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Ian stared blankly at the bottle of alcohol in Elian’s hand.

It was a rare item that could only be purchased by those with a certain level of status, fame, and wealth, and was sold through a lottery system.

Seeing Ian’s eyes light up, Elian wore a proud expression.

“That’s right. It’s a 12-year-old, but that doesn’t diminish its value.”

“Are you really giving me a glass?”

Ian’s tone became more respectful.

Elian had often boasted about having several bottles of rare alcohol, but Ian never expected him to have this one.

This was definitely something worth bragging about. Elian nodded and opened the bottle, pouring a glass for Ian.

“Of course. Here you go. Sorry it’s not brand new, but it’s one of the more valuable bottles I have.”

“Thank you.”

Ian accepted the glass Elian offered.

Even before bringing it to his nose, the rich aroma wafted up. He raised the glass slightly and took a sip.

A smooth swallow and a sweet taste. Everything was perfectly delightful, leaving him in awe.

“Wow. This is even better than I imagined.”

“In a good way?”

“Of course! Thanks to you, I can see why it’s so expensive.”

Elian smiled at Ian’s heartfelt admiration and asked, “Is one glass not enough?”

“To be honest, yes.”

As Ian’s gaze drifted to the remaining bottle, Elian chuckled and poured a bit more. However, he didn’t fill his own glass.

Audrey looked at him disapprovingly but didn’t say anything, only sighing.

“Thank you.”

“No need for thanks. I should be the one grateful. You saved my precious little sister, the future tower master, and someone who will be a steadfast pillar for the empire.”

Audrey frowned.

“Brother, don’t exaggerate.”

“Tsk, look at that. Isn’t he a bit foolish? She doesn’t even realize she almost died. Do you think she could have escaped from a pure-blood werewolf unscathed? I doubt that. Either she came back with just her head or she came back headless. It had to be one of the two.”

There was another option: not returning at all.

Elian turned to Ian.

“I’m sorry about that. But I genuinely mean it when I say thank you. Your brave actions and decisions in facing the pure-blood deserve commendation. You’ve safeguarded hope for the world. My little sister will save many people in the empire in the future.”

Ian nodded and drained his glass again.

He wished he could savor every drop, but he felt the taste would be too enticing to resist.

Looking down at the empty glass, he sighed in regret, and Elian chuckled.

“You really do enjoy your drinks.”

“I can’t drink if I don’t have any.”

“Well then, let’s plan a leisurely drinking session next time we have the chance, and for now, shall we get to the main topic?”

“The main topic?”

“Actually, the reason I called you here is different. The tower master asked me to convey their thanks for saving their granddaughter, along with this.”

Elian produced a dark box from below the table, as if he had prepared it in advance.

“Open it.”

Ian blinked in surprise at the sudden gift but reached out to open the box.

With a soft click, the box opened.

“…A ring?”

At a glance, it was clear that magic had been imbued in it, with intricate characters densely engraved.

And suspiciously, there were three bright blue orbs.

That was all there was. For the size of the box, the contents were surprisingly meager.

Ian looked at Elian with a questioning expression.

“This is the ring ‘Gratias,’ gifted only to distinguished individuals from the Green Tower. It can hold up to six items, each weighing a total of 15 kg or less. Made from the mineral Lethe, known for its high resistance to all attributes, it’s unlikely to break easily.”

“And what are these orbs?”

“You may have heard of them. We dare to call them ‘Nerdiel’s Tears’ in honor of the third lord. It’s a potion made from processed Level 6 mana stones that allows for the rapid recovery of some expended mana immediately upon consumption. Additionally, it calms you down, dulls pain, and temporarily enhances your abilities, making it very useful in dangerous situations.”

Calming, analgesic, awakening.

“This is incredible.”

“Hmm?”

“It’s a drug.”

“…….”

“…….”

“Well, I suppose you could say that. But don’t compare it to those lowly substances. It’s virtually free of side effects, so you can rest assured. Would I really give something addictive or harmful to my benefactor?”

Ian nodded with a skeptical expression and slipped the ring onto his finger.

“What about the usage?”

“Oh, that’s fine. I have a rough idea.”

He had used something similar before. He demonstrated how Nerdiel’s Tears would disappear from his hand and reappear.

Once he got the hang of it, it was as simple as pulling items in and out of his pocket. The response speed was impressively quick.

In a pinch, it seemed suitable for using consumables like doping agents or recovery potions.

Feeling pleased that he received such an unexpected gift just for completing the task, he said, “This is great. Thank you. Please convey my gratitude to the tower master.”

“Of course, I will.”

After a bit more light conversation with Elian, Ian bid farewell and left the room with Audrey.

“What will you do now?”

“I’ll just rest. I had an unexpected ordeal. If it’s alright with you, could you ask Judith to guide me?”

“Sorry, but that might be a bit difficult. I plan to study the mana core we obtained from the ruins. Although a lot of time has passed, if we recharge the mana, we might be able to create a golem of a higher grade than Baekun.”

“…That’s too bad.”

Audrey chuckled adorably.

“We’re supposed to meet later anyway, right?”

“…Later?”

“What? Did you forget? I think I promised to treat you all to a big meal; do you really not remember?”

“Oh.”

Now that she mentioned it, they had agreed to celebrate the successful completion of the exploration of the ruins.

“Do you remember now? Then don’t be too disappointed. Let’s have a blast when we meet later, okay? Don’t be late!”

Waving her hand, Audrey left without a trace of lingering attachment.

