Shylock.
A rather skilled conman.
A former knight.
The reason he lives without being treated like a person is simple.
Guilt.
His family suffered from an incurable disease.
He could never save them, who believed in and supported him.
After the war eased, some maritime trade routes opened up, and Shylock faced the bitter truth.
That the disease was already curable in the nation across the sea.
As a knight back then, sneaking through a blocked trade route would have been a piece of cake.
Afterward, he intentionally chose to live in a filthy environment.
He thought it would ease his guilt.
*
“Do you want to solve your family’s incurable disease?”
Shylock’s forgotten circumstances came to mind.
After finishing everything that could be done in the game, I’d spent most of my time trying to recognize Eliya.
It was inevitable that Shylock’s family situation and the treatment method popped into my head late.
“……”
Shylock glared at me with bulging eyes.
The smiling mask had shattered long ago.
He tried to get up, but Hermis wouldn’t budge an inch.
As if she wasn’t even straining, her expression was relaxed.
“Sir Shylock? What will you do?”
“…How do you know that?”
He asked, hiding his hostility.
It’s definitely unpleasant when someone you don’t even know brings that up.
I shrugged and replied.
“Thanks to Miss Eliya’s grace, I’m residing in that mansion, aren’t I? Do you know how freely the knights there gossip? Especially, they don’t even see lowly people like me as human.”
It’s mostly true.
I don’t often run into those knights.
But when I do, they completely ignore me.
It’s as if they’re pretending not to see me.
They don’t hesitate to share their personal and important stories.
Of course, what shouldn’t be known outside the walls wouldn’t be mentioned.
But tales about others behind their backs or love affairs, or family matters, circulate very easily.
Naturally, I’ve never heard anything about Shylock.
It sufficed that Shylock’s claims seemed trustworthy.
He couldn’t fabricate lies, but what he said was merely a selection of the truth.
“I’ll get straight to the point. I know how to solve that incurable disease. A complete cure.”
“……”
Shylock remained suspicious.
It was a reasonable and expected response.
It wouldn’t be easy to believe words from a kid like me out of nowhere.
How could I make it easier for him to believe?
‘If it were Eliya…’
Make him confirm the truth himself.
The more he verifies it, the more he’ll trust me.
“Whether you believe it is up to you. The treatment method is simple. Find a flower called ‘Verbena’ on the island of Citra, located in the middle of the southwestern maritime trade routes. Dry its petals and steep them in water for a few weeks. You’ll notice improvement after just one day of drinking it.”
“……”
“Of course, that route is completely blocked now. From there, you’ll have to manage on your own, whether you resort to smuggling or other means. There might still be places managing imports that came before the block. I can’t be sure about that.”
Even after I finished speaking, Shylock just stared blankly at me.
It seemed he was calculating whether the information he heard was true.
The wrinkles on his brow deepened.
His eyes moved incessantly.
His expression was a complex mix of confusion, fear, and hope.
I spoke to Hermis.
“Lady Hermis. Please release him.”
“Are you sure about this?”
“I believe it’ll be fine.”
Hermis stood up with a wary posture.
Until she stood beside me, Shylock remained lying face down, motionless.
When he finally looked at me, he opened his mouth.
“What do you want from me?”
“We will discuss the details after confirming the treatment’s validity. For now, it’s too early to trust each other, isn’t it?”
He looked like he was about to say something, but then suddenly chuckled.
His face was dawning a mischievous smile now.
He shook his head, seemingly finding the situation absurd.
“Wow. I’ve been through all sorts of things in my life. If someone like you throws out that bait, there’s no way I can resist. Isn’t that cheesy?”
“Thank you for the compliment.”
“Is this information credible?”
I merely shrugged my shoulders.
He’d understand if he confirmed it himself.
“If this is a lie, I won’t let it slip.”
His expression remained laughter-filled.
But his eyes stared daggers at me.
“Then Lady Hermis wouldn’t stand by either.”
“…Haven’t you spoken in a while? You’re quite creepy.”
Shylock shook his shoulders as if overwhelmed and walked to the other side.
Watching him leave, Hermis whispered.
“Is it really alright? Shouldn’t we break a bone or two…?”
