“Can you imagine it? A life without connections, without friends, without help—only ridicule and pain.”

  “To you, maybe this just seems like some petty conflict between classmates, something too trivial to even mention.”

  “But because of your family, your strength—everything you are—you can stand tall, push back against the bullies, and effortlessly come out on top.”

  “But for those children from commoner families… they can’t.”

  “Because the moment they fight back, what awaits them isn’t victory—but even more brutal beatings, even… release, in the truest sense of the word.”

  “When you’ve been at the top too long, it’s easy to forget how cruel and dark life can be at the bottom.”

  At those words, Hilda lowered her head and spoke softly, almost cautiously, “I’m sorry… I didn’t know…”

  Of course she didn’t.

  Raised in the Clan of the Blade Masters, how could she have ever experienced school bullying—let alone witnessed it?

  Everyone who faced her would wear a smile and show her only their best side.

  She had no concept of such things, no way to even imagine them.

  Not until Caius laid it out for her in the most direct, tangible way possible.

  Only then could she begin to understand the hardship behind it all.

  Little Swan knew how to apologize—she truly was a good girl.

  Caius felt a flicker of emotion stir in his heart. Then he shook his head.

  “No need to apologize. This is just reality. I’m actually glad… glad that even as a noble, you haven’t used your status to oppress the weak.”

  “A true strong one should always draw the line at the freedom of the weak.”

  “That’s how you keep from losing yourself—and earn the right to be called strong.”

  “You’re able to do that, and I respect you for it.”

  Caius’s words lit up Hilda’s eyes. She smiled, a little emotional herself.

  “I should be the one admiring you,” she said. “I’ve always heard that mercenaries were just a bunch of cutthroats chasing coin—but you’re different.”

  “You went to such lengths to help a poor girl… that’s incredibly rare!”

  “Is that so? Now you’re making me blush~” Caius scratched his head sheepishly, that honest, goofy grin on his face having its usual, disarming effect.

  Hilda giggled, then mockingly straightened her posture and teased, “Sir Caius, you have earned my respect!”

  She couldn’t help but laugh again the moment she finished saying it.

  Caius laughed too, deliberately deepening his voice and replying with exaggerated seriousness, “It is my honor, Lady Hilda!”

  “Hahaha!” Hilda burst out laughing even more.

  She’d never spoken to someone in such a playful way before.

  Meanwhile, Kiki was nibbling on some exquisite pastries, watching the two curiously.

  The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

  What are they laughing about, meow?

  Doesn’t matter—these pretty little biscuits are too tasty, meow!

  “What happened next? That girl—how did things turn out for her?” Hilda asked with a smile, wiping away the tears that had welled in her eyes from laughing too hard.

  “Well,” Caius’s face softened into a nostalgic look, “She got better. Her life turned around. She was accepted into the Magic Academy she’d dreamed of and became a proud member of the magical research division.”

  “Really? That’s wonderful!” Hilda’s surprise and joy were genuine—she truly was happy for the girl.

  What a good heart she had.

  “Of course!” Caius puffed out his chest smugly. “I’m a top-tier mercenary, you know. Every client I’ve ever had sings my praises!”

  Hilda chuckled, covering her mouth as she did. Then, blinking those big bright eyes, she asked, “Then, Mr. Excellent Mercenary, would you accept my commission?”

  “Absolutely!” Caius replied without hesitation.

  “Then I hope you’ll keep being the same excellent mercenary you are now,” she said with a smile.

  Caius was taken aback. For just a moment, his heart skipped a beat.

  The last time he’d felt this was when the wind had lifted the fringe of that mushroom girl.

  He found himself staring at the smiling girl before him, dazed.

  He realized—this girl was more innocent, more beautiful than he had imagined.

  +19 points!

  120 out of 100, girl. Congratulations, you’ve caught up to silly mushroom!

  “And it’s a permanent commission, too,” Caius snapped out of it and chuckled. “I accept!”

