Chapter 49

This is Byron's perspective.

When merchant Norton came to me with a proposal, I thought things had gotten messy.

Norton, with his usual amiable smile, said,

"Mr. Byron, they are the Lockhart family. They are quite popular around here, and recently, even the dwarves of Ars have heard of them. I really want to establish a good relationship with them. Please cooperate."

Norton trades between the Kingdom of Caum and Periclitus.

He seems to want to maintain good relations with the dwarves of Ars, the capital of the Kingdom of Caum, to sell the weapons they make to adventurers.

"Still, you know, it's just two kids and one woman, with one guard. Even if the guard is skilled, I think the risk is too high for me."

"Can't you at least meet them? They are already at the entrance of the inn."

I shrugged slightly and followed Norton downstairs.

At the entrance of the inn, a slender man in leather armor was waiting.

Behind him were a boy of about twelve or thirteen, carrying a large, brand-new sword that seemed out of proportion to his build, a slightly younger girl, and a female adventurer in a hood.

(Just a noble kid who dabbles in swordsmanship... These are the worst. They act like heroes and don't listen to a word you say. And the other girl is also a problem. She's disguised, but she looks like a noble lady, practically inviting trouble.)

I decided to reject Norton's proposal.

I decided to act like I was really against it, hoping to steer them to another caravan.

"Mr. Norton, isn't this a breach of contract? We agreed not to take on any more baggage. These people are clearly extra baggage."

Norton's smile didn't waver, but his eyes protested, telling me to choose my words more carefully.

"Mr. Byron, that's rude. This is Sir Guy Jakes, a squire to the renowned Sir Gowan Lockhart. The other one is a fourth-class adventurer and a healer."

I didn't think he was lying.

(Indeed, this squire is capable. I might be better with a sword, but his footwork is far beyond what my men can handle. But the two kids are extra.)

I continued to look suspicious and decided to complain more to make Norton give up.

"Sure, this man is capable. And if the woman is a healer, she could be useful. But I don't want to take noble kids. They won't be of any help; they'll just be a nuisance and a burden."

This made the man named Guy angry.

"I don't like that! Lord Zacharias is the grandson of the late Sir Gowan Lockhart. It's disrespectful to treat him like just another noble child."

(This guy is really loyal. For such a capable man to swear loyalty, the Lockharts must be something special. But he seems genuinely loyal to this kid too. Could such a capable man really recognize the abilities of a kid like this? No, he's probably just angry because it's his lord's grandson.)

I felt a slight unease with my thoughts.

It seemed that a top-notch man like Guy recognized the abilities of a ten-year-old kid.

As Guy and I glared at each other, Norton's smile gradually turned strained.

(I feel bad for Norton, but I have fifteen subordinates. No matter what he says, I have to stick to my decision.)

Just as I was thinking this, the grandson of the Lockharts spoke to me.

"You're Byron, right? You said I'd be a burden. Can you tell that without even seeing my abilities?"

His tone lacked any childishness, and he didn't sound arrogant like a spoiled noble kid. He sounded calm, almost cold.

(Maybe I misjudged this kid... No, that can't be. I've never talked to a noble kid before, so that's probably why I think this way.)

As we talked, people started to gather around. My subordinates, hearing the commotion, came down the stairs.

(Not good. If this goes on, my subordinates might start a fight. I can refuse, but I don't want to get into trouble with a noble...)

Just as I was about to tell my subordinates to back off, the noble kid, Zacharias, provoked one of them.

"Guy, stop him. This man can't even judge someone's abilities. A mercenary led by such a man can't be competent. It would be far more dangerous to travel with them... Mr. Norton, I appreciate the offer, but I must decline..."

A young subordinate reacted to Zacharias's provocation.

"Can't let that slide! Captain, can I strangle this brat?"

As expected, he lost his cool. I felt the urge to press my temples.

(You idiot! He's a noble... What should I do? If we make the first move, we won't be able to work as mercenaries. No merchant would hire a mercenary group that gets into trouble with nobles...)

As I hesitated, Guy stepped forward, saying, "Strangle him? You!"

I moved to stop my subordinate and stepped in front of Guy.

It was just a moment. I had taken my eyes off Zacharias.

The next instant, he was in my guard, pressing a strangely shaped knife to my heart, saying, "Can't keep up with this level of movement?"

None of us could follow his movement.

I was certainly careless.

But I've been a guard and a mercenary for over twenty years. To be handled so easily by a kid like this...

Before I could move, he called out to Guy and tried to leave the inn.

