Judge's shop has a lunch break.
The break time, specifically for lunch, wasn't very long, and it was scheduled during the time when adventurers, who were their most frequent customers, were least likely to be around.
Since most adventurers are out on quests during the time the sun is at its highest point, the shop, which wasn't particularly busy to begin with, would have almost no customers.
However, even during break time, Judge would still attend to customers if they came in.
But lately, he's actually been closing the shop during that break time.
"Haa..."
Judge sighed weakly, locked the shop door, and hung up a sign that read, "Out on business."
He was heading to the Commercial Guild again today, where he wouldn't be listened to properly, so it was understandable that he felt heavy-hearted.
He felt discouraged just by sensing the atmosphere of annoyance and inconvenience directed at him.
But this wasn't a problem he could just let slide, and he couldn't accept the situation as it was.
Besides, he reminded himself, there's no guarantee that Lizel wouldn't want the stolen items in the future.
"Alright...!"
However, that resolve vanished somewhere as soon as he started walking.
Not in a bad way, but whether it was in a good way was uncertain.
As he approached the Commercial Guild, the stares and conversations he overheard completely confused him.
"The Commercial Guild has really fallen... Look, that's him, isn't it? The one who realized he was a victim."
"Ah, he's been complaining to the guild lately. It's good that he noticed."
"I can't believe it was a senior staff member... And the guild was apparently trying to cover it up."
Wait, it seems like something has been resolved.
Judge, with question marks popping out of his head, headed towards the guild, albeit hesitantly. Hesitantly, he opened the door, wondering what had happened, only to find a horrific scene on the other side.
Merchants were pressing in, and staff members were rushing around, bowing and apologizing. The guild hall was so chaotic that he almost wanted to turn around and leave.
Thinking, (What should I do?), Judge cautiously approached a staff member who had recently been dismissive of his repeated complaints about the theft.
"Excuse me,"
"Yes! Please wait a moment...!!"
The staff member, who had been flipping through some documents, looked up, his face instantly turning pale.
He jumped up, almost knocking over his chair, and bowed at a right angle. It was clearly an apology.
His demeanor was so different from his previous dismissive attitude that Judge lowered his eyebrows and nervously looked around.
He regretted looking around, but it was too late; all eyes were on him.
"We are truly sorry about this incident! We have recovered the stolen goods from your shop and will return them immediately. A formal apology will be given by the Guild Master...!"
"Uh, um..."
As far as Judge was concerned, getting the stolen goods back and ensuring that something similar wouldn't happen again was enough.
Voices were rising from the crowd, demanding that the problematic staff member be brought out, and asking what the guild would do since that staff member had also been in their shops.
In these situations, the name of the problematic staff member is usually not disclosed, but it seemed to have already spread widely.
Judge wondered why the guild would deliberately spread the information, but before he could think further, he was hurried into another room.
It was probably the guild's decision that it would be unwise to let the surrounding crowd continue to overhear the conversation with Judge, the central figure in the matter.
In the separate room, Judge sat down on a sofa, feeling bewildered, and received the stolen goods from the staff member.
After checking the excessively packaged items, he confirmed that they were indeed the four labyrinth artifacts that had disappeared from his shop. After nodding to the staff member standing diagonally in front of him, the staff member let out a sigh of relief and headed towards the room door.
The person who entered next was the head of the commercial guild in the royal capital of Parteda, and Judge lowered his eyebrows at the apologetic expression directed towards him.
"Um, I'd like to ask about the circumstances under which the goods were returned...?"
"Of course."
Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Judge, his face slightly pale, listened to the events that had transpired early that morning.
Apparently, adventurers who had come during the guild's business hours had confessed to loudly selling stolen goods in collusion with the guild staff.
For a moment, the guild hall fell silent, but the situation quickly became chaotic when the adventurers revealed the names of the staff members and the stolen goods.
The guild master immediately notified the Adventurers' Guild, and the Adventurers' Guild officers who arrived quickly questioned the adventurers briefly, then, without any consideration for mitigating circumstances, dragged them away without further ado.
While Judge was thinking that this sounded somewhat like Studd, the guild head wore a troubled expression.
"We are certainly not trying to conceal information, but the rumors have spread with unusual speed, leading to the current commotion."
"And... the staff member...?"
"He was caught by the military police who became suspicious when he tried to escape after noticing the commotion. The punishment will be decided through discussions between our guild and the military police. We will contact you as soon as a decision is made..."