  “And what’s the commission fee?”

  “You know,” Caius grinned, “a mercenary’s gotta get paid.”

  “Oh?” Hilda blinked. “Then… did you charge that girl as well?”

  “Of course!” Caius nodded solemnly. After a pause, he added, “She paid me with pride… and a hearty lunch her grandma made with her own hands. Best meal I’ve ever had in my life.”

  Hilda smiled again. “Then… the commission I can offer you—is my sword.”

  “My sword will guard your back from any arrows that fly.”

  Ah, this romantic Little Swan… Caius felt like if this went on much longer, he might really fall for her.

  “I accept that commission—with great satisfaction!” he said seriously.

  Then he stood up, smiling. “Alright. Time for me to go.”

  “Huh?” Hilda was a little surprised, and clearly reluctant. “You’re not staying a bit longer?”

  “I wanted to hear more of your mercenary stories.”

  Caius grinned brightly. “Next time, kiddo. A mercenary’s tales could fill three days and nights, but a mercenary’s duties don’t wait. No job, no stories. Right?”

  “I guess…” Hilda pursed her lips and nodded. Then she looked up, a bit expectant. “Remember—two days from now, at eight in the morning, I’ll be waiting at the Academy’s teleportation square.”

  “We’ll go to Nofalark Forest together.”

  “Of course. An excellent mercenary’s top priority is credibility!” Caius nodded firmly.

  He called out to Kiki, then stepped into an open space and activated the Teleportation Magic Array Plate.

  As the array glowed around Caius, Hilda waved, a little reluctant. “Goodbye.”

  “Goodbye,” Caius smiled, and with Kiki at his side, vanished into the light of the teleportation array.

  Hilda stood there, watching until the last sparkles of residual magic energy from the array faded away. Then she turned, heading into the small pavilion and nibbling on what was left of the pastries—just three pieces that Kiki hadn’t finished.

  She hummed softly as she ate, clearly in a very good mood.

  She was really looking forward to the trip to Nofalark Forest two days from now—and also to Caius’s arrival tomorrow.

  She remembered, after all—Caius had promised to come by again tomorrow to spar with her, to better understand her fighting style, so he could forge a sword that was uniquely hers.

  Just thinking about it made her smile even more brightly, her whole expression radiant with youth and joy.

  …

  Inner City of Ocean City, Teleportation Square.

  Caius exhaled in relief as he landed.

  That Little Swan… she was even more innocent than he’d thought. And somehow, that innocence really got to him.

  Focus, Caius. You’re a top-tier mercenary. Don’t let some sweet little Swan cloud your mind. Get your job done!

  He gave himself a few quick slaps to the cheeks, then turned and headed toward the Iron Tavern.

  Originally, he was planning to visit silly mushroom—but Little Swan had cut him off, so that would have to wait until next time.

  For now, he had to deliver the lighter to Raymond. He’d promised to do it tomorrow, but delivering it early would surely make the man even happier.

  And sure enough, Raymond was overjoyed to receive the lighter ahead of schedule. He even insisted on treating Caius and Kiki to food and drink—netting them a hearty dinner on the house.

  It was clear Raymond was truly fond of the lighter, constantly fiddling with it, examining it from every angle.

  Raymond’s happiness made Caius happy. Why?

  Because during dinner, Raymond shared a little intel with him—tonight, Baron Zachary was throwing a party at his estate. All mercenaries and bounty hunters involved in Zachary’s operations were invited.

  Or in other words, it was a mobilization banquet—for the small-scale battle planned for tomorrow.

  Perfect.

  Caius would use the opportunity to do some scouting… in preparation for the mission ahead.

  Besides, Caius was a mercenary too. He could easily join the mission under that guise.

  So after finishing the meal with Raymond, Caius set off for Baron Zachary’s estate with Kiki in tow, arriving just in time for that evening’s party.