Chapter 170 – Akela Castle
Chapter 170
Akela Castle
Date : Day 16 of Lunaeve 1024 Aethellgard Concord Year.
The afternoon at Wyvern Street Manor was surprisingly busy.
The peaceful atmosphere from earlier had disappeared as everyone prepared themselves for the evening.
They washed up, changed clothes, and made sure they looked their best.
Hyoren was no exception.
Meeting the ruler of Akela Barony wasn't something he could treat casually. At the very least—he didn't want to embarrass the Freedom Party.
Standing before the bathroom mirror, Hyoren carefully shaved away every trace of stubble until his face felt completely smooth. He then combed his now long black hair backward before neatly tying it behind his head.
Only after he was satisfied did he step into his bedroom.
Opening the wardrobe, his eyes quickly settled on his formal suit. Black velvet silk. Accented with elegant silver embroidery.
It was the suit Elise had half-forced him to buy during their visit to the luxury restaurant.
Back then, he had thought it was unnecessary. Now, he couldn't help but appreciate Elise's foresight. At least he didn't have to panic searching for proper attire before meeting the lord of Akela City.
After putting it on, Hyoren stood in front of the full-length mirror.
His dark eyes carefully inspected his reflection. He straightened the cuffs. Adjusted the tie. Smoothed a small wrinkle from his sleeve before giving the jacket one final tug.
“Good. Hair, checked. Suit, checked.”
He gave himself one last look.
“Now I won't embarrass the Freedom Party.”
Satisfied, Hyoren nodded to himself before leaving the master bedroom and heading downstairs.
By the time the clock reached seventeen—everyone was already waiting near the entrance.
Hyoren glanced around at his party before smiling.
“It seems everyone's ready. Good. We're right on time.”
Everyone nodded.
Then, his gaze naturally drifted toward Elise.
For a brief moment, he simply stared.
The elven ranger he had grown accustomed to seeing was nowhere to be found. Standing before the entrance instead was someone who looked every bit like an elven princess.
Her long silver hair had been let down instead of being tied into her usual practical ponytail. It flowed smoothly down her back like shimmering silk. A small portion on the left side had been delicately braided and secured with a small green ribbon, adding a simple yet elegant touch.
She wore only light makeup—just enough to gently enhance her already beautiful features without drawing attention to itself.
The green A-line dress she wore perfectly suited her. Its open-shoulder design highlighted her graceful figure, while a wide yellow silk ribbon wrapped neatly around her waist.
To ward off the winter chill, a thin, semi-transparent silk shawl rested lightly over her shoulders.
She is breathtaking…
Hyoren's gaze slowly shifted toward the cat-clan beastkin standing beside Elise. Gone was the flirtatious and teasing Vice Guild Master he saw every day.
Tonight, Ina presented an entirely different image.
She wore a black halter bodycon dress that hugged her petite figure perfectly. A golden belt around her waist subtly emphasized her feminine curves. Though she possessed a small frame, there was nothing childish about her appearance.
Instead—she looked every bit the graceful young lady.
Her short orange hair had been carefully combed and styled, giving it a more refined appearance than usual.
Unlike Elise, Ina wore slightly heavier makeup. Even so, it never felt excessive. Instead, it created a charming contrast. Her naturally youthful face now carried a hint of mature elegance.
Around her neck rested a large pearl necklace, its soft luster perfectly complementing the black dress.
Hyoren's eyes lingered on her for a brief moment.
She's beautiful too...
A faint smile formed on his lips.
If Elise resembled an elegant elven princess—then Ina looked like a sophisticated noble lady attending an evening banquet.
Even her usual restless cat tail had calmed, swaying only lightly behind her. Her cat ears rested lower than usual—not flattened, but relaxed—as though even she was unconsciously behaving more gracefully for the occasion.
Lastly, Hyoren's gaze landed on the energetic cat-clan beastkin.
Despite the formal occasion, Jackey still looked like he wanted to jump around at any moment. His tabby cat tail remained tightly spiraled behind him, occasionally twitching with excitement.
