TLWRO 63

Chapter 63

The Lady Only Deals with the Genuine

However, Ailrun seemed even more puzzled by my reaction than I was by his.

Clutching my head, I managed to ask,

“I’m a bit confused. What exactly does it mean when you say you’ll take responsibility for me?”

“It means exactly that. I will serve you.”

“No, not that simple!”

Things were getting more complicated.

Rubbing my forehead, I tried to interpret the words typical of a knight.

“So, um… does taking responsibility materially mean that if something gets broken and repair costs are demanded, you’ll pay for it? And taking responsibility mentally means that if I ask for cooperation, you’ll help me? Is that roughly correct?”

“That is correct.”

“Yes, finally we’re on the same page.”

“But that’s not all.”

What else could there be?

Jin’s face fell as I looked at him, and Ailrun cleared his throat.

“The matters you mentioned are responsibilities as the Grand Knight Commander. I, Ailrun Hugo Ladeion, still have personal responsibilities toward you.”

“What do you mean?”

“Yes… I will ‘lose’ it for you.”

Ailrun dropped a small pouch in front of me.

As if he were really losing it.

Then, like a knight picking up a handkerchief a lady had dropped, he picked it up and handed it back to me.

Even in my disbelief, his meticulous manner was amusing and consistent.

“Let us hope nothing of that sort occurs, but should you sense anything unusual during the investigation of the lost item, please stop immediately and inform me. I will take every measure possible.”

“Yes, I will.”

“And… even if it’s unrelated to a lost item,” Ailrun’s Adam’s apple moved as he spoke, “I will do my utmost to assist you. So do not hesitate to contact me.”

“Oh, you don’t really have to go that far…”

“You are already doing unnecessary work yourself. This is merely returning the favor.”

Well, if he put it that way…

I shrugged and carefully examined the hourglass.

Nothing unusual appeared. All I could see were the sands, as dark as shadow…

‘Huh, look at this.’

Frowning, I gestured to Ailrun.

“Do you see this? There are marks from twisting the screws.”

“Does that mean the contents were replaced?”

“Yes. Quite clumsy work. Looks like someone who’s never even touched tools did it.”

Ailrun’s brows knitted slightly.

The replacement of the sand itself was proof supporting my claim.

‘So Crodel did it himself. Well, it’s not something he could entrust to others.’

Wait, if Crodel did it personally…

‘The magician I asked Emma-unnie to find! If she’s involved, we’d know exactly whose hands it passed through.’

Would she have made contact by now?

‘I’ll know by tomorrow. I was planning to show Emma-unnie this hourglass anyway.’

I cleared my throat and put down the magnifying glass.

“Other than these marks, there’s nothing unusual.”

“Then…”

“But this isn’t the end. Tomorrow, I’ll ask a magician I know to confirm whether the sand inside is truly mana stone.”

I explained my pre-planned approach to Ailrun.

“Once confirmed, I’ll make an identical hourglass for you, filled with harmless sand.”

“You mean, place it on my desk?”

“Yes. Your enemies will let their guard down, thinking you know nothing.”

From what I’d seen of Ailrun in the future, he wouldn’t die for a few more months.

There was still time to investigate.

And there was something as important as uncovering the mastermind behind the hourglass.

“I’ll also look into ways to cure mana poisoning, starting tomorrow.”

It was about curing Ailrun’s mana poisoning.

He had likely only focused on concealing his symptoms, not seeking solutions.

“I’ll ask doctors and magicians, and I know someone at the temple, so I’ll investigate there as well. Of course, it’ll all remain a secret—if necessary, I’ll just say I’m sick.”

“……”

“If staying away from this hourglass helps, start monitoring your condition carefully from today. Inform me if you notice any changes. Then…”

I was about to say goodbye when Ailrun spoke.

“…I’ve improved a little since visiting your pawnshop.”

Huh?

Was it a matter of mindset? Or was he overcoming it through hope and willpower?

I had no idea, but it was a relief, so I replied with a chuckle.

“Really? That’s good. Then you should come often.”

“Yes. That’s my intention. Thank you for allowing it.”

‘Wait, was my suggestion actually permission…?’

In any case, since he’d have to come often, I nodded.

It’d be nice if he could also sell some things while he’s here.

‘Why do I feel so tired around this knight?’

Maybe because my energy had been drained earlier.

Rubbing my eyes, I saw Ailrun politely bowing.

“Sorry for the late visit. I shall take my leave.”

“Oh, yes. I wasn’t trying to hint anything. My eyes are just a bit dry.”

I thought I heard a faint sigh.

Did Ailrun laugh?

Nah, must be my imagination.

“Do not worry.”

Ailrun, slightly bowing, turned back before leaving.

“Ah. There’s one thing I must say without delay.”

There was a gentle shimmer in his gaze.

“Thank you. Now I understand why His Highness trusts you. Farewell.”

I waved as I pondered his words.

That had to be the highest compliment from Ailrun.

“Yes, see you again!”

“Indeed. Until next time.”

After Ailrun left, I tidied the commemorative coins and stored the dagger from my thigh, then paused before the full-body device.

This morning, the doctor had brought it.

‘Someone asked about grandfather again, right? A man in a dark robe.’

Based on the doctor’s words, he seemed imposing.

‘Probably the same as the brown-haired man who came first? Maybe he’s the superior the man mentioned.’

Still, it was a relief.

Thanks to the doctor’s quick thinking, he left believing I was unwell.

‘I don’t need to worry about him for now.’

If I solved things step by step, I’d eventually learn who was after my grandfather.

Yawning while spreading a blanket, I noticed something glinting in the moonlight where Ailrun had been.

Curious, I smiled.

It was ointment.

For bruises, effective too.

‘So he “lost” this too?’

Picking it up, I tilted my head.

‘Come to think of it… both when he came to get me and just now. Why did Ailrun shine at night?’

Like he did when seeing holy relics.

…Could it be a halo?

‘Is it normal for handsome people?’

Or perhaps that light was the hidden secret technique of a Paladin?

But before I could ponder further, sleep overtook me.

Tessah’s aide, Milton, thought.

‘The dagger His Highness gave the pawnshop owner had three functions.’

First, the Lugenot tracking function.

When Lugenot’s energy was detected within a certain radius, it could be transmitted to a connected magic device.

Today, two of the five indicators lit up.

When Milton happily reported it,

“The Grand Knight Commander accompanied that woman. It must be his energy. Report again when three or more indicators activate.”

Tessah gave this order, but Milton never had to report again, as the indicators stayed at two.

The second function?

‘It was for self-defense. I’m not sure why it was included for the pawnshop owner.’

And the third function?

Right now…

“So you’re saying you don’t harass Rina anymore?”

It allowed the user to hear surrounding sounds.

Similar to a business-card magic tool, but slightly different.

Considering the pawnshop owner’s privacy, it only transmitted sounds when heartbeats exceeded a certain threshold.

If the heartbeat rises?

It indicates fear, anger, shock, or danger—unusual situations.

‘Still not sure why the pawnshop owner’s privacy mattered…’

But why…

“I will take responsibility for you.”

“…What now?”

Milton couldn’t understand why Tessah’s expression turned grim at the Grand Knight Commander’s voice.

‘Wait, that means the pawnshop owner heard it and their heartbeat increased?’

Was it fear?

Milton tilted his head, then stepped back and left the room.

If a frightening person was already scowling, it was better to get out of sight.

A lesson learned from experience.