“Black hair, pale, on the slim side, dark brown eyes, but his right eye is white. Also, he’s got some small red dog with him.” [???]

Three men were inside the luxurious office. Edwin, standing at attention, was being told of the situation by Governor Isecke who was sitting at his desk. Apparently, someone had fought and killed twenty soldiers before their captain had shown up to deal with him. However, the A rank was soundly defeated in a single hit. Moreover, after his men ran away scared, he was presumably kidnapped by the perpetrator.

Although Edwin didn’t like Bern who always abused his authority to have his way with women, he knew he was strong. He wasn’t an A rank for show. Whoever beat him so easily was definitely dangerous.

“Make sure you find this guy and kill him before Earl Tenneb arrives.” [Isecke]

As expected, it took all of his efforts to not frown when he heard the governor’s order. He would have to deal with their problem alone, which was basically suicide. The soldiers had been deployed and were searching through every nook and cranny for their target. If they found him, they would report his location and probably send Edwin by himself first. He wasn’t considered a part of them, but that was the one thing he was grateful for.

“… Understood.” [Edwin]

The blonde-haired, quietly smiling man accepted his mission.

“But, governor, I’ve run out of medicine…” [Edwin]

“Huh? Oh, it was about time. Here you go.” [Isecke]

After the governor passed him a bottle of pills that he carefully stored in his coat’s breast pocket, he left the office.

“Governor, you really think he can handle it?” [Soldier]

The uniformed man that was standing beside Isecke the whole time spoke up once the blonde-haired man was gone.

“He will if he wants to get paid.” [Isecke]

Isecke, a skinny man with unhealthy pale skin and sunken cheeks, took out a cigar from his drawer.

“But that pretty boy never beat Bern. He can’t kill the guy that beat him.” [Soldier]

“Maybe, but he killed others before.” [Isecke]

On his desk was a short, golden tube the length of his index finger on a circular disk. He took off the cap, pressed the button on the disk and fire came out from the top.

“B ranks even.” [Isecke]

Isecke put the cigar in his mouth, lit it and inhaled a few puffs before coughing.

“*Cough cough cough* Urk, as I was saying, Edwin killed B ranks.” [Isecke]

“I know. He’s the pretty boy that just won’t die no matter who we send him to kill.” [Soldier]

“Exactly. Maybe he can get rid of our problem without us needing to lose any more men. It would be good if he found where Bern is too. He’s a precious A rank soldier.” [Isecke]

The governor combed his black hair to the back that was a bit disarrayed after his coughing fit and smiled wickedly.

“If he fails, we can finally stop paying him.” [Isecke]

After Edwin left the mansion, he headed outside of Jadistro. The land around the town was mostly covered in grass, but there was a small forested area nearby that he often visited in the past. Even now, he still went there, but the reason was different. He didn’t go there with his family to have fun like he used to, but to clear his mind. He had received his next assignment and he needed a bit of time alone to steel himself. It was a routine of his. One that he needed to keep going.

However, things didn’t go as he had thought.

After walking for thirty minutes, he reached the small sea of trees and took a deep breath. Normally, he would then inhale as if expelling all of the guilt, anger and stress that he had built up, but this time, his breath was caught in his throat.

At a slight distance, crouching behind some bushes in front of him was Ryner along with Mi.

“(A black-haired man followed by a red puppy… It’s him. Why is he here? Did he escape to here? Is Bern here too?)” [Edwin]

As questions swirled around in his head, Edwin’s feet stopped moving and his eyes opened wide since he so easily found his target without needing to search for him. It was a stroke of luck. However, he was also frozen in place because he didn’t expect it at all.

Still, his hand reflexively went for one of the knives he slipped in his back pocket and hovered there, shaking slightly. Just as he was hesitating, Ryner turned around and called out to him.

“What are you doing? Hurry up and get down!” [Ryner]

He whispered to him urgently while gesturing for him to come over and hide.

“… Uhhh… Alright…?” [Edwin]

A bit confused, Edwin did as he was told and crouched next to him. A part of his mind thought that, at the very least, he managed to approach his target. Next would be to eliminate him before he could react and to do that, he needed to appear harmless. The man next to him took down Bern who was an A rank. He had to tread carefully.

“Excuse me, but what are we doing exactly?” [Edwin]

Edwin said as he showed a charming and good-natured smile. Half of his act was for his mission while the other half was because he really wanted to know why he had to hide.

“Look over there.” [Ryner]

He turned his sight at where Ryner was pointing over the bushes and saw between the trees the silhouettes of two people. There was a man and a woman talking to each other, though he couldn’t hear them because they were too far away.

“They look like a couple.” [Ryner]

“… Maybe.” [Edwin]

It wasn’t weird that there were other people around. Edwin wasn’t the only one who knew about the small forested area near Jadistro. Many others did and would go there for various reasons. Some would go to spend time with their families like he did. Others would arrange a rendezvous with their lovers.

“… But, why are you spying on them?” [Edwin]

The blonde-haired man looked at Ryner questioningly.