Hyoren quietly looked him over from head to toe.
At least. His orange hair had actually been combed.
At least. He was wearing a proper black tuxedo complete with a neatly tied necktie.
Everything looked tidy. Well, mostly. The suit was just a little too tight. Jackey's bulging biceps stretched the sleeves, while the fabric around his broad chest looked ready to surrender at any moment.
Then his eyes reached Jackey's face. That was still the same Jackey. His eager grin practically screamed that he wanted to run outside and do something.
At least... he tried.
Hyoren smiled helplessly.
And at least he won't embarrass us just by the way he looks… I just need to remind him not to say anything weird…
Hyoren then turned toward the two fox-clan beastkin caretakers.
“Lena, Vina. We don't know how long the meeting will take. But please take care of the house while we're away.”
Lena placed one hand over her chest before giving a small, respectful bow.
“Understood, Master Hyoren.”
Beside her, Vina also nodded energetically.
“We'll take care of everything!”
Hyoren smiled before turning back toward his party. He instinctively adjusted his tie one last time.
“Let's go, everyone. Time to meet the lord of this region.”
Everyone nodded.
Hyoren stepped toward the entrance.
Just as he reached for the doorknob—cling cling—the clear chime of the manor's doorbell echoed through the entrance hall.
Everyone froze. Elise tilted her head in confusion. Ina narrowed her amber eyes. Jackey simply blinked, looking completely clueless.
Hyoren frowned slightly.
“Who…?”
He reached for the handle and opened the door.
The sight waiting outside made his eyes widen.
Parked just beyond the manor's iron gate stood a luxurious carriage. Its polished black body reflected the cold silver light of Luna.
Elegant silver trim decorated its sides, while the door proudly bore the familiar crest of House Akela—a wolf holding a sword in its jaws.
Standing quietly on the front porch was an elderly gentleman.
He was tall, with neatly combed gray hair and a carefully trimmed mustache.
His posture was perfectly straight, carrying himself with the quiet dignity of someone who had served nobility for many years. He wore an immaculate black butler's uniform beneath a gentleman's hat.
The man patiently waited with both gloved hands resting atop the head of a polished walking cane, showing neither impatience nor haste despite arriving before the appointed time.
***
The butler noticed Hyoren the moment the manor door opened. A faint, professional smile appeared on his face.
He placed one hand over his chest before giving a flawless bow.
“Good afternoon, Mister Enjo. My name is Vesas Tien, Head Butler of House Akela. I have been instructed by my master to escort you and your companions to the castle.”
He turned slightly and gestured toward the luxurious carriage waiting beyond the iron gate.
“The carriage has been prepared for your arrival.”
Hyoren gulped.
For a brief moment, he completely lost his words.
They're... actually sending the Head Butler? And a carriage?
He and the others had fully intended to walk to the castle themselves. That was precisely why they had planned to leave an hour before the appointment.
To think, Baron Akela had prepared transportation for them instead.
Then another thought suddenly surfaced in his mind.
Vesas Tien? Isn't that basically a variation of Sebastian? Why did the stereotypical butler name suddenly appear in this world...?
He couldn't help but retort inwardly.
After a short moment, Hyoren coughed lightly to compose himself.
“Ahem...”
He returned the bow respectfully.
“Mister Vesas. First of all... please just call me Hyoren.”
He scratched his cheek awkwardly.
“I'm only a lowly adventurer.”
His gaze shifted toward the carriage parked outside.
“We were actually planning to walk. I never expected a carriage would be prepared for us.”
Vesas' smile remained calm and composed.
“As you wish, Mister Hyoren.”
He lightly touched the brim of his gentleman's hat.
“My master wished to receive his guests with the courtesy they deserve. It would not do to have honored guests to make the journey on foot.”
That was all he said. He offered no further explanation. Yet those simple words carried an unexpected implication.
It sounded less like Baron Akela was granting them a favor—and more like the Baron genuinely wished to receive them properly.
