Thud!
"You idiot!"
Syura hit the floor hard, clutching his stomach in agony, face twisted from the pain.
"It was just a slave…"
"This has nothing to do with her being a slave!" Honest thundered. "How many times must I repeat myself? Don't stir up trouble for me right now! Aren't the women those nobles sent you enough? Must you keep causing problems?!"
As Honest's voice gradually grew cold, Syura's face turned deathly pale.
Syura knew his father well—when Honest openly showed anger, it meant the issue wasn't serious. But the moment his expression became calm and cold was when he was truly furious. Just like the time Syura had secretly slept with one of his father's concubines—the woman had been tossed to the guards, and Syura himself had ended up with multiple broken bones, bedridden for months.
"It...won't happen again…"
"Hmph! It better not. Until then, go reflect properly at the Imperial Fist Temple!"
"...Yes, Father."
Syura desperately wanted to refuse, but he knew there was no room for argument. All he could do was lower his head, deflated, and accept the punishment.
After waving his hand and dismissing his son, Honest sat there, gloomily staring at the floor. It wasn't Syura's future troubling him—his son wasn't yet worth that kind of concern. If necessary, he could always have another. Instead, Honest was weighing his next move.
There was no doubt the Imperial Guard was now on high alert, every member vigilant for any suspicious movements. Continuing the attacks now would be incredibly risky, possibly fatal. Yet…
The most dangerous moment was often also the safest. The Imperial Guard might be cautious, but nobody truly believed the culprit would strike again so soon. After all, more attacks meant higher chances of exposure.
"What to do…?"
...
By dinnertime, Leone seemed mostly back to normal, though her red-rimmed eyes still stirred sympathy. Perhaps out of embarrassment, she didn't chat with Lancer like usual. After dinner, however, as she began clearing the dishes, she suddenly stopped in front of him as if resolving herself.
"Sir! I...I want to learn how to fight!"
Leone knew it was a selfish request. Except for very rare exceptions, slaves were never allowed to wield weapons or learn combat techniques.
"Sir, please believe me—once I learn, I'll protect—!"
Halfway through, Leone's words faltered. Protect Lancer? She'd witnessed him effortlessly beating Esdeath daily, and she'd seen firsthand today how powerful Esdeath was against outsiders. With his level of strength, what use could he possibly have for her protection?
Leone anxiously twisted the hem of her clothes and finally decided to tell the truth.
"I…"
But before she could speak, Lancer waved a hand dismissively.
"Don't worry. You don't need to explain yourself. It's actually good for you to have something to do. But to be honest, I'm not very skilled in unarmed combat…"
Aside from basic grappling moves required for an Investigator, he barely knew any proper martial arts. Still, he immediately thought of an excellent candidate.
"How about I ask Esdeath tomorrow?"
...
"Huh? Train this little girl? No thanks."
Despite Esdeath being only one year older than Leone, the difference between them was like night and day. She'd hunted Danger Beasts from a young age, and after her tribe was massacred, she'd wandered alone through rivers of blood. The aura she radiated now completely overwhelmed Leone, who could barely speak in her presence.
"Consider it a deal, then. I spar with you every day already—just teach Leone a few moves in exchange. How about it?"
In Lancer's view, Esdeath might never obtain her Teigu due to his interference. And besides, he planned to leave in just over half a year. He didn't need her so-called "gratitude." His motive this time was mainly to chip away at Honest's strength.
After hearing Lancer's proposal, Esdeath remained silent so long he wondered if she'd refuse. But then she nodded decisively.
"Fine! I'll do it. However—"
The usual arrogance vanished from her face, replaced by disdain.
"My training is extremely harsh. Do you think you can handle it, little girl?"
"Of course I can!"
This was perhaps the first time Leone had ever shouted at Esdeath.
Satisfied, Lancer nodded.
"Then I'll leave it to you for now."
"Hmm?"
Lancer's phrasing was simple, but the sharp Esdeath instantly noticed something unusual.
"For now? Are you expecting me to be this girl's bodyguard as well?"
"You could put it that way," Lancer said calmly. "After all, if something happens to Leone, won't you fail to uphold our agreement?"
Seeing his faint smile, Esdeath suddenly felt this quiet man might not be as straightforward as he appeared.
A strange smile crossed her own face.
"You didn't seem worried about her before. Now you suddenly care—is it because you're afraid that white-haired brat will retaliate? Do you think I'll just keep working for free?"
"You don't need to keep working indefinitely—just for a little while."
After that, Lancer fell silent. Ironically, this piqued Esdeath's curiosity even more.
"Are you planning to kill him?"
Unfortunately, Lancer gave no response. He clearly had no intention of continuing the conversation. Seeing him ignore her, Esdeath merely curled her lip and let it drop.
Once Lancer confirmed Esdeath was seriously instructing Leone, he quietly left the house. Walking down the street, he felt a strange amusement. In the original "plot," Leone and Esdeath were mortal enemies—but now, thanks to his interference, they'd become master and student instead?
How truly interesting.
Yet as quickly as that thought brought a smile to his face, his expression grew deadly serious again. After all, the person he was about to meet wouldn't appreciate frivolity.
Knock knock!
After two firm knocks, a familiar voice called from inside.
"Enter."
Opening the door, Lancer saw Great General Budo seated behind a desk, poring over documents.
"Do you have something to report?"
"Yes, General! There is something important I need to bring to your attention."
As Lancer spoke, a sharp gleam flickered in his eyes…
---
T/N: OUGH I WAS GONNA STOP TRANSLATING FOR NOW TO FOCUS ON THE UPDATES BUT... FUCK
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