“Isn’t it obvious?” [Ryner]

The latter returned his gaze with a strange one that basically conveyed “What’s with that dumb question?” without words.

“Because it’s fun.” [Ryner]

“Fun?” [Edwin]

“Yeah. Seeing two people in love laughing together, supporting one another and just being happy around each other really warms up your chest.” [Ryner]

“That’s true, I gue-.” [Edwin]

“The best part is when the man gets dumped hard. It just brings a smile to your face, especially when you’re single.” [Ryner]

“… Haha… Hahahaha…” [Edwin]

Once again, Edwin was dumbfounded and could only manage a dry laugh.

Afterwards, the two watched the young couple silently from their hiding place. At the start, the man and woman were talking calmly. Then, for some reason, their expressions slowly twisted into anger and frustration. They began gesturing with their hands and raising their voices.

“… It looks like they’re having a quarrel.” [Edwin]

Edwin commented, focused on the drama unfolding before him.

“The girl’s confronting him about his infidelity.” [Ryner]

“You can tell what they’re saying?” [Edwin]

“I can read lips. Right now, the girl is yelling at him about it.” [Ryner]

Ryner put a hand on his throat and spoke in a soft, high-pitched voice.

“Why did you cheat on me with that cactus!?” [Ryner]

“… Huh?” [Edwin]

Ignoring Edwin’s stunned expression, he observed the man that was frantically saying something to the woman.

“I couldn’t help it! The cactus felt better to the touch!” [Ryner]

He said in a low-pitched voice.

“Cac, cactus? Um, no, wait…” [Edwin]

“You think I’ll forgive you for this!” [Ryner]

Again, he imitated the woman’s voice as she screamed at the man.

“What about you?! I know you’ve been hoarding chocolate behind my back!” [Ryner]

Again, he imitated the man’s voice as he roared at the woman.

“Chocolate tastes better, dumbass!” [Ryner]

He dubbed over their voices for Edwin who was frozen next to him.

“You’re hysterical! I should have listened to the cactus!” [Ryner]

“E-excuse me, but…” [Edwin]

“What? Here comes the best part!” [Ryner]

Ryner pointed out the couple that was fighting, interrupting Edwin’s words. The woman slapped the man in the face and yelled something with tears in her eyes.

“’I’m through helping you study! Go fail by yourself!’ is what she said.” [Ryner]

Ryner said in a high-pitched voice and nodded to himself.

“Yeah, that’s the end, alright. That guy’s once again a fellow lone-I mean a fellow brother.” [Ryner]

“… Did they really say all that?” [Edwin]

“Are you doubting me? I told you I could read lips.” [Ryner]

“But their conversation didn’t make any sense.” [Edwin]

“Fine. If you think I made it all up, let’s go ask them.” [Ryner]

“Huh? Wai-!” [Edwin]

Suddenly, Ryner stood up and ran out of his hiding spot.

“HEY, LADY!” [Ryner]

He yelled at the couple while waving his hand over his head and running towards them.

“IT WASN’T THE CACTUS’ FAULT! IT WAS THE COCONUT! ALSO, YOU’LL GET FAT IF YOU EAT TOO MUCH CHOCOLATE!” [Ryner]

Seeing the weird man running towards them while spouting weird things, the startled couple forgot about their quarrel and hurriedly escaped as they screamed in fear.

“… What is he doing?” [Edwin]

Edwin muttered to no one in particular.

Shortly after, Ryner came back with a refreshed expression on his face.

“I just asked them. They said that I was right.” [Ryner]

He declared nonchalantly.

“… No. You were definitely wrong.” [Edwin]

“Huh? Was it that obvious?” [Ryner]

“Haha… They thought you were crazy and ran for their lives.” [Edwin]

The blonde-haired man laughed dryly and put on a cramped smile.

“What was the point of lying to me about their conversation and scaring them away?” [Edwin]

“I told you. It’s fun.” [Ryner]

“How is it any fun?” [Edwin]

“Messing with people is one of the few joys in life.” [Ryner]

“…” [Edwin]

“It’s right up there along with good food and naps.” [Ryner]

“… Hahaha… I guess that’s true.” [Edwin]

Edwin nodded with a twitching smile, wondering if he didn’t have a screw loose.

“It’s a bit rude of me, but some people might find you strange if you don’t watch how you act.” [Edwin]

“I don’t want to hear that from a guy that walks around with a dozen knives hidden in his clothes.” [Ryner]

This time, his expression stiffened up and his mind desperately worked to come up with an excuse.

“Ha… Hahaha… That’s true, but, you never know when there’s a need to defend yourself.” [Edwin]

“Hmm, if you say so.” [Ryner]

Somehow, he managed to cover up the real reason why he was armed. Rather, it felt like he was let off the hook. Edwin then quickly changed the topic and ignored the cold sweat that soaked his back.

After talking with him a bit more, he, unfortunately, didn’t learn anything useful. Ryner always diverted the topic to random subjects such as cactus, coconuts and chocolate.

