caliber.
"No matter how busy, a knight like me can't pass a hero. Kirgil, if I may be so bold, I'd love to introduce you to my daughter—"
"No need. I've sworn to serve Princess Ashushikara. Best ask her first for that."
Just in case, I flashed the ring on my left ring finger. I still didn't get its meaning, but Inario's face soured at the Connection Ring.
"I see. My apologies. We'll meet again soon. Hero Kirgil."
Inario gave a polite bow, but it felt like he was aiming a sword at my throat.
As he vanished, I turned to Ashu, who was grinding her teeth in fury.
And... I looked at her blue hair.
That blue hair, identical to Inario's.