Says the one that’s living in the finest house in the capital, huh...
Ian let out a low chuckle before speaking.
"If you ever need to use it, feel free to do so."
"Really...? Can I?" Seras widened her eyes in surprise.
"It’d be a waste to leave it empty all the ti." Ian glanced at Gibson as he continued, "I’ve already inford the steward. I plan to let Philip and Elia use the house as well, so you may use it too. I’d appreciate it if you could let them know."
"I’ll gladly do so, Agent of the Saint. With pleasure." Seras, unable to hide her smile, moved closer to the dining table.
In the anti, Ian turned his attention back to Gibson.
"Prepare als for them as well."
"Yes, I’ll handle the matters you ntioned earlier, right after the al is prepared," Gibson, who answered politely, gestured beyond the door. A servant, who entered with a tense expression, headed toward the kitchen, and Gibson prepared tableware for Seras and Phaden.
As Seras approached the table, Ian spoke up, "Is that a housewarming gift?"
"Of course not. The gift is separate. This is sothing I brought to celebrate the successful completion of our first contract."
Seras placed the wine bottle on the table as she took a seat across from Ian. "It’s also a gesture to express my hope for continued cooperation."
Or maybe you just wanted to drink.
Despite thinking that, Ian downed the remaining wine in his glass in one gulp.
After setting his glass down, he added, "Anyway, it seems the talks went well."
"For now, yes. But first, let give you your gift." Seras glanced back at Phaden, who had been standing behind her.
As if on cue, Phaden placed the tal box he was holding in the center of the table and opened the lid, turning it toward Ian. While Phaden took a seat beside Seras, Ian raised an eyebrow as he inspected the contents.
"Seems extravagant for a housewarming gift."
"It also includes the paynt for the items handed over from Garad. Considering their value, I’d say it’s actually quite modest."
She was referring to the spoils Ian had given her, including Prince Felix.
Seras continued at a leisurely pace. "I didn’t include too many gold coins. Instead, I brought several magic stones from my family’s vault. I figured those would be of more use to you."
Ian’s lips curled into a smile as he nodded. "That was an excellent decision."
About ten small and dium-sized cut magic stones were inside the box. In the center, there was also an essence bead, and next to it, around fifty imperial gold coins were piled up.
"I’m glad you’re satisfied," Seras said, letting out a breath of relief.
She then pulled out a rolled-up parchnt from her sleeve and placed it inside the box. The surface of the scroll featured intricate engravings of a circuit of magical symbols resembling a decorative pattern.
"It’s a scroll of correspondence. Whatever you write on it will appear on the other half that I have. And, of course, I can send a reply to you in return."
Noticing Ian’s gaze, she added, "Once you write sothing, though, that part of the parchnt can’t be used again, so leave about five lines blank for to respond. I’ll also keep you updated on the news from the capital and how the others are doing."
Efficient, as always.
Ian nodded in approval, closing the box as he responded, "If you have sothing to say, feel free to write it down, even if it’s before I’ve responded. I’ll read it and reply when I can," he added.
"I’ll try to be concise so I don’t waste space," Seras said as a servant returned, carrying a large tray. Gibson began placing dishes in front of Seras and Phaden one by one.
Ian nodded toward the food. "Let’s eat first, then continue our discussion."
"This slls lovely. Thank you. We’ll be seeing each other often from now on, so I hope we get along well."
"It’s an honor, Your Highness," Gibson replied with a smile before stepping back.
Seras and Phaden each picked up their fork and knife, and the elegant al quickly turned into sothing much more urgent once Gibson and the servants left the room. It was only natural—they hadn’t eaten in over half a day while they worked tirelessly.
"... Oh dear, I got a little too absorbed in my al," Seras remarked as she glanced at Ian, her plate more than halfway empty.
"Especially after bringing the wine along."
Looking sheepish, she smiled and grabbed the wine bottle.
Phaden quickly offered, "I can handle it, Your Highness."
"No, it’s fine. You’ve worked hard as well. I’d like to pour you a drink myself," Seras insisted, opening the bottle and pouring it into Ian’s empty glass.
"Of course, for you too, Agent of the Saint."
Without a word, Ian tilted his head in acknowledgnt as she filled his glass slowly and spoke, "As promised, you’ll be granted access to the secret vault. However, I will need to be present."
Noticing Ian’s gaze, she quickly added, "It’s the family rule—no outsiders are allowed in the vault. This is a special circumstance, so I’ll be there as a guide."
