Rei had been catching up with Lenora and Kenny for about twenty minutes when someone finally interrupted their conversation.
"Pardon me, but may I borrow Rei-san for a moment?"
The voice belonged to a man who looked like a light warrior. He was a complete stranger to Lenora and Kenny, despite their roles as guild receptionists.
While they didn't necessarily know every adventurer who frequented the guild in the City of Gilm—the true heart of the profession—they weren't likely to forget a face as distinctive as the one before them. Kenny tilted her head, searching her memory for the man’s name.
Lenora felt the same confusion, but her earnest nature led her to respond with professional politeness.
"Oh, my apologies. My name is Koan, and I serve a certain individual. I used the time while you were chatting with Rei-san to finalize the necessary arrangements."
"…I see," Lenora murmured.
With those few words, the two women immediately understood Koan's purpose. It was common knowledge that the City of Gilm was currently teeming with nobles and their agents, all of whom had gathered for one reason: the young man standing right in front of them.
"So that’s how it is," Kenny said, turning to Rei. "Rei-kun, what are you going to do?"
"Well, I did make a prior engagement. I should probably get going."
"…Is that so? Well, be careful then. Things are fine now, but the city was in quite an uproar just a little while ago."
Kenny’s eyes flickered toward Koan, her silence implicitly blaming people like his master for the recent unrest.
Koan, who had arrived in Gilm alongside Rei, was well aware that other factions pursuing the same goal as his master had been causing reckless disturbances. He couldn't exactly argue with Kenny’s assessment. However, he felt compelled to offer a defense.
"But surely those troublemakers have already been expelled from the city? Things should have settled down by now."
Koan spoke as if pleading for her not to lump his master in with such low-class agitators. Kenny seemed to accept this, nodding without further comment.
In truth, most of the agents who had intended to recruit Rei through underhanded or forceful means had already been dealt with. Thanks to the clandestine efforts of Egg and Marina, they had been driven out. The mere fact that someone was still permitted to remain in the city meant they had passed the scrutiny of those two—or, more accurately, they had been deemed acceptable candidates to negotiate with Rei. Of course, very few people actually knew that.
"Well, I promised to meet before I even stepped into the guild," Rei said. "It’s fine by me. What about Set?"
"Yes, my master specifically requested that you bring your companion along as well."
Rei paused. Isn't this person a noble of the King's Faction?
He recalled that during the war with the Bestia Empire, the messengers from the King's Faction had been adamant about him leaving Set behind. However, he quickly reminded himself that many of the nobles drafted into that war had been particularly problematic.
Well, I’ll just have to meet them and judge for myself, he concluded. He turned back to Lenora and Kenny.
"Anyway, I’ll be taking my leave. When the Guild Master returns, please let her know I’m back. I’ll drop by again tomorrow to give a proper report."
"Muu… Hey, Rei-kun. Are you really that eager to see the Guild Master?" Kenny asked, her expression clouding with dissatisfaction.
Lenora, standing beside her, let out an exasperated sigh.
"Good grief… He went to the City of Emocion because of the Guild Master’s request—or rather, her information. Reporting back the moment he returns is only natural. Stop being silly and get back to work. It might be a slow hour, but we still have plenty to do."
"I know, I know… Geez. Rei-kun finally comes back, and I wanted us to have some quality time together."
"Yes, yes. Save that for your day off."
Watching their usual banter, Rei felt a warm sense of certainty that he had truly returned home.
"Well then," Koan said. "We have a carriage waiting outside. Shall we?"
"Yeah."
Rei followed Koan out of the guild, where a carriage was indeed waiting. It wasn't the gaudy, over-decorated vehicle Rei had expected from a high-ranking noble; it was a carriage that was best described as sturdy and functional. While the materials used in its construction were clearly high-quality, the design was restrained.
"…Heh."
Rei’s opinion of the mysterious noble rose a notch. While a flashy carriage was standard for the aristocracy, Rei personally found such ostentation distasteful and was relieved he wouldn't have to ride in one. Though, between his companionship with Set, his Death Scythe, and his legendary Item Box, Rei himself stood out far more than any gaudy carriage ever could.
"Please, after you." Koan opened the door and gestured for Rei to board.
"Set, let’s go."
"Guruuu."
At Rei's call, Set stood up from where it had been resting. The children who had been playing with the Gryphon cried out in disappointment, but they understood who Set’s master was. They waved their small hands as the duo departed.
The carriage naturally made its way toward the Noble District. The horses pulling the vehicle were visibly nervous with Set walking alongside them, but they didn't bolt—a testament to the driver’s exceptional skill.
"So," Rei said, settling into his seat. "Don’t you think it’s about time you told me who wants to see me?"
"My apologies, Rei-san. My master insisted that the meeting would be more effective if it were a surprise."
"A surprise, huh?"
Surprises certainly left a lasting impression, but that was a double-edged sword. If the first impression was poor, the surprise would only cement that negative feeling. If this noble was keeping their identity secret while fully aware of that risk…
They must be incredibly confident, Rei thought.
