Before the coming Demon War, the 7 great nations needed to solidify their title as ‘allies’, even if only temporarily. They need to convince the people that they were allies to be fought with, not rivals. 

So, as the representative of their allies, the Empire decided to host a celebratory banquet. It was a large banquet, attended by the leaders of the nations and their families, except for a few who had urgent matters to attend to, as well as the knights and aides who had been with them since the beginning. 

The banquet was scheduled to begin in a week. Cadel had been invited, and he had much to prepare. Other subordinates had been able to make excuses for their absence, but as the only knight present at the conference and the commander of the Imperial Knight Order, he was not to be left out. 

It was a hectic day for him. Cadel squeezed in sleeping time to get the work done. When he finally finished the work that he had been rushing through with a vengeance, there was only one day left until the banquet.

This day. He worked like a dog to have this short day to himself. For a man who had his fingers crossed as soon as he returned to the Empire from Tyrone Island.

“I can’t believe you’re renting out this famous restaurant. You’re something else.”

“It’s barely adequate for the man I have here, and I apologize for not being able to offer him a better place. You do not yet have a mansion in the Empire.”

Cadel smiled and looked at the man sitting across from him. A middle-aged man with glossy black hair and a stern air. Froch Dominic.

“That’s fine. I’ll naturally acquire land and build a house in the service of the Empire, but thank you for calling me here today.”

“저I, for one, thank you for coming out today, Marquis Dominic.”

“Haha, I was a little embarrassed to be called the day before the banquet, but aren’t you the commander of the prestigious Scarlet Scales Knight Order? Of course, I should come.”

Although Froch showed a friendly attitude, he did not lose his noble dignity. To put it simply, he seemed to elevate his opponent, but he showed facial expressions and gestures that revealed that he was superior to his opponent.

At first glance, it looked similar to Lumen, but Froch had a snake-like quality and a viciousness that kept him on his toes.

“I hear you’ve been successful in slaying a High Demon on this mission as well. Your Knight Order is growing by the day.”

“It’s a very talented group of people.”

Cadel gestured to the waiter who brought the food and had him place the plates in front of Froch. The fine food quickly filled the table.

Froch said in a nonchalant tone as he cut a buttered scallop into bite-sized pieces.

“Does that include Lumen?”

There was a brief glimpse of sharp hostility in his eyes as he stared at Cadel. It was an emotion that quickly faded, but Cadel recognized it at once.

“Of course, Your Grace. Lumen’s swordsmanship is unrivaled. I fell in love with it at first sight. Now he is an indispensable member of the Knight Order.”

“……That’s very kind of you to say. I was quite surprised and worried that my son had suddenly become a knight of the Empire.”

“He swore to me that he would continue to follow me as a knight of the Empire. It was very touching. You must be happy to have such a loyal and accomplished son.”

Cadel poured the wine himself, studying Froch’s complexion, but his expression remained unchanged. He smiled softly, gracefully masticating the small bite of food, wiping the corners of his mouth with his napkin. Then he quietly set down his fork and knife and turned to face Cadel.

“Of course I’m happy. He’s a spoiled brat, which makes it all the more unfortunate. The son of House Dominic, who should be loyal to the Mainue Kingdom, has been swept away by the winds to the Empire, and it has caused quite a stir in the house.”

“……I completely understand that you feel uncomfortable in this situation. But that also means Lumen―”

“If that child says he will one day give up his knighthood in the Empire and return to the Mainue Kingdom, let him go, for that would be Lumen’s will.”

Cadel lowered his eyes, the corners of his mouth tugging in silence. His left hand, resting on his thigh, clenched into a fist and stretched.

“Your Grace, you speak as if you know what Lumen really wants.”

“Aren’t I his father? A father knows his son’s heart best.”

The corners of his mouth twitched slightly. Cadel blew out a short breath as if to release the tension in his body, and his expression softened.

“I care very much for Lumen, Your Grace. I’m confident I’ll never let him down, and he also wants to be with me.”

“My son is coming home again, and the memories of fighting with you will be fond ones.”

“You want Lumen to remain a sword to defend the family name?”

For the first time, agitation flickered across Froch’s face at the calm voice. He stared at Cadel, puzzled, but Cadel returned the gaze with ease. His expression bore no hint of ulterior motive, and Froch returned the gaze with suspicion. He moistened his mouth with water and quickly hid his agitation.

“There is no place more fitting for Lumen. Isn’t it only natural for a father to guide his son on the right path? I’m not saying that being a member of your Knight Order is wrong, of course. I hope you don’t take that the wrong way.”

“What is there to be upset about? Of course, you can say that as a father. ……I think that’s enough about Lumen. Because it’s not really about Lumen that I wanted to see you, Your Grace.”

