“I don’t have the time to go around revealing other people’s identities in the temple.”
“I-I’m sorry. I didn’t expect Astel-nim to react like that…”
He stuttered, his face turning red, and cautiously asked.
“Is it because of that news? The news about them searching for a way to measure the power of hunters in the magic tower.”
“Well, that’s part of it.”
“I don’t underestimate the magic tower, but honestly, it’s something that might not happen anytime soon… I plan to ask Kael later to keep my identity as a hunter a secret.”
“If you rely solely on magic tower, you might face significant consequences.”
“…I believe Kael is someone I can trust.”
“I don’t mean that. Regardless of magic tower, the rankings will be publicly released. It’s a ranking of hunters worldwide. Then everyone will discover Johann’s secret. I won’t have to go around gossiping and causing trouble.”
Johann’s mouth hung open. His beautiful crimson lips stretched wide.
“From the beginning, how can you hide the fact that hunters are the only ones capable of killing monsters? Even if you conceal your face with a mask, what about your voice?”
“If I alter it…”
“Today, I was able to recognize Johann’s identity because of your voice.”
“T-That can’t be! I tried my best to alter it!”
“I apologize, but Johann lacks the talent for disguises or voice alterations.”
Johann’s complexion turned pale.
I had to bite my tongue to suppress a laugh.
Wearing a mask and modifying his voice to conceal his identity. Is he attempting to be like Batman?
‘So cute…’
In this world, there were numerous honorable men.
Kael was a man I wanted to somehow bring to his knees, while Johann was someone I desired to have by my side, showering him with affection.
Even the esteemed Duke Luteous couldn’t match his exquisite appearance.
Johann lowered his head and extended his hand.
“W-Well, since I’ve been discovered anyway… Please give me your hand. I’ll heal you.”
“Thank you.”
Johann unwrapped the bandages and placed his face against the palm of my hand. As he did, I leaned in close enough to feel his breath, and a gust of wind blew.
“Ah…”
A gentle, warm breeze spread across the surface of my palm.
In an instant, the scars vanished as if by magic.
There was no process of the bleeding ceasing or new skin forming. They simply disappeared instantly, as if wiped away by an eraser.
Even the bruises that marred my entire body.
‘With this level of healing ability alone, he must be at least A-rank.’
Before long, when the rankings are confirmed, there will undoubtedly be heroes who will step forward to save this world.
It could be a personal choice, or it might be due to the pressure from the surrounding circumstances.
‘Why don’t you use your strength to rescue us?’
‘Could it be that you secretly desire the continuation of invasion? Many people are captivated by you, an orphan, with your incredible abilities.’
‘Your duty is to conquer the dungeons.’
Fragments of memories suddenly resurfaced.
I bowed my head.
In any case, Johann had the potential to become a hero.
Of course, Kael would be equally formidable.
‘After all, he has a dark sorcerer background.’
However, he wouldn’t involve himself in endeavors that offered no benefits, and he had no interest in saving the world.
That’s why Johann’s rank and ranking held significant importance.
I stored Johann’s abilities in my mind.
“The method of treatment is quite unique.”
“Well, this is how it should be done for better healing… Ah, scars mustn’t be left behind…”
Johann stumbled with a flushed face.
I had never heard of increasing healing power through specific actions before.
It seemed like the Holy Sees had manipulated Johann.
The Hole Sees didn’t lie, but they had the tendency to downplay or exaggerate the truth.
‘Creating a breeze. How cute.’
Rather than directly addressing the truth, I steered the conversation in a different direction.
“…Since it will be too late once the rankings are revealed, it’s best to prepare in advance. In my opinion, it would be more beneficial to negotiate with the Vice Minister, but the final decision is up to you. If you have any spare time, please don’t exhaust yourself with unnecessary tasks at the magic tower.”
“Do you have any idea when the rankings will be confirmed?”
In my previous life, the trials of the Holy Sees commenced, and at some point, the rankings were determined.
There seemed to have been significant events occurring during that time, but I couldn’t recollect the specifics.
“I’m not entirely sure. You should inquire with your Holy Sees.”
“But… Ah! Astel-nim, since you’re also a Hunter, perhaps you can assist me!”
“Assist you?”
“To be honest, I find the words of the Holy Sees too complex to grasp. I don’t know if it’s due to my own limitations, but I often struggle to understand them. Even now, it’s a bit challenging.”
“What are you trying to say?”
“A lunatic? Bearing a burden? Do you know the true meaning behind all of this?”