I couldn't help but shout, "Wait!"

If I let them go, we wouldn't be able to work around here.

A mercenary group with fifteen subordinates being handled by a ten-year-old kid would be a laughingstock. The onlookers would spread the story, and it wouldn't take long for it to reach the streets of Ars.

The Lockharts are extremely popular in Kilnarek. This story would dominate the taverns, and it wouldn't take long for it to spread along the Ars Road.

He didn't turn around and said in the same cold tone, "You don't want to deal with a kid like me, right?"

I shouted again, "Wait! I can't let you go like this," completely losing my composure.

He slowly turned around and, without changing his expression, asked, "What? Do you want to have a serious fight with a kid?"

I almost lost my temper at his theatrical gesture and Guy's triumphant look, but I managed to control my anger.

"I can't continue this job if I'm mocked by a kid. Let me see the skills of Gowan Lockhart's grandson."

As I said this, he pressed further.

"Is that necessary? You said I'd be a burden just by looking at me. If you don't admit that you were wrong, there's no reason for me to be here."

(This kid isn't what he seems. He's really unlikable. I didn't expect to be cornered like this, but it's my mistake... Indeed, the son of a lion is a lion. Or in this case, the grandson...)

"I apologize for my earlier words. Would you consider a sparring match with me, Mr. Lockhart?"

I managed to regain my composure and bowed.

For a moment, his face seemed to smile.

(It's like he can see right through me. This kid is going to be a big catch. Even if it's not for Norton, it might be interesting to establish a good relationship.)

As I thought this, Zacharias, with a serious face, accepted my apology. But his next words shocked me even more.

"By the way, I'm still a novice in swordsmanship. It might be better to see my magic skills."

(After showing that kind of movement, he says he's better at magic! I can't believe he's a mage with those combat skills...)

I became interested in Zacharias and naturally said, "I'd like to see your skills at the guild's training ground."

What followed was a series of surprises.

First, I was surprised by the other kid, whom I thought would be a complete burden.

A girl who couldn't even kill a bug cast magic on par with a full-fledged mage in Periclitus.

(If I took that, I'd stumble. If Zacharias closed the distance with that movement, I'd be finished... I never thought I'd imagine losing to a kid like this. Still, I don't think the girl can use that in a real fight...)

I still had some leeway. But when I saw his magic, I was speechless for a few seconds.

(The girl's magic blew the target off its base. That's impressive in the countryside. But this kid blew the whole thing away. If I took that, I'd definitely be blown away, taking significant damage. Even if I managed to stand up... This is beyond terrifying...)

I looked at him with a self-deprecating smile, but the onlookers were also sighing.

Perhaps because I didn't say anything, he mentioned his combat experience.

"By the way, both Sharon and I have combat experience. Mostly with wolves and goblins, though."

(I'm completely read. This kid has a good eye for people... I admit defeat.)

"Mr. Zacharias, I apologize. A mage of your caliber won't be a burden. Your lightning-fast footwork is truly impressive. As a descendant of the Lionheart, I would be honored to travel with you."

As I said this, Zacharias smiled and extended his hand.

"Call me Zack. No need for formalities. Guy, I think it's fine to travel with Byron, but the decision is yours."

(Is he really a kid? That one sentence saved me. The onlookers must think the Lockhart genius has recognized me. He's also considering Guy's feelings. He knew Guy was angry with me and deliberately left the decision to him. He has more charisma than I do...)

I didn't know what to do, so I shook the hand he offered.

I could feel the calluses on his hand, even through the glove, indicating rigorous training.

(He's not just a bookish type. He said his swordsmanship is still immature, but he's probably quite skilled. It's no wonder a squire like Guy is loyal to him.)

In the end, we were allowed to travel with Lord Zacharias to Periclitus.

Later, I learned from Norton that Lord Zacharias was only ten years old. I couldn't believe it at first and had to ask twice.

(Just ten years old, and he has that level of magic and swordsmanship. More terrifying is his insight. He might be of noble blood, but he could be a "dragon" born from a "lion"... I heard he's the second son, but with that potential, it might have been better. He seems destined to do great things beyond the Lockhart domain...)

I was convinced that Lord Zacharias would be a big catch. I hoped he would give me, a mediocre mercenary, a chance.

(Maybe my luck is turning. Just meeting someone like him is a good thing... But if I leave it at that, my impression will be weak. I need to think of something...)

I was a mercenary who thinks deeply.

Mercenaries who can't think this much would probably lose their jobs.