Chapter 225: Robert’s Request

Chapter 225: Robert’s Request

“It’s such an incredible coincidence...”

“However, it seems to be the truth. With so much matching information, it’s harder to believe he is someone else.”

After being thoroughly questioned about Chirik, Tigar and Decius crossed their arms and groaned in disbelief. Even I who had met him in person was astounded by such great coincidence. It was no wonder the two found it hard to believe.

But the truth was, there was enough information to make them accept the reality of things. It wasn’t as if he had come forward on his own; the fact that we had met by chance reinforced the authenticity of this story.

“So, what are we going to do? I’m not even sure if it’s right to call him your son...but are we going to take him with us?”

“No, that’s not what he wants. He has people he can call family, even though they’re not related by blood. He would be happier with them than with someone who is connected by blood with him through strange means.”

Chirik called Magna, the leader of the children, “big brother”. This meant that, to him, the people inside those walls were his true family.

I couldn’t imagine that being torn away from his family would make Chirik happy. That’s why I chose not to forcefully take him away, but rather to fulfill his wishes.

“It’s better to respect his wishes. But I must admit, I was surprised by what he wanted.”

“Indeed. He’s only four or five years old, right? Leo didn’t start training on his own at that age.”

“There’s no doubt he’s much smarter than other children his age. If he were physically stronger, he would have been the leader of the children, no doubt about that.”

Decius and Tigar were also amazed by Chirik’s intelligence. Chirik’s current age was almost the same as Lappy’s when I first met her. This just went to show how brave and intelligent he was to negotiate with me, an adult, at an age when he should be most pampered by his parents.

While we were discussing Chirik, I sensed that Liselotte and the other two returned. It seemed that Hilda and Chris were carrying some bags; they had apparently been sightseeing around the royal capital and had done some shopping as well.

“The young ladies have returned... huh?”

“Gina is coming. Does she need something?”

The man who seemed to be the head of the Rowell family came down from the mansion with Gina to greet Liselotte and the others outside. From the way Lieselotte greeted him, it was clear that this person was indeed the head of the Rowell family. This meant he was probably the son of the lady she called “great aunt”. He could be said to be a distant relative of Liselotte.

The family head took Liselotte and the other two upstairs, but Gina, for some reason, started walking towards us. It seemed she had something to discuss with us. We quickly wrapped up our conversation, and I put on the iron mask that was on the table. Right after that, she knocked on my room’s door.

“Come in.”

“Excuse me. It seems you’re all here. I apologize for the sudden intrusion, but the master wishes to meet with you.”

“The master... The head of this house wants to meet us?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

Gina’s statement was quite unexpected. We were merely hired by Liselotte and, to the Rowell family, we should only be seen as suspicious mercenaries. Why would the head of the house want to meet us?

What surprised me, however, was that he was the Minister of Finance, which was a high-ranking position in the nation. What could such a heavyweight in the kingdom want with mere mercenaries like us?

“First, I would like to express my gratitude. I didn’t have many opportunities to meet Liselotte, but her father—my cousin—and I were very close, almost like best friends. I am deeply thankful to you for having escorted her until now and for agreeing to escort her back to her homeland.”

Robert made us sit on what seemed to be reception chairs positioned at the center of his study, then assumed a serious expression and expressed his gratitude. However, it was a coincidence that we protected Liselotte, and the reason we accepted the escort request was because it would be of great benefit to us.

Therefore, I didn’t believe his gratitude was warranted to such an extent. I shook my head and replied that there was no need for thanks.

“There’s no need for thanks, Your Excellency. Since we have an agreement to receive compensation from Lady Liselotte, escorting her is merely our duty.”

“Hmm, you’re as humble as Liselotte said. A more cunning and greedy mercenary might have used polite words to demand more payment.”

“Your humility was why I felt you guys could be trusted with the task,” Robert added. However, it seemed he was not referring to the task of escorting Liselotte. I wondered what he was planning to entrust to us and waited for him to speak.

“You’re aware that an evening party is being held the day after tomorrow, aren’t you? I heard my mother invited Liselotte in front of you.”

“Yes, I am aware.”

“I’d like you to join the security team for the party.”

Security for a party? Why would he ask us? And wouldn’t a noble’s party already have adequate security?

It was natural for me to be curious, and Robert seemed to understand this. He explained the reason for his request as follows.

“I’ve heard you were shopping in the royal capital. So, you must have heard some rumors, right? About how, despite its peaceful appearance, there are various undercurrents in this city.”

“Yes, we have heard various rumors related to the refugees.”

“Exactly, that’s it. There’s been some concerning information. About how some discontented refugees are planning to attack the party.”

“Is that... true?”

It was indeed true that among the refugees, there were rumors of factions harboring discontent and planning to incite riots. However, these were just rumors; no one had ever met a member of such a force. Personally, I imagined it to be a group that didn’t actually exist.

I found it hard to believe that such individuals would really take action. Yet, standing before me, Robert didn’t seem to be joking. He looked to be genuinely concerned.

“The information comes from the garrison responsible for guarding the royal capital, so I don’t think it’s an implausible story. Security has already been arranged, but I believe having more manpower is better. I’ll inform them about you in advance, and you’re free to move as you wish. What do you say? Of course, you’ll be compensated for this task, even if nothing happens.”

“...Understood. We’ll take the job.”

Even if an attack were to occur, I think it would be fine as long as Chris and Hilda were there, but it seemed Robert wanted us as additional insurance. Even if it turned out to be a false alarm, it would still mean extra income for us.

The decisive factor for me was the freedom to act as we pleased. Falling under someone else’s command would inevitably lead to complications, and being independent would allow us to give our best. And so, I accepted Robert’s request and agreed to join the security team for the evening party.