Chapter 203: The New Dragon (3)

"Wow."

"Wherever you go, it's just people everywhere."

"Do you think we’ll even be able to enjoy the view like this?"

Selperd and Arin, along with three or four fellow members of the White Armored Dragon Cavalry, were making their way through the bustling city streets.

The war with Troyban had ended, and before they fully committed to the Sacred Demon Church reconnaissance mission, they had come with the intention of grabbing a drink or two.

However, rumors of the Soaring Dragon Battle had been spreading recently, and the city was teeming with spectators eager to catch a glimpse of the spectacle.

"Do you think we’ll even find a seat in a tavern?"

"Should we just grab some drinks and head back to the lodgings to drink?"

"Ah, but that’s no fun."

The group scratched their heads awkwardly, clearly at a loss.

Of course, if they revealed that they were members of the White Armored Dragon Cavalry, treated like heroes wherever they went, people would undoubtedly scramble to give up their seats.

But they didn’t want to cause a scene or inconvenience anyone.

More importantly, revealing their identities would only draw attention from all sides, ruining the carefree fun they were looking forward to.

"Heh heh. You fools."

Selperd, however, seemed quite amused, wearing a sly grin on his face.

Arin and the others turned to him with expressions that clearly said, Here we go again, mixed with a hint of curiosity.

Their friend always had some outlandish solution up his sleeve.

"From now on, treat this elder brother with the utmost respect. Ta-da!"

Selperd rummaged through his back pocket and pulled something out with an air of mystery.

The others, curious to see what it was, took a look and were instantly taken aback.

It was a meal ticket.

“Isn’t that a reservation for ‘White Wildfire’?”

“What?! I heard reservations there are booked solid for at least half a year!”

“How on earth did you pull this off?”

White Wildfire was one of the trendiest taverns in Winterer these days.

Not only was its stylish interior a major draw, but its food and drinks were also exceptional, making it particularly popular among the younger generation.

Apparently, the tavern followed traditional elven methods to prepare its food and drinks.

Some said it was backed by funding from the Vasque Workshop, though Selperd had only heard this in passing.

Whatever the case, its unique appeal meant that getting a seat at White Wildfire was nearly impossible without a reservation. Even when seats opened up, the constant waiting list of people ensured it stayed packed.

Naturally, Selperd felt proud as he revealed he had secured such a coveted reservation.

“You didn’t sell out the White Armored Dragon Cavalry for this, did you? If you did, you’re dead meat.”

Knowing Selperd all too well, Arin voiced suspicion before admiration.

Selperd, however, bristled at the accusation.

"Hey! It's not like that!"

"Then how did you get it?"

"Hehehe! Obviously, it's thanks to my amazing skills."

"Yeah, figures, you little rascal."

Arin's half-lidded, doubtful stare didn’t waver in the slightest.

"Ah! I said it's not, didn’t I?"

"......"

"It’s true!"

"......"

"Hey! Don’t you trust your friend? What about camaraderie? Brotherhood? Love for one’s nation?"

"......"

"Ugh! This is so frustrating! I can’t just open my chest and show you my heart!"

Arin’s skeptical gaze and Selperd’s one-man performance (?) went on for quite a while.

"......There they go again."

"Are those two like a comedy duo or something?"

"It's fascinating how they bicker like that every time but still stick together so well."

The group shook their heads as if tired of the routine.

Yet, despite how familiar it was, they enjoyed watching the show unfold beside them. These days, they didn’t bother intervening; they even encouraged it.

"No, it doesn’t make any sense. We’ve been out on missions non-stop this whole time. How on earth did you manage to make a reservation?"

Including the time they had spent in the Floating Archipelago with Theo, it had been close to a year.

Selperd, now brimming with confidence, struck a triumphant pose, puffing out his chest.

"That, my friend, is the mystical power of the great Selperd!!"

"Ha, look at this guy. Definitely lying. I swear I’m going to report you to the commander."

