Something is Wrong with Franche

With heavy, dragging steps, Marco, a low-ranking captain of Zenbukoros, wandered aimlessly. He was half out of his mind.

Why... why am I even here?

Everything had been going so well. As a former imperial knight, his swordsmanship was highly recognized, and he had quickly climbed to the rank of captain. He became a low-ranking captain, made some decent money, and was looking forward to enjoying a comfortable life. Up to that point, it was perfect. But then...

Slash!

That man was a ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠Sword Demon.

Even their guild master, a legendary Sword Master, and the first captain were cut down in an instant. When that man swung his sword, a storm of blades erupted, and even a mere brush against his Aura was fatal. It felt like his entire body was exploding. He was... a monster.

"Hey! Aren't you Marco?"

Suddenly, a familiar voice called out. It was Daara, Marco's long-time friend and an information broker of the underworld.

"What's wrong with you? Did something happen?"

At his worried tone, Marco choked up, tears welling in his eyes.

"A-A madman... a madman has come..."

"What?"

"Some lunatic completely annihilated Zenbukoros!"

Thud!

Daara was struck with immense shock. Annihilated Zenbukoros? Who on earth could do that?

In this Empire, the only group capable of touching Zenbukoros was Exeed. But even they wouldn't start a war without a massive reason, as they would have to suffer immense casualties. Unless they were fools, why would they wage a war of mutual destruction?

"T-Tell me the details."

Daara took Marco to his tavern. Since Marco looked completely out of it, Daara even served him a warm glass of milk.

"Alright, tell me. What happened?"

"W-Well..."

Marco explained what he had experienced. He had returned to their headquarters with the master and the other captains after finishing a job, only to find a single Sword Master had slaughtered everyone. Even the master and the other captains were effortlessly sliced to pieces by him.

Hearing this, Daara's jaw dropped so low it nearly dislocated.

"So... he annihilated Zenbukoros all by himself? Not as a group?"

Marco nodded blankly. Daara felt his mind go numb.

In the first place, there were very few people in this Empire capable of such a feat.

Could it be...?

A memory flashed through Daara's mind. The recent news that had set the imperial social circle ablaze: the appearance of Jin Barenberg. He was currently serving as the personal guard to the Descartes lady as her slave...

"Marco. Does this have anything to do with Lady Descartes?"

‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠

Marco's eyes widened in an instant. He nodded frantically, asking how Daara knew.

"It's him. Jin Barenberg."

"Jin Barenberg? ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠Why would he..."

"He's Lady Descartes's personal knight."

Only now did everything begin to make sense to Marco. Why that man had attacked their guild, and why he had spared his life and told him to spread the word.

"Ha... haha. I actually fought against that monster."

Marco let out a hollow laugh. It was just that absurd. After all, when and where would anyone ever cross paths with a monster like Jin Barenberg?

Marco suddenly snapped out of his daze. Grabbing Daara's hand, he pleaded desperately.

"Daara, I beg of you. Spread the rumor... Let everyone know that if anyone touches Lady Descartes, Jin Barenberg will come for them..."

His voice was practically weeping. Marco was consumed by terror. If he didn't fulfill what the monster had demanded, he had no idea when Jin might show up to slaughter him.

"Of course I will. It benefits me as an information broker anyway."

Marco let out a heavy sigh of relief.

"Ah, Daara. Can I ask for one more favor?"

"What is it?"

"Please get me in touch with Frida's Madame..."

With a pitiful look, Daara shook his head and immediately began writing a letter. It was a carrier pigeon bound for Frida. Since it was near the Imperial Capital, she would be able to arrive quickly.

"I've sent it, so wait a moment. I'll go spread this news in the meantime."

How much time had passed? A middle-aged woman walked into the tavern.

"Madame. Over here."

Marco called out to her quietly. Looking around warily, Jukeo Sinna sat down with a displeased expression.

"Why did you call me here? What about the commission?"

Where should he even begin? Marco felt his breath catch in his throat.

"Well..."

Marco explained everything once more, just as he had to Daara. What had happened to Zenbukoros, and even the warning that had been left.

"Y-You crazy bastards!"

Jukeo Sinna began tearing at her hair.

"Do you have any idea how much money I spent to hire you guys?! Are you out of your minds?!"

Jukeo Sinna had squandered her entire fortune to hire Zenbukoros. She believed that as long as she had Andrea, she could easily make that money back. But the plan had failed, and her money was gone. She was on the verge of losing her mind.

"Look, Madame. You're only saying that because you didn't witness the carnage. There is no one in this Empire who can defeat that man!"

It was the truth. He was a monster among monsters, capable of keeping an entire nation in check by his strength alone. It was obvious that no group could stand against him.

"Then what am I supposed to do now?!"

Jukeo Sinna massaged her temples, her face completely distorted.

"Madame. Speaking as someone who survived, if you value your life, give up. If Jin Barenberg swings his sword just once, all of Frida will be blown away."

Jukeo Sinna didn't reply. It seemed she had finally resigned herself to her fate.

"...Damn that Descartes girl!"

She bit her lower lip so hard that blood trickled down. That was how deeply Jukeo Sinna resented Lady Descartes.