“That much isn’t necessary… If he hasn’t touched me yet.”
If it were Eliya, she would have surely sent him off nicely.
To build a more favorable relationship for our next meeting.
“More pressing, Judas. What about the information concerning that disease you mentioned earlier?”
“Ah… Since it’s come up, I’ll go ahead and share. It’s a treatment method for a condition known as episodic insomnia.”
Hermis noted it down once again, just like before.
“When I was wandering the frontlines, there was an old man who came from across the sea. He shared various remedies with me, including folk remedies.”
“Your memory is impressive.”
Hermis fully believed my words.
To her, Yurideke is her only blood.
They are as close as real sisters.
And I was the one who found the husband she would regret forever.
Just like Yurideke, Hermis would likely consider me her benefactor.
‘…Maybe?’
Now it was Shylock’s turn.
He would have no choice but to test my words.
Once he discovered the truth, he would definitely come back to me.
He can’t be called a good person.
However, he is absolutely not someone who would live indebted.
*
Days passed.
I deliberately strolled around the training center with Hermis for the past few days.
The area surrounding the training center was a sparse forest, making it suitable to wait for Shylock.
There wasn’t any particular conversation to share, nor any information to disclose further, but Hermis was naturally a sociable person.
She steered the atmosphere to ease the awkwardness.
“Oh, and about that Jericho thing you mentioned last time.”
“Yes?”
“After looking into several factors, it’s been confirmed to be true.”
Hermis handed me my account book.
I had brought it to jot down my reward for the information before.
The recent transaction on the returned book read ‘3,000 Florin’.
That was the amount deposited as payment for the information given this time.
“I present this amount on behalf of our side. It’s the combined value of information about Jericho and episodic insomnia.”
I gaped, staring at the figure of 3,000 Florin.
I earned this for just a few words.
That’s about 12 million won in local currency.
I have no idea how much profit the Information Guild makes from this information, or whether it’s actually worth this amount.
I do know that it has significant value.
However, I couldn’t gauge how much it translates into monetary worth.
“This amount has been determined, and depending on the future profits we gain from it, there’s a possibility for additional compensation. If you don’t find this acceptable, we can negotiate as well.”
“No, no. It’s fine. I’m satisfied.”
I hurriedly replied.
With this amount, I can at least manage to live outside for the time being.
Not that it means I can live comfortably yet.
It’s still insufficient to settle down safely in a secure area.
“Next time, also….”
Whatever Hermis was about to say, she suddenly shot a wary glance ahead.
Shylock was there.
That person I had been waiting for these past few days.
Today, he seemed to be waiting for us instead.
As usual, his face wore a relaxed, somewhat annoying smile.
“Ah, Judas.”
“Have you confirmed what I said?”
“Of course. I checked thoroughly. So…”
I awaited what he had to say next.
However, Shylock didn’t voice it.
Instead, he approached me directly.
“…?”
He bent down slowly, crouched, and sat on the ground.
He boldly knelt in front of me, looking up.
…We were nearly the same height due to the difference in height.
“Thank you.”
Contrary to his humble posture, he spoke with a wide grin.
“If you have any questions, feel free to ask anything. I’ll answer as long as it’s within my capacity.”
I never anticipated he would change his demeanor so readily.
I was baffled and uncomfortable.
Perhaps it was because his family was still alive, but he seemed so much brighter compared to the Shylock I knew.
Less sinister.
“Um, let’s get up first. This is awkward for me.”
“Oh? Despite your quirky personality, you seem sensitive about this behavior?”
“……”
I had no comeback since that was spot on.
What was amusing was that Shylock chuckled playfully, being annoying.
He stood up, brushing off his knees.
“Then, it seems you’ll also be vulnerable to compliments and thanks?”
I ignored his jest.
“First, why were you tailing me?”
Shylock glanced at Hermis.
“She’s fine.”
Information Guild’s liaison.
Beyond any escape plans, it’s beneficial to maintain a friendly relationship with them.
‘No, but I won’t stray from any plans.’
If you divide the continent into two, you have the Helios Empire and the Bevel Principality.
Divided into five, you add the Magic Tower and the Assassin Guild, plus the Information Guild.
However, the latter two organizations tend to operate in the shadows, so their actual power is less highlighted relative to their size.
