"Hey! This kind of thing is for the rookie to do!"

Lionel constantly picked on Marika with seniority-based bullying.

No matter how trivial the task, he would slap the title of “rookie” on her and try to dump the chores on her.

Each time, Marika quietly took care of the task. For someone as patient as her, the Julien Mercenary Corps’ chores honestly weren’t even a burden.

She genuinely wanted to be of help to the mercenary corps, so she never hesitated to cook, clean, or do menial labor.

Watching Lionel show off at every turn, the members of the Julien Mercenary Corps clicked their tongues.

'Wow, the seniority crap. Worse than us.'

'Used to act all high and mighty, like some elegant imperial knight.'

'Now he’s a full-blown mercenary.'

Even with all the side-eyes and snide remarks, Lionel didn’t care. To be honest, he’d built up quite a bit of resentment during his own time as the rookie.

That’s why he tried every chance he got to work Marika to the bone. Marika, for her part, didn’t really mind—none of it was serious enough to bother her.

Watching the two of them, Ghislain let out a faint chuckle without realizing.

'Those two go on to found the Kingdom of Ruthania together, huh?'

He didn’t know the exact process, but watching them now, it all felt strangely surreal.

Maybe it was a feeling only someone who knew the future could have.

As thoughts of Ruthania’s founding filled his mind, another memory surfaced.

— The founding king, the Shadow Knights’ leader, and the Duke of Delphine’s house—together, they built this kingdom!

That’s what Berhem had said before he died. And based on everything Ghislain had experienced so far, the odds of that being true were very high.

'Hmph...'

The Duke of Delphine’s identity still remained a mystery.

Not even his dreams revealed anything. Despite having been in the past for quite some time now, Ghislain had yet to meet anyone who seemed like the Duke’s ancestor.

But one thing was clear—the Delphine House had deeply involved itself in the founding of Ruthania.

— That’s why the title of Duke was permitted solely to the House of Delphine in this kingdom. And the Duke held the authority to overthrow the royal family if needed!

'Just who could it be...'

To have been involved in the founding meant they were extremely close.

Whether that person was already among the Julien Mercenary Corps, or someone he would meet later—it was impossible to tell.

'Tch, I guess I’ll have to wait again.'

While traveling with the Julien Mercenary Corps, Ghislain had ended up meeting everyone he was meant to meet. So he figured he’d eventually cross paths with the progenitor of the Delphine House too.

'Though when I do, I might want to kill them...'

At that thought, Ghislain chuckled bitterly and shook his head.

People of the past weren’t to blame. And if he killed the Duke’s ancestor here, who knew what kind of ripple it would send through the future?

It wasn’t like when he regressed—his body was still tied to the future.

Perhaps he served as the ✧ NоvеIight ✧ (Original source) link between past and future.

So he had to avoid doing anything that might heavily alter his fixed future.

'Hmm, wait a minute?'

Come to think of it, there was someone else in the exact same situation as him.

Ghislain glanced sideways at Ereneth. She was still perched proudly on the cart, eating fruit.

When their eyes met, she winked at him.

'...Huh.'

What was she planning to do when they met again in the future?

'Now that I think about it...'

Did she even remember everything that was happening now?

She’d known the name “Ghislain” from the start—had she just pretended not to?

Or maybe...

Maybe what was happening now had influenced the future and changed her memories.

There was no way to know for sure, but given that the future where “Duke of Fenris, Ghislain Ferdium” existed seemed fixed, the latter seemed more likely.

If the past had changed, and that had in turn changed the Ereneth of the future—

'Well, that’d be interesting.'

Whether she’d be happy to see him or too ashamed to show her face, he wasn’t sure.

Lost in these thoughts, Ghislain suddenly stopped walking.

“Hm...”

The other mercenaries halted too. They slowly drew their swords, sharp tension in the air.

A man stood blocking the narrow path. He was dressed like a traveler, much like Marika.

Just judging by appearance, he seemed like a completely ordinary middle-aged man. The kind of person you’d pass in a crowd and never remember.

But soon, others began appearing around them, surrounding the Julien Mercenary Corps.

They didn’t radiate killing intent. But they were clearly targeting Marika and her subordinates.

Already guessing their identity, Ghislain smiled and asked,

“State your name and affiliation. Politely.”

“......”

