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Chapter 67
The next night, the Grand Duke came to my pawnshop.
As always, he waited for me in the front row. The moment he was let inside, he pulled a thick envelope from beneath his robe.
[This is a request form containing your younger sister’s personal information. Please deliver it properly to the person taking the request.]
[It’s quite a lot of material.]
I took the envelope in both hands. It was about a finger’s width thick, but felt even heavier to the touch.
I wonder what he wrote so meticulously… they must be quite close.
I now communicate with the Grand Duke in sign language. No more need for mutual interpretation.
While we exchanged gestures in secret, Katarina stood sulking like a sack of grain. She didn’t like that I was taking the Grand Duke’s request. She couldn’t understand why I tolerated lies, or whatever she said.
I’m not tolerating anything. I’m just waiting for the right moment. Even pimples aren’t popped until they’re ready, after all.
The truth is most destructive when laid bare in front of the liar. That way, there’s no way to dodge or hide.
I flipped over the envelope the Grand Duke brought. It was sealed tightly with red wax, like some military secret document.
[I thought someone from the Mercenary Guild would come in person. So you’re the middleman delivering it.]
I watched his hands carefully as he signed. There were ring marks clearly visible on his middle and ring fingers of the left hand.
[Is that a problem?]
[…No.]
He shook his palm from side to side. Even beneath the hood covering his face, his displeasure seemed evident.
Ha. You don’t even realize I’m the one responsible for executing this request.
[I’ll make sure it’s delivered properly, so you may go.]
I gestured toward the door and let him out.
Once again, the pawnshop was crowded with residents coming to borrow money. The last customer arrived around 4 a.m., wearing a dark robe like the Grand Duke. Was this hooded robe some new trend?
“What kind of request sends someone all the way to Padon Island?”
The mysterious guest skipped formal greetings and jumped straight to the question.
When the hood was removed, I was startled by the brightness of her shaved head. The smooth scalp reflected the lamp’s light like some monk from the East.
This bald woman was Verada, an executive of my shadow organization.
I quickly peeked through the door to make sure no other customers remained, then spoke.
“Welcome, Vera. But… what happened to your hair?”
“I got tired of it and shaved it off. So, who are you looking for?”
“Your impatience hasn’t changed. Here’s the request form.”
I handed Vera the envelope from the Grand Duke.
Her brows furrowed deeply as she took it.
“This thick thing is the request form? How am I supposed to read all this?”
“You can glance at it whenever you dismount on the way to Padon Island. On the road, at the inn, even on the ship.”
“…Alisa.”
She interrupted me with a serious tone.
“Why? You don’t want to do it?”
“No. But… what exactly does your husband do?”
A sudden change of topic. Vera’s way of speaking was unfiltered—brutally direct. I’m straightforward, but she’s practically wild. Just shaving her head shows how difficult she is to manage.
“Why are you suddenly asking about my husband?”
Strange. Vera still didn’t know who the client was. I had told Katarina to keep it secret, so she couldn’t have checked on her own.
“Rumor has spread across Yorka. The Grand Duke defeated the stationed soldiers and even the governor’s knights to rescue the Dvorkain slave girl, then was captured.”
“…Ah, right. My husband caused a scene.”
Rumors were inevitable. There had been a crowd, and his appearance and actions were noticeable. The crown prince must have had a headache handling it.
“He’s quite daring. Since last night, Yorka residents have been protesting in front of the royal palace, demanding the immediate release of the Grand Duke.”
“What?”
I truly hadn’t expected this. People were even holding a rescue movement for the Grand Duke.
“The governor’s office announced that the Grand Duke was safely released and returned to Blansk. But the protesters didn’t believe it at all. They’re demanding proof, making an even bigger fuss.”
My heart sank. A resistance protest. The crown prince would hate this. If he ordered a violent crackdown, innocent lives would be at risk again.
“Was there… no violent suppression?”
“The protest was small, so not yet. Miss Alisa, you might face some trouble soon. Anyway, the person you’re looking for will be found. Padon Island should take about two weeks.”
Before I could respond, Vera vanished like the wind.
She always does this—says what she wants, then disappears.
Still, I didn’t mind. Vera is renowned for handling tasks perfectly. A cold attitude is no problem.