"I don’t mind if it’s because you don’t trust . As long as the contract terms remain intact," Ian replied smoothly, pulling his glass closer.
As Seras poured wine into Phaden’s glass, she continued, "As promised, you’ll be able to take one item of your choosing. The head of the family has also encouraged you to take your ti and look around thoroughly. He hopes you find sothing you like."
Pouring a drink for herself, Seras shrugged, "As I ntioned before, most of the items are ancient relics or things whose purposes we can no longer identify. But, of course, there are also rare treasures, artworks, and gems among them."
"If I take my ti, I’m sure I’ll find sothing."
"And if nothing catches your eye, at least take one of the gems. I vaguely rember seeing a large and beautiful diamond a long ti ago."
A diamond, huh? That wouldn’t be too bad.
Ian shrugged, aware that in this world, gemstones weren’t just prized for their beauty and value—they often possessed magical properties too. An ancient jewel was likely to harbor so remarkable power.
"Are you planning to visit in the morning?" Seras asked, raising her glass.
Ian nodded as he lifted his glass to et hers. "Yes, I’ll be there early."
Seras glanced between Ian and Phaden, lifting her glass with a smile. "That’s perfect. In that case, I’ll stay here for the night. Sir Phaden will join as well."
Ian, who had been about to bring his glass to his lips, paused. "There are plenty of rooms, but are you sure? You must have a lot of packing to do."
"As will take care of it. In fact, it’ll probably be easier to prepare without around. Besides...."
Seras gave a quick glance at Faden, who seed concerned, before continuing, "Once I enter the palace, I won’t be able to leave the capital for a while. I’ll have a mountain of tasks to take care of. So, please help extend my free ti just a little longer."
"Well, if that’s what you want," Ian shrugged, finally taking a drink.
His eyebrows raised slightly—it was a strong drink, enough to chill his throat, but the refreshing fragrance that followed was delightful.
…This must be incredibly expensive.
As Ian continued to sip, Seras also took a drink and let out a satisfied sigh.
"Now I feel more at ease. Tomorrow, I’ll be able to walk around with a clear mind."
"In that case, let’s walk to the Sonnier estate tomorrow," Ian said, placing his empty glass on the table.
Reaching for the bottle, he looked between Seras and Phaden. "Just the two of us, without Sir Phaden."
Seras’s eyes glead, while Phaden’s widened for the exact opposite reason as he stared at Ian.
"But, Agent of the Saint, even in the capital—"
"By tomorrow, everyone will know where my house is and what my carriage looks like," Ian interrupted.
Pouring more wine into his glass, Ian continued, "I’d prefer to move quietly and without drawing attention. Besides, if you’re standing guard in front of the estate, wouldn’t anyone who cos by assu I’m inside?"
Of course, if things get troubleso, I won’t just use you as a re gatekeeper
"Hmm, but…"
"You’re right, Sir," Seras quickly interjected. "The city nobles and the Order could show up anyti to et the Agent of the Saint. And let’s not forget the city’s citizens."
She glanced back at Phaden.
"Taking the carriage could end up being more trouble than it’s worth. We’ll just pull our hoods low and slip by quietly. Besides, with the Agent of the Saint to protect , nothing unfortunate will happen, right?" She added, turning her gaze to Ian.
Why is she so excited?
Though puzzled by the gleam in her eyes, Ian nodded without hesitation. After a mont of thought, Phaden, as if resigned, finally nodded as well.
"... Understood. If guests arrive while you’re out, should I just control their access?"
"It’d be even better if you turned them away. If that’s not possible, at least block their path."
"Yes, I’ll do that," Phaden answered, though with a slightly reluctant expression.
anwhile, Seras eagerly raised her glass again. "Well then, shall we loosen up and enjoy ourselves? It’s the last night, so let’s drink until we can’t stand straight!"
Despite her enthusiastic toast, Seras barely finished her second drink before she started dozing off at the table.
It wasn’t surprising. The alcohol was far too strong for her, and it had been a long, exhausting day. The sa went for Phaden. Both of them retreated to their respective bedrooms in less than an hour.
"... Finally, so peace and quiet."
Ian stayed in the dining room, leisurely sipping his drink until he had completely finished the wine that Seras had brought.
***
The streets of the capital were bustling early in the morning. A thin mist hung over the central road as carriages and riders passed by, while the sidewalks bustled with a variety of races and cultures mixing in lively chaos. The architecture, too, was a blend of many styles, making the city a true lting pot of diversity.