"I told you, I didn’t sell out the White Armored Dragon Cavalry! You know I almost got kicked out the last time for that stunt!"

"So, what did you sell this time?"

"Hmph! Naturally, something else."

Selperd remained as smug as ever.

"I sold Theo."

"This crazy bastard…."

Smack!

Arin covered her face with her palm, while the others let out dry chuckles.

"Theo... I mean, wasn’t the Young Lord a model for the Vasque Workshop?"

"I did hear that thanks to the Young Lord, their business has been booming. If White Wildfire is under them, I guess it’s plausible if you used him."

"Ah, but the more I hear ‘Young Lord, Young Lord,’ it just doesn’t roll off the tongue."

"Yeah, you too? Same here."

"Aww, our adorable youngest climbed so high up that it feels out of reach now."

The group’s chatter didn’t even register in Arin’s ears.

All she could think about was how to deal with this troublemaking friend of hers.

Grit!

"You know what? I swear I’m reporting you to the disciplinary committee."

"Why?! All I did was mention that I’m close with Theo."

"Do you even realize that you’re shamelessly exploiting your connections now?"

"That's just who I, the great Selperd, am."

Arin was about to explode, ready to scream something at the top of her lungs when—

"Hey! Hey! Cut it out and look over there!"

"What...?"

Her companions suddenly grabbed Arin and pointed toward something in the distance.

Annoyed, Arin turned her head, only for her expression to stiffen immediately.

About thirty swordsmen, fully armed, were marching through the street.

Their precise and disciplined movements made them resemble a military force.

-Wow! Where are they from? They look amazing!

-Could they be from the Six Snow Families?

-The person leading them looks like someone under Kinkarnon...

-Gardner! That’s Gardner!!

The crowd gasped in awe, recognizing the wolf crest engraved on the swordsmen's left breastplates.

Gardner.

One of the Six Snow Families, renowned for their swift swordsmanship and exceptional unity, much like the wolves they symbolized.

Alongside Ranke, they were among the most well-regarded families in Winterer.

However, Arin couldn’t share the public’s admiration.

Her face grew even more serious as she quickly glanced at Selperd.

Gone was Selperd’s usual mischievous expression—his face had hardened as he watched Gardner's procession.

This isn’t good.

Arin exchanged quick looks with the other companions.

They silently agreed: they needed to get Selperd out of here immediately.

"Wow! We’ve really wanted to go to White Wildfire. How did you manage to snag a reservation? As expected, Selperd, you’re amazing."

"Right? That’s what I’m saying! Hey, what time’s the reservation? We might be late—let’s hurry!"

Two of their companions grabbed Selperd by the arms, ready to retreat.

But just as they began pulling him back—

"Hey! Isn’t that Selperd?"

A loud shout rang out from behind them.

Arin and her companions' faces grew even more rigid, and the surrounding crowd turned their attention to the group.

From the head of Gardner’s procession, a man began walking toward them.

He was at least a head taller than Selperd but bore a striking resemblance to him upon closer inspection.

The crowd parted, creating a clear path.

"Well, what do you know! Selperd! Hahaha! How long has it been? Seeing you like this is such a surprise!"

The man—Diego Gardner, Young Lord of Gardner—approached Selperd with open arms.

However, Selperd took a step back, refusing the embrace.

"What are you doing here, brother?"

Diego scratched his cheek awkwardly, his expression turning sheepish at the failed reunion.

"What else? I came to observe the Soaring Dragon Battle."

"The Soaring Dragon Battle? Ah, right, Gardner has ties with Lord Kinkarnon."

"Ha, haha. Ties, you say? Not at all. As a noble family, we’re merely here to observe a significant event."

Diego’s face briefly betrayed his unease, but he quickly forced a nonchalant laugh and shook his head.

Selperd could only scoff inwardly.

"Sure. Enjoy the event, then."

With a curt farewell, Selperd turned to leave, but Diego grabbed his arm.