Ian chuckled at her retreating figure and spent some time sightseeing with Judith.

When it was time for their meeting, he headed to the restaurant where they had agreed to meet, and everyone was already gathered.

While enjoying delicious food and drink and engaging in friendly conversation, Diem, who was sitting next to him, suddenly spoke up.

“Sir, I have a question… No, wait. Should I ask Lise instead?”

“What is it?”

At the mention of her name, Lise, who was sipping her drink, immediately turned to Elian with a bright smile.

Diem, noticing her reaction, blushed slightly and slowly began to speak.

“Um, how much rank do you need to wear a pure white robe embroidered with golden thread in the temple?”

“That’s something only high priests can wear. The judges, cardinals, heroes, saints, and even the pope can wear it. It’s a bit broad, but why do you ask all of a sudden?”

“This is a secret, but I saw someone wearing that robe last night.”

His voice was so low that it could easily be drowned out by the surrounding noise if one didn’t pay attention. However, everyone present heard his words.

As the gazes turned towards him, Diem smiled widely, seemingly pleased with the attention, and continued.

“Last night, several holy knights were escorting someone wearing that robe to somewhere.”

“Where was this? Here in Judith? Do you remember the insignia embroidered on the robe?”

At Lise’s question, Diem pondered for a moment before gesturing as he explained.

“Well, I’m not sure, but it looked a bit spiky. I’d say the blades were arranged in a circular pattern?”

“…Ah, that.”

Lise glanced around to ensure no one else was listening before continuing.

Ian had already figured out what it symbolized.

A hero.

“It seems it was a hero.”

“Huh?”

“You didn’t see what they looked like, did you?”

“I couldn’t see, they were gone in an instant…”

“Hm, I wonder what the hero was doing in Judith. I hope it’s nothing serious.”

Various speculations arose, but Ian leaned towards the idea that the hero was visiting for a break.

The Green Tower was located far from the defense line, and he hadn’t heard of any incidents occurring at this time.

A hero is still a person; they need to rest too. However, he was genuinely curious about which lord the hero belonged to.

After the gathering with the mercenaries, Ian enjoyed a leisurely time in Judith.

“Ah, this is nice.”

He was in the relaxation room set up on the middle floor of the Green Tower.

This space, protected by magic, had no windows but featured walls that were completely open, offering a clear view of the outside scenery.

Many people came here to relax, and Ian was among them.

Every morning, after strenuous training involving exercise and fire manipulation, he would come here to unwind.

The heightened senses he sharpened while fighting the pure-blooded werewolf, Bloodclaw, dulled a bit in this peaceful environment. A little mental relaxation was necessary to continue enduring the rigorous training.

Just as he was sipping a refreshing drink through a straw, replaying the battle against Bloodclaw in his mind, he noticed the once-bustling relaxation room had fallen silent.

Wondering what was happening, he turned to see someone standing at the entrance.

With green hair in sight, he momentarily thought it was Audrey, but it was her brother, Elian.

Nearby people greeted him, and Elian responded with a tired expression as he walked over.

Their eyes met as he searched for an empty seat.

“Oh? Well, look who it is!”

Elian approached him with a welcoming expression.

“If you’re not waiting for someone, can I sit here?”

“Of course.”

Although there were many empty seats around, there was no reason to refuse him.

“You look well. How do you find Judith? Do you like it?”

“Yes. The food is delicious, the people are nice, and the atmosphere is relaxing. It’s a great vacation spot.”

“The scenery is beautiful too, right? It would have been even better if you came in the fall, with a lover by your side.”

Ian let out a wry smile.

“I think I’ve heard that at least ten times already. And shouldn’t you ask first if I have a significant other?”

“…Don’t you have a fiancée? If you’re a direct descendant of Berger, there must be plenty of people wanting to be engaged.”

“Fortunately, my father doesn’t pressure me in that regard.”

“Then what about my sister?”

Ian thought of Audrey.

“Unfortunately, your sister doesn’t seem to have feelings for me. And I also think it’s not the right time for me to date.”

“Oh, that’s a shame.”

Elian continued the conversation, mainly complaining about his current responsibilities.

While Ian listened and offered the occasional response, Elian suddenly fell silent, lost in thought. He then stared at Ian and spoke.

“Speaking of which, I heard from my sister that you have many skills. Can you do any tracking? Or rather, it would be more accurate to say ‘tracing.’”

“If there are at least minimal traces, it’s possible.”

“You shouldn’t say that lightly. I’m asking seriously.”

“I’m answering seriously as well.”

Elian nodded and snapped his fingers.

A strange wave emanated from his fingertips. Ian then saw a transparent barrier forming around a certain radius.

“It’s fine, I just don’t want anyone eavesdropping on our conversation.”

“Ah, so you have something important to say?”

“Are you interested in taking on a commission? It’ll be quite rewarding. A deposit of five gold coins, plus an additional two gold coins per day. The amount a typical mercenary could earn is…”

However, Elian paused, chuckling in disbelief.

“Oh, I guess as a descendant of Berger, money wouldn’t be an issue. But I assure you, if you take this commission, you won’t regret it. The client is quite influential. So, will you?”

Ian contemplated for a moment and decided to accept.

His curiosity about the influential client piqued, and he was already considering taking action anyway. If he could get a commission like this, he would be grateful.

Elian, relieved, took out some paper and a pen from his belongings and quickly wrote something down.

When Ian received it, he saw a brief note saying that a skilled person would be sent, along with the location and a signature.

“If you go there, they’ll be waiting for you. Good luck.”

———–