"Tell me about it... goodness..." Miguel let out a sigh as he rose from the driver’s seat.

He turned in the same direction as Ian. "From the looks of it, they’re really prepared to fight to the death."

Ian lightly shook the reins and nodded. There were well over a hundred of them at a glance.

More than half were militia carrying things like pitchforks and pickaxes, but there were also two knights clad in plate armor with tattered surcoats, along with a fair number of soldiers armed with crossbows and spears.

"Don’t worry, Prosthetic. They’re not coming to rob us, after all," Thesaya said as Nila turned toward them.

Moro naturally moved up beside it.

Seated casually on her saddle, Thesaya glanced over at Ian. "As long as we clear up the misunderstanding, there won’t be any bloodshed. That works for you too, right, Ian?"

There wasn’t a trace of tension on her face, only a playful smile. It was the kind of confidence that came from knowing she wouldn’t die, even in the worst-case scenario.

Even from Ian’s perspective, subduing them without killing was the harder task.

"We don’t really have a choice."

However, that wasn’t why he clicked his tongue.

If he revealed his identity, a fight could be avoided, but then they would likely ask for help.

Even if he had some leeway now, he had no intention of being tied down here or dragging extra burdens along. That was precisely why he had planned to leave Glumir quietly after sealing the rift.

"Well, I’ll leave it to you two," Miguel added, flicking the reins.

As the warhorses moved again, he suddenly turned to the side. "Even if they aim their weapons at us, don’t cast any spells, Lily. Got it?"

Lily, who had been staring at Ian the entire time, turned to Miguel. Her expression was as unreadable as ever, but she gave a small nod.

"They all look like they’d snap in half if you poked them. Guess they haven’t been eating well," Thesaya muttered while scanning the approaching soldiers.

Ian simply nodded. Not only were they visibly gaunt, but there wasn’t even a single mounted fighter among them.

"S-Stop right there—"

The shout rang out from ahead just as Miguel brought the carriage to a stop behind them.

The advancing group halted from the front, then spread out in a wide line.

Clink— clatter—

The militia, likely farmers, gripped their tools with grim determination, while soldiers between them raised their crossbows.

However, the tension didn’t last long.

"They look familiar."

"Wait. That face, no way..."

Murmurs rippled through their ranks. Some of the soldiers tilted their heads or widened their eyes.

"I figured this might happen... but still, how boring," Thesaya clicked her tongue in mild disappointment as Ian let out a sigh.

At that moment, one of the knights stepped forward. His face was hidden behind a helmet, and a worn surcoat hung over his chain mail armor.

"I, Count Howard Belan, lord of Glumir, hereby issue a warning!"

His voice rang out from behind the visor, slightly trembling as if he had forced himself to speak with courage.

"You have trespassed upon my land without permission! Turn your horses at once—"

"My lord! Please stop!"

Another knight rushed forward from behind. He was one of those who had been staring at Ian in a daze.

The count faltered and turned in confusion as the knight nearly stumbled to a stop beside him and hurriedly whispered something.

"Tch." Thesaya clicked her tongue.

Like Ian, she had clearly heard what was being whispered. Ian shrugged indifferently under her gaze.

"Is it truly you? The Dragon Slayer of the North and the chosen of the great Platinum Dragon... Sir Ian Hope?" The count turned back, stammering.

"That’s right. That’s my name," Ian answered without hesitation.

"Lu Solar, heavens above..."

As the count let out a stunned breath, the knight spun around and shouted, "A-All of you, lower your weapons at once and kneel on one knee! Show proper respect!"

His voice sounded oddly familiar.

"This is Sir Ian Hope, the sole agent of the great Platinum Dragon, the superhuman of the North, the savior of Glumir, and the Dragon Slayer!"

The declaration came out somewhat clumsily, prompting Thesaya to click her tongue once again beside him.

That alone was enough to make the militia widen their eyes and glance at one another. Of course, the quick-witted soldiers were already lowering their crossbows and spears, dropping to one knee.

"Glory to the Radiant Light!"

"G-Glory to the Radiant Light—"

Only after their cries spread did the militia finally fall to their knees, one after another.

"Glory to the Radiant Light..." The knight who had revealed Ian’s identity did the same.

The count, as if finally regaining his senses, lifted his visor to reveal his face before dropping to one knee last.

"Glory to the Radiant Light! Welcome to Glumir... O Agent of the Saint!"

Behind them, Miguel let out a quiet, relieved chuckle.

"Good to meet you. You may rise."

The soldiers and militia scrambled back to their feet. Their weapons remained on the ground, and their heads stayed bowed.

"May I approach you first?" The count asked, rising carefully, looking up at Ian with caution.

When Ian nodded, the count dipped his head once more and slowly began walking forward, accompanied by a knight.

Ian briefly glanced at Thesaya, who looked unimpressed, then at Miguel, who sat smiling in the driver’s seat before stepping down from his saddle.

The count’s face soon came into clear view. He was gaunt and had a poor complexion. His beard looked dry, and dark circles lingered under his eyes.

He looks not malnourished, but just exhausted.

One of Ian’s eyebrows twitched slightly. He looked exactly like an overworked office worker running on no sleep.

Then again, that he had led his soldiers out despite suspecting a corrupted intruder said enough about his character.

"We have committed a grave discourtesy, failing to recognize such honored guests."

The count spoke without stopping, meeting Ian’s gaze.

Ian lightly shook his head. "It was a situation ripe for misunderstanding. And we did trespass upon your land, so think nothing of it."

