“Excuse me? You came to find me?”
“Yes. That’s correct.”
Instead of the confused me, Lucy took the lead in the conversation.
During that time, I slowly looked around.
Honestly, I was curious too.
After all, a Door Guard wouldn’t normally have a reason to come here, right?
“Surprisingly, it’s not much different from an ordinary bar.”
“Eh… yeah, that’s true.”
Unlike what we expected, the Rainbow Sherbet, or the Door Guard, looked no different from other bars on the surface.
There was a long counter with bar tables where a middle-aged man who seemed to be a bartender and a woman in a revealing dress were busily moving around, and from behind the wall, sounds of a kitchen could be heard.
The seat we were sitting at had nothing special except for cushioned chairs.
‘Just seems like a regular pub.’
I was slightly disappointed.
I thought it would be more like a club or some seedy place from dramas and movies.
Even Earl seemed dissatisfied with what he saw compared to his expectations.
“It’s time for you to return to the Royal Palace now, Prince Heffner.”
“Huh? What did you say?”
Right as I was lost in thought, Lucy’s voice pierced through my ears filled with reluctance.
Looks like the conversation ended while I was daydreaming.
Guess I should get up then…
“I’m sorry, but just go back without me.”
“…?”
What did I just hear?
It sounded like a dismissal.
Seems like Lucy didn’t expect this situation either, judging by her flustered voice.
“Wa, what do you mean? You’re not going back to the palace?”
“I’m no longer a prince. Thus, I cannot take on such a heavy responsibility.”
“There is no legitimate successor to the Arion Kingdom other than you, Prince Heffner Arion!”
At Lucy’s urgent shout, Heffner wore a bitter expression.
“Heffner Arion… It’s been a long time since I’ve heard that name. Right now, I’m Argon, the manager of Rainbow Sherbet, not Prince Heffner of the kingdom. Whatever expectations you came with, please leave. I’m satisfied with my life here.”
“A-are you…”
Lucy couldn’t close her mouth in confusion.
Who would have guessed a man who gave up the unparalleled power of being king to work at a door guard station?
Though frankly, whether that guy abdicated or not wasn’t really my business, but this situation was surely going to complicate things.
I’d prefer to resolve this verbally if possible, but there might be no choice.
“Your opinion doesn’t matter.”
I spoke as coldly as possible towards Heffner who was standing up from his seat.
To show off the demeanor of an arrogant Master.
“… Excuse me?”
“I’m a soldier, so I must carry out orders. The Crown Prince ordered me to bring you back, so I’ll accomplish that any way I can.”
“Do you mean to kidnap me now?”
“If you come willingly, it won’t come to that.”
I slowly stood up.
And faintly emitted aura to pressure Heffner.
Better not involve others unnecessarily.
“Ah, Sir Allen, wait a moment!”
“Stay put. The Commander is right.”
Earl stopped Lucy who was about to stand up in panic and made her sit back down.
Still quick-witted as ever, which makes things easier.
“… Judging by your unfamiliarity, you must be from another country. Since you mentioned the Crown Prince, you must be from the Empire.”
“That’s correct. Impressive observation. So following quietly would be best…”
“Then I cannot go even more.”
His refusal was firmer than before, causing me to furrow my brows.
What gives him the audacity to talk back like this?
Just as I was about to sigh, Heffner continued.
“Although I said I don’t want to ascend the throne, I am well aware of my position. How can we guarantee the Empire isn’t using me to seize control of the kingdom?”
Ah, that’s a point I hadn’t considered.
Indeed, it’s a valid argument.
But you should know…
We’re not the only ones who want you.
“Do you think other countries won’t have the same idea? Once we figured out your position, it’s only a matter of time before others find you too. Might as well come with us peacefully.”
“And how is that humane exactly? Aren’t you threatening me right now?”
“Threatening? Hah… Would you like to see what real threats look like?”
– Roar!
In response to my will, Opheucus transformed into a sword.
Heffner’s eyes started to tremble upon seeing the sudden appearance of the blade at his neck.
Proof that despite trying to act calm, he’s still just a kid.
“Would you like to come quietly, or shall we make you hurt somewhere first?”
“Grr…!”
As I pushed the chilling blade towards him, the boy bit his lips.
Then, lowering his head, he began speaking in a trembling voice.
“Ah, alright…”
“No!!!”
Suddenly, four women appeared and blocked Heffner’s front, shouting loudly.
