Chapter 53

Chapter 53

The proprietor of Merde, famed throughout the Labyrinth City for her exceptional talent in magical appraisal, and who had now been Rine’s secretary for more than a year and a half, was Serenea. A constant sense of weariness clung to her. Objectively, her tasks were confined to greeting clients and handling bookings, offering no real cause for such profound tiredness. Yet, this was not a physical exhaustion; it was a deep-seated mental drain.

To put it more accurately, the cause was the endless stream of difficult patrons. Naturally, given Merde’s elevated standing, very few individuals dared to create genuine disturbances. Still, this did not prevent certain people from eroding her peace of mind. In fact, she sometimes considered that handling the most egregious offenders might, in some respects, have been simpler.

For Serenea, the day had been comparatively tranquil, and her spirits were reasonably high, at least until a nobleman accompanied by a knight walked in. In truth, this man was not especially difficult. He was like so many others, bragging about his acquaintance with Rine, something she had heard countless times before, so it barely registered as an irritation.

The abrupt nosedive in her mood was caused by the individual who entered immediately after him. Or more precisely, by *what* followed him in. The man, or rather, the nobleman who trailed behind, was the true source of her sudden shift.

Even Serenea, with her firmly entrenched professional smile, felt her composure waver upon seeing him.

‘He has returned.’

Lavalde Greystone, the son of Lucimore Greystone, the present ruler of Labyrinth City Lartania, and a man widely recognized throughout the city as human refuse. Although every ounce of his authority was derived from his father, he brandished it as if it were his birthright and conducted himself as if no one, save his father, stood above him—a spoiled child utterly ignorant of the world’s realities.

He spent money with arrogant disdain, paying no attention to the nobleman who had entered before him, insulting the man without a second thought. Serenea nearly let a frown form but just managed to suppress it.

After all, she had no right to frown. No matter how troublesome he might be, he was still the sole son of the city’s lord. Even the master of Merde, whom Serenea served, was compelled to show deference to Lavalde, so Serenea quietly opened the door. But what transpired next left her utterly speechless.

Rine, who had always maintained a pleasant expression despite the irritating provocations of the lord’s worthless son, suddenly stated, “Get lost.”

It wasn’t merely the fact that Rine had lightly tapped Lavalde’s shoulder, as if her previous courteous demeanor had been a deception, that was shocking. What stunned her even more profoundly was what happened afterward.

“I have been expecting you, Godfather.”

Rine bowed her head respectfully to the man Serenea had assumed was just another common visitor.

‘W-What is happening?’

Bewildered, Serenea wondered if she was dreaming. After all, having observed Rine for nearly two years, Serenea knew this for certain: even when the lord of the Labyrinth City himself visited, even when high-ranking nobles from other nations arrived, even when the prince of the Ashtalon Kingdom came to call, Rine had never bowed her head to anyone.

That is why Serenea, her smile fading unconsciously and her mouth falling slightly open, soon witnessed the mercenaries and Lavalde reacting identically. Their jaws hung open in pure disbelief.

“What… did you just say to me?” Lavalde, who had been frozen as if his mind had stopped working, finally processed Rine’s words. His previously stunned expression now twisted into obvious fury.

Yet, Rine answered without a moment’s pause, “I believe I told you to get lost.”

Rine spoke with such natural ease that Serenea’s face now became a mask of pure astonishment.

The meaning of this statement was clear to any onlooker: it was an unambiguous declaration of hostility toward Lavalde. Lavalde let out a scoff of disbelief before his features contorted into something monstrous.

“I don’t care what you see in that destitute noble, but I will make certain you regret betraying me.”

Having spoken these words, he turned and marched out of Merde.

***

A short time after Lavalde Greystone, the son of Labyrinth City’s lord, departed with a fiendish expression that suggested he was capable of anything, Alon finally found an opportunity to speak properly with Rine.

“I got your letter. It must have been a difficult journey, Godfather. And you as well, Uncle,” Rine said, her voice even and calm, a stark contrast to Deus, who valued silence, and Seolrang, who was overly talkative.

Alon, who had been observing her, gave a slight nod and inquired, “…But is this truly alright?”

“What do you mean?” she replied.

“Lavalde,” Alon answered, mentioning the name of the lord’s son, which had only just resurfaced in his memory.

Alon was well aware of the formidable power wielded by the lord of this Labyrinth City, Lartania. He also knew the lord was known to protect his son, so he was worried that Lavalde might create problems for Rine, who had established herself here in Lartania.

“Oh, if that is your concern, you need not trouble yourself,” Rine responded.

“Is that so? But he is the lord’s son. It seems likely he will make trouble for you.”

“He probably will not appear again. Also, I did not anticipate you would know that scoundrel.”