Simply running away won’t resolve all issues.
Balak.
To dodge his gaze, I must maintain a cordial relationship with the Information Guild.
“As a most gracious benefactor, if you say that, I guess it can be trusted.”
He has a knack for getting under my skin with praise.
That was kind of the guy I met in the future.
“Right. I’ll tell you everything as it is. The reason I followed you is due to another person’s orders. To be specific, I’m here at the directive of Duke Balak de Bevel.”
…Balak? Eliya’s biological father?
His name comes up here?
Even Hermis seemed taken aback.
“The goal is to isolate you, Judas.”
“Isolate me?”
“I was instructed to disrupt your adaptation to the training center. Why he commissioned such an order, I don’t know. I simply follow.”
I recalled my earlier conversation with Balak.
Nothing particularly stood out.
Someone trying to assassinate Eliya.
Their fierce conversation as father and daughter… other than that.
I remember standing up to Balak and Narcissi.
‘At that time, I definitely said I would remember.’
Balak doesn’t touch me directly.
That’s probably correct.
If he touches me now, it would be obvious to anyone that it was Balak.
No matter whose hands he uses, the circumstances point to him.
Eliya would be the type to read those circumstances and press him for answers.
To avoid that confrontation, Balak chose a rather petty and indirect route.
‘This elder is quite petty.’
Shylock continued speaking.
“The first step was to spread malicious rumors in the training center to make you feel alienated. If that didn’t work, the next step was to ambush you and use violence.”
“Violence? As in?”
“Breaking arms or legs, just to instill fear.”
“Hmm.”
Hermis listened with a complicated expression from the side.
She seemed flustered that I, the one to protect, ended up as Balak’s target, while also being strangely excited as it was valuable information for the Guild.
“I was promised a separate reward by the Duke for taking on this task. Naturally, it was money for the continued treatment of my family.”
Shylock looked directly at me.
“But now it’s no longer necessary, right? Thanks to your rising popularity at the training center with Miss Eliya’s favor.”
“Could you keep it down….”
He kept throwing in unnecessary comments here and there.
“Anyway, you don’t need to worry anymore. I….”
“No, wait a moment. You’ll need to keep doing what you’ve been doing.”
“…Huh?”
“Please continue to follow Balak’s orders. But, um, save any direct involvement for later. You can just say you failed because of Lady Hermis here.”
“Wait, wait. I don’t understand?”
I took a moment to sort out my thoughts before speaking.
How can I use this situation to my advantage?
What would Eliya do?
‘I am Eliya, I am Eliya…, that’s not it!’
If I merely imagine Eliya in this scenario.
How would she respond?
“It’s simple. I’m suggesting that you stay underneath Balak and continue playing the part of my informant.”
“…!”
“Such rumors wouldn’t even bother me. I’d be indifferent. The physical threats are another matter, but you could manage them since you’re under Balak, right?”
Shylock looked at me like I was some strange creature.
What is this?
Is he still just a kid?
That was the exact look on his face.
To be honest, it’s not that profound of a strategy.
I’m not even smart enough to come up with a great strategy in the first place.
‘Just thought of something decent because I mimicked Eliya’s way of thinking.’
This exaggerated reaction came from Judas being young.
“Put simply, I want Balak to believe his plans are working smoothly. Of course, there’s nothing I can do if you opt not to.”
Ultimately, Shylock’s choice is crucial.
This is a dangerous matter for him as well.
After all, he has to be a double agent.
If by chance he gets caught, not only is his life at risk, but his family’s safety is uncertain too.
Duke Balak de Bevel isn’t an easy opponent.
Shylock began to chuckle.
It seemed he found something amusing.
“I’ve never met a kid as grotesque as you in my life.”
“What? You don’t seem that old either.”
“I do tend to look younger than my age.”
“……”
“And I’m a miserable person who’s broke, despite appearances.”
With a smirk, he reached out his hand.
A handshake request.
“So, you’re aware of that.”
“Of course.”
I readily took his hand.
“From now on, I look forward to working together.”
“Me too. No, really, I should be the one thanking you. Just say the word, and I’ll do anything.”
Shylock smiled confidently.
