Rebecca's complexion was much brighter than before. As soon as she saw me, she knelt on one knee and bowed her head.
Like a knight pledging loyalty.
But it was too much, enough to make me frown.
"Starnassila Alzen, I greet you."
"...What are you doing right now?"
"It's just the proper courtesy to show to my benefactor."
"Ha, your sister's condition has improved a lot, I see?"
At my words, the corners of her mouth rose uncontrollably.
"Yes. My sister is completely cured now. We observed her for a few more days just in case, but there's no sign of relapse."
"That's fortunate. A very good thing. But separately from that, your change in attitude is a bit bothersome."
"Y-Yes...?"
"An attitude changed by gratitude isn't sincere and doesn't last long anyway. So just act as you usually do."
"I can't do that! I've already sworn to dedicate my life to Starnassila Alzen! My loyalty will never change in my lifetime! Accept me as your knight! You may not trust me now, but I'll prove it with my future actions!"
Rebecca's expression as she shouted was resolute, her eyes shining with upright conviction.
But I didn't welcome it at all.
Because the relationship I wanted with her wasn't this.
Moreover, Rebecca promising things she couldn't keep was irritating.
"Haha. Rebecca. I get that you're happy your sister is healthy, but you don't need to go that far. We just made a fair trade. Just keep that in mind and stick to the boundaries."
But still, I held back once.
No matter what, she's someone I'll entrust with 100 free requests in the future.
"No! I've already made up my mind and steeled my resolve! Your grace is something I couldn't repay even if I dedicated my entire life! It's not something that can be covered by mere 100 free requests!"
"..."
Frowning, I deeply inhaled the cigarette smoke, then exhaled.
"Cut the crap, Rebecca."
"W-What...?"
Looking at her with contempt, her face showed bewilderment, as if she hadn't expected this reaction.
"I know you're in a very exalted state right now. I can't fathom that feeling... but yeah, looking at you, it seems like you're dreaming even while walking in reality."
"What do you mean..."
"I'm telling you to calm down a bit and be rational. Before really harsh words come out."
"...It's natural to doubt me. However, Alzen-nim. I am very rational and cool-headed right now. My resolve and determination won't waver no matter what..."
"Sigh, I'm really going crazy. I can't even entrust you with free requests comfortably now. You idiot."
Taking a sip of alcohol, a fiery hot sensation slickly passed down my esophagus.
Using that as momentum, I rose from the sofa.
"Phew... So, you're pledging loyalty to me?"
"Yes. That's right."
"You'll absolutely obey me, and follow any orders I give?"
"Yes."
Seeing her answer without hesitation, a sneer naturally escaped me.
"Then first order. Kill Leona and bring me her head. Rebecca."
"Yes!... What?"
As if struck by a huge shock, she widened her eyes and looked up at me.
"Kuhuhu... You look like you've just woken from a dream."
I swaggered over and stood in front of her.
"..."
Her face gradually hardened.
The saturation of her eyes dropped several levels, her lips pressed tightly together, and tension enveloped her whole body.
Not only that, her flawless vigilance began to rise, dominating the surrounding space.
A solid, intimidating presence that wouldn't allow any surprise attacks or traps.
Exactly like when we first met.
"Rebecca. What exactly about me made you babble about pledging loyalty and absolute obedience?"
"..."
"Does the medicine that cured your sister guarantee my goodness and justice? Does handing over the recipe for free prove my character? Answer me, Rebecca."
"No, it doesn't."
"Rebecca. The happiest Rebecca of all. Then what were you thinking when you said such things?"
"...It was a slip of the tongue. I'm sorry. Please forget it."
Looking down at her bowed head, I burst out laughing.
"For a mere commoner to change her words like this before a lofty noble? You've got some guts."
I lifted her chin with my toe.
Meeting her gaze, I cocked my head to the side.
"Do you want to die? Rebecca."
"No. I'm sorry. Please have mercy."
"Or did I look ridiculous to you?"
"No. I'm sorry. Please have mercy."
"If I remove the bothersome little sister, will you come to your senses?"
"...!!"
Immediately after, her face twisted, and thick killing intent exploded outward.
"Don't be rude anymore."
Murel, who had approached unnoticed, stood beside me with her dagger drawn.
Her cold gaze down at Rebecca was firm, as if she wouldn't waver no matter what happened.
"Hm."
Gulp!
Swallowing a gulp of alcohol, feeling unsteady on one foot, I leaned on Murel's shoulder.
"Well, fine. I forgive you. Being ignored and looked down on by this wastrel drunkard trash body is familiar and natural anyway."