“…”
I could comprehend.
I had a sense of what the Holy Sees, who observed Johann, were feeling.
They were likely afraid that our kind and easily influenced child would be corrupted by associating with someone wicked.
“It might be about me. It seems like they’re advising you to keep your distance from me.”
“That can’t be true! I believe the Holy Sees simply misunderstood Astel-nim. I will clarify it for them.”
“Are you absolutely certain it’s just a misunderstanding?”
“Yes, I am completely sure that it’s a misunderstanding.”
Johann’s expression turned serious.
“Yesterday, I witnessed you giving the potion I had given you to someone else. It was such a different action compared to the rumors about Astel-nim… So, I took the liberty to inquire about you from Kael-nim. About Astel-nim.”
No wonder Kael seemed willing to speak up so readily.
‘Johann was the one who asked.’
I pondered, stroking my chin.
“What did the people from magic tower say?”
“They said this. Astel-nim has been sharing information not only about monsters but also about barriers. It was meant to be kept a secret, so I apologize for prying.”
“That’s alright, but… what does it mean?”
“The Holy Sees mentioned it. Barriers are the only means to protect people from monsters. It was only then that I truly realized it. Your benevolence towards others, Astel-nim.”
I fell into silence. I was so astonished that I couldn’t find the right words to express myself.
“Astel-nim is nothing like the rumors. You are a person filled with compassion and profound consideration.”
“…Me?”
“If the trials of the gods hadn’t begun, I wouldn’t have known either. I would have continued to misunderstand Astel-nim like others, thinking you were… well, crazy or something of the sort.”
“…”
“I, as a servant of the gods, was also a human trapped by preconceptions. However, it was only when I received assistance that I truly grasped Astel-nim’s sincerity. I felt an immense sense of shame because of that realization. I couldn’t bear the thought of not meeting you and offering my apologies.”
I maintained a smile.
“Can people truly be so oblivious? This individual might create quite a commotion.”
Thinking about the frustrated Holy Sees of Johann, who constantly complained about the lack of determination, I couldn’t help but laugh uncontrollably.
Johann gazed at me directly, as if he had reached a firm decision.
“Astel-nim, I heard that you will be attending the memorial service.”
“Who mentioned that?”
“The butler mentioned it.”
They divulged my schedule without even asking?
“Frank isn’t the type to do something like that, is he?”
“They misunderstood. I won’t attend…”
Before I could finish my sentence, a message appeared.
[Quest: Attend the memorial service.]
[Success: Exchange Ticket for Store Items (Allows exchange of one item without point restrictions for 5 minutes)]
[Failure: None]
“Huh?”
“Why are you acting like this?”
“Oh, no, it’s nothing.”
The store was brimming with extraordinary items.
Naturally, locating the right item within five minutes was as challenging as finding a needle in a haystack.
But that’s for inexperienced hunters, not for me. I was already acquainted with the store’s most valuable items.
If luck favored me, I could find it in a mere second, not five minutes. They presented me with a store exchange ticket.
‘Just a modest reward for a quest like this.’
I had to stifle my laughter, sensing it was on the verge of bursting out.
“I will go. But why do you inquire about it?”
“Please grant me the privilege of accompanying you.”
“…Is it acceptable for a paladin to do so?”
“Holy Knights differ from priests; their conduct is less restricted.”
“But Holy Knights typically don’t engage in escorting. What if people misconstrue and assume we are in a romantic relationship?”
While Holy Knights couldn’t marry, they had the freedom to date. Hence, they naturally refrained from any actions that could lead to misunderstandings.
“Hmm…”
Johan brushed the back of his neck.
‘He appears to be quite naive.’
Merely mentioning being lovers caused his fair neck to blush.
“There will be numerous individuals who misunderstand Astel-nim, like me. Though it may not be flawless, many people are aware of my name, so if you accompany me, the discomfort will diminish.”
“You needn’t go to such lengths.”
“I wish to. I desire to assist Astel-nim in any way possible, even if it means doing so in this manner.”
Now I comprehended why Frank had mentioned the schedule.
After declining the invitation to accompany Duke Luteous, it seemed he intended to assign Johann as my guard.
Naturally, Duke Luteous would be the one issuing such an order.
‘It’s strange. Why is he doing this? Does he suddenly desire to assume the role of a father?’
Was it because he thought I was on the verge of undertaking something reckless?
Johann’s so adorable AAAAAAA wanna bite him