Hyoren considered asking why. Why would the ruler of an entire frontier barony go this far for a Bronze-ranked adventurer?
In the end, he held the question back. He would receive his answer soon enough. There was no need to pry before the meeting.
He gave a small nod.
“I see...”
Hyoren glanced over his shoulder. Elise. Ina. Jackey. The three quietly waited behind him, leaving the conversation entirely in his hands.
Seeing their trust, Hyoren turned back toward Vesas.
“Okay, Mister Vesas. We don't want to make the Baron wait.”
Vesas inclined his head.
“Very well. Please follow me.”
He turned and began walking toward the waiting carriage.
A polished walking cane rested comfortably in one gloved hand. Even so, his steps remained steady and upright, giving no impression that he actually needed its support.
Hyoren and the others quietly followed behind him.
Reaching the carriage, Vesas gracefully opened the door before stepping aside.
“Please.”
Hyoren nodded.
“Thank you.”
Without further delay, he and the rest of the Freedom Party climbed into the carriage.
Vesas gently closed the carriage door before making his way to the driver's seat.
A moment later, the carriage slowly began to move. The wheels rolled smoothly over the stone-paved road as they departed from Wyvern Street Manor.
Inside the carriage, Hyoren sat on one side with Elise and Ina beside him. Across from them sat Jackey.
Hyoren quietly looked around the carriage's interior.
It was far more luxurious than any carriage he had ridden before. The interior was decorated primarily in shades of deep red. The seats were thickly cushioned, almost like comfortable sofas rather than ordinary carriage benches. A velvet carpet covered the floor beneath their feet.
Between the seats rested a small wooden table, upon which several prepared drinks had already been placed should the passengers wish to partake.
As the carriage gradually picked up speed, Hyoren noticed something else.
There was barely any shaking. Even as the carriage rolled over uneven stones, the vibrations were remarkably gentle.
The suspension is good...
He couldn't help but be impressed.
For a while, the four simply looked around in silence, taking in the unexpected luxury.
The first to break the silence was Ina. Her cat ears perked thoughtfully.
“I wonder why...”
She looked toward Hyoren.
“This kind of treatment usually means only one thing, Hyoren...”
Hyoren slowly nodded.
“Yeah. I know the implication, Ina.”
He lightly tapped his chin.
“This isn't really for us… It's for them.”
He looked toward the carriage window.
“The Baron... needs something from us. But what?”
He frowned slightly.
“If it's about the dungeon… We already told Guild Master Fiona that we're planning to continue scouting it. Even if nobody asks us to.”
Elise crossed her arms.
“If it isn't about the dungeon… Could it be something related to the Forest of No Return?”
She leaned forward slightly to look past Hyoren toward Ina, her silver hair cascading over one shoulder.
“Has there been any rumor about increased goblin activity, Ina?”
Ina shook her head.
“No… We still send adventurers to periodically scout the edge of the forest. And I'm certain the Baron sends his own scouts as well. So far, none of the reports mention any unusual activity.”
She briefly glanced through the carriage window. Outside, the bustling streets of the Adventurer District slowly passed by.
“And besides… The Goblin King won't launch an attack until spring. Even goblins aren't foolish enough to invade during winter. The cold works against them.”
Jackey suddenly gave Hyoren an enthusiastic thumbs-up.
“Maybe because Freedom Party STRONG! BIG BRO STRONG! He wants to reward us for being strong!”
He raised his arms high.
“WOHOO!”
Hyoren could only smile wryly.
“Jackey… Please don't say things like that in front of the Baron, okay?”
Ina immediately shot her younger brother a sharp glare.
“Shut up, stupid little brother. I hope you won't utter a single weird word in front of the Baron. You don't want the gallows waiting for you, do you?”
Jackey instinctively grabbed his own neck. He frantically shook his head.
“NO!”
Everyone burst into laughter.
The brief joke eased the tension inside the carriage.
After the laughter faded, Hyoren folded his arms.
“But Jackey might actually be onto something.”
The others looked toward him.
