Chapter 006: The Touch of a Collar 2

* * *

"That's the way it is. Just like you have your reasons, I have mine that I can't accept. You've just found your freedom; don't waste your time in such a place and live like a human being."

I don't even care whether you were a victim or a perpetrator. You were just a boy, barely showing signs of growing up. You were far too young to discuss the past.

"And I detest children who reek of blood."

Rafman, who had risen from his seat, muttered these words almost inaudibly.

Kain's shoulders trembled at the words that cut to the core. Of course, as a member of the Ten Seats, Rafman wouldn't fail to notice. There was no need to call it a mistake. There were no other options, after all.

As Rafman's figure grew distant, the only thing that came out was a sigh of despair.

"I'm doomed."

His bad habit resurfaced once again. It was the confidence that everything would go his way, no matter what.

He vaguely hoped that he might catch Rafman's eye.

Even though he knew it was impossible.

But if he gave up here, it would truly be the end. Leaving room for maneuver was already a small victory. It meant that his first impression wasn't entirely negative.

This was just the beginning. He was about to receive the teachings of the Ten Seats, after all. It was bound to be difficult.

'Before that...'

He needed to change his approach. He needed a catalyst.

He turned his head, looking around the street with a glimmer of hope.

"Oh."

At the end of his gaze was a magic tool shop.

* * *

He chased after Rafman's trail. The tracking skills he learned from the organization were still effective, relying solely on experience and intuition.

Perhaps the fact that the other party left traces intentionally played a bigger role.

'Rafman Schvalzebein.'

He didn't know much about him. The focus was always on the White Knight, Avan.

Given that Avan, an orphan, was accepted, there must have been no prejudice in choosing disciples.

Kain bit his lip, realizing his approach had been wrong from the start.

Avan was Avan, and he was himself.

No one would accept a suspicious orphan without question. He needed to be more persuasive. A plausible story and a convincing situation. Kain's mind raced.

He needed strength to protect the Holy Maiden and crush the organization.

That was certain.

Avan's image came to mind vividly. The prowess of facing Level 1 demons without even wielding a sword. There was no one who wouldn't want such power.

"Wait! Please wait!"

The voice at the end of his words belonged to a middle-aged man who looked like he was about to collapse.

Rafman stopped in his tracks at the sound of someone calling him. His face, turned back, was full of irritation.

"Is it you again? I thought we were done. Don't think that just because you're young, you can get away with anything. This is your final warning. If you show up in front of me one more time, I'll cut you down."

"I never thought of it that way."

To be forgiven. Since the day he was born into this world, he had never harbored such naive thoughts.

He was always sincere.

So...

"I was truly desperate."

He knelt and bowed his head.

If he really wanted the position beside the Ten Seats, he needed to show that level of sincerity. Kain forgot his age, returning to the mindset of an 11-year-old.

"I know nothing about the organization. I just found myself there when I came to my senses."

Yes, from beginning to end. Even until the day he died, he wouldn't have known. So, there could be no lies in his words.

"I escaped because there was someone I wanted to protect. But I am powerless. I can't even reach out a hand."

He needed to be prepared for the day when he would have to act.

"So, I beg you. I don't ask to be a disciple. Make me a servant. I'll do anything you ask. Even if it's impossible, I'll do it if you wish it, Sir Rafman."

He thought of the Holy Maiden. The woman who always smiled. The first person to show him affection and care in this world, Hevnia. This time, he wanted to stand beside her, not in her shadow. He wanted to show her his growth.

Perhaps his heartfelt plea resonated. Rafman's lips twitched.

"You want to protect someone, huh? Cough. It doesn't seem like a lie."

He coughed dryly, maintaining his silence. His expression wavered between a smile and a frown.

But Kain looked at him calmly, forgetting everything.

The cards were on the table.

Even if he knew about the organization or the Holy Empire, or the future, it wouldn't change the fact that he couldn't stop it.

To use the truth he knew, he needed basic skills. There was a limit to what he could do in the body of an 11-year-old. Even waiting for tomorrow was a burden.

"Alright, I understand your motivation. I understand your story."

After a long silence, his words were still dry and emotionless.

And...

"But that vow is too light."

Distrust was evident.

"Do you not believe me?"

"No, I mean it literally. It feels so light it might fly away. Your resolve and my teachings are on different levels. You know that, right?"

This was the final hurdle.

Kain, as if he had expected it, nodded and pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket.

Delicious food, beautiful women, a peaceful life—everything derived from money.

And even this burning desire could be realized with money.

A symbol of unchanging value. When Rafman saw the mana flowing over the surface of the paper, he let out a hollow laugh. It was as bold as when Kain had asked to be made a servant.

