The Desired Relationship
With a complexion far brighter than before, Rebecca dropped to one knee and bowed her head the moment she laid eyes on me. It was just like a knight swearing an oath of fealty. Except the gesture was so over-the-top that it made my brow furrow.
"I greet you, Lord Stanashila Aljen."
"...What the hell are you doing?"
"I am merely showing proper respect to my benefactor."
"Ha. Sounds like your sister's doing a lot better, huh?"
At my words, the corners of her lips curled upward in an uncontrollable grin.
"Yes! My sister is completely cured now. Just in case, I watched over her for a few more days, but there hasn't been the slightest sign of relapse."
"That's a relief. Glad to hear it. But separate from that, your sudden change in attitude is getting on my nerves."
"P-Pardon...?"
"An attitude that shifts because of a favor is never genuine, nor does it ever last. So just act the way you used to."
"I cannot do that! I have already sworn to dedicate my entire life in loyalty to Lord Stanashila Aljen! My fidelity will not waver for as long as I live! Please, accept me as your knight! You may not trust me right now, but I will prove it through my actions from here on out!"
Rebecca's expression as she made her declaration was steadfast, her eyes gleaming with the pure light of unwavering conviction. But to me, it was completely unwelcome. That wasn't the kind of dynamic I wanted with her. On top of that, hearing her make promises she couldn't possibly keep was downright irritating.
"Haha. Look, Rebecca. I get that you're thrilled your sister's healthy, but there's no need to take it that far. We made a fair deal, that's all. Keep that in mind and just stick to the boundary."
Still, I held my tongue once. Whatever the case, she was someone I'd be dumping a hundred free commissions on.
"No! My mind is made up, and my resolve is set! Lord Stanashila Aljen's grace is something a lifetime of devotion could never repay! It is not something that can be squared away with a mere hundred free commissions!"
"..."
Frowning, I took a deep drag from my cigarette and blew the smoke into the air.
"Cut the bullshit, Rebecca."
"Uh, excuse me...?"
When I looked down at her with open disdain, a look of flustered confusion washed over her face—clearly not expecting such a reaction.
"I know you're riding a high right now. I can't fathom what's going through your head, but... yeah, looking at you, it seems like you're sleepwalking through reality while stuck in a dream."
"What... do you mean by that...?"
"I'm telling you to calm down and get a grip. Before real nasty words start flying out of my mouth."
"...It is only natural that you doubt me. However, Lord Aljen, I am completely rational and level-headed right now. My resolve and determination will not waver, no matter what happens—"
"Haaah, you're driving me crazy. The way you are now, I wouldn't even trust you with a free commission, you idiot."
I took a swig of alcohol, the fiery liquid scorching a thick trail down my throat. Drawing on that heat, I pushed myself up from the sofa.
"Phew... So, you're swearing loyalty to me?"
"Yes. I am."
"Absolute obedience? You'll carry out whatever order I give?"
"I will."
Her instant, unhesitating answer drew an involuntary sneer from my lips.
"Then here's your first order. Kill Leona and bring me her severed head, Rebecca."
"Yes!... Wait, what?"
Her eyes went wide with sheer shock as she jerked her head up to stare at me.
"Khehe... Look at that. Now you look like someone who just woke up from a dream."
I swaggered closer, looming over her.
"..."
Her face gradually froze.
The brightness drained from her eyes, her lips pressed into a hard line, and tension coiled tight through every muscle in her body. More than that, an aura of deliberate, razor-sharp vigilance bloomed outward, beginning to dominate the surrounding space. It was a solid, intimidating presence that brooked no ambush or trickery.
The exact same demeanor I had seen during our very first meeting.
"Rebecca. Just what part of me made you babble on about swearing loyalty and absolute obedience?"
"..."
"Did finding a cure for your sister guarantee that I'm good and righteous? Did handing over that medicine's recipe prove my moral character? Answer me, Rebecca."
"It... does not."
"Rebecca. Oh, blessed Rebecca, happier than anyone in the world. Then what the hell were you thinking when you said all that?"
"...It was a slip of the tongue. I apologize. Please... forget what I said."
Looking down at her bowed head, I burst into laughter.
"A mere commoner daring to flip-flop her words in front of a high nobleman? You've got some nerve."
I hooked the tip of my boot beneath her chin and tilted her face up. Locking eyes with her, I tilted my head to the side.
"Do you have a death wish, Rebecca?"
"No, my lord. I am sorry. Please, have mercy."
"Or did the man standing before you look like a joke?"
"Never, my lord. I am sorry. Please, have mercy."
"Maybe you'll come to your senses if I get rid of that nuisance sister of yours?"
"...!!"
Immediately, her face twisted in fury, a thick, explosive wave of bloodlust erupting from her.
"Commit no further insolence."
Before anyone noticed, Muriel had drawn a dagger and stepped to my side. Looking down at Rebecca, her gaze was as icy and unyielding as granite, unshakeable no matter what transpired.
"Hmm."
Gulp!
Downing another hefty mouthful of booze, I found it hard to balance on one foot and leaned my weight onto Muriel's shoulder.
"Well, fine. I'll forgive you. A scoundrel, a drunkard, a piece of trash like me is used to being looked down on and disrespected anyway. It's only natural."