“Maybe the Baron simply wants to make sure we continue clearing and scouting the dungeon.”
He smiled faintly.
The concept wasn't unfamiliar to him. Endorsement. Supporting a capable group to ensure they continued doing work beneficial to the territory.
At the moment—Freedom Party was the only party capable of pushing deeper into Akela Dungeon.
“We've already decided we're going to continue. But perhaps… The Baron wants to secure that commitment. So maybe that's the reason for all this treatment.”
Elise slowly nodded.
“Now that you mention it… That sounds possible. Sometimes nobles endorse a particular adventurer party. In return, that party becomes associated with the noble and answers to them.”
Hyoren grimaced slightly.
“But... could we refuse?”
A helpless smile appeared on his face.
“I named this party 'Freedom' because I wanted us to have freedom. If becoming tied to a noble means losing that...”
His voice gradually trailed off.
Before he could continue, Ina gently placed a hand on his arm.
“Don't worry. Baron Guts isn't an unreasonable man. He won't force you into anything.”
She smiled reassuringly.
“I think he'll simply ask you to continue dealing with the dungeon. Without placing too many restrictions on your party.”
Hyoren looked at her for a moment before smiling.
“If you say so, Ina… I trust you.”
The conversation naturally came to an end.
Outside, the city scenery continued to pass beyond the carriage windows. Inside, silence gradually returned. There was still uncertainty about why Baron Akela had summoned them.
Soon, they would meet the ruler of the Akela frontier for the very first time.
***
The carriage crossed the stone bridge spanning the wide moat before passing beneath the castle gate. The sound of wheels rolling across the stone echoed briefly before fading into the spacious castle courtyard.
Hyoren instinctively looked upward through the carriage window.
The castle loomed overhead.
Built from rugged black stone, the castle stood proudly atop the hill, its thick walls and towering battlements silently overlooking Akela City. From a distance, it had already looked imposing. From this close–it looked even more majestic.
The walls were far taller than he had imagined, while the defensive towers rose proudly toward the winter sky beneath the sun set.
The entire fortress radiated a quiet sense of authority. It wasn't extravagant. It wasn't decorated with excessive luxury. Instead—it possessed the solemn dignity expected of a fortress protecting frontier.
Not long afterward, the carriage gradually slowed before coming to a gentle stop at the foot of the broad stone staircase leading to the castle's main entrance.
A moment later, the carriage door opened.
Vesas stood outside.
“We have arrived, Mister Hyoren.”
He stepped aside before making a courteous gesture with one gloved hand.
“Please.”
Hyoren nodded.
“Thank you.”
He climbed down first. The cold winter air greeted him immediately. Behind him, Elise, Ina, and Jackey stepped out one after another.
Once everyone had gathered outside the carriage, Vesas offered another polite gesture.
“If you would please follow me.”
Without another word, he turned and began ascending the staircase.
Hyoren briefly glanced toward his party. Everyone quietly nodded back. Taking a steady breath, Hyoren followed after the head butler.
The others walked close behind.
Step by step. They climbed the broad stone staircase. The closer they approached, the more magnificent the castle became.
Before long, they reached the top of the staircase.
Standing before them was a pair of enormous wooden doors reinforced with thick black iron bands. Each door was nearly twice Hyoren's height.
Two fully armored knights stood guard on either side.
The moment Vesas approached, both knights straightened their posture in perfect unison. Neither spoke. Neither moved beyond the disciplined motion.
Vesas acknowledged them with a small approving nod before turning back toward Freedom Party.
A faint smile appeared on his composed face.
“There is no need to feel intimidated, Mister Hyoren. You and your companions are honored guests of my lord. You shall be received with the respect befitting that position.”
Vesas then turned and stepped through the already opened doors.
Hyoren unconsciously swallowed.
For the first time since arriving in this world. He entered a noble's castle. The castle of the lord who governed Akela Barony.
Someone he had never imagined he would one day meet.
***
The wide corridor welcomed them.