"A forced command contract..."

A contract sworn by both names. At least within the scope of what could be enforced by documents, it was of the highest level.

"Does this make my vow heavier?"

He murmured softly but firmly. The weight of money was significant, regardless of time or place.

Any value could be quantified in money.

"To try to win favor with something like this... You're weak."

Still, his desperate desire seemed to have been conveyed, as Rafman no longer showed the sharpness he had before.

"Not bad."

After reading the forced command contract to the end, Rafman's answer was extremely simple. There were no conditions that would harm him, so there was no need to think. He was merely surprised.

"Interesting. To be so persistent."

He had met countless people, but this was the first time someone had made such a proposal. To stake his life and offer himself as a servant.

"But to limit our relationship with something like this... It could be torn up at any time."

Rafman tore up the forced command contract and casually extended his hand. Kain, rising from his seat, clenched his fists.

"Then!"

"Tsk. Drop the disgusting act and follow me quietly."

Without a moment to calm his excitement, Kain followed behind Rafman. Seeing Kain follow like a dog, Rafman muttered.

"I've ended up with an unexpected headache on my way home."

It could be seen as finding a pastime.

'Maybe...'

Rafman shook his head. It was all pointless speculation.

"I'll introduce myself again. My name is Rafman Schvalzebein. I am a member of the Ten Seats and a Duke of the Lesser Kingdom."

The Ten Seats and a Duke. Neither was a light title. It was a weight that a mere orphan couldn't bear. But Kain was unfazed. Everything was as he had expected.

Rafman was surprised by Kain's natural reaction.

"From your expression, it seems you were confident from the start."

"It wasn't confidence, just a guess."

"True, if you hadn't noticed, you wouldn't have followed so desperately."

"Even so, I believe Sir Rafman is trustworthy."

"Cough, enough with the insincere flattery."

He didn't fully trust the boy in front of him. His identity was unknown, and his background unclear. But there was no one more 'appropriate' than this.

"You may think this is the best choice, but you'll soon realize it's not."

There were many things left unsaid, but Rafman didn't mention them. He didn't think the boy's choice would change even if he knew.

Kain looked up at the sound of a mix of coughing and laughter.

"Is it related to the unacceptable circumstances you mentioned earlier?"

He clearly remembered hearing those words in the restaurant.

"It could be, or it might not be. You'll find out eventually, whether you like it or not."

The only response was an indifferent answer, but Kain didn't press further. He had finally taken a step forward.

He followed Rafman's silent shadow, stepping into a shortcut. Now, he just needed to run at full speed. The sound of the future changing made Kain's heart race.

* * *

The journey to the Schvalzebein family estate was smooth. Given Rafman's naturally taciturn nature, there were few opportunities for conversation. Even if they had become a bit closer through casual talk, the distance between them didn't close much.

They continued north without even looking at each other.

As the weather grew colder, Kain's clothing became heavier. The biting wind made his body curl up involuntarily.

'What kind of place is it?'

Honestly, he was half excited and half worried.

For nine years, until he turned 20, he had never stepped outside the world. He had lived in a restricted area until he completed his basic education.

After that, he had been active in the empire, so he had little information about the Lesser Kingdom. He had only heard about it because it was the country where the White Knight Avan was from. Just that much.

He had no idea what the Schvalzebein family estate would be like.

To be honest, all he knew was that it was in a cold region.

A few days later, Kain realized that the rumors he had heard were not just mistaken but underestimated.

'It's not just cold.'

His jaw began to tremble.

He clutched his thick, puffed-up coat and pulled up the collar, but the cold that enveloped his entire body showed no signs of abating.

It had been snowing for three days. Looking at the overcast sky made him feel disoriented.

Rafman, seemingly unaffected by the cold, wore the same light coat as when they first met. He was indifferent even as frost formed on his sword scabbard.

Kain, sinking into the snow up to his calves, gasped for breath.

It was a land that exhausted him just by walking.

The snow eventually stopped, but the sky remained gloomy, as if there were no clear days.

Surprisingly, Rafman looked ahead with a contented expression. Perhaps he was excited to return home after a long time. His satisfaction was unusually evident.

"The weather is relatively warm this year. We'll get through without any major issues."

"I, I, is this warm?"

Clack. Clack. Clack. Ignoring the clattering of his teeth, he spoke.

"It can get so bad that snowstorms rage. If you time it wrong, it's hard to even walk. In that sense, this year is relatively calm. You can tell by the sun coming up at this hour."

Is this the sun? Rafman's answer far exceeded common sense. Given his nature, it was unlikely to be a lie. It was really like that.