Simon and Ellen walked along the forest path, talking about this and that.During this time, Simon learned various pieces of information about Ellen.She had been a type of student at Efnel who focused solely on the 'firepower' of divine magic. However, her other defensive abilities were severely lacking, and most importantly, she was expelled because she couldn't even use common healing magic. It was a rather serious disqualification for a Priest.When Simon asked why she was so desperately earning money, it turned out she had lost her parents and was raising her younger siblings alone. Simon also learned a new side of Ellen.Oh, um, Sir Simon.Simon smiled gently.Just call me Simon.Ah, yes! Simon.Ellen felt an inexplicable fondness for this boy.During her time at Efnel, she had been taught that Necromancers were all terrible, hideous monsters.But this boy was different. In truth, Necromancers were also people, and they could have warm hearts.So, why?Hehe. We've gotten a bit closer now, and we've formed an alliance, and I'm certainly not strong enough to do anything to you two.She subtly extended her two hands, which were tied with rope, glancing at him.So, could you… untie this now?Instead of answering, Simon maintained his gentle smile. She broke out in a cold sweat.Ah, I guess not.Kuhuhu! He's finally gone mad!Pier glared from inside his helmet.Look at this, boy! If you're too kind to a prisoner, they'll quickly get out of hand! If you just cut off a few fingers, they'll become obedient…Uwaaah! S-s-sorry! I must have lost my mind!She quickly prostrated herself on the ground, and Simon stopped her.It's fine if you understand, Ellen. Pier, that's enough.Pier lowered his greatsword, and Ellen's face flushed. She felt that he was truly kind, yet also incredibly firm.Soon, they arrived at the lord's castle.As planned, Ellen hid inside Pier's robe, and Simon and Pier approached the castle gate.Stop! Who goes there?The guards at the gate raised their spears and their voices. Simon made a gesture of raising his arms and spoke.We've come at the Lord's request. We wish to see the Lord directly right now.What?Did you get an arrow to the head? The Lord, at this hour of the night?Simon nodded.Yes. It's an urgent matter, so we must see him immediately.The guards let out hollow laughs, as if dumbfounded.I've seen all sorts of crazy bastards, but this takes the cake.Do you think the Lord is someone you can just meet because you want to? Get lost while I'm being nice.No, this guy's suspicious. Just tie him to a pillar until morning.A guard nodded and took out the rope from his waist. Simon, still smiling, spoke.You'll regret it.You insolent brat… Who are you? State your identity.I'm from Kizen.Stop.The two guards' movements faltered.Puhahahahaha! Damn it! This guy is really a total lunatic!If you're from Kizen, then I'm Neptis, you crazy bastard!The two guards approached to apprehend Simon. Simon extended his arms obediently, as if inviting them to tie him up.What's all this commotion?Just then, the Captain of the Guards appeared from the side door. The guards gasped and saluted.S-sir, a suspicious man claimed he wanted to see the Lord, so we were about to arrest him.A suspicious man?Yes, he suddenly claimed to be from Kizen…Upon hearing those words, the Captain of the Guards' face turned pale.Ki…zen?The mysterious disappearances occurring in the territory.The Lord, who wanted to conceal the unsettling incidents before an important event, had secretly requested Kizen's assistance. Only the Lord's closest confidants knew this fact.However, after three months with no response, the Lord had given up hope on Kizen.…But he actually came?The Captain of the Guards carefully observed Simon.Intelligent eyes, a relaxed demeanor, and a tall, armored man accompanying him as a guard.It's him.Goosebumps ran all over his body.This boy, he's truly from Kizen.…Bow.Yes, sir?I said bow your heads, you brats!The Captain of the Guards roared.The guards immediately dropped their weapons, put their heads to the ground, and clasped their hands behind their backs.Simon scratched the side of his head at the sudden change in atmosphere, when the Captain of the Guards approached, his sword drawn.What is it?Pier gripped the hilt of his greatsword, but Simon raised his arm to stop him. The Captain of the Guards stood before Simon, plunged his sword into the ground, and knelt on one knee.The education of my subordinates is entirely my fault. I offer my life as an apology.He then assumed a posture as if offering his neck. Seeing this, the guards cried out.…Ugh, this is too much.Simon smiled bitterly to himself. Even for Kizen, was this really necessary?And if he were a second-year, it might be different. But Simon was a first-year student whose life was as precarious as a fly's, unsure when he might be sent home. If he were expelled from Kizen, he would return to being a commoner, so he didn't think he was in a position to arbitrarily control someone's life.That's enough, please rise.The Captain of the Guards rose with a stiff face.It was my fault for causing a disturbance at this late hour. The guards were only doing their duty, so please don't scold them too much. Oh, you two, please rise as well.The guards, who had been sweating profusely, sprang to their feet and stood at attention.Simon looked at the Captain of the Guards again and said.May I see the Lord? I have something urgent to discuss regarding the request.Yes, of course. I will escort you this way.Kikikikiki!Simon followed behind the Captain of the Guards, and Pier mocked the guards with a sneer. The guards couldn't even lift their heads.