A long red carpet stretched from the entrance all the way down the hallway, while the tall ceiling made the interior feel even more spacious.
Hyoren quietly looked around as he walked.
Unlike what he had imagined–the castle wasn't filled with extravagant decorations. Instead of countless golden ornaments or expensive paintings, the walls displayed weapons once wielded by previous heads of House Akela.
Old swords. Battle-worn spears. A weathered shield bearing deep claw marks. Between them were carefully preserved antiques and ceremonial gifts bestowed by the Royal Family in recognition of distinguished service to the kingdom.
Every display seemed to tell a story.
Not of wealth, but of duty. Of generations who had defended the frontier.
I see…
The more Hyoren learned about House Akela. The greater his respect for it became. This house wasn't trying to display luxury. It was displaying its legacy.
Vesas continued leading them through several corridors before eventually stopping before a large wooden door.
He opened it smoothly.
“This way, please.”
Hyoren stepped inside.
It was a private reception room. Not the grand audience hall where the lord would formally receive petitioners and officials.
Instead, it was a room reserved for welcoming important guests.
The room was luxurious without feeling excessive.
A thick carpet covered the floor. A fireplace quietly warmed the room against the winter cold outside. Several comfortable sofas surrounded a polished wooden table at the center.
Just like the carriage—many of the furnishings shared the same red color scheme.
Vesas stepped aside before offering another respectful bow.
“Please have a seat, Mister Hyoren. My lord shall be with you shortly.”
Hyoren briefly looked toward Ina.
She gave him a small nod, silently telling him to follow the butler's instruction. Without hesitation, Hyoren walked over to one of the sofas. Elise, Ina, and Jackey quietly followed, taking their seats beside him.
Once everyone had settled down, Vesas bowed once more.
“Please excuse me.”
With that, he quietly left the room.
The door closed softly behind him, leaving only the Freedom Party inside the private reception room as they waited for the lord of Akela Barony.
***
The Freedom Party did not have to wait long.
Only a few moments after Vesas left, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed from beyond the door.
A moment later, the door slowly opened.
Hyoren and the others instinctively rose to their feet. There was no need for anyone to tell them. The one arriving could only be the lord of this castle.
Vesas entered first. Behind him followed two figures.
The first was someone Hyoren immediately recognized. Fiona Akela. Yet for a brief moment. He almost failed to recognize her.
Gone was the rough and feral Guild Master who always wore her guild uniform. Gone was the woman who casually swore, slammed tables, and dumped paperwork onto Ina before disappearing for days.
Standing before them now was an entirely different person.
Her medium-lenght fiery red hair, usually as untamed as dancing flames, had been carefully braided before being gathered into an elegant bun behind her head.
Light makeup accentuated her already striking features.
Elegant earrings adorned her ears. A bracelet rested around one wrist. Around her neck hung a necklace set with a deep crimson ruby that perfectly matched the dress she wore.
The crimson dress flowed gracefully to the floor with every step she took. Beneath its hem, Hyoren caught occasional glimpses of polished high heels replacing the familiar adventurer's boots.
Even her posture had changed. Every movement was measured. Every step graceful. She carried herself with the confidence and elegance expected of a noble lady.
Hyoren stared for a brief second.
If someone had told me this was the same Guild Master Fiona… I'd have called them crazy…
The difference was simply too great.
This woman looked nothing like the Guild Master he knew. She looked every bit the lady of House Akela.
Fiona's sharp crimson eyes swept calmly across the Freedom Party.
Her gaze paused briefly on Ina. Ina responded with a small look of indignation, clearly still holding a grudge over the past five days.
Fiona merely looked at her for a heartbeat before calmly looking away.
She offered the group nothing more than a graceful nod. No profanity. No shouting. No table slamming.
The contrast was so jarring that Hyoren almost wondered if he were looking at an entirely different person.
Hyoren's gaze then shifted to the second figure.
He had never met the man before. Even so, there was no doubt in his mind.
This was Baron Guts Akela. The ruler of Akela Barony.