The man blocking the road twitched his lips several times. Ghislain tapped his staff and spoke again.

“I said, answer.” 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

“...I am Darentz, captain of the Crips.”

“Alright, Darentz. What’s this about? You’re supposed to be protecting her in secret, and you’re showing yourself like this?”

Darentz bit his lip.

Revealing yourself in front of your protection target was a clear taboo. But it was obvious that Marika had already told them everything, so hiding was pointless.

Based on Ghislain’s words, he definitely knew.

Darentz’s mind was a mess.

'Damn it... That girl actually did this.'

The moment they received the commission, every officer and member had mobilized. It was a mission that determined the group’s survival.

But then black mages and monsters started rampaging all over.

They couldn’t risk sending the weaker members through dangerous routes—they’d never reach the target.

So the lower squads were sent through safer paths, just to locate the target first.

Little did they know that the “safe route” existed because the Julien Mercenary Corps had already cleared the area.

Eventually, they received word that a lower squad had found the target. The others then moved with everything they had.

But then—

— What? Marika attacked the target?

Darentz had been utterly shocked by the report.

It wasn’t just that she revealed herself—she’d attacked.

He couldn’t understand why she would do something so insane. Then, a terrifying hypothesis occurred to him.

'Could she... have known I killed her family?'

If not, she wouldn’t have gone this far.

If she stirred the Pope’s wrath with a stunt like this, the entire group could be wiped out in an instant.

Still, he had to confirm it. Things had already gone off the rails, so Darentz boldly stepped forward.

“I wish to speak with Marika.”

“Oh? Our newest recruit?”

“...She really joined your mercenary corps?”

“I told you. So you’d better treat her with respect—unless you want the Pope himself to scold you.”

“......”

Darentz exhaled sharply.

Truthfully, he wanted to strangle her right this instant.

But now that she was part of the Julien Mercenary Corps, he couldn’t touch her.

It was maddening. Still, he had to hear why she’d acted out like this.

“Marika, what the hell was that? If you had a problem, you should’ve told me directly.”

Marika stared coldly at Darentz for a long time before replying in an icy voice.

“How long did you think I’d stay under the man who murdered my family?”

Darentz closed his eyes. That was all he needed.

'So she knew.'

Regret sank in. He should’ve just killed her back then. Taking her in on a whim had been a mistake.

Just as Marika had said—it was Darentz and the other officers who had slaughtered her family.

And they had brought in young Marika, the only survivor, and raised her.

They’d assumed she wouldn’t remember, since she was so young—but somehow, she had found out.

Ghislain, having listened to the exchange, gave a small nod.

'So it’s true. He is the one.'

Darentz didn’t even try to deny it—so it had to be true. Ghislain was curious about the full story but didn’t ask.

Those kinds of stories had to come out on their own.

In any case, Darentz had nothing more to say. He simply clicked his tongue.

'Tch... This complicates things.'

He wanted to kill her right here and now. And he certainly had the power to do it.

With all of his organization gathered nearby, Darentz was confident he could wipe out the Julien Mercenary Corps as well.

No matter how strong they were, there weren’t many of them here right now.

But the problem was—they couldn’t touch the Julien Mercenary Corps.

'If it weren’t for the Pope...'

The Pope stood at the absolute pinnacle of power on this continent. Defying his orders was the same as signing your death sentence.

After a brief deliberation, Darentz finally spoke.

“I wish to speak with the commander.”

“By all means.”

As Ghislain exaggeratedly gestured with a sweeping arm, Julien stepped forward.

“I am Julien, the commander. Speak your piece.”

“I don’t know what reason you had for accepting Marika, but hand her over now. It was our mistake. We’ll offer sufficient compensation and an apology.”

At those words, Julien glanced toward Marika.

She began gathering mana with a trace of fear in her eyes. Just in case she needed to flee.

Of course, the chances of escape were slim—but still.

In that fraught atmosphere, Julien gave her a soft smile, then turned his gaze back to Darentz.

“I refuse.”

“...She’s not worth protecting.”

“That’s for us to decide. Marika is one of our own. We will not hand her over.”

“...Even if that puts you in danger?”

Julien met Darentz’s eyes squarely.

“That’s what it means to be comrades. Once accepted, we bear the consequences together—whatever they may be.”

“......”

Julien continued, his tone firm.

