Chapter 203

“Wow.”

“Everywhere we go, it’s packed with people.”

“Do you think we’ll even get to see anything properly?”

Selford and Arin were crossing the bustling city streets alongside a few of their fellow members from the White Steel Dragon Vanguard.

With the war against Troiban over, they’d decided to grab a drink before diving into the Sacred Demon Cult search operation.

However, with the rumors of the Hangryong War spreading, the city was brimming with spectators who’d come to catch a glimpse of the event.

“I doubt we’ll even find seats at a pub.”

“Maybe we should just grab some drinks and head back to the barracks.”

“Ah, but that’d be boring.”

The group scratched the backs of their heads awkwardly, clearly annoyed.

Of course, as members of the celebrated White Steel Dragon Vanguard, they could easily reveal their identities and have people willingly offer them seats.

But they didn’t want to cause a scene or inconvenience others.

More importantly, once their identities were known, they’d be swarmed by attention, making it impossible to relax.

“Fools.”

Selford, however, chuckled mischievously, clearly amused.

Arin and the others turned to him with expressions that screamed, “What now?”

But there was also a hint of anticipation.

Their eccentric friend had a habit of coming up with unorthodox solutions.

“From now on, bow to your great savior. Ta-da!”

Selford rummaged through his pocket and produced something with a dramatic flourish.

His companions leaned closer to see what it was and gasped in shock.

“It’s a ticket to White Wildfire’s reserved seating!”

“No way! I heard reservations there are booked solid for at least six months!”

“How did you even get this?”

White Wildfire was the trendiest pub in Winterer, famed for its stylish interior and exceptional food and drinks. It was particularly popular among the younger crowd.

The pub boasted a traditional elven brewing and cooking method and was rumored to have been partially funded by the Bask Workshop.

Thanks to its unique charm, getting a seat there was nearly impossible without a reservation, and even with one, there was always a waiting list.

Selford, however, held the golden ticket. Naturally, his smugness grew tenfold.

“You didn’t sell out the Vanguard, did you? If you did, you’re dead meat.”

Arin, knowing Selford too well, greeted the revelation with suspicion rather than awe.

Selford immediately bristled.

“Hey! I’d never do that!”

“Then how did you get it?”

“Ha! Of course, it’s thanks to my incredible connections.”

“Knew it. You’re full of crap.”

Arin’s skeptical glare didn’t waver.

“Hey! I’m serious!”

“...”

“Really, I swear!”

“...”

“Don’t you trust your friend? Where’s your loyalty?”

“...”

“Aargh! I can’t exactly open my chest to show you my sincerity!”

Selford’s exaggerated protests dragged on, to the growing amusement of their companions.

“Here they go again.”

“Seriously, they’re like a comedy duo at this point.”

“They argue all the time, but they never leave each other’s side. It’s kind of sweet, really.”

Their group shook their heads in exasperation but didn’t interfere. By now, they’d learned to let the two go at it—it was entertainment in itself.

“There’s no way you managed to reserve seats while we were on missions all year. It doesn’t add up.”

Their missions, including the time spent with Theo in the floating archipelago, had kept them away for almost a year.

Selford puffed out his chest proudly.

“That’s where my miraculous genius comes in!”

“You’re so full of it. I’m reporting you to the commander.”

“I’m telling you, I didn’t sell out the Vanguard! You think I’d risk my neck again after almost getting kicked out last time?”

“Then what did you sell?”

“Hmph! I sold Theo.”

“...You crazy bastard.”

Smack!

Arin slapped her palm over her face, and the others could only chuckle in disbelief.

“Wait… Theo? Or, I guess, the young lord… He is the Bask Workshop’s model, right?”

“Yeah, I’ve heard business has been booming thanks to him. Makes sense if White Wildfire is connected to them. You’d just need to name-drop him.”

“Honestly, calling him ‘young lord’ still feels weird.”

“Right? It doesn’t roll off the tongue.”

“Ah, our adorable little junior has climbed so high… It’s bittersweet.”

Arin, however, wasn’t paying attention to their chatter. She was too busy contemplating what to do with her reckless friend.

“I’m filing a formal complaint, I swear.”

“I didn’t really sell him out, you know. I just mentioned I know him.”

“You have no shame about abusing your connections, do you?”

“That’s what makes me so brilliant!”

Arin was about to yell at him when suddenly—

“Hey! Look over there!”

“Why—”

Her companions grabbed her arm and pointed toward the street.

Turning her head, Arin’s expression hardened instantly.

A group of about thirty swordsmen, fully armed, was marching through the streets in perfect formation.

Their discipline was so sharp it was reminiscent of a military parade.

“Whoa! Which group is that? They’re so polished!”

“Isn’t that the 6th Seal House?”

“The leader looks like someone from Kincarnon’s faction.”

“Wait… That’s Gardner! It’s the Gardner squad!”

Whispers broke out as people recognized the wolf insignia on the swordsmen’s left chest plates.

