Chapter 106

“What do you mean by that?” (Louis)

“What’s the matter?” (Jean)

“You know, Randell wants to go to the Blue Stone Island with me.”

Nina told Randell’s theory, and Jean’s eyes burst wide open.

“Why are you personally going there? Just send the spies to do the job.” (Jean)

“We don’t know what Blue Stone Island is like. Even if they’re trained, their opponents are Sages. It’s better that I go.”

“What do you mean it’s better for you to go? you’re not even trained in spy work. Do you mean to fight them with the spirits?”

“No, but using spirits will make it easier to hide······.”

“How? Hey, do you really think you are on an expert level on this kind of thing? Don’t talk nonsense.”

“Right. I guess you have a good point.”

Nina agreed with him. She’s not thoughtless, of course, but she’s no match compared to a trained professional.

“Right? Don’t think nonsense, so keep to your station and······.”

“I’ll ask Jack to come with me then.”

“What?”

Nina showed three fingers, ignoring Jean’s unknowingly uttered words.

“A three-member party certainly has a better sense of security. Much better than two.”

If one fails, the others are likely to get caught, but in the case of three people, the other two would manage to endure even if one is found out.

“I’ll ask Jack if he’s available. Though I’ll have to ask the Young Master first.”

“Then I’ll come with you.”

“Uh, I’ll respectfully decline.”

“When you say no politely, you don’t put ‘uh’ in front of your reply. Why can’t I?”

“No matter how important the task is, we can’t have the Commander and the Vice-Commander go at the same time.”

“Then I’ll take your place.”

“Ah.” (Nina)

Nina said with a strange face.

“I don’t think that’s going to work because Randell might reject it.”

“What? It doesn’t matter what he thinks, I’ve been thinking about it for a long time, but he’s got a temper and a sharp tongue to match it.”

Jean’s dissatisfaction flowed out, and Nina nodded, ‘Yes, yes.’

In fact, Randell and Jean rarely bump into each other, and Randell was quite polite to him because Jean was Nina’s friend. Even so, he hated Randell’s sarcastic behavior toward his subordinates.

‘Because Jean liked Randell’s other personality better.’

That’s why I like Jean.

After she listened to Jean, she said,

“I understand what Jean is saying. But I still want to go with him. I’m sure it’s not just about the Tarok.”

Jean gulped down the cold tea, Louis filled his glass once more and Nina said while cooling it down again.

“Maybe he’s ready to face the truth now.”

She bets a small gold coin that he will, by all means, look up about his teacher when we go to the island. He finally decided to face the wounds cast by the Sages, which he’s been looking away from.

She wanted to be with him then. There are times when just being around, gives people strength.

Jean frowned, glared at Nina, and spat out.

“Whatever you want.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

“I don’t understand you.”

“Yes, yes. Thank you for your permission.”

“Haa, really. How did I end up taking care of this little kid.”

Jean sighed deeply and Nina laughed.

“Don’t worry, I’ll take care of you later.”

“Make sure to keep that promise.”

Jean tapped Nina on the shoulder. It was his habit since he stopped stroking her head. But because his hands were as ruthless as a bear’s front paw, Nina would always make a sound of pain.

Then Jean would have a satisfied look on his face like the one he is showing right now.

Nina said, stroking where she was hit.

“You’re strong anyway.”

“I’m weaker than you.”

Jean, who answered proudly, looked around the table and whispered.

“Why are you only drinking tea without snacks?”

“Indeed. Jean only drinks tea when he’s thirsty.”

“Look who’s talking.”

“I rather eat big meals than snacks.”

At Nina’s words, Jean nodded his head and asked.

“So, what were you two talking about?”

Nina said, “Un-.” and continued,

“Well, human trafficking seems to be rampant in the Capital nowadays.” (Nina)

“Those bastards I’m about to kill.” (Louis)

“That’s what we’re talking about.” (Nina)

Nina clapped, and Louis laughed again. Jean squinted his eyes.

“What? What is it this time?”

“No, I thought the same thing, so I asked Sir Louis to call me if he needed a hand.”

“Oh, really? Call me too, Sir Louis.”

“Yes.”

Looking at each other’s faces, Louis smiled and Jean laughed.

────── •❆• ──────

Jack had an unknown expression on his face.

“You want him to come with you?” (Adrian)

“Yes, I think that’s the best way. What do you think?” (Nina)

Leaning against the window, Adrian had his arms crossed. Darkness flickered hand in hand and danced around by the dim light of the candle. His black hair was so black that there was a bluish light, and as Nina watched the light flow down his loose hair, she moved her eyes to Jack.

“No? Are you busy?”

“If you are seeing me here, then I’m not busy.” (Jack)

“You can be busy even if you are here.”

Jack scratched his chin and looked at Adrian.

“What do you think, Master?”

“If you have to go, it’s better to go together.”

With a heavy sigh, Jack accepted his fate and Nina lifted her arms as if cheering.

“Sigh-.” (Jack)

Jack raised an eyebrow and sighed.

“I’m in a position where I don’t have any choice but to do it when I’m told to.”

While he was quietly talking to himself, Nina rose from her seat and pulled out a paper bag from her arms.

“It’s a bribe.”

“Woah, what’s this?”

In a happy fuss, Jack received the paper bag and opened it. What came out from the inside was a round button.

“Well, they are buttons.”

“I heard that commoners wear a lot of buttoned-up clothes these days.”

“What······.”

Nina laughed at Jack’s response.

It was a collaboration between Pocco and Kirill.

“Does it have any special functions?”

“Of course. I heard that if you press down on the middle and throw it, you can put anyone within a 50-meter radius to sleep.”

“Hmm.”

“And if you take off the buttons and glue two together before throwing them, it’ll explode. Lastly, when you take one and swallow it······.”

“You’ll die comfortably?”

When Jack smiled and asked, Nina, said with a strange expression.

“They said you’ll appear to be dead. Though you’ll surely wake up after a week, wouldn’t anyone hate it to wake up buried somewhere?”

“That’s such an expensive button. I don’t know what the hell you think I usually do, but I’ll take it.”

“That and this.”

Nina took a dagger from her waist and handed it to him.

“It’s a mix of Sage Steel.”

“I can’t accept this.”

“I know, ’cause you can track where it came from, right? So Randell put a spell on it. It melts when someone other than allowed people picks it.”

“Even such magical items.”

“It’s okay. If Jack gets caught, we’ll also be in a tight spot anyway.”

Jack stared at Nina and looked at Adrian. He nodded slightly and Jack received the sword.

“Then I will cherish it.”

He felt quite strange, smiling at the back of the sword handle as he swept it.

“It says J. But why is it crooked?”

“That’s what I did.”

Jack looked up in surprise and Nina was embarrassed.

“I carved it. The Forge Master even said I was good for a first-timer. She said it’s good to be strong.”

Jack laughed.

“Then I’ll keep it safer.”