Chapter 181: Chapter 181:

T/N: Hi guys it’s Eliza. I just want to say that I read all the comments that you guys left. And to read your thoughts on this novel is always a delightful treat to me. Some of you really share the same thoughts as me. And yes, I also agree that if there is a chance for this one to have a manhwa adaption, the shameless face of Garuel, when he tried to woo Cadel, would definitely be priceless LOL.

And how can some of you have such in-depth thoughts about our beloved characters and their developments? It’s a marvel to read your comments and discover a new side of the character that I’ve overlooked.

Anyway, this section is long enough, I should leave you guys to this week’s update. Enjoy~ n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

* * *

In two days, they would be traveling to inspect the Demon Realm’s seals. The Scarlet Scales Knight Order was small, but that didn’t mean they had less to prepare for than the others.

Cadel was busy compiling a list of supplies to request from the Imperial court, discussing the route, and packing for the trip. Once this was more or less finalized, he had to go to his only two subordinates and relay the details of the mission.

“This time, we’re on the same team as that ignorant guy again? I don’t know what kind of bad relationship this is.”

“If you call Sir Dreyfe ignorant, please only do so in front of me. I don’t want to see the Guardian Knight Order charging at you.”

Undeterred by Cadel’s uncomfortable smile, Van vented his dislike for Dreyfe. It seemed like he couldn’t suppress it. He despised anyone who disrespected his commander, Cadel, and as far as he was concerned, Dreyfe was nothing more than human garbage that was of no use to him.

‘There’s no way Dreyfe can suddenly become docile. What if we act together and a fight breaks out?’

Dreyfe was naturally foul-mouthed and stern. His inner thoughts, on the other hand, seemed to be quite soft, but Van was not obligated to examine them. Even if he did, Van would never forgive him.

It was obvious what would happen if the rough-natured Dreyfe and the loyal Van clashed. Cadel decided to nip it in the bud before he had to face that terrible catastrophe.

“Van. Think of this when you can’t stand the sight of Sir Dreyfe.”

Cadel stepped in front of the seated Van and gently ruffled his hair. He looked into Van’s eyes, which were wide with surprise at the sudden action, and spoke in a soft voice.

“That bastard broke our commander out of prison. If it weren’t for that bastard, our commander would have been found rotting in a dingy prison.”

It was a feast of crude words that did not match the friendly tone of speech. Van forgot how angry he was and burst into laughter. His eyes drew soft arcs that reflected Cadel’s affectionate expression.

“If I think about it that way, I might have to endure it a thousand times.”

“……A thousand times is too many, don’t you think? Five is a reasonable number, and if Sir Dreyfe continues to annoy you, tell me and I’ll spank him.”

When Cadel slightly raised his eyebrows to look trustworthy, Van smiled wider than before and tilted his head back.

“Ah— You’re cool, Commander.”

“I was always cool.”

“Yeah, but I’m afraid you’re a little too cool these days, and I’m afraid you’re going to attract a lot more prying eyes.”

Even words that other people would pass off as jokes sound like sincerity when Van said them. Cadel lowered his hand from stroking Van’s hair and lightly touched his tilted chin.

“But you’re the first.”

“……Don’t say things that make my heart drop.”

[Knight ‘Van Herdos’ ’ favorability has increased by 3.]

[Current favorability: 90/100]

The corners of Cadel’s mouth stiffened at the shocking favorability rating of 90, momentarily forgetting that he was at a risky rating of favorability.

‘What the heck will happen when I fill up the favorability?’

He couldn’t help but be curious and scared at the same time, so he decided to hold his tongue for now.

* * *

There was no point in explaining the details of the schedule to Lydon. He’d forget it quickly, and it was obvious he wouldn’t care. Still, Cadel couldn’t just drag him along without a clue, so he’d have to come up with a story that would interest Lydon enough to get him to cooperate.

But Cadel’s wild plans went up in smoke as soon as he caught sight of Lydon’s room.

“What…… are you doing, Sir Jeriel……?”

He should have knocked, but since it was Lydon’s room, he didn’t think twice about it and opened the door, only to be met with a shocking scene.

Jeriel was equally bewildered, as he awkwardly got up from his kneeling position at the foot of the bed and looked back at Cadel. Cadel had no idea what was going on, and he didn’t want to guess. Lydon, on the other hand, waved nonchalantly from the top of the bed, welcoming Cadel’s visit.

“What’s up, darling?”