The Gardner squad was part of the 6th Seal House, famed for their fluid, wolf-like swordsmanship and their strong sense of unity. Among the citizens of Winterer, their reputation rivaled that of the 5th Seal House, Ranke.

But Arin wasn’t admiring them.

She quickly exchanged glances with her companions, her expression tense.

“We need to get Selford out of here.”

“Wow, we’re lucky you snagged those tickets to White Wildfire! Let’s not waste time; when’s our reservation?”

“Exactly! Let’s head out before we’re late!”

Her two companions grabbed Selford by the arms, trying to lead him away.

“Hey! Isn’t that Selford?”

A booming voice from behind stopped them in their tracks.

The group froze as all eyes turned to them.

The leader of the Gardner squad, a towering man with a striking resemblance to Selford, stepped forward.

As the crowd parted to make way, he grinned broadly and spread his arms.

“Well, if it isn’t Selford! Haha! How long has it been? Great to see you, little brother!”

It was Diego Gardner, the heir of the Gardner family.

Selford took a step back, dodging his brother’s attempted embrace.

“What are you doing here, Diego?”

Diego scratched his cheek awkwardly at the rejection but quickly recovered.

“Why else? I’m here to observe the Hangryong War.”

“The Hangryong War? Ah, right. Gardner has ties to Kincarnon.”

“Ha… ties? Come on, it’s not like that. It’s just a big event for the Seal Houses.”

Diego’s flustered smile was unconvincing, but he didn’t press further.

Selford, however, snorted dismissively.

“Well, enjoy the event.”

He turned to leave, but Diego grabbed his arm.

“Hey, don’t be like that. It’s been ages since we’ve seen each other. Let’s grab a drink! Your friends are welcome too.”

“We’ve got a reservation.”

“Where?”

“White Wildfire.”

“Ha! What a coincidence. We’ve got a reservation there too.”

“...!”

Selford’s expression froze.

It was clear now—this wasn’t a coincidence.

***

“Wow, they weren’t kidding when they said this place is the hottest spot in Winterer. It’s packed.”

Selford’s group, effectively dragged along by Diego, found themselves at White Wildfire.

The private room for ten was full, with six members from Selford’s group and four from the Gardner side.

Among the Gardner group was one unfamiliar face.

Unlike the disciplined demeanor of the other swordsmen, this man was leisurely savoring the aroma of his beer. It was clear he wasn’t part of Gardner’s forces.

“That’s the one.”

“Selford.”

“I know. I’ll be careful.”

Selford nodded subtly to Arin, who had whispered to him with concern.

“Let’s wait and see what they have to say. I’ll try to keep my emotions in check.”

Though Selford smiled, it only made Arin more nervous.

Selford, who always carried an air of levity even in the tensest battles, was now in a situation that clearly unsettled him.

Gardner had that effect on him.

It wasn’t just a faction—it was trauma personified.

“Hey, how have you been? You don’t send word home, so how are we supposed to know if you’re even alive? Do you know how worried Mother and Father have been?”

Diego, patting Selford on the shoulder in a show of brotherly concern, looked every bit the caring older sibling.

But—

Snort!

Selford couldn’t help but laugh.

“Worried? That’s a joke.”

“What…?”

“They probably feel relieved that the noisy troublemaker is gone.”

“Hey, what kind of talk is that?”

Diego feigned hurt, but Selford’s sneer only deepened.

“Drop the act, Diego. There’s no one here to see your performance.”

“......”

For a moment, silence fell between them.

“Ah, you little shit. You’ve got some nerve.”n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

The warmth in Diego’s expression twisted into irritation.

He drained his beer in one gulp and slammed the mug down onto the table, shattering it into pieces.

Crash!

Fragments of glass spilled across the floor.

“And who told you to call me your brother? Spend some time in Winterer, and what? You think you’ve become a Ragnar now?”

Diego’s eyes glinted with malice.

“Wake up, mutt. You’re just a dog here. A dog that barks when told to. Got it?”

Selford laughed.

There it is.

This is Gardner.

To him, Gardner was a simple image:

Thugs.

A house that pretended to embrace illegitimate children while secretly abusing them behind closed doors.

It was why, as soon as he came of age, he’d practically fled the place.

“I’m sorry! I’m sorry! Please, please, spare me!”

A shiver ran down Selford’s spine as memories of his stepmother and Diego’s abuses flashed before his eyes.

His hand, holding his beer, trembled slightly.

Even after all these years, he hadn’t overcome it.

Clenching his trembling right hand with his left, Selford turned his focus to the unfamiliar man seated with Diego.

“Let’s cut the nonsense and get to the point. Who are you?”

Diego, ignored, glared daggers at Selford, but the latter didn’t even acknowledge him.

The man in question, however, seemed amused, his gaze flickering between the two brothers before chuckling lightly.

“I hope I’m not intruding on this heartwarming sibling reunion. Allow me to finish my business quickly, then.”

He cleared his throat and adjusted his posture before continuing.

“Allow me to introduce myself formally. I am Depth, an advisor in service to Lord Kincarnon. I’ve come to present you with a proposal, even if it means overstepping propriety.”