As if the conversation so far had been uneventful, Cadel flexibly changed the subject and asked the waiter for something.

“If it’s not about Lumen, what did you invite me for?”

“Because of your work, of course.”

“……My work?”

“This is going to be a long story, but I’ve also told your escorts, who will be waiting outside, to bring out their own drinks and food.”

“You don’t have to take care of them like that.”

“I’m a knight myself, so I can’t ignore their hard work. I just want them to fill their bellies. If that offends you, so be it.”

“……Do as you please.”

After Froch’s permission was given, the waiter crossed the empty restaurant, carrying the finished dishes from the kitchen and a new bottle of wine. Cadel, who was watching this, shifted his gaze to Froch.

“So. What do you mean it’s about my work?”

“As you may know, I was a mercenary before I was a knight. I traveled the world, taking on any job that paid, and in that life, I met quite a variety of people. Corrupt nobles, wandering archmages, sages with secrets, or…….”

Cadel rolled his eyes lazily, taking a sip of wine.

“Do you know the Shadow Envoy?”

“……I’ve heard of him. He’s a killer with bad taste.”

“Yes. When you’re traveling around, you’re bound to run into a killer with bad taste like that.”

Froch’s brow narrowed, not expecting the subject of the Shadow Envoy to be brought up here, and he leaned forward in his chair to hide his instinctive revulsion.

“What does he have to do with me?”

“Isn’t he an assassin known for killing only evil nobles? It doesn’t make sense that such a person would have anything to do with you, Your Grace.”

“Then why―”

“Because something ridiculous happened. I thought it would be a good idea to let you know in advance that you’ve been targeted, so I’ve set up a meeting with you.”

“……What?”

Cadel’s smile remained on his face as he spoke. Froch, who had been glued to the unrealistic story, frowned.

“You’re joking too much.”

“I’m afraid I’m not joking, Your Grace. I’ve heard it from the Shadow Envoy himself.”

There was a short silence. It was time to find out the truth behind Cadel’s words and what he was gaining by leaking this information. Froch, who had just returned to his original indifferent expression, spoke in a stern tone.

“Are you planning to make a deal with me?”

“A deal?”

“You’ll ask the Shadow Envoy not to target me, and in return, I won’t take Lumen with me? Hah, that’s funny. If Lumen finds out about this, he’ll leave your side to protect me. Do yourself a favor and deal with him before I tell that child.”

He had a confident and sword-like attitude. Cadel stared at Froch blankly, speechless. The helpless look was like the face of a person who had been devastated by his own moves. However, the moment Froch regained his composure in an instant and was about to continue speaking.

“You are really crazy, Your Grace.”

“……?”

“Haha! Were you crazy from the beginning? Lumen will leave me to protect you? Are you seriously thinking that?”

Cadel’s expression suddenly changed, and he burst out laughing. Froch’s face crumpled at the sight of Cadel laughing maniacally with his arms wrapped around his stomach.

“What kind of behavior is this? Sir Cadel, stop being so rude.”

He tried to stop Cadel’s laughter, but Cadel was having none of it.

“I don’t have the heart to convince the Shadow Envoy, I’m just going to let you die.”

“What?”

“Because if you don’t, I’m going to kill you.”

Cadel’s eyes glowed with murderous intent as he laughed, a short, halting laugh. All the hostility and vitriol he’d been hiding flashed through them, and in an instant, he was pressuring Froch.

“What I’m about to do to you is not a deal. It’s blackmail. The Shadow Envoy is going to come for you one day, and the only thing I’m willing to do here is to delay your turn a little bit.”

“How dare you…….”

“From now until the day you die, don’t you dare show your *ss in front of Lumen and me again. Because the moment you do, you’ll be our number one target.”

“How dare you threaten me?”

Frochi jumped to his feet, his body shaking with impatience. He no longer hid his animosity toward Cadel.

“Are you saying you’re going to kill me to have my son?”

“We stand to protect Lumen.”

“You dare to intimidate this Froch Dominic. If I were to cut off your hands and feet right here and now, it would be a very small matter to me!”

“……You still don’t understand it. Is this how Kunra feels?”

“How dare you say that in front of……!”

“Then go ahead and cut off my limbs. Gather all the knights outside and have them swing their swords.”

Froch, his eyes bloodshot and fierce, shouted loudly, calling for the knights outside. But no matter how many times he called, no matter how much time had passed. Froch’s escorted knights would not enter.

Froch, who sensed something strange, quickly turned his head and looked at the only entrance to the restaurant. Cadel, who was staring at the place together, said with a frown.

“Ah, I guess everyone is asleep by now. I hope it was a delicious meal.”