Right now, he couldn’t even bring himself to correct Lydon’s creepy nickname. Why on earth was the great battalion captain of the Guardian Knight Order kneeling at the foot of his subordinate’s bed? Perhaps he was in the middle of apologizing for something, but there was no hint of apology in Jeriel’s actions. There was no reason for him to apologize to Lydon.

With an awkward smile, Jeriel clasped his hands together, as if he fully understood Cadel’s confusion.

“Well, I owe Mr. Lydon a great debt of gratitude for our last battle, and I heard he had a sweet tooth.…….”

Jeriel’s eyes turned to the bed. Only then did Cadel discover the various wrapping papers surrounding Lydon. He could roughly guess what the intention was. However.

“Why were you on your knees…….”

It was a scene that would have turned the castle upside down if anyone else in the Imperial family had seen it. It would have been a terrible scandal. Jeriel lowered his eyes slightly, as if he was well aware of that fact, but his tone was firm.

“He said he didn’t want a friend even if he died, so I volunteered to become a servant.”

“……Pardon?”

“I know it seems silly. But Sir Cadel……! He’s a fairy! I want to be close to him! I want to know all the secrets of the fairies!”

His nostrils flared in excitement as he suddenly became agitated. It was quite perverted, and Cadel felt his first impression of Jeriel, which had been excellent, was completely falling apart.

And Lydon, who didn’t care one bit what their relationship was, said behind Jeriel’s back as he unwrapped the chocolate.

“Shut up, incompetent, and get out of my room.”

“Lydon! Incompetent, that’s too strong of a word—”

“Yes, Mr. Lydon, next time I come, I’ll bring twice as many delicious desserts! You must tell me about the forest.”

Jeriel, who had been labeled incompetent, walked out of the room without a trace of resentment. The only one left behind was Cadel, despondent.

“One is ignorant and the other is incompetent……?”

If the others heard, it would only be a matter of time before they became public enemies. Cadel patted his throbbing head and approached Lydon. Lydon handed Cadel a handful of candy as he approached and gave him a breezy smile.

“Are you jealous, darling? Why are you looking so down?”

“You…….”

Where the hell am I going to start fixing this crazy relationship, Cadel mused, finally accepting the candy in resignation and walking over to sit next to Lydon.

“Don’t call him incompetent in front of others. Let’s keep it a secret that Sir Jeriel is visiting us like this.”

“Hmm, I’m not the one looking for that incompetent first, and I’m not telling others about that incompetent?”

“But you can’t. Do you understand?”

“Um, I can’t hear you very well.”

He leaned down and rested his chin on Cadel’s shoulder, his tongue twitching in a cute way. Cadel nudged the sweet-smelling, pretty face right next to him, but Lydon only whimpered and rested his cheek on his shoulder.

“Cadel, have you noticed how little time you’ve been spending with me lately? I’m upset. I’m disappointed. What if I end up going back to that incompetent?”

Cadel pushed Lydon down, telling him not to play tricks, and kept his mouth shut. Come to think of it, Cadel had been so busy lately, and he hadn’t paid much attention to Lydon when he regained consciousness. It must have been quite boring for Lydon to have been quiet all this time, but Cadel thought he had put up with it.

“Did you think I would be scared if you said that?”

“That’s mean, Cadel! I’m—”

“You’ve got it right.”

“……Huh?”

“You’re going somewhere without me.”

Cadel whirled around and cupped Lydon’s cheek where it had fallen from his shoulder. Even as he bent down to meet Cadel’s eye level, Lydon could only stare, unmoving.

“Ditch me and go see the world with someone else? You think I’m gonna let you do that? Don’t even think about it.”

Cadel was half-joking, half-serious. He had gone to great lengths to make this uncontrollable fairy his own man. If he fell into someone else’s hands now, there would be tears of blood.

Lydon stared into Cadel’s serious eyes for a moment, then rolled his eyes and laid his hand over Cadel’s.

“Are you obsessing now?”

“It’s called subordinate management.”

“No, be obsessed with me. Give me more.”

Lydon, who had completely laid his tilted body down on the bed, fawned over Cadel, who was laughing as if it were absurd.

“If Cadel wants, I’ll make sure that incompetent is never in my room again. I won’t talk to him, and I won’t take his, um…… snacks. How about that?”

“You don’t have to go that far.”

If that happened, wouldn’t you feel sorry for Jeriel, who called himself a servant? But Lydon seemed to have already reached his own conclusion.

“Then Cadel will have to restrain me more. Got it?”