"...!? N-No, I absolutely didn't mean...! Ack!?"
I cut her off by pouring alcohol over her face.
"So, Rebecca. It's regrettable that you retracted your crazy words, but let's build our friendship anew over a drink. How about it?"
"...It's an honor, Starnassila Alzen-nim."
"Good. Now everything is back to normal. Murel. Wipe it off."
"Yes."
Sighing lightly, I threw myself back onto the sofa.
"I-I can do it...!"
"I've received orders. Please stay still."
While Murel wiped her face with a towel she'd fetched, Rebecca stood awkwardly frozen like a statue.
Meanwhile, I smoked my cigarette and enjoyed the view.
"Ugh...!"
"Pfft."
Rebecca's face flushed red with shame upon meeting my eyes, making me laugh involuntarily.
"It's done, Alzen-nim."
"Yeah. Rebecca. Sit down."
"...Yes."
Rebecca sat on the opposite sofa, stealthily gauging my mood.
"Well then... Should we start over from the beginning?"
"Y-Yes...?"
"No, you seem quite embarrassed. If you want, I can pretend it never happened."
At my words, her face turned even redder, on the verge of bursting.
"P-Please... if you would..."
"Of course it's a lie. I won't forget and will tease you about it every chance I get. My loyal knight."
"Kuhuhuhuk...!"
Unable to bear it, she twisted and writhed, which was truly amusing.
"Good drinking snack. Anyway, I guess we can say you've come to your senses now?"
"Huuu... Yes. I'm sorry. And thank you, Alzen-nim."
"I didn't do anything worthy of thanks."
"No. Alzen-nim, you could have taken advantage of me in that state just now. Since I'd already given you the opening, you could have used it to treat me like a limb... Thank you for your mercy."
"...Have you still not fully come to your senses?"
"Th-That's separate! I've come to my senses! Really! I'm a cool-headed, rational, realistic adventurer and mercenary now! For real!"
"Hmm..."
Looking at her suspiciously, I opened a new bottle, poured a glass, and slid it over to her.
"Have a drink first."
"...Yes."
While watching her hesitantly sip from the glass, I brought the bottle to my lips as well.
"Kuhuu...!"
"Huuu...! Quite strong liquor."
"Yeah. Good stuff."
We savored the fragrant, hot aftertaste for a moment.
"Rebecca. First request. Can you take it?"
"Depends on the content."
Seeing her respond coldly and firmly, the corners of my mouth curled up.
Yes, this was what I wanted.
"What? Aren't you supposed to do any 100 requests? Your words don't quite match."
"Even without words, there are implicit rules and conventions."
"Hm, this noble and great body doesn't know such lowly rules and conventions of the underbelly."
"No matter the noble, I won't take requests against my abilities or beliefs."
"This feels like getting scammed. Right, Murel?"
"Yes. It seems changing her attitude is her specialty. We should stay cautious."
"Kuhup...!"
Rebecca twisted her body again as Murel poked at the earlier incident.
Laughing at the comic banter, I finally got to the point.
"Kekeke. Ah, this is really fun. The first request is a dungeon conquest trip with me. Possible?"
"Dungeon conquest trip...?"
"If I have to put a label on it, it's an escort mission."
"If it's that... I'll take it."
"Good. Murel. Go tell Vivian and Weller-nim. We're departing immediately."
"Understood."
As Murel left the room, the two of us stared at each other blankly.
Then, suddenly, she bowed her head.
"What now."
"I-I showed an unsightly side earlier! I'm sorry!"
"Unsightly... yeah, it was entertaining."
"Ugh...!"
"No need to apologize for every little thing."
"...Thank you for your mercy."
Raising her head, she fanned her face to cool the heat.
"But, do you have other companions?"
"Yeah. To be precise, you'll be escorting me, as well as Vivian and Weller-nim."
"I see... Then there are other escort knights and attendants too?"
"Escort knight: one. Attendants: none."
"Yes...?"
She tilted her head in confusion.
I didn't resolve her doubt, merely smirking.
At that moment, quick footsteps approached from outside the door.
"Oppa! Travel preparations are done!"
Vivian burst through the door without knocking, shouting in her tinkling voice as she hurried over.
Her eyes sparkling with excitement were almost burdensome.
"...Heh. I knew it."
But separately from that, bulging luggage bags and fluttering expensive dresses caught the eye—what on earth had she packed?
"Vivian."
"Yes! Oppa!"
Grabbing her shoulder, I stated firmly.
"That outfit is a fail."
"Ehk."
Vivian froze rigidly, mouth agape in utter incomprehension.