Chapter 41
Chapter 41
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 41
Chapter Title: Revelations at the Inn
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Chapter 41
"Where have you been wandering off to? Coming back from the inner courtyard again?"
Guchi spoke to Lander as he returned to the inn. For the past few days, Lander had been punching in at the city gates, claiming he was waiting for someone, and even after meeting Kalligo, he had been bustling about.
"Yes. I went and had a talk."
"I've been holding back from prying, but you think you could tell me now? No need if you don't want to."
"I should've considered you sooner. Anyone else, maybe not, but you should know. You signed a confidentiality agreement, after all."
"Bringing that up tells me it's not some quaint little tale from the common folk."
"Should I keep quiet?"
"No, go ahead. I'm tired of playing with the kids at the inn anyway."
Anthony's son and daughter clung to him every day, giving him a headache. They had seemed so mature at first, but once they got close, their true colors showed.
They slyly made him help with inn chores and begged for stories from the outside world during his free time.
Lander chuckled softly and explained what had happened at the inner courtyard. After grasping the events of the past week, Guchi clicked his tongue first.
"That noble finally caused an incident. So you brought in Kalligo to resolve it?"
"Not exactly brought in—he came here himself. I just borrowed him temporarily, the guy who came to solve Dun's problem."
"To solve Dun's problem, huh. That guy's no ordinary person either. Mind if I ask who he really is? Wolfji reporter has to be a lie."
"It's not a lie. He just has a day job."
"Day job?"
"He's in charge of the Special Inspectorate."
"…I didn't say anything stupid in front of him—that guy, I mean that man—last time, did I? I think I spouted some nonsense over dinner."
"It was private talk, so it's fine. He separates work and personal life well."
"But from the one who asked, it's funny to say this, but is it okay to tell me that?"
"It's no secret. The Special Inspectorate is a well-known organization. Their org chart is public. It's just that few people know the faces. Honest folks never cross paths with them in a lifetime."
"Is that so? I never paid attention to that world."
"It's not something ordinary citizens need to know."
Guchi mulled over the brief conversation he'd had with Kalligo while sipping water. He knew by rumor what the Special Inspectorate did. Bureaucrats who hunted bureaucrats.
"I was planning to ask what you used to do someday, but now I need to think twice. Just introducing me to your contacts is enough to give me heart palpitations."
"If you're curious, I can tell you right now. You know my lips are sealed by now."
"My lips aren't heavy by choice. It's Bank’s tearful friendship—he swore he'd hunt me to the ends of the earth and take my head if I broke a promise—that makes them heavy."
"For someone like that, you treat me the same as ever."
He smiled faintly as he replied.
"To be honest… I just like you. Who in the world would hate the benefactor who saved their life without asking for anything in return? And you're skilled to boot. Reasons to treat you warmly are overflowing."
Anthony, tidying the counter, brought out food and said to eat while talking. It was steamed sausages. He split one and gave it to Lander.
"Thanks, I'll dig in."
Lander said to Anthony. Guchi bit into his sausage with his molars, pushed it inside his cheek, and spoke.
"I figured that big chef was no ordinary guy, but your old subordinate? Didn't see that coming."
"I didn't expect to meet him like this either. No contact since his wife's funeral."
"Must be fate. Same with Louis—you take good care of people around you."
"Compared to you, I'm pretty individualistic."
"I'm just cleaning up after a friend's daughter."
Lander smiled with his eyes.
"You changed after meeting your wife. Before that, you only looked out for yourself. Looking back, I was a real scumbag back then."
"Past doesn't matter. Present does."
Guchi chewed and swallowed his sausage. Talking with Lander always brought up stories about his wife.
What kind of woman could influence a man this much? He wondered sometimes.
He'd had chances to ask before but held back. They weren't close enough for deep personal talks.
But today felt right. They'd grown closer on the way to Dun, and Lander's care for those around him put him at ease.
"I've wanted to ask for a while."
"What?"
"Was your wife really a beauty?"
He'd meant to ask what kind of person, but changed it. First time, keep it light. Tossed out casually, Lander blinked then smiled softly.
"Didn't I answer at Louis's shop? That she was a beauty."
"You brushed it off since we were strangers, but living with you showed me. No one boasts about their spouse like you. Not criticizing—just a pure question. Objectively, was she really that pretty?"
"At least in my eyes, yes."
"Vague answer."
"You called me a braggart, so I held back. But really, she was. Seeing her face asleep would chase away sleep instantly."
"You say that, now I want to see her too."
"I want to see her too."
This time, Lander asked.
"No marriage plans for you, Guchi?"
