Chapter 49: 49
“I refuse.”
“…May I ask why?”
“It’s not going to help me.”
“Are you saying this because you think you’re weak in combat? As a noble who wields a sword, that might be your perception.”
“It’s true that I’m weak in combat.”
“…It depends on how you use it. Even the finest knights can’t match my speed. If they catch up, I can hide before they get to me. Do you still think I’m useless?”
Sure, with effort, the Silver Rogue’s techniques could be used in combat. But considering the practical aspects, there were more limitations than advantages.
“It’s all about perspective. Can you increase your speed and use magic attacks? Concealment or infiltration techniques might have annoying conditions.”
“Why do you think that?”
“I’ve never heard of the Silver Rogue being great in combat. If you’re real, you can dodge my attack. If not, you’ll die by my hand.”
“……”
Caden hid a smile behind his mask, intrigued. Zion was sharp and didn’t easily believe what outsiders said. Zion assumed he might be a fake Silver Rogue and judged based on that premise. He was also poised, ready to strike at any moment.
“Do you think I’d take a sword strike?”
“No matter how fast you move, you can’t escape from here.”
“You should consider my speed. I can hide without a trace.”
“If I blow up this room, everyone in the adjacent and lower rooms will get hurt.”
“……”
Zion already realized this. If the intruder was fake, he’d be easily subdued. If real, he could dodge the sword strike and flee. Moreover, mentioning the people in the mansion indicated that he was well aware of Zion’s situation.
“I’m not here to fight you. I just came for a light chat.”
“If you were a fake, you’d have no reason to say that, and even if you were real, it’s still not understandable. You have no reason to accept me as your student.”
“I already told you. It’s admirable to risk your life for someone you love. It’s truly romantic.”
The reason was simple yet peculiar, but it wasn’t absurd. Caden Asthlor, the Silver Rogue, was always like that. He always pursued romance, followed his ideals, and aimed to achieve them. That’s why he showed genuine loyalty to the current king.
“So, I was introduced by His Majesty. If the king recognizes your romance, so should I.”
“If you know about me, you wouldn’t be doing this.”
“But I can’t come through the front door in broad daylight, can I? For the sake of my reputation.”
Zion found it absurd but understood quickly. The Silver Rogue always hid his identity and operated at night. Although he sometimes worked day and night on espionage missions beyond the frontier.
“…Your excuse is weak. You won’t mind if I use a sword strike, right?”
“Are you attacking Setinos Quasar?”
“I don’t know if you’re real. You’re an intruder.”
“Here’s some advice: you’ll have to deal with the consequences. I can dodge, but what will happen to this mansion?”
“You’ll see soon enough.”
Zion muttered coldly, pulling back his right arm. He didn’t intend to use the sword strike here. Hanette was in the next room, and maids were likely on the lower floor. Shouting could complicate matters, so it was a last resort.
“This guy… quite aggressive, aren’t you?”
“Why would someone who wants to talk sneak in at night? I don’t get it.”
“If I wanted to kill you, I would’ve come while you were asleep. But I have no reason to kill you.”
“Do I have to understand that? You’re just an intruder to me.”
“Hah… you’re not listening. Even if I brought credentials, you wouldn’t believe me.”
“If you wanted to meet, you should’ve proven your identity and sent a letter. Without that, of course, you’re suspicious.”
There was a huge difference between thinking someone was the Silver Rogue and knowing it. The former could be believed, but the latter left room for doubt. Moreover, only those familiar with him could recognize the Silver Rogue, who hid his real name and appearance.
“Are you saying you won’t trust me till the end?”
“Bring proof if you want trust.”
“I can provide proof.”
Caden took a book from his coat and tossed it on the floor. Zion kept his eyes on Caden, gripping his sword handle tightly.
“Difficult, but not bad. At that level, you can learn my secret techniques.”
“What are you talking about?”
“That book contains some of my secret techniques. Basic skills, but useful to learn.”
Stepping out of the moonlight, Caden’s figure slowly faded into the shadows. Zion tried to sense his presence, but the room felt empty.
“I’ll prove my identity in a few days. The book can only be opened once, so think carefully.”