“It doesn’t matter who someone was before. What matters is that they are our comrade now.”

Kyle glanced around at the assassins surrounding them and smirked.

“Come at us whenever you want. We’re not exactly the types to back down from a fight.”

At the same time, the mercenaries raised their presence. Osvald, especially—having recently caused trouble—was eager to make up for it.

“I, Osvald the Man, will crush anyone who dares to charge at us—revolutionarily!”

Marika trembled at their response. The tension that had frozen her body melted away.

In the assassin squad, her worth had been measured purely by her usefulness, and failure had meant death.

She’d always had to hide her emotions, clenching her teeth to endure for the sake of revenge—but that hadn’t made it easy.

She had lived a life where death could come at any moment. A life where she could be discarded the moment she outlived her purpose.

But now.

Even though all she’d done was shake hands like a transaction, the Julien Mercenary Corps treated her as a true comrade.

It wasn’t something easily done. Despite the risk, they had accepted her wholeheartedly.

Marika, who had always lived on the blade’s edge, finally felt a sense of security.

Not a place she had to survive, but one she could live in.

It felt like her feet had touched solid ground for the first time after drifting endlessly in a violent storm.

Watching Marika’s reddening nose and eyes, Ghislain clicked his tongue.

'Seriously, is she really an assassin? Why does she cry so much?'

Then again, Belinda had been surprisingly weepy too.

Maybe it was just that the job of an assassin required such delicacy that it heightened one’s sensitivity.

Ghislain let his mind wander, forgetting the tension in the air entirely. That was how little interest he had in Darentz at the moment.

Darentz narrowed his eyes and glared at Julien.

'So the fledgling mercenary corps got a little fame and now they think they’re invincible, huh?'

As far as he knew, the only superhuman among them was Astion. Julien and Kyle were top-tier at best—but still, he was confident he could assassinate them.

Just not right now. He’d have to wait until the Pope’s mission was complete.

Of course, there was no need to wait when it came to killing Marika.

'I’ll just have to wait for the right moment.'

The biggest challenge would be not getting caught—but the opportunity would come eventually. No one could stay alert forever.

He wasn’t aiming for a superhuman. Not even a top-tier.

So the odds of succeeding in assassinating Marika were high.

As long as the result was guaranteed, he could wait however long it took. Assassins were, after all, the most patient people of all.

And he had another useful variable.

Darentz looked toward Lionel.

'That one’s on our side.'

An imperial temple knight and the Pope’s loyal servant.

All the information he had received so far had come from Lionel’s reports to the Pope.

With his help, eliminating Marika might be easier than expected.

Unaware of Darentz’s scheming, Lionel simply yawned.

'What should I eat for dinner today? I’m tired of jerky. Rookie’s actually not bad at cooking. Must be her assassin background—she’s got good hands.'

He had been getting simpler by the day ever since joining the Julien Mercenary Corps. A side effect of mercenary life.

Something about Lionel’s airheaded demeanor struck Darentz as odd.

Then, as if reaching an understanding, he gave a small nod.

'I see. He’s hiding his true self. Waiting for the perfect moment to turn the tables.'

Lionel had no such thoughts. But Darentz’s imagination couldn’t escape the limits of common sense.

It wasn’t his fault. The Julien Mercenary Corps was a group even its own members didn’t fully understand.

Having made up his mind, Darentz finally spoke.

“Very well. If that’s your stance, so be it. But Marika and the mission are separate issues. The commission is still important to us, so we’ll follow you.”

Julien looked at Ghislain, who stepped forward to answer.

“There’s really no need for that.”

“It is His Holiness the Pope’s command. We cannot refuse. We will ensure our escort doesn’t hinder your journey.”

“Hmph...”

“Since the Salvation Order reemerged, the situation has grown volatile everywhere. Please understand—we cannot fall back.”

Darentz’s expression was as stubborn as his words.

Ghislain gave a small nod. They’d follow regardless of what he said anyway.

And since they weren’t fighting right now, there was no need to waste time on this.

“Fine. But try not to be so visible. Marika finds it uncomfortable.”

“...Understood.”

Darentz’s cheeks twitched in irritation, but he said no more and stepped back.

At some point, the surrounding assassins had all vanished as well. But everyone knew—they were still trailing from a distance.

And so began the silent and uneasy journey of the mercenaries and the assassins together.