The carriage continued its journey until it reached the entrance to the Noble District. Rei was surprised to see Koan merely show his face to the gatekeepers. They were waved through immediately without a single question or even a request for identification. Such a privilege was a clear indication that the owner of the carriage held significant power even within the elite circles of the Noble District.
Boasting this kind of influence in Gilm, a neutral city… are they a major figure in the Neutral Faction? Rei wondered. If they were from the King's Faction or the Noble's Faction, they’d have to be a true heavyweight. But would someone like that come all the way to the frontier? Even if they want to recruit me, the risk shouldn't be worth the reward. Unless… they’re a grand noble with enough power to ignore the usual political boundaries? Given the way we just passed the gate, that seems the most likely.
While Rei pondered the politics, the carriage rolled deeper into the district before finally coming to a halt.
"We have arrived safely. Please, this way. My master is waiting," Koan said with a small, knowing smile as he opened the door.
Rei stepped out and took in his surroundings. The sight was one that made him nod in understanding while also sparking a look of genuine surprise.
This was prime real estate, even for the Noble District. The mansion before him exerted an overwhelming presence compared to the neighboring estates; it was a truly exceptional residence. The carriage had already passed through the outer gate, leaving only a massive door leading to the grand entrance hall.
"This is the place?"
"Yes. My master awaits within."
Had Rei possessed more intimate knowledge of the Kingdom’s elite, he would have recognized the estate instantly. It was a residence famous throughout the Kingdom of Mireana—the home of a leading figure of the King's Faction, the estate of Duke Quinto's House.
"…I should warn you," Rei said. "I’m not well-versed in noble etiquette. If that’s going to be a problem, I suggest your master calls this off now."
He spoke out of a genuine desire not to cause a scene that might reflect poorly on Daskar or Marina. However, Koan’s response caught him off guard.
"That won't be necessary. My master has no love for stiff formalities. If anything…"
Fwhoom!
Just as Koan was about to continue, an unnaturally powerful gust of wind roared from the direction of the mansion.
"Whoa. It seems I’ve been told to stop rambling and bring you inside," Koan said, chuckling. "As I said, don't worry too much about etiquette. However, the person you are about to meet is of exceedingly high standing, so please try to avoid being truly disrespectful."
"…Sounds like a real eccentric. Fine, if you're that confident, let’s go. What about Set? I can have it wait in the garden if you prefer."
Rei glanced at the residence garden. Despite being in the heart of the Noble District, the grounds were vast—easily large enough to fit an entire separate mansion. Set wouldn't mind the weather, and if Rei told it to wait, it would happily lie down and nap.
Once again, Koan defied his expectations.
"No, I have been instructed that even the Gryphon… even Set, is permitted inside."
"Heh. That’s bold."
Rei’s lips curled into a smile. Every one of his assumptions had been proven wrong. The sudden gust of wind had clearly been magical, which meant the host was confident they could handle a Gryphon if things turned sour.
"Please, come inside."
Koan opened the door and led them into the entrance hall. As Rei and Set stepped through the threshold, they were greeted by a bright voice.
"Umu! Good work, Koan! You did well to bring them!"
The speaker was small—even compared to Rei, who was already shorter than the average man in this world. The girl standing before them looked to be no more than ten years old, her head barely reaching the level of Rei’s chest. Her face was lit up with a brilliant smile, and her eyes sparkled as she looked between Rei and Set.
"…Koan?" Rei asked, seeking clarification.
Koan didn't answer immediately; instead, he watched with a fond, fatherly gaze as the girl slowly approached Set.
"Tell me, beast. May I pet you for a moment?"
"Guruuu."
Set, being exceptionally fond of children, didn't show the slightest hint of aggression. Intrigued by the girl’s curiosity, the Gryphon gently extended its head and nuzzled against her.
"Ahah! Ahahahaha! Look, Koan! This one is remarkably friendly!"
"Indeed, Milady. I am pleased it has brought you such joy. However… as the daughter of House Quinto, it would be improper to ignore the guest you invited. Rei-san is waiting."
"Mu, quite right. Umu. So, you are the one they call Crimson—Rei. It seems you truly do possess magic power worthy of your title. Splendid!"
Rei’s eyes widened slightly at the girl’s words. She had spoken with absolute certainty, making it clear that she could sense the Immense Magic Power dwelling within him. Yet her attitude hadn't wavered in the slightest.
He had met many people capable of sensing magic power, but almost all of them were overcome with fear once they realized the sheer scale of his reserves. Those who could remain composed were few and far between. Yet this girl was not only unfazed but was looking at him with an appreciative smile.
Judging by the magic that caused that wind earlier, she’s no amateur, Rei thought. Which means she’s a true heavyweight.
Despite her childish appearance while petting Set, Rei felt a growing sense of certainty that he should not make the mistake of underestimating her.
"Tell me, Rei. Will you and Set not come into my service? I—or more accurately, the Duke Quinto's House—have great need of your strength."
As she spoke, Maruka Quinto looked up from Set. Her eyes held a depth and intensity that seemed impossible for a child of her years.