"Your mercy is deeply appreciated. And allow me to properly introduce myself once more."

Stopping before Ian, the count bowed his head and bent one knee in a formal Imperial manner.

"My name is Howard Belan. I govern Glumir. It is an honor to meet you, Agent of the Saint."

"Ian Hope. The honor is mine, Count." Ian nodded.

The count hesitated briefly before straightening his posture. "In truth... I am originally a viscount, merely a temporary lord. The kingdom fractured before a proper appointee could be decided, leaving me in this position."

A sudden confession? Or is this a form of repentance?

Ian let out a chuckle. "Then perhaps it would be more fitting to call you the king of Glumir rather than a count."

"Pardon?" the count asked blankly, his eyes widening in shock.

At that moment, Ian turned his gaze to the knight standing behind him. "So you’re alive. It’s been a while, Sir Osric."

The knight, Osric, stiffened, drawing in a sharp breath. "You... remember me?"

"I’ve got a good memory." Ian shrugged.

Osric lowered his visor with a trembling hand.

Compared to Ian’s memory, his face was thinner, older, and now bore a large scar across one side that hadn’t been there before.

"It is an honor to my house, Agent of the Saint!"

Even so, the way Osric looked at Ian was filled with unmistakable emotion.

Maybe I shouldn’t have acknowledged him.

"All the more reason for you to reflect deeply on your actions, Sir."

A cold voice cut in from behind.

It was Thesaya, who had dismounted and stepped around behind Nila.

Ian’s brow twitched as he glanced back, but she continued without a hint of hesitation.

"To dare introduce the Agent of the Saint in such a meager manner."

Osric stared at her in shock as she came to a stop. The count, who had also glanced at her, turned his gaze back to Ian.

"This is Lady Thesaya Erenos, head of House Erenos of the southern nobility, and an elder fairy. I assume you’re already acquainted, Sir Osric."

"So you were such an esteemed figure. It is my honor to meet you, Elder."

Only then did the count bow respectfully.

Thesaya merely gave a small nod.

"May I ask what part of my words was disrespectful to the Agent of the Saint, Elder?" Osric cautiously asked.

It’s not difficult," Thesaya answered readily, her expression as lofty and impassive as ever. "That is, if we had the time."

Ian’s cold glance did nothing to change it.

"I see... I have once again committed discourtesy toward such honored guests." The count spoke hurriedly at that moment.

Under Ian’s gaze, he spread his hands and carefully gestured behind him. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

"Would you permit us to escort you into the city so we may properly receive your guidance, Agent of the Saint? If you were to visit, many would feel relieved and overjoyed."

"I appreciate the invitation, but let’s speak here," Ian replied, shaking his head slightly.

The count faltered, clearly not expecting that answer, as Ian continued with a faint smile, "Unfortunately, my schedule isn’t that flexible. Once I inform you of the situation, I’ll have to be on my way again."

"Uh... Agent of the Saint?" Miguel’s cautious voice came from behind at that moment. "The horses could use a day’s rest—ahem. Though I suppose traveling wouldn’t be too much of a problem... yes...."

Startled by Ian’s glance, he quickly cleared his throat and looked away.

Honestly, he’s too soft-hearted.

Watching Miguel awkwardly tuck his lips in, Ian clicked his tongue and turned his gaze back.

"It’s unfortunate, but I will comply, Agent of the Saint." The count answered politely under Ian’s gaze.

It didn’t sound like empty words either. His gaunt face couldn’t quite hide his lingering regret.

Figures. To him, I must look like a lifeline dropped from the sky.

"Then how about pulling your troops back first? It’d be better than leaving them standing around over there," said Ian.

"Yes, Agent of the Saint." The count nodded readily once more and turned to Osric.

Just as Osric was about to move, the carriage door swung open.

Creak—

Osric paused and looked back. Ian’s brow twitched as well.

Of all times...

"Oh ho, now this place..." Nasser’s voice rang out with open admiration.

Stepping down from the carriage, he looked around at the land covered in blackened soil and the scenery beyond.

Then, noticing Thesaya and Ian standing before the carriage, along with the count and Osric, he paused.

"... Hm?"

"Nasser, why did you stop?" Mev, who had followed him out, leaned out and looked around as well. Her face fully revealed, she blinked in confusion.

"It seems we’ve interrupted something. Should we step back inside?" Nasser said calmly, a faint smile already forming as if he had grasped the situation.

Clicking his tongue, Ian replied, "Forget it. Come down."

Mev disappeared briefly, likely to put on her helmet, while Nasser nodded easily and walked toward the driver’s seat.

At almost the same time, a sigh escaped Osric.

"So the Red Knight is still traveling with you... by Lu Solar...."

"That person just now was the Red Knight?" the count asked, blinking in surprise.

Osric nodded. "Yes, my lord."

The count let out a quiet exclamation as he turned his gaze toward the carriage.

At that moment, Osric froze slightly under Ian’s gaze. "Then I will be back."

Turning, he hurried off. Even as he did, he didn’t forget to exchange a glance with Thesaya.

"Looks like the carriage will be free now. Why don’t you continue your conversation inside?" Thesaya added lightly right after.

She really plans to spread my reputation here too, doesn’t she?

Ian clicked his tongue inwardly and looked at the count, whose eyes had begun to shine with anticipation.

"Let’s go."

After all, having already declined the invitation, it wouldn’t make sense to keep them standing outside when the carriage was now available.