Thanks to that, the two figures draped in black and gray cloaks with hoods pulled low blended seamlessly into the crowd.
"It’s been so long since I’ve walked like this at this ti of day. I can’t even rember how many years it’s been," Seras whispered, her blue eyes sparkling beneath her hood.
Ian snorted softly and muttered, "Don’t look around too much. You’ll seem suspicious."
"Don’t worry. I was a little concerned at first, but now I’m sure—no one’s paying attention to us."
Seras smiled, glancing back at Ian. "And even if sothing happens, you’ll protect , right?"
Ian simply clicked his tongue. Though he had only thrown on a shadowed cloak over his everyday clothes to remain inconspicuous, he felt no tension at all. If sothing unexpected occurred, he was confident he could handle it with his bare hands.
The Sonnier estate was on the northern outskirts of the capital. Ian’s own estate was in the southwest, aning they had to traverse the city and cross a bridge.
"The streets are a bit cramped and chaotic, don’t you think? The west side was one of the earliest areas to expand, so it’s ssy and overdeveloped. However, because of that, it’s beco one of the most bustling districts. You could say it’s the liveliest part of the capital," Seras explained, casually sharing various bits of knowledge about the city as they walked.
As they walked, Seras whispered tidbits of information about the capital to Ian—its history as they passed through the busy streets, stories related to the Hillisen River when it ca into view, and facts about the number of bridges as they neared the one they were to cross.
Although Ian wasn’t particularly interested in the details, he walked in silence, listening to her. There was no need to dampen her enthusiasm.
As they crossed the bridge, he noticed sothing on the side that caught his attention. The morning sunlight broke through the mist, revealing a stunning view of the city on both sides of the river. In the middle of it all, the royal palace glead blindingly white.
"Today, the city looks particularly beautiful. Maybe it’s because I’m seeing it from a lower perspective than usual," Seras mused with renewed admiration.
Ian nodded casually. It was beautiful, but it also evoked a strange sense of unease and disconnect within him. He understood the confidence Seras and the other nobles carried with them.
Living in such a place, it would be easy to dismiss the chaos of the outside world or the threat of the Black Wall as distant issues, or at worst, manageable challenges.
Well, I used to think the sa way, Ian thought, recalling the world he once belonged to, a past that now felt vague and distant.
Back then, wars were being fought sowhere, and there were constant warnings about terrorism and world conflict. However, it had never truly felt personal or imdiate—except during his ti in military service.
For the people of the capital, the chaos of the frontier and the madness of the Black Wall must feel the sa way—remote, unreal.
It didn’t stir any particular frustration or sense of loss in him. Rather, it made him miss his old world and the sense of peace that once seed so natural, just as it did to these people.
"There it is."
Finally, at the end of a now quieter, wider street, Seras pointed toward a gate nestled in the middle of a high wall. The top of a large mansion was barely visible beyond the wall. The nobles of the capital lived scattered across pri locations like this, clearly unconcerned about external threats.
Seras briefly removed her hood as they approached the gate, revealing herself to the guard stationed there.
"Open the gate. Tell the steward that Ingrid has brought a distinguished guest," she instructed.
"Yes, my lady. Please wait a mont," the guard replied, bowing his head before hurrying inside.
However, the gate did not open right away. Seras, now with her hood pulled back down, tilted her head curiously but remained silent. It took several more minutes before the gate finally opened wide.
"... Oh dear," Seras clicked her tongue as she saw who was waiting for them on the other side. A middle-aged man with blonde hair, dressed in fine clothes, stood alongside another man of similar age who appeared to be his steward.
"... That’s Count Sonnier. I distinctly told him not to co out yesterday, but it seems he couldn’t resist."
Seras frowned and whispered to Ian. "Wait here for a mont, Agent of the Saint. I’ll tell him to—"
"No need, let’s just go," Ian said, stepping forward. Seras quickly joined beside him, looking at him in surprise as he continued.
"It’s only polite to greet him. After all, I’m here because of your request to open the secret vault. A simple greeting is the least I can do."
As the gate closed behind them, a faint smile appeared on Seras’s face. "I’m truly grateful for your generosity. I’ll handle the introductions, so please feel at ease."
However, there was no need for her to say anything. As soon as the gate shut, the Count and his servant kneeled before Ian on one knee.
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