Help, I'm in Another World and All the Men Are So Hot! [BL]-Chapter 140: A Jealous Guard and a Noble Escort

Before Damien could respond, Elyon interjected, "I’m his guard."

Calm down, Elyon, Damien thought nervously. The hostility in Elyon’s tone was palpable—even Damien could sense it. I didn’t realize he could get this jealous... I’ll have to explain later that there’s no need to feel this way.

"I see," Cedran said diplomatically, though his sharp eyes seemed to pick up on the tension. "In that case, let’s walk and talk. Staying in one place will only draw more attention. Allow me to formally introduce myself—I am Cedran Vadim Alexandrovich. I have the honor of serving as your guide today."

Wait, what? Damien blinked. Cedran is a noble too?

He vaguely remembered Theo mentioning that those with "Vadim or Van" in their middle name were either nobles or closely connected to nobility.

Additionally, Damien had been told that those with "Alistov" in their name were members of the royal family. He had never encountered one, but if he ever did, he should be cautious in his behavior.

Still, having a noble act as their guide felt excessive.

"My apologies for troubling you today," Damien said, bowing slightly. "I hope we haven’t inconvenienced you, especially if this has disrupted your other duties."

Cedran waved it off with a polite smile. "Ah, no need to worry. That was just a joke earlier. I happen to have today off and was looking for something to occupy my time."

Relieved, Damien let out a small breath of relief. But then, Elyon abruptly spoke.

"Hey, Cedran, or whatever your name is—what exactly is your relationship with him?"

Elyon! Damien thought, alarmed.

Cedran looked startled as well, his expression betraying his surprise. 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

After all, who would expect a discreet outing to devolve into what looked like a lovers’ quarrel in the middle of such a setting?

"My connection with Damien?" Cedran began, composing himself. "It is purely circumstantial. I happened to come across him when he was in dire straits, and we have maintained a bond since then. Today’s request came to me through Lord Dalehaven, as I am among the few people who are aware of the ’situation.’ I swear upon the God of Light that there is no cause for concern."

"Hmph, very well," Elyon replied curtly.

Cedran maintained his composure, even appearing faintly amused at the exchange, but his sincerity shone through.

Wait, Damien thought. Did Cedran just treat Elyon too highly? Does he think Elyon is a high-ranking noble in disguise?

To be fair, Elyon did look the part. His demeanor exuded authority, and his attire gave off an "undercover noble" vibe that even Damien couldn’t deny.

Cedran seems to be under a lot of misconceptions, but... maybe I’ll correct him later. Right now, trying to explain while holding Elyon’s hand might only make things worse.

At some point, the scenery had changed. They were now walking down a narrow street lined with stone buildings that seemed packed tightly together.

"This is one of the major commercial streets," Cedran explained. "Many prominent merchant guilds have their headquarters here."

It wasn’t particularly crowded, but there were a number of people bustling about—mostly servants or workers dressed plainly.

"It’s surprising to see so many people wearing robes," Damien commented quietly to Cedran, trying not to draw attention. Elyon, meanwhile, seemed subdued, perhaps overwhelmed by the increasing number of people around them.

"Indeed," Cedran replied, lowering his voice to match Damien’s. "Some prefer to conceal their appearance for various reasons. Besides, robes aren’t seen as particularly unusual, even as casual wear. On sunny days like today, many wear them for shade."

That makes sense, Damien thought, glancing up at the bright sky. The sun was strong, and the heat was noticeable—it wasn’t a bad day to have a bit of extra cover.

"Now then," Cedran continued, gesturing ahead, "that large building over there is the Steinholt Trading Company. I will wait outside, so please let me know when you have concluded your business."

"Thank you," Damien said gratefully.

He and Elyon walked toward the imposing stone structure, its wide archway beckoning them inside. The white stone walls gleamed in the sunlight, and a massive warehouse loomed next to the main building.

There was a large sign hanging on the building’s wall, which likely read something like <<Steinholt Trading Company>>.

Probably... Damien thought, squinting at the sign.

...Not that I can read it.

Switching into work mode, Damien gave Elyon’s hand a quick, reassuring squeeze before letting go.

The temperature was comfortably warm, but Damien’s hand felt oddly cold.

"We’ve come on behalf of the Dalehaven household. Is Mr. Ola available?" Damien asked politely as he stepped into the large entrance and approached the first staff member he saw.

"Oh, th-the manager? I’ll fetch him right away!" the staff member stammered before rushing off.

Did I overwhelm him? Damien wondered.

He made a mental note to ask Sebas later for tips on how to handle situations like these more smoothly.

While waiting with Elyon—who mischievously sneaked a light touch to Damien’s backside—an older man with horse ears and a broad build approached them at a brisk pace from the back.

The man, clearly a centaur, was towering and almost seemed like a giant due to his imposing physique.

"My sincerest apologies for the wait!" the man said in a deep, hearty voice. "Normally, it would be the president himself that handle matters for Lord Dalehaven, but he’s currently away in the neighboring town for negotiations. I’m Ola, and I’ll be assisting you in his stead. Please don’t hesitate to ask for anything."

"Thank you, and my apologies for the short notice," Damien replied with a polite bow. "I’ve been entrusted with a letter for the Steinholt Trading Company from the Dalehaven steward. May I request your confirmation?"

Handing over the sealed letter, Damien wondered briefly if delivering it at the counter was appropriate, but for a messenger like him, this seemed standard enough.

Ola opened the envelope, carefully examining the order and accompanying payment note before nodding firmly.