"...?! I-I swear, that was never my intent—! Guh-blub?!"
I poured liquor straight over her face to cut her off.
"So, Rebecca. It's a shame you took back your crazy declaration, but how about we share a drink and build a fresh acquaintance? What do you say?"
"...It would be an honor, Lord Stanashila Aljen."
"Great. Everything's back where it belongs. Muriel, wipe her off."
"Understood."
Letting out a faint sigh, I threw myself back onto the sofa.
"I-I can do it myself...!"
"I have received my orders. Please remain still."
While Muriel—who had fetched a towel out of nowhere—wiped down her face, Rebecca froze awkwardly like a stone statue. Meanwhile, I puffed on my cigarette and enjoyed the spectacle.
"Ugh...!"
"Pfft."
Catching my eye, Rebecca's face flushed crimson with shame, drawing a snicker from me.
"It is done, Lord Aljen."
"Good. Rebecca, take a seat."
"...Yes."
Sitting down on the sofa across from me, Rebecca cautiously eyed my mood.
"Well then... should we start over from the beginning?"
"Pardon...?"
"I mean, you seem pretty embarrassed. If you want, I could pretend none of that ever happened."
At my offer, her face flared an even deeper shade of red, practically ready to burst.
"I-If you would... please do so..."
"Of course, I'm lying. I'll never forget this, and I'm going to tease you about it every chance I get. Oh, my loyal knight."
"Khk...!"
Unable to bear it, she squirmed and writhed where she sat, which was thoroughly entertaining.
"A fine accompaniment to my drinks. Well, anyway, I take it you've come to your senses now?"
"Whew... Yes. I apologize. And... thank you, Lord Aljen."
"I didn't do anything worth thanking."
"No. You could have easily taken advantage of me in that state, Lord Aljen. Since I had already made the declaration, if you had held me to my word... you could have truly used me as your puppet. Thank you for your mercy."
"...Did your head still not clear up?"
"T-That's completely different! I have come to my senses! Truly! Right now, I am a cool-headed, rational, realistic adventurer and mercenary! Seriously!"
"Hmph..."
Eyeballing her with lingering doubt, I popped open a new bottle, poured a glass, and slid it across the table toward her.
"Drink up first."
"...Yes."
Watching her hesitate before tipping back the glass, I raised the mouth of my bottle to my own lips.
"Khaaah...!"
"Phew...! That is... quite strong."
"Yeah. Good stuff, isn't it?"
For a moment, we savored the hot, fragrant aftertaste of the liquor.
"Rebecca. Here's your first commission. Can you take it?"
"That depends on the details."
Her crisp, resolute answer brought a smirk to my face. Yeah, this was what I wanted.
"What's this? Weren't you supposed to take any commission a hundred times? Your tune changed pretty fast."
"Even without explicit words, there are unspoken rules and conventions."
"Hmm. A noble and grand aristocrat like myself knows nothing of the vulgar rules and customs of bottom-feeders."
"No matter how highborn the noble, I have no intention of accepting a request that goes against my capabilities or my principles."
"Man, feels like I got swindled. Don't you think so, Muriel?"
"Indeed. It seems shifting her stance is her specialty. We must remain on our guard."
"Khhk...!"
Rebecca squirmed all over again as Muriel jabbed at her sore spot.
Chuckling at our comedy routine, I finally got down to business.
"Hehehe. Ah, this is great. Your first commission is to accompany me on a dungeon raid expedition. You can do that, right?"
"A dungeon raid... expedition?"
"More specifically, an escort mission."
"If it is that sort of request... I accept."
"Good. Muriel, go tell Vivian and Weller that we're leaving immediately."
"Understood."
Once Muriel left the room, leaving just the two of us, we stared blankly at each other. Then, suddenly, she bowed her head.
"Now what?"
"I-I made a disgraceful display of myself earlier! I am truly sorry!"
"A disgraceful display, huh... Well, it was certainly entertaining."
"Ugh...!"
"No need to apologize for every little thing."
"...Thank you for your generosity."
Lifting her head, she fanned her blushing face with her hand, trying desperately to cool off.
"By the way... do we have other travel companions?"
"More or less. Strictly speaking, you'll be escorting me, as well as Vivian and Weller."
"I see... Then there will be other escort knights and attendants accompanying us?"
"One escort knight. Zero attendants."
"Pardon...?"
She tilted her head, clearly failing to comprehend.
Rather than answering her question, I merely curled the corners of my mouth into a grin.
Right on cue, rapid footsteps came sprinting down the hallway outside.
"Brother! I'm all packed and ready for the trip!"
Vivian flung the door open without even knocking, shouting in a clear, ringing voice as she bounded in. Her eyes sparkled with so much anticipation it was almost overwhelming.
"...Heh. Knew it."
Leaving her excitement aside, what immediately caught my eye was a luggage bag stuffed to bursting and the billowing, fluttery luxury dress she was wearing.
"Vivian."
"Yes, Brother!"
Placing a firm hand on her shoulder, I stated flatly:
"That outfit is disqualified."
"Eh?!"
Freezing stiff, Vivian's jaw dropped in utter disbelief.