Alon hesitated briefly at Rine’s words but answered smoothly, “He is quite famous in Lartania, both for his appearance and his demeanor.”

“Is that right? In any case, as I said, there is no cause for worry.”

Although her tone was level and devoid of emotion, unlike others he had met, her words carried a distinct and undeniable confidence.

“Well, if you are certain of that,” Alon gave a brief nod before falling into a casual conversation with Rine.

Naturally, their discussion was not particularly deep. They exchanged pleasantries about how her work in Lartania was progressing, whether she still communicated with the children from the orphanage, and other simple topics.

Yet, as this light conversation continued, Alon found himself feeling uncommonly pleased. It might have seemed a little sentimental, but he felt that Rine had matured admirably. Not that Deus or Seolrang had not grown, but there was something about Rine that gave him the impression of a diligent daughter, even though he had not paid her much mind in the past.

Because of this, Alon experienced a strange sense of pride in her, enjoying their talk in high spirits. After some time had passed and their small talk concluded, Alon broached the primary reason for his visit.

“The truth is, I came to see you today because I need to ask a favor.”

“Please, go ahead.”

“Is a subjugation force being assembled to confront the Outer God, by any chance?”

At Alon’s question, Rine considered for a moment before answering, “Hmm—yes, I do believe a subjugation force is currently being formed.”

“Would you be able to assist me in joining that force?”

The reason Alon had sought out Rine, who held considerable influence in the Labyrinth City, immediately upon his arrival, was to gain entry into the subjugation force against the Outer God. It was challenging to join without having a certain level of renown within Lartania.

Of course, given his reputation from beyond the city, he might have managed on his own, but he wanted to be completely certain, which is why he had turned to her.

‘After what just happened, it might be more difficult now.’

“Naturally, it might be a little challenging…” Alon began, recalling Lavalde’s behavior and realizing that seeking Rine’s help could indeed be problematic. But then Rine spoke.

“That should be possible.”

“…Hmm? Truly?” Alon asked, somewhat surprised.

“Yes.”

“…But didn’t things become a little strained between you and the lord’s son earlier?” Alon was reluctant to say the situation seemed more than just strained, but he looked at her, awaiting her reply.

“Do not worry about it. It is not a problem I cannot manage. Besides, is he truly such a significant concern for you?” she asked.

“Are you referring to Lavalde?”

“Yes.”

“Well, he is the lord’s cherished son, so I thought he might cause difficulties for you,” Alon replied.

Rine nodded slightly before responding, “In any event, you do not need to be concerned about that.”

“Hmm… Alright, I will trust you then.”

Despite her blunt way of speaking, her words conveyed a powerful sense of reliability, which made Alon feel that odd pride once more. After a little more conversation, Alon suddenly remembered something and asked.

“Incidentally, why do you call me Godfather?”

“Pardon?”

“Well, Deus and Seolrang call me their benefactor or Master, so why do you use Godfather? I was simply curious.”

Rine paused for a moment, thinking, before she answered, “Because Godfather felt like the most appropriate term.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes.”

Following a brief silence, Rine added, “For now, you should get some rest. You must be weary from the long trip.”

With that, Rine arranged rooms for Alon and Evan within Merde and then departed for somewhere else.

As soon as she was gone, Evan, who had been waiting, remarked, “Wow, she has really grown up, hasn’t she?”

“Do you think so?” Alon asked.

“Yes, she is still a bit blunt, but that is her nature. But aside from that… of all the children we have met, I believe she has matured the most.”

Alon nodded in agreement. “Indeed, she seems to have developed in the most exemplary way.”

Rine had mentioned she would inform them of further plans, and since not much time had passed since their journey north, Alon decided it was best to rest and reconsider their strategy. With that in mind, he headed to the room Rine had provided. By the time he entered, it was already late in the evening.

***

The following day.

Having had little proper rest after hastening to Lartania by carriage, Alon woke feeling heavy and groggy, despite having slept for a considerable time. Noting that the sun was high, he slowly rose, dressed, and left his room. He soon encountered Rine, who was eating lunch, with her secretary, Serenea, leading him to her.

And then.

“I have resolved the matter you mentioned yesterday,” Rine said.

“…So swiftly?”

“Yes. There is a regular meeting today, which you can attend.”

Alon was momentarily stunned by the speed with which Rine had acted. But before he could process this, she continued.

“Oh, and regarding Lavalde Greystone, that matter has also been dealt with. I killed him cleanly, so you will not have to worry about him any longer.”

She said it so casually, as if discussing the weather, all while taking a bite of her sausage. Her tone was as matter-of-fact as if she had said, “It’s a sunny day,” despite the shocking nature of her announcement.

Alon, who had almost responded automatically, suddenly stopped. “Uh… what?”

He stared at her, his mind flooding with countless questions.