…Is this real?Why is Kizen in this backwater?It was almost dawn.The sudden visit of a Kizen official caused an uproar in the lord's castle.Simon entered the spacious reception room and waited, and soon he was treated with extreme hospitality. Warm bread and food, tea and wine were brought out. Even maids came with buckets of water to wash his feet, but Simon, feeling overwhelmed, quickly declined.And a moment later.Well, well, what an honor to meet such a distinguished guest!A short, pot-bellied middle-aged man appeared with a wide smile. His face was swollen, as if he had just woken up.I am Count Raymond, the Lord of Arnish!I am Simon Pollentia, a first-year student from Kizen.The two shook hands lightly and sat down.You must have had a very difficult journey! You came all this way for my request?Yes.Haha! How can I ever repay this kindness… You must be very tired from your journey! Forget about work for a moment and rest comfortably. We will do our best to serve you during your stay!There was no journey to speak of.Simon leaned deeply back in his chair and said.Because I came by teleportation magic circle.Ah…! I-I see! Kizen truly is different! Haha! Come, come, have a drink! This is a special vintage produced from the grapes of this land!Raymond opened the cork of the wine bottle.A strong smell of alcohol wafted out at a glance. He poured wine into a glass and extended his palm.Come, come.Yes.Raymond cleanly emptied his glass first. It would be impolite to refuse, so Simon merely touched the glass to his lips.A moment later, maids brought out luxurious dishes, including a large roasted pig barbecue.Simon declined, saying he had already eaten dinner, and then spoke.More importantly, I'd like to discuss the request.Ah, the request! That's important, but it's night now, and isn't it more important to relieve your fatigue? Is Kizen life really school life? It's a battlefield! Hahahaha!Raymond clapped his hands, and the side door of the reception room opened.Simon gasped. Women in revealing outfits, barely covering their important parts, swarmed around Simon. About five more stood behind Raymond.Now, take your time and choose the one you like. Hahahaha!Simon didn't know where to look.As Simon blushed and looked down at his knees, Raymond smiled triumphantly.Kizen, after all, is just a young beast whose teeth haven't grown in yet.Perhaps he could be swayed more easily than expected.Raymond gave a signal, and the women standing behind him embraced Simon's shoulders and arms. Two others knelt on either side of Simon and began pouring wine into golden goblets.…Lord.Hahahaha! Yes, which girl do you like?I am still a minor, and this kind of situation is a bit overwhelming for me.There was a hint of embarrassment, but the strength and will in his voice were clear.I have an important matter to discuss with you, Lord, one-on-one. Would you please dismiss everyone?Raymond, meeting Simon's gaze directly, swallowed hard.This small boy, he had an unexpected forcefulness, didn't he? There was something about him that made one flinch.…I-if that's what you wish, then I suppose there's no choice.Raymond reluctantly dismissed the women. They returned with regretful expressions, winking or flirting with Simon as they left.Simon was thinking that he could never adapt to this adult culture.Well, it's getting very late. If you want to discuss the request, perhaps tomorrow…No, I must discuss it right now.……Raymond forced a smile.Since the other side was coming on strong, it was no longer possible for him to just let things go smoothly.This was his last move.Come in.Raymond gave a signal, and another door opened. A butler in uniform bowed deeply and placed a box in front of Simon.The box contained 50 gold for the request fee, plus various jewels.This is the request payment. I apologize for telling you late, but the incident has already been resolved. Please rest comfortably in the castle for the remaining time, collect the payment, and return to school.The facts are a little different from what I've learned, aren't they?Simon said softly.I bought information from the Thieves' Guild. I understand there was another incident just this morning.Raymond gnashed his teeth.…Those damn bastards! They're useless!I cannot accept payment without completing the request. I don't want to be bothered by Kizen's audits later.Hahahaha! I'll take care of it so there's no problem…!Please tell me about the request.Just.Raymond's expression turned cold.Just stay put if I tell you to.……No matter if you're from Kizen, you're just a first-year, trying to challenge me, a Count and a Lord? Get your hands off this matter while I'm being nice. I'm even offering payment, so why are you being so difficult?So, he's finally showing his true colors.Simon grinned.From persuasion to threats. You're coming on strong, Lord.……You seem too agitated. I'll come early tomorrow morning, and we can talk then.Simon slowly rose from his seat, the corners of his mouth turning up.Come on, take the bait.And exactly as Simon expected, Raymond slammed his armrest.I! Said! Stay!Here!Thump! Thump! Thump!Doors opened everywhere, and over ten armed soldiers stormed into the room.Simon was instantly surrounded by soldiers, but his expression showed no hint of alarm.So, it comes down to force.With a relaxed gesture, Simon pulled an imaginary lever.Then I can't just stand by either.Whoosh!A subspace opened on the floor of the territory, and then skeletons with swirling blue flames in their eye sockets burst out.Ugh!H-he wasn't human?Kwahahahahaha!Good! Very good! We'll have many new family members today!Booming!Pier's mouth opened monstrously wide. Fear spread like a plague, and the soldiers' legs trembled.Now.Simon walked slowly.The terrified Raymond unconsciously stepped back, and Simon took his place on the lord's seat, smiling.Will you continue?
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