Unlike Fiona's striking crimson dress, the Baron wore a finely tailored formal suit made of dark silk.Its design was elegant but understated. There were no excessive ornaments or flashy decorations. Only subtle embroidery around the cuffs and collar hinted at his noble status.
The first thing Hyoren noticed was their height. The two stood in stark contrast to one another. While Fiona stood tall, easily reaching at least one hundred and seventy-five centimeters. Baron Guts was much shorter. At most, he stood around one hundred and sixty-five centimeters.
Even Fiona was a full head taller than him.
His build also was lean rather than muscular. At first glance, he resembled a scholar more than a frontier lord.
His neatly combed dark brown hair matched the color of his eyes. Those eyes quietly swept across the room.
Within them, Hyoren saw intelligence. Experience. And quiet authority.Even the way the Baron stood carried an unmistakable presence. He wasn't imposing through his physique. He simply—commanded attention.
Hyoren unconsciously narrowed his eyes.
Strong…
There was something hidden beneath that seemingly ordinary body. Something immense.
He's definitely high level… And a magician of considerable caliber.
Hyoren hadn't even activated Simple Appraisal. Nor had he relied on Aethell Sense.
He didn't need either.
His instincts alone were enough to tell him that the man standing before him possessed tremendous power. Far beyond Dennis. Far beyond Robert and Fris, the runic specialists.
The Baron's presence was on an entirely different level.
No wonder… This is the man who held back the Goblin King's horde eight years ago.
The man whose defense of the western gate earned it the name—The Gate of Guts.
Despite that overwhelming presence, the Baron's expression was unexpectedly gentle. Unlike Fiona's naturally stern appearance, Guts wore a warm smile.
His eyes still reflected wisdom and authority.
Yet beneath them was a quiet kindness that immediately softened the atmosphere of the room.
The Baron's smile widened.
He stepped forward with an easy, welcoming gait, completely lacking the stiff dignity Hyoren had expected from a ruling noble.
“Now, now… There is no need for formalities. This is an informal meeting.”
He stopped before Hyoren.
“You must be Mister Hyoren Enjo. The leader of the Freedom Party?”
His brown eyes locked into Hyoren’s dark ones.
“My wife has spoken quite a lot about you. It is good to finally meet you. I am Guts Akela.”
With a warm smile, he extended his hand.
Hyoren hesitated for a brief moment.
A handshake...?
It wasn't what he had expected. Still, ignoring the gesture would only be more disrespectful. He reached forward and accepted it.
At the same time, he gave a slight bow.
“Good to meet you, my lord. And... I am not worthy enough to be called 'Mister.'”
Guts laughed softly. His smile only grew wider.
“Then you do not need to call me 'my lord,' either. Just call me Guts.”
Hyoren almost smiled wryly. Baron Guts Akela had already surprised him several times.
He wasn't anything like the nobles described in the stories Hyoren had read. There was no arrogance. No condescending attitude. No unnecessary airs.
Then Hyoren remembered something.
Right… Baron Guts used to be a Silver-ranked adventurer. Maybe that's where this personality came from.
He looked back at the Baron before giving an apologetic smile.
“I couldn't do that, my lord...”
He thought for a brief moment.
“How about... Baron Guts?”
It felt like the safest compromise. More casual than calling him my lord. Yet still respectful of his position.
Guts nodded approvingly.
“Good! I already like you, Hyoren.”
Hyoren noticed something else.
At some point, Guts had naturally dropped the honorifics when addressing him.
The Baron then gestured toward the sofas.
“Okay, okay. No need to be so stiff. Come. Let's sit.”
Baron Guts and Fiona took the seats at the head of the reception area.
Hyoren and the others sat on the opposite sofas.
Meanwhile, Vesas remained standing behind Baron Guts. His posture was ramrod straight, quietly waiting should his master require anything.
Baron Guts then glanced toward the man standing behind him.
“Vesas.”
That single word was enough.
The head butler immediately understood what his master wanted.
Without asking for further instruction, Vesas lightly tapped the floor once with his walking cane.
