Chapter 15

Putting on the coat that Brau had brought, Alvis pulled the hood deep over his head. In the dark, his hair color wouldn't stand out as much. It was better if his face wasn't seen, so they decided to avoid the main streets when going outside. They would primarily use the back alleys to get through the noble residential area first.

"I thought the same thing when we came here, but it doesn't feel like the whole country is in mourning, does it?"

Alvis felt the same way. If he hadn't known about the king's death, he probably wouldn't have noticed anything amiss. This indicated that in the Marana Kingdom, the king was not a figure of respect.

"We keep our mouths shut out of politeness, but in our hearts, many of us think it's about time. They probably think the king was kept alive this long for a reason."

"..."

Brau himself felt no respect, let alone any sense of duty or gratitude, towards the king. He had stayed in the Royal Guard only because it was safer for his survival. For someone with a family, it was easier to serve the country. But there were limits. The dissolution of the Royal Guard by Garibas was probably the right timing.

"Lord Brau, what about your family?"

"They're all out of this country. I sent them away... but I probably won't see them again."

He had sent them to another country under false identities, changing their names and everything. Brau's side profile darkened as he spoke, filled with the anxiety of whether they were safe and the loneliness of not being able to see them again. Alvis gripped the pendant under his coat.

Alvis understood Brau's decision. If he were in the same position, he would have done the same, prioritizing his family over himself. But that decision was not something Alvis could make now. The priority was to stay alive and return to Rubelia. Knowing what was happening in the Marana Kingdom was important, but he couldn't lose sight of that.

"Lord Alvis? Is something wrong?"

"No... nothing. Let's hurry."

They continued beyond the noble residential area. The alleys became narrower, and the roads were poorly maintained. In the distance, a small shop was visible, apparently a restaurant.

"Here. It's a kind of hangout spot."

"Hmm, a hangout spot, you say. That sounds interesting."

"Normally, I wouldn't want to bring people in your position here, but there's no choice. Try not to cause a commotion, okay?"

"Understood."

Alvis nodded, exchanging a glance with Grays. They would remain silent and not participate in conversations until Brau gave the signal.

Brau opened the door with a jingle. The smell of alcohol wafted through the air as they entered. Despite it being early, some people were already drinking. One of them, noticing Brau, raised an empty glass and called out.

"Hey, boss! You've got company today? That's unusual."

"Yeah, I ran into an old acquaintance."

He seemed to be unrelated to the Royal Guard. A regular here and a good source of information, he knew Brau was a former Royal Guard and even the former captain. His eyebrows raised slightly at the mention of an old acquaintance, and he stood up, walking straight over. He scrutinized Alvis and Grays.

"You've got quite a different type with you. Especially that guy... doesn't seem to fit in here. And that pretty face, huh?"

"..."

He was referring to Alvis. Despite the hood, his face wasn't completely hidden. Alvis just stared back silently, not saying a word. They locked eyes, and eventually, the man smiled.

"So, you've got some trouble, boss?"

"Yeah. Don't ask too many questions."

"I see. Just a pretty boy, huh? But bringing attention-grabbing people around isn't wise."

"It can't be helped..."

"Hmm."

He moved to a seat at the back, and Brau followed, with Alvis and Grays trailing behind. Brau sat down, and Alvis and Grays stood behind him.

"I thought I knew your subordinates, but I'm surprised you've got such a young one hidden. So, are you planning a coup or something?"

"Of course not. I'm done with that nonsense. I don't do pointless things..."

"Yet you look troubled. No, not that... boss, what are you getting involved in?"

He snapped his fingers, and a barrier of mana spread around them, apparently for soundproofing. Alvis couldn't help but be impressed by the precise control. The noisy chatter was instantly cut off, leaving silence.

"Now they can't hear us."

"Thanks."

"I owe you, boss. I can be flexible for a bit. So, what's the main issue? Those two... they're not your subordinates, are they? No lying to me."

Brau sighed and nodded, turning to face them. He seemed to trust this man, but not enough to reveal their true identities.

"These are Al and Ray. They're not exactly my subordinates. They're participants in the state funeral."

Just being participants in the state funeral made them foreign dignitaries, meaning they were from another country. The man looked between Alvis and Grays, sighed, and shook his head.

"I see. So, something happened at the state funeral, and you got involved. You're a trouble magnet, boss."

"Leave it."

"Alright, fine. I'm Scissors. I'm an information broker. Nice to meet you, boys."