For now, Edwin decided to retreat, sort out the information he obtained and try again once he was better prepared.

Although talking to his target was mentally tiring, the biggest reason was because his hidden knives were so easily seen through. He didn’t know if his real intention was exposed too and he didn’t plan to stick around to find out.

As he left, Ryner was waving at his back.

“Finally. Thought he’d never leave.” [Ryner]

Once he was out of view, Ryner said out loud and scratched the back of his head. He then looked to the side where Mi was curled up and soundly asleep.

“No wonder you were so quiet.” [Ryner]

Walking past the red puppy, he rummaged through the bushes a bit away from where he had spied on the couple. He pulled out from the thick foliage an unconscious Bern.

“Good thing I dismantled the torture room before anyone saw it.” [Ryner]

He told himself as he took a black jacket from his pocket dimension, wore it over his red shirt and pulled up the hood.

“Mi, wake up. This place is a horrible hiding spot. They already sent a blonde assassin, so we need to get to work now.” [Ryner]

“Here! On the house!” [???]

After Edwin returned to town, he was accosted by a middle-aged woman who ran a stand selling vegetables. She offered him a brown paper bag full of carrots, potatoes and onions.

“Is it alright for me to take all of this?” [Edwin]

“Of course! Just accept it already!” [Middle-aged woman]

The chubby woman with dull red hair pushed the bag to his chest while sporting a huge smile.

“This is for your sister too! Mireille needs to eat a lot if she wants to grow up big!” [Middle-aged woman]

“… Thank you very much, Bertra. You’re always giving us free goods. I feel like we’re leeching off you.” [Edwin]

Edwin offered his thanks and smiled wryly.

“What? Don’t worry about it. I’ve known you two since you were small. This much is normal, given how our esteemed governor keeps raising the taxes.” [Bertra]

She laughed his concerns away and slapped his shoulder. In front of her, Edwin felt like his throat was constricted. Even though times had been tough, she was still smiling. Rather, she was forcing herself to smile and tried to cheer people up. She was a strong woman that often helped him and his sister in the past.

That was why interacting with her was so difficult.

“Besides, I’m in a good mood since our honorable keepers of the law just got their butts whooped by one guy.” [Bertra]

Bertra added in a lower voice.

“… Yes, I’ve heard.” [Edwin]

“I didn’t see it myself, but he took on twenty and even that sleazebag captain. Apparently, he started the fight because they were going to hurt his dog. Whoops, look at me talking. You need to get back to your sister.” [Bertra]

“Haha, no, it was a very interesting talk.” [Edwin]

“Well, go on then. Make sure you cook a nice, healthy meal with those veggies. Tell Mireille I said hi! And stay well! Things will look up soon!” [Bertra]

Edwin thanked the good-natured vegetable seller again and left as she waved at him while grinning.

“I’m sorry.” [Edwin]

Although he kept a smile on his face, bitter words of apology slipped from his mouth and were heard by no one.

“I, I don’t have any money on me…” [???]

“Whaaaat? We’re working hard to keep you folks safe. Shouldn’t you show us some gratitude?” [???]

He walked towards his house and did his best to ignore the soldiers demanding an elderly woman to give them money.

“Hahaha! Look at him!” [???]

“Don’t get in our way while we’re looking for a criminal! Or could it be, are you hiding him!?” [???]

Or the ones laughing at a man that they knocked on the ground.

He only focused on the way to his house and nothing more.

Once Edwin closed the door behind him, a sigh of relief escaped from his lips. After putting the bag of vegetables on the table in the kitchen, he went to his sister’s room, stopped in front of the door and took a deep breath. As usual, he made sure to smile properly before knocking on the door.

“Mireille, I’m home.” [Edwin]

“Welcome home, Edwin.” [Mireille]

Mireille’s voice sounded from the other side, signaling for him to enter.

“Here’s your medicine. Make sure you take it after your meal.” [Edwin]

“Thank you very much. What are we having for dinner?” [Mireille]

“Actually, Bertra gave me some fresh vegetables, so I’ll make a vegetable stew for us.” [Edwin]

“Bertra did? Please thank her for me. She’s always helping us out.” [Mireille]

“Haha, I told her the same thing.” [Edwin]

After he sat down on the chair by her bed, it was the usual routine. He would tell her about his day and they would talk about mundane things. The quiet time he spent with his little sister soothed him. Unfortunately, he would find himself lying to her quite often since he couldn’t tell her about his job.

Yet, this time…

“Today, I met this strange man.” [Edwin]

He spoke of the man that he was tasked with killing. He told her how he saw him in the small forest that they used to visit when their parents were still alive, how he ended spying on a couple with him and how he scared them away.

“Hahahahaha! R-really~?! Ca, cactus~… Hahaha!” [Mireille]

The result was Mireille’s uncontrolled laughter. Edwin couldn’t help but stare at her. It had been a while since he last saw her laugh so energetically.

“And then? What happened next?” [Mireille]

His younger sister asked cheerfully.