His voice changed from the playful tone he had just a moment ago to serious.
“By the way, are there others involved aside from you?”
“There are two more hiding within the training center. Gaston and Dalant.”
“I don’t recognize those names.”
“Not close enough to cadets. I led the effort in spreading the rumors.”
Afterward, I instructed Shylock to report that things were continuing smoothly.
When parting, we decided to head in different directions to exit the forest, each taking a different view.
As I watched Shylock’s departing figure, Hermis timidly asked.
“Was that conversation just now….”
“You’re free to use it however you wish. You don’t need to seek my permission for anything.”
“Still, it’s the first time I’ve eavesdropped like this right next to a client… ahem.”
“More than that, I’m curious now, but will all this be fully reported to Miss Eliya?”
“Not everything. Only incidents that arise will require reporting.”
“Then this incident…?”
“Hmm… I’m planning to keep it minimized because there’s a chance the fact that I’m an implanted agent from the Information Guild may get out.”
“Will you report Gaston and Dalant, those knights?”
“Yes. Since they’re spies employed by Duke Balak concealed within the training center, it must be reported. As for Shylock… I’ll need to think that through.”
I was on the same page.
Being under Eliya’s command, I, and Hermis, held a duty to report.
But there’s one thing that lingers.
‘How do I explain how I found out?’
If this story circulates, my name would inevitably surface.
In that course, my abnormal traits or links with the Information Guild…
Suddenly, I felt it might have become too late to worry about such things.
Staring at the anemone in the bedroom.
The pot I gaze at every night before falling asleep, filled with troubled feelings.
“Don’t worry.”
Hermis said.
“As a member of the Information Guild, I’ve been active longer than I’ve been a knight. No need for concern over what you’re worried about. I’ll report it as vaguely as possible.”
“…I guess it shows on my face.”
Hermis just smiled.
Indeed, she outshines me in her capabilities.
I’m awful at lying.
‘I have questions I want to ask Eliya, but I can just wait until next time.’
By the way, Balak…
I understood that Balak had his sights set on me.
I also grasped he was trying hard to avoid Eliya’s questioning.
Yet, something feels…
‘Why go through all this trouble?’
I expected that Balak would either kill me or at least retaliate in a significant way.
But, what’s this about feeling isolated? Injury? Breaking limbs?
‘Does this guy really think that after being taken down, I’d be okay with just this?’
Duke Balak.
In the future, he would be dead due to Eliya.
Yet his reputation is well-known to me.
‘He doesn’t seem like the type to pull such childish tricks.’
This feels more like some kind of test.
‘Even if he’s a bastard child, what is it he’s trying to accomplish in his daughter’s training center…?’
*
Having exited the forest, I arrived at the entrance to the training center.
I was about to head back to the mansion when I spotted some familiar faces near the entrance.
“Hey, Judas!”
Richard, Lindell, Argon, Hador, and Finn.
Five of them rushed toward me.
“Senior?”
They glanced back and forth between me and Hermis.
Hermis simply smiled innocently.
Sweating a little, Richard swallowed hard and cautiously asked me.
“Um, can we talk for a moment away from her?”
“Uh? Uh, sure.”
So we moved to an area away from Hermis.
Argon wore a serious expression and asked, “Judas. Tell us honestly.”
“What is it?”
“Are you dating that knight?”
What the hell…
I was so shocked that a stream of curse words nearly spilled out.
“Where on earth did you get that conclusion…?”
“You’ve been hanging out with that knight every day!”
“That’s because she was assigned to protect me by the lady…”
“And! Every time, you two go off into the forest together! What do you think you’re doing?”
“Ugh…”
You crazy bastards, jeez…
My head started to throb.
I could feel a hint of dizziness creeping in.
I rubbed my forehead.
A deep sigh escaped me.
I spoke slowly, forcing each word out.
“Sen—Senior. It’s not like that…”
Richard asked earnestly, “So you’re into older women?”
Older or not, she still seems like a kid to me.
Not as much as Eliya, but still a teenager.
I know there are no laws or punishments concerning dating in this world, but anyway, it’s a crime in my book!
“It’s not like that…”
“Did you toy with Lady Eliya then?!”
“……”
Ah.
My head hurts…
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