"Come on, don’t be so cold. It’s been ages since we’ve seen each other. Let’s have a drink together—your friends can join us too."

"We’ve already made a reservation."

"Where at? We made one too, coincidentally. At White Wildfire."

"......!"

Selperd’s expression hardened.

This encounter was clearly no coincidence.

* * *

"Isn’t this the hottest spot in Winterer right now? It does feel different. Just look at all these people."

Selperd and his companions were practically dragged to White Wildfire by Diego.

A large private room, meant for ten, was fully occupied. Selperd’s group of six and Gardner’s four members filled the space.

One person among Gardner’s group was unfamiliar to Selperd.

Unlike the other swordsmen, who sat with disciplined posture, this individual lounged comfortably, savoring the aroma of beer. It was clear they weren’t from Gardner.

That one must be the real reason they’re here.

"Selperd."

"I know. I’ll be careful."

Selperd gave a subtle nod as Arin leaned in to whisper cautiously to him.

"Let’s see what they have to say first. I’ll try to keep my emotions in check."

Selperd’s smile seemed lighthearted, but to Arin, it only looked precarious.

Even in the midst of high-stakes battlefields, Selperd always maintained his trademark grin.

But Gardner’s presence stirred something deeper—something worse.

It was trauma, pure and simple.

"Hey, how’ve you been? You never send word back home. How are we supposed to know if you’re alive and well? Do you have any idea how worried Mother and Father are?"

Diego’s voice was tinged with faux concern, but Selperd knew better.

Diego’s appearance as he patted Selperd’s shoulder and spoke warmly seemed like that of a caring older brother cherishing his sibling.

However—

Heh.

Selperd found it nothing but laughable.

"Worried? Give me a break."

"...What?"

"More like you were glad to get rid of the troublemaker. Isn’t that what you really thought?"

"Hey, why are you saying stuff like that?"

Diego’s tone feigned hurt, but Selperd’s smirk only deepened.

"Come on, stop with the pathetic act, brother. There’s no one here watching anyway."

"......"

For a moment, silence hung thick between them.

"...You son of a bitch. You’re really trying to piss me off, huh?"

The gentleness on Diego’s face twisted into irritation.

He grabbed the beer in front of him, downed it in one go, and slammed the mug onto the table.

Bang!

Shards of glass scattered onto the floor with a sharp crash.

"And who said you could call me ‘brother’? You think you’re a real Ragnar now just because you’ve been hanging around in Winterer?"

Diego’s eyes glinted menacingly.

"Wake up, you mutt. Around here, you’re just a dog. When I tell you to bark, you bark. Got it?"

Selperd laughed.

Yeah, that’s it.

This is what Gardner’s all about, isn’t it?

To him, Gardner could be summed up in one word: thugs.

Outwardly, they presented themselves as a family that embraced illegitimate children with warmth. Behind the scenes, they never hesitated to abuse those same children.

It was why Selperd had bolted the moment he came of age, practically fleeing from their clutches.

-I’m sorry! I’m sorry! Please, please, spare me! Please!

Tremble...

Suddenly, memories of his childhood flooded back—Diego and the matriarch’s cruel treatment flashing vividly before his eyes.

His hand, gripping the beer mug, trembled slightly.

Even after all this time, had he still not overcome it?

Selperd pressed his left hand firmly over his trembling right hand, steeling himself as he turned his piercing gaze to the man seated beside Diego.

"Let’s cut the pointless chatter. Just get to the point. Who are you?"

Diego, ignored, glared daggers at Selperd, but the latter paid him no mind.

The man, watching the tense exchange between the two half-brothers with evident amusement, chuckled lightly.

"I apologize if this outsider seems to be interrupting a heartfelt family reunion. I’ll try to make this brief."

Clearing his throat, the man straightened up and spoke.

"Allow me to formally introduce myself. I am Depth, an advisor serving Lord Kinkarnon. I’ve come here with a proposal for a business arrangement, though I must apologize for the sudden intrusion."