"Me? Not right now. Life's unpredictable, though. But I can't stay put long. That's why I chased hunters from kid days, wandering everywhere."
"You'd suit someone who loves travel."
"Travel's a fancy hobby. What I do? Camping in the boonies, pulling all-nighters with bloodshot eyes. What woman could handle that?"
"Someone's out there. Plenty of famous female explorers in uncharted lands."
They chatted about marriage views for quite a while after. Anthony joined midway. Who knew three old bachelors—married, widowed, and single—would gossip so much over nothing.
"Anyway, marry as late as possible. That's best."
Anthony said standing up. Lander disagreed. If hearts match, better early.
"Hey, leaving me out and having such fun? I'm so jealous I'm about to cry."
He flinched at the face popping up behind. When did he sneak up? Kalligo sat with his signature laugh.
Seeing his face, 'Inspectorate Chief' flashed in his mind. Kalligo spoke as he clamped his mouth and averted eyes.
"I thought we got close over dinner yesterday, but this reaction says Lander badmouthed me."
"Not badmouthing. Just told the truth about your job."
"That's badmouthing. Who speaks freely in front of the Special Inspectorate? I wanted a friend who sees me casually. Sad."
Kalligo stared at him. Guchi smacked his lips.
"Not that uncomfortable. I haven't done wrong."
"No one comes out clean after a shake-down."
Guchi pursed his lips again. Kalligo laughed it off as a joke. But why didn't it feel like one?
Kalligo ordered food and started talking nonstop. From weather, topics shifted endlessly; he only paused to breathe.
A job demanding utmost caution, yet the man had a motor mouth.
"Most of my work is listening, actually. Complex cases mean endless speakers—ears bleed. So after work, I turn chatty without realizing. I'm naturally quiet. Oh, you not eating that?"
"Quiet man?"
It slipped out incredulously. Kalligo, mouth full, clapped delightedly.
"First retort like that in ages. None since starting this job. Wait, first since Lander."
Food didn't spill despite talking. That was a skill too. Watching the bubbly Kalligo, his own wariness seemed silly.
A swordsman who bisected a magical beast in one stroke sat right there. Compared to superhumans, Kalligo was just a talkative normal guy.
Bank, magical beast, Tacha warrior, now Kalligo. All these events and people had toughened him up.
"Kalligo."
He called.
"Drop the 'ssi.' You call Lander casually, so skip honorifics for me too."
"Fine. Heard you helped Lander's old subordinate. All wrapped up?"
Lander perked up curiously too.
"Came to report, actually. Feels weird, though. I'm not one to report to just anyone. Emperor maybe."
The emperor mention startled him, but Lander and Kalligo were unfazed. Now he felt overly jumpy.
"I checked the scene myself, took statements, heard from parties involved. Result: inner courtyard chef cleared, vice head gets administrative punishment."
"Punishment?"
"Dismissal. Can't return as bureaucrat—needs new job."
"Clean resolution."
Kalligo said, arms crossed.
"Would've ended at salary cut. Private use of authority, but chef's response wasn't ideal. Bad opponent, though. Messing with Lander's old subordinate."
Salary cut became dismissal. Guchi eyed silently listening Lander. What caliber pulls that off?
"Lucky in a way. I was in Dun timely; otherwise, Lander would've handled it. Horrifying to imagine."
"I lack power to resolve such smoothly."
Lander spoke. Kalligo frowned.
"What? You're the smoothest. Nothing easier, simpler, cleaner than blade to throat. Lesson from this job: violence trumps all methods."
"Not words for the Special Inspectorate chief."
"Really? Side note: Guchi, how much power, authority do you think that sword Lander carries holds?"
Throat-tickling question. He sipped water lightly.
"Not sure on power, but enough to save a life, I know."
"Knowing that means you've seen Lander's sword in action? Interesting. Where and how'd he save someone with it?"
"Asking just in case—is this an interrogation?"
"No way. I separate work and personal perfectly."
"Then I'll stay silent. Curious? Find out yourself."
Kalligo grinned delightedly, pointing fork at him.
"You're growing on me, Guchi. Mind if I join this party? Three musketeers would be fun."
"I'll oppose for now—convince Lander."
"Won't work. Lander'd veto. He just uses me, doesn't keep me close. Hurtful."
Kalligo wiped mouth with napkin.
"Want to stay, but duties call. Tomorrow free? No? Make time—you helped me this once. You two watch Giant Soldier maneuvers with me tomorrow. Subordinates hate hanging with boss."
"Good eating, Kalligo said farewell and rose.
"Really says whatever, huh."
Guchi remarked.
"Consistent guy."
Lander replied.
(To be continued next time.)