Well, in two weeks, a three-way meeting will be possible.
After closing and locking the pawnshop, I went upstairs with Katarina.
The tavern was messier than usual at closing time. Broken glass from late-night trouble was scattered everywhere. The staff stopped sweeping and bowed tiredly.
I could track down the troublemakers tomorrow and hand them to the local militia. Anyone dirtying my business won’t go unpunished. Likely drunk soldiers from our garrison—obviously.
Stepping outside, the early morning air was crisp. Summer was ending.
As I inhaled the late-summer air and looked up at the stars, a massive shadow suddenly blocked my way.
Who is this person, so big? Also in a long robe, with something glinting at the waist—a sword, perhaps.
Was this the intruder from the tavern, trying to enter the main gate in the dead of night?
I was about to draw my sword when…
The man produced an oil lamp from inside his robe, illuminating his face.
It was the Grand Duke.
Startled, I almost exclaimed, but regained composure and signed.
[What is this? You haven’t gone home yet?]
[I will escort you.]
He placed the lamp on the ground and answered.
[Escort me? To where?]
[To your residence.]
[Why?]
[It’s dangerous at night.]
[You look more dangerous yourself.]
True. The Grand Duke in a hood looked like a suspicious intruder. His angelic features were hidden, leaving only his imposing stature. He could easily pass for a mercenary on an assassination mission.
[I am a warrior. I owe you a great debt, so I will repay it through service.]
He signed. Service? I haven’t even rescued your sister yet.
[Service?]
[I wish to escort you on your way home.]
Escort?
I shook my head violently. Blansk wasn’t perfect, but safer than other cities in Dvorka. Who worries about Alisa Lasantia’s night walks? I’m a top graduate of the military academy. A sword is enough to handle street ruffians, and Katarina is a warrior too.
[I don’t need an escort. Go your own way. I won’t tell you where I live.]
I waved my hand and stepped aside.
[Then I will simply watch from afar, to ensure you arrive safely.]
The Grand Duke blocked my path again.
What stubbornness. A vein could pop from his forehead.
[You know that’s what tailing people does, right?]
[…That is not my intention.]
He looked serious.
This is maddening. I don’t intend to accept, but refusing him is also a problem. If I try to reach the manor while avoiding him, our paths will inevitably cross. He might see me entering through a small side entrance.
I started thinking.
I could leave through another route. Which friend’s house was closest?
Ah. Sebastian Fullione’s house in the southern district—about a 20-minute walk.
Sorry, Sebastian. To avoid overlapping routes with your master, I’ll have to go to your house today. At least you can let me rest briefly in the guest room. I’m the one paying the rent anyway.
[What should I do?]
Hesitating, Katarina prompted me in sign language. She seemed as flustered as I was.
Do what? You’re staying at Sebastian’s house with me.
I looked at the Grand Duke and made large gestures.
[You are a stranger to me. I repeat, I do not need an escort.]
He should understand by now. I hoped he would leave for the manor quickly.
[…There was a disturbance at this tavern tonight.]
He pointed to the tavern behind me.
[Were you there?]
[Yes. I dealt with it, but they ran off on two legs. They’re probably still wandering around drunk.]
I understood his concern. Such a meddlesome prince. He even personally helped a girl he saw in the middle of Yorka. Now he worries about the pawnshop owner’s night walk.
[Thank you for handling it. I’ll avoid trouble myself. Farewell.]
I tried to pass him quickly, but he gently held my sleeve.
Wow, a man who doesn’t know when to give up.
I swallowed my annoyance and looked up. He raised his hands calmly, as if trying to persuade me.
[If you allow it, I will wait here every day, matching your time returning home.]
Even with the hood deep over his head, I could see the worry in his eyes. The delicate movement of his hands seemed familiar—like yesterday morning.
“I will keep coming. Just as much as you strive, I will do the same.”
David Mihailo… last night, did you come to my bedroom again? The door would have gone unanswered. Did you leave disappointed?
The person ignoring his kindness doesn’t even realize she is his wife.
In the end, I ignored the Grand Duke and passed by. I felt his gaze lingering on the back of my head.
I suddenly thought—
Getting to know him a little as a pawnshop owner might not be so bad. Perhaps more genuine than the superficial relationship of husband and wife.