The window shook, and his presence vanished completely. Zion carefully approached the window and looked outside.
‘Is it real?’
He continued scanning outside, then quickly closed the window. Cautiously, he bent down to pick up the book. It had a plain brown cover, with no title or markings.
‘Only the Silver Rogue could do something like this.’
Quick movements, stealth skills, bold attitude, talk of romance, mentions of the king. All signs pointed to the Silver Rogue. Yet, without solid proof, it was still just a guess.
‘Why seek a student when you’re still young…’
In the original story, the Silver Rogue sought a successor to take over infiltration and espionage missions. However, choosing the wrong person could bring chaos to the Alain Kingdom, so he used various methods to test them.
‘Learning this could be useful.’
Zion sighed and placed the book in a drawer. As if he wasn’t troubled enough, the Silver Rogue complicated things further. Who knew not joining the Royal Knights would lead to this?
‘Now I can’t sleep. What should I do?’
—
Duke Adelaira’s mansion, Hanette’s room.
Hanette returned to her room after lunch. Zion’s complexion seemed to be worsening each day. She had asked him about it, but he only said nothing was wrong.
‘Is he just tired? He could take it easy…’
Zion balanced sword training and magic enhancement while spending time with her. Though she had reduced her outings for drinking and gambling, she still needed to gather funds. Zion might find moving alone more comfortable, but he was sticking with her due to their agreement.
‘Maybe I should go alone today. Nothing bad will happen…’
Sometimes, she felt it was fine to go out alone. The number of guards had increased, and the city’s defense and police forces were always on standby. Ambushes were impossible, and trying to escape might get her caught.
‘If I go alone, I won’t feel embarrassed…’
Hanette checked her reflection and attire in the mirror, then headed to the next room. She planned to buy some medicine or ingredients that would help recover energy. If she brought them back casually, Zion wouldn’t misunderstand her intentions.
‘What could happen if I go alone for a bit?’
Hanette knocked on the door and entered Zion’s room. He turned his head slowly, his eyes looking somber.
“You said you’re resting today, right?”
“…Yeah, why?”
“I’m going out alone.”
“……”
Zion frowned, sensing the moment had come. He had prepared for this, but facing it brought a sense of pressure. However, he was determined and didn’t have any regrets.
“I’m just going out for a bit, so you don’t have to come. Nothing’s happened lately…”
“Alright. Be safe.”
“W-what did you say?”
“I said be safe.”
Zion replied quietly, standing up. Once she left, Hanette would soon meet the protagonist. Within a day or three, she’d likely try to escape from the mansion.
“You always said we should go together.”
“It must be annoying to always go with me. Nothing’s happened so far, so you’ll be fine alone.”
“Are you sure?”
“I can’t say I’m not worried, but as long as you wear the necklace, you’ll be fine. Don’t lose it.”
Zion glanced at the necklace Hanette wore, feeling a slight sense of relief. With the protagonist and allies around, the rebels wouldn’t be able to pursue them. The necklace was a minimal safety measure, which would become meaningless once she left.
“Are you really letting me go alone?”
“Phew… I said it’s fine.”
Hanette felt a bit disappointed but didn’t show it. Usually, he’d come up with reasons for them to go together. But today, he agreed without hesitation and seemed somewhat lifeless.
“…You’re not acting like yourself.”
“If I ask you not to go, will you stay?”
“What? I guess… but…”
“Answer me clearly. If I ask you not to go, will you stay?”
“……”
Hanette was startled, meeting Zion’s gaze. His violet eyes seemed to be lost in darkness. His voice was tense but emotionless, so calm it felt unsettling.
“What’s wrong? Did something bad happen?”
“Just answer my question.”
“You need to explain first…”
“Sister!”
Zion grasped her shoulders, his emotions spilling out. He didn’t know why he was saying this or why he was upset. He just acted on his feelings.
“Just answer. It’s not hard.”
“You must be really tired. Okay, you must be struggling.”
Hanette responded calmly, her eyes softening. His hands on her shoulders trembled slightly. Zion’s question must have held great meaning for him.
“I’ll ask again. If I say don’t go, will you stay?”
“…Yes, I’ll stay if you ask. Where could I go leaving you behind?”