Only a few moments later—the reception room door opened once again.
Several maids entered in orderly formation, each carrying a silver tray filled with refreshments. Not a single unnecessary word was spoken. With practiced efficiency, they moved around the room.
One by one, small plates of snacks were placed neatly upon the table. Fresh tea was poured into every cup.
After everyone had been served, one maid remained standing quietly beside a small side table, ready should anyone require more tea.
The others gave respectful bows before silently leaving the room. The door closed gently behind them.
Hyoren watched the entire exchange in silence. Everything had been executed so naturally that it almost felt rehearsed countless times. It was the first time he had witnessed the daily service inside a noble household.
Baron Guts smiled before gesturing toward the refreshments.
“Now, now. Please, enjoy the tea. Our conversation may take a while.”
Without the slightest hesitation, the Baron picked up his own teacup. Afterwards he casually tossed a cookie into his mouth.
Beside him, Fiona did exactly the same.
Seeing the hosts make the first move, Hyoren glanced toward his party. Everyone quietly nodded in understanding.
Only then did they each reach for a teacup. Carefully, they took their first sip while waiting for the real purpose of the meeting to begin.
***
Baron Guts gently set his teacup back onto its saucer with a click. It marked the beginning of the reason they had been summoned.
Baron Guts noticed the subtle tension on their faces.
He smiled reassuringly.
“Now. Now. There is no need to be nervous.”
He leaned forward slightly.
“I apologize if this invitation was rather sudden. But truthfully… I have wanted to meet all of you for quite some time already.”
Hyoren almost tilted his head in confusion before stopping himself.
“Pardon?”
Guts chuckled softly.
“Easy now...”
His eyes briefly drifted toward Fiona before returning to the four seated opposite him.
“At first, I heard about your party when my steward reported that someone had accepted and completed the investigation request for Stone Well Village.”
He paused.
Hyoren's eyes widened ever so slightly.
Stone Well Village...
The ghost village. The place where the Voided Covenant—the Noctynara heretics which twisted Her teachings—had performed their cursed ritual and caused an entire village to vanish overnight.
Baron Guts continued.
“That request had nearly been forgotten. For a very long time, no one accepted it.”
He clasped both hands on his lap.
“Then a newly formed party, consisting of a veteran elven ranger and an unknown young adventurer, uncovered the truth behind what had happened there.”
A smile appeared on his face.
“For that alone… I am sincerely grateful. Thanks to your investigation, we now know that a cell of the Voided Covenant may be operating within my territory. That knowledge has allowed us to begin preparing appropriate countermeasures.”
Hyoren and the others quietly listened. None of them interrupted.
The Baron calmly lifted his teacup for another sip before continuing.
“Then another report arrived. The very same party had single-handedly destroyed a goblin settlement of over three hundred monsters. Not only that… You discovered a newly formed dungeon. Then defeated a Servant of Gidol.”
He suddenly laughed.
“When my wife first reported all of that to me… I almost thought she had lost her mind!”
Beside him, Fiona's eyebrow twitched. For a brief moment—her usual fierce expression almost resurfaced—threatening to shatter the image of the refined noble lady she had maintained since entering the room.
But somehow, she held it back.
Baron Guts continued as though he hadn't noticed.
“Then another report reached my desk. After the dungeon was officially opened, adventurers throughout Akela began reporting that it was far more dangerous than originally estimated. Most parties barely managed to scratch the surface.”
He shook his head.
“Yet one party fully mapped the first floor… And even defeated first floor guardian.”
His gaze settled squarely on Hyoren. A smile slowly spread across his face.
“And would you believe which party accomplished all of that?”
He chuckled.
“Yes. The Freedom Party. Once again, your party's name appeared in one of my urgent reports. Hahaha.”
Hyoren had never realized that his party's accomplishments had been noticed by the ruler of Akela Barony long before the dungeon expedition.
He had honestly believed this summons was only about the Akela Dungeon.
I really can't underestimate how much information the nobility gathers…
He quietly bowed his head.