"Anyway. If you value your life, never touch Lady Descartes again."

With those words, Marco stood up from his seat.

"Sigh. What am I supposed to do for a living now? Should I try to go back to the Imperial Knights?"

The next day.

I was touring the taverns of the duchy using the allowance I received from Franche. Munching on a seasoned chicken skewer, I scanned the newspaper.

"Hmm."

It seemed to have worked perfectly. The rumors must have spread far and wide by now.

But Cassus was actually gay? Had he really lost his mind?

"Ahem."

Well, whatever. With ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠this, excluding the imperial family, there was no group left that would dare touch Franche. And since even the imperial family viewed us favorably, there were practically no obstacles left.

The only one left is...

Line Descartes.

Since the Duke and Eden had acknowledged Franche, they wouldn't interfere anymore. But Line was a different story. That bastard was still constantly looking for a chance to tear Franche down, glaring at her with nothing but spite.

"What should I do about him..."

It wasn't like I could just kill him, too. My worries deepened.

Well, an opportunity will present itself eventually.

Line was currently consumed by an inferiority complex toward Franche. In the meritocratic Descartes family, Line was the only one without a single noteworthy achievement.

Eden's achievements went without saying, and Franche had broken Frida's monopoly through her business. On the other hand, Line had accomplished absolutely nothing. In terms of the Descartes family hierarchy, Line was undoubtedly at the very bottom.

Looking at it this way, it was easy to understand why he was so desperate to tear Franche down.

"Shall I head back now?"

I had eaten plenty of meat and even had a drink for the first time in a while. Since I had done nothing but play from last night until today, it was about time to return.

I walked back to the ducal mansion with light steps. Was it because I had spent a day deviating from my usual routine? I felt strangely good. Until now, I had been filled with nothing but worry and fear. But now, my mind felt a bit more at ease.

I should thank Helena again.

And so, I returned to the mansion.

After brushing my teeth to make sure I didn't smell of alcohol and changing into my uniform, I headed to Franche's room. It was time to prepare for our next venture.

When I arrived in front of her door, Helena was there. I offered her a casual greeting.

"Ah, Helena. About yesterday..."

The moment I opened my mouth, she bolted like a startled squirrel.

What was that about? We were on good terms just yesterday. Did something happen?

Though puzzled, I figured everyone has their off days, and knocked on the door.

"My Lady, I am entering."

Click.

When I opened the door and stepped inside, Franche was sipping black tea while gazing out the window.

"Did you rest well?"

"Yes. Thanks to you, I had a wonderful time."

"I am glad to hear that."

Franche smiled softly. Tapping the table, she gestured for me to sit opposite her.

"Right. Let us discuss our next steps. What should we do now?"

I explained to Franche what we needed to do from here on out.

This time, it was the Magic Stone business.

Magic Stones were stones infused with mana. Previously, they were useless because mages were scarce and demand was low, but from now on, things would be different.

"Then how will we manage the clothing store?"

"Ah, Exeed will handle that."

"Exeed is going to manage it?"

I nodded.

"The employees who used to work at Frida will all transfer over to our side. That will make management much easier and increase our production capacity."

I went on to explain the rest of the details. Frida's receptionists would handle customer service, Andrea would manage the workshop, and Exeed would oversee security.

"Hmm. Then I will certainly have more freedom to move."

Franche nodded slowly.

"Indeed. You will also be able to focus on your magic research."

Since we were entering the Magic Stone business, the magical capabilities of Kazar and Franche would be key. We were going to gather every single mage in the world to our side.

I continued.

"Also, you need to hire a secretary now."

"A secretary? Why?"

"You cannot possibly handle all the administrative work by yourself, My Lady."

The business was only going to grow from here. It didn't matter when it was just a single clothing store, but as we expanded further, having people to fill roles like secretaries and branch managers would be essential. We could utilize the staff from Frida for some roles, and ask Exeed to help with the rest.

"You can choose whoever you like to be your secretary."

"Can't you be my secretary?"

"I am your personal knight, My Lady."

She wanted me to do secretarial work on top of my guarding duties? That was too much. Just how hard was she planning to work me?

"Hmm. Then I suppose I will have to conduct interviews."

Franche tapped her finger against the table.

"Someone who obeys me well, learns quickly, and has a kind heart."

Oh, I actually knew someone who fit that description perfectly.

"How about Helena?"

"What?"

A dark mist began to rise from behind Franche's back.

Was that... bloodlust?

"...Did I say something wrong?"

I asked, completely bewildered. I mean, Helena was her personal maid, she was highly obedient, and she had a kind heart. I wasn't sure about her learning speed, but still.

"Jin."

"Yes?"

"I believe I told you."

"...Yes?"

"Not to get too close to Helena."

The dark mist rising behind Franche grew even denser. Just how much magic had she learned? Her aura seemed stronger than that of most average mages.

"...Is there a reason for that?"

"A reason? There is no need for a reason."

Screeech.

Franche stood up from her chair and slowly walked over to me.

Then, lifting my chin with her index finger, she spoke.

"For the rest of your life, for all of eternity, you only need to look at me. You are my possession, after all."