Judging by their attire and makeup, they seemed to be working here at night.
“We don’t know what’s going on, but we won’t let you take this boy away!”
The leading woman pointed at me and shouted.
Her heavy makeup made it hard to tell, but she seemed to be the eldest among them here.
“Move aside. This has nothing to do with you.”
“It does! We’re his family!”
“That’s right! Where were you when you abandoned him? And now you want to take him away?”
“You never visited once all these years!”
“Kill all of us if you want to take him away!”
Despite their bold declarations, they were visibly trembling.
Their tears streaming down wiped off their makeup, making quite an unsightly sight.
Can they even properly receive customers like this?
While pondering such trivial thoughts, Heffner pushed past the women and knelt in front of me.
“I’ll follow. Please forgive these ladies kindly.”
“Aragon!”
“That’s enough! We already called for help so…”
“Stop!”
Heffner shouted loudly.
Silencing the women’s cries instantly, he smiled innocently.
Clearly a forced smile to avoid worrying them.
“You know it’s useless. They can’t handle someone like you.”
“A-Aragon…”
“It’s not like I’m going to die. They want to make me king. If I become one, I’ll make this place the best shop in the red-light district. Just wait a little longer, okay?”
“… Waaah…”
“Aaaaargh… Aragon!”
Touched by his firm words or saddened by them, the women surrounded Heffner and cried.
Watching this melodrama unfold in front of me made me feel like the villain.
Eil seemed to share the same sentiment as he whispered near me.
“How did we end up as the villains?”
“Shut up.”
“What are you going to do? Really take him away like this? He looks like he might commit suicide on the way.”
“I get it, so shut up already. Gah… Why does everything always go wrong?”
“The commander’s destiny is just like that. Playing the villain role doesn’t suit you, does it?”
“Tch…”
Watching Eil retreat quickly while snickering, I sighed deeply.
Looks like returning soon won’t be possible.
Returning Opheucus to its bracelet form, I addressed the sea of tears in front of me.
“I’ll come back tomorrow.”
“… Pardon?”
Seeing this dazed state, I wondered if making him king is really a good idea.
The impressive figure from earlier was nowhere to be seen as I shook my head looking at Heffner.
“Think carefully. You need to give me a clear answer tomorrow.”
“Then, does that mean I can stay here?”
“Consider that carefully too. Whether staying here is truly beneficial for you.”
“What do you mean by that…?”
Without saying anything further, I headed towards the exit.
Lucy’s voice reached my ears from behind.
“I’ll stay a bit longer to have a chat. It’s best to resolve this through conversation, right?”
“Do as you wish. You’re not my subordinate after all.”
“Understood!”
Lucy nodded brightly with a smile.
Her cheerful smile somehow reminded me of Senna.
Is it okay for the Guild Leader to be this energetic?
Shaking my head, I headed outside.
Click-
Stepping outside, I stretched lazily, relaxing my expression.
“Haa~ This is exhausting.”
“You brought this upon yourself by doing something that doesn’t suit you.”
“Are you going to say that too?”
“But it’s the truth. Allen doesn’t suit the role of a villain.”
Looking at Black Wolf who said this calmly, I covered my face with my hand.
Was it really that unsuitable?
I tried my best, yet everyone evaluates me like this, it’s kind of sad.
“What are you going to do now?”
“What can I do… Let’s see…?”
For us to return to the Empire as soon as possible, we absolutely needed Heffner, the only prince.
Although returning late won’t cause major issues, given the current tense situation due to recent terrorism, Crown Prince Theron’s anxiety is growing, so it’s better to complete this mission.
Personally, my vacation days are running out, and spending time like this feels unfair.
Shaking his head repeatedly, Earl suggested,
“Let’s find lodging first. Then we can contact His Highness and ask.”
“Hmm, that’s probably best. Let’s secure nearby accommodations just in case.”
“Will there even be decent lodging in the red-light district?”
“There must be somewhere. Stop complaining and start looking.”
“Understood!”
Thus, we dispersed to search for accommodation.
Hopefully, Lucy can successfully persuade the young prince.
***
And after Allen’s group scattered.
“Definitely. The heir to the Arigon Kingdom is definitely over there.”
“While the Master is absent, it’s best to move quickly.”
“Yeah.”
Mysterious figures began approaching Rainbow Sherbet.
Drawing out their chilly blades.