“Thank you for the praise, Baron Guts. But I don't think we deserve all of it… I believe we were simply lucky.”
Guts scoffed. He leaned comfortably against the backrest of the sofa.
“Pah. So you're trying to be humble, huh?”
A grin spread across his face.
“But please. I was a Silver-ranked adventurer myself. I've fought goblin hordes. Dived into dungeons. And battled Servants of Gidol.”
His smile gradually faded. His brown eyes sharpened.
“You need far more than luck to accomplish all of that… Especially as a newcomer like yourself.”
Hyoren's shoulders unconsciously stiffened. His heartbeat quickened.
Is he trying to probe my origin as Spirited Away? My strength? My Divine Protection?
If the Baron truly wished to investigate him, there was very little Hyoren could do.
Fortunately—Baron Guts immediately noticed the subtle tension. His expression softened once again.
“Now. Now. There is no need to be alarmed. I have no intention of prying into your secrets.”
He raised both hands slightly in a reassuring gesture.
“But… Please do not be overly humble. It does neither you nor your party any favors. Acknowledge your own achievements.”
His gaze slowly drifted toward the tall window beside them. Beyond the glass, the three celestial bodies quietly illuminated the winter sky.
For a brief moment—The Baron's expression turned distant. Almost nostalgic.
“Because sometimes… Being too humble can invite jealousy as well.”
Hyoren blinked.
Those words carried a weight that only someone with years of experience could speak with.
He slowly nodded.
“I'll keep that in mind... Baron Guts.”
The Baron smiled again.
“Good. Now… As for why I wished to meet all of you.”
He looked toward the entire Freedom Party.
“To put it simply… I wanted to personally congratulate the party that has contributed so much to this territory. Your efforts have been nothing short of remarkable. As the ruler of Akela Barony… I wished to thank you personally.”
His gaze swept across the four adventurers.
“I have also prepared a gift for your party. I believe you deserved it.”
Hyoren instinctively opened his mouth. He was about to refuse.
Before a word could leave his lips—Ina gently touched his thigh. It was only for a brief moment. Yet the meaning was perfectly clear.
Don't.
Hyoren immediately remembered. Refusing a noble's sincere gift could easily be interpreted as disrespect. He quietly swallowed the words he had been about to say.
Instead, he bowed.
“We are sincerely grateful, Baron Guts. Though we are undeserving.”
The Baron nodded in satisfaction.
“One more thing. The gates of this castle shall always remain open to the Freedom Party should you ever find yourselves in need of assistance.”
He glanced toward Fiona beside him.
“Or… You may simply seek out my wife at the Adventurer's Guild if that is more convenient. Hahaha.”
That finally eased the last of Hyoren's tension. A genuine smile appeared on his face.
“Thank you for your consideration, Baron Guts.”
Now he understood why they had been invited. The Baron hadn't intended to bind the Freedom Party beneath his authority. That realization alone brought immense relief.
But then, Baron Guts slowly clasped his hands together before his mouth.
“But… There is one more matter.”
The warmth disappeared from his expression. His voice grew noticeably more serious.
“At first, I truly intended to invite you here simply to express my gratitude.”
He paused.
“However… Something happened five days ago. So… There is another matter we must discuss.”
Five days ago.
Hyoren immediately recalled Ina's complaints earlier that morning. That was also when Fiona had suddenly vanished from the Adventurer's Guild, leaving every responsibility behind.
Even now—the composed expression Fiona had maintained throughout the meeting nearly cracked.
Hyoren felt a chill crawl down his spine. A vague sense of dread quietly settled in his chest.
Baron Guts leaned forward. His eyes met Hyoren's.
“Now… I require your help.”
The atmosphere inside the reception room immediately changed.
The relaxed conversation vanished. What had begun as a meeting to offer thanks. Had become something else entirely.
The ruler of Akela Barony—the man responsible for protecting the entire frontier—was asking a favor of the Freedom Party.
And from everything Hyoren knew. A noble's request was rarely ever simple.