Chapter 79: The Second Son of the Impoverished Viscount Household Searches for an Eye – Part 1
I bid Erika a temporary farewell in front of the church.
Of course. In what world would a man ask his wife for help in obtaining the ring he’s going to give her?
The duration is one week.
There’s the fact that Erika is being targeted, but also, if we’re apart for that long, I’ll die.
Honestly, I can’t think of a way to assassinate someone who could completely shut down an Ogre Knight, even if their opponent only had one arm, but just five minutes apart, I’m already worried and feel like I’m dying.
But still.
I grit my teeth, holding the words “Good luck” that Erika gave me as we parted close to my heart.
She probably wanted to say many other things; her face looked like it.
Therefore, the weight contained within those simple words inspires me.
Alright, humans can manage most things if they just grit their teeth. I miss her so much I could die.
＊
I ran home, quickly got ready, and immediately turned back around, returning to the street with the Adventurers Guild.
I hurried so I wouldn’t bump into Erika coming home, so I’m drenched in sweat.
Honestly, I’m certain that if I saw Erika’s face right now, my resolve would break on the spot.
After all, just seeing someone with red hair walking down the street almost breaks me; seeing the real person would be an instant knockout.
This sweat I’m sweating right now is definitely because it’s hot, not a cold sweat.
Putting that aside.
I had come to that certain armor shop.
As usual, for some reason, revealing female armor and equipment were placed in the most conspicuous spot in the shop.
Simply put, they’re crazy.
Astonished that the female armor, which likely couldn’t even protect vital zones, had a “Sold” tag on it, I approached the shopkeeper at the counter.
The shopkeeper was looking around restlessly as if searching for something, but unfortunately for him, I’m alone today; Erika isn’t here. I’ll gouge your eyes out, you bastard.
“I’m looking for something.”
I spoke to the shopkeeper, who made an obviously disappointed face.
＊
“I wish to use the Library.”
I said so at the Adventurers Guild.
The Guild Staff member behind the counter looked at my face for a moment, tilted their head, then turned around and called out.
“Lana! It’s the usual person!”
The female Guild Staff member, who looked about three or four years older than me, said only that and left the counter.
Wondering what that was about, I waited, and Lana (the usual) came to the counter.
“What are you doing?”
Lana said the moment she opened her mouth.
“I wish to use the Library.”
I ignored Lana’s words and stated my business.
“No, no, that’s impossible. It has to be impossible.”
Lana shook her head exaggeratedly.
“Why are you wearing a Mask like that? What happened? Or rather, what are you trying to do?”
“As I said, use of the Library—”
“There’s no way I can ignore this! You’re Shin Longdagger-sama, right? No, I don’t even need to confirm it, you’re Longdagger-sama, aren’t you?”
I neither confirmed nor denied it.
It’s because I don’t want to lie, but at the same time, I can’t admit to being Shin Longdagger.
Considering what I’m about to do, I can’t possibly identify myself as Shin Longdagger.
If it gets out that I am me, Erika will be thought of as a woman whose husband didn’t even give her a ring.
Even though it’s because of my own inadequacy, I can’t let Erika bear such disgrace.
That’s what the Mask is for.
I stared intently at Lana through the slits and focused my thoughts.
Get through, these feelings of mine.
“Eh? Are you completely ignoring me?”
Lana made a face like, “What’s with this guy?”
As I thought, a plain white mask like an eggshell doesn’t have enough presence. Should I have gone for the chicken-face mask, even though it cost a bit more?
“Use of the Library…”
“Are you seriously planning to push through with that?”
Hearing Lana’s exasperated voice, I almost tilted my head, wondering why she was so convinced that I was me.