"No, no! I'm just glad the goods have been returned...!"
Judge shook his head, gesturing with his hand, and the guild master smiled wearily.
Even though he was the guild master, he was only the master of a branch. He was probably caught between the upper and lower levels of authority, overwhelmed by the situation.
After watching Judge leave the guild, he muttered softly to himself in the empty room.
"What would happen if his grandfather found out about this...?"
His own head wouldn't be nearly enough to atone for this. It could potentially deal a devastating blow to the entire Commercial Guild.
The guild master sighed softly, straightened his back, and left the room, ready to throw himself back into dealing with the aftermath of this disaster.
.
.
.
.
.
"So that's what happened. I was worried because you seemed so down."
"I-I'm sorry..."
Perhaps because the situation had been resolved, Judge finally decided it was okay to tell Lizel about the recent events, and he spoke with a hint of embarrassment.
He was probably ashamed that goods had been stolen from his shop, but he wasn't to blame.
Lizel smiled as usual at Judge, who smiled shyly, and gently stroked his cheek in a comforting gesture.
Incidentally, he felt Gil's exasperated gaze from right beside him, but he didn't pay it any mind.
"So, about that...?"
"Ah, me?"
Smiling softly at the warm touch on his cheek, Judge turned his gaze to the unfamiliar customer.
The person with the vibrant red hair was somehow intimidating. His demeanor naturally became cautious.
Eleven, surprised that someone was feeling a little intimidated by his friendly behavior, smiled brightly.
"I'm Eleven, and I'm trying to get into these two's party!"
"Huh!?"
"What do you mean, 'Huh'!?"
"B-But..."
Judge recoiled from Eleven, whose face was contorted in a grimace.
Lizel, whose hand was still being held, was naturally pulled behind the shop counter.
After confirming they were far enough away, Judge cautiously bent down, hunching his tall frame.
He leaned his ear closer to the lips that were brought near him, wondering if it was a secret.
"Judge?"
"Mr Lizel, are you really going to... invite that person to the party...?"
Lizel gave a wry smile at the unexpected words from Judge, who usually had a friendly demeanor befitting someone in the service industry.
He had excellent judgment, and was also good at reading people.
The staff member who caused this incident wasn't chosen by Judge, and he couldn't possibly suggest replacing him with a higher-ranking person sent from the guild.
Given his fear of Eleven, he certainly didn't think he was a thief, but he seemed to have a vague inkling of his true nature.
"Do you dislike him?"
"It's not that I dislike him, but..."
Judge hesitated.
Lizel couldn't possibly be unaware of what he felt. If Lizel knew about his true nature—that he wasn't a "good person"—and still kept him around, then it wasn't Judge's place to say anything.
Yet, the reason he was stopping Lizel now was probably because, as Lizel said, he disliked him.
The reason he was okay with Gil but not with Eleven. The reason he could tolerate Gil, even though Gil wasn't exactly a good person either.
It was probably because Gil prioritized Lizel above everything else.
Whether he was aware of it or not, Gil always acted with Lizel in mind.
He never smoked the cigarettes he was so addicted to when he was next to Lizel. When Judge, trembling, once asked him about it, he replied as if it were the most obvious thing in the world, "The smell of cigarettes doesn't suit him."
Gil, who would smoke without hesitation even in front of Judge, who didn't smoke, stopped doing so just because Lizel was there.
That's why Judge, to put it in a somewhat arrogant way, tolerated Gil's presence.
"Because, if he were to join Lizel's party, he'd need to be... well..."
Lizel chuckled at Judge, who was looking up at him with a flustered expression, seemingly struggling to find the right words.
He understood what Judge was thinking, and gently patted his lowered head while looking at Eleven.
He smiled at Eleven, who was sulking but also seemed somewhat amused as he glanced at them.
"It's alright, I haven't given permission for him to join the party yet."
"Oh, is that so...? Then, that's fine."
"If Judge really doesn't want to, I'll flat-out refuse."
"Hey, wait... Judge? Is that what you said? Wait, are you seriously against me joining his party? Why?"
Confronted by someone who clearly seemed incompatible with him, Judge looked at Lizel with teary eyes, seeking help.
However, Lizel, who had returned to Gil, was discussing something and wasn't looking at him. His attempt failed.
Looking down at the person whose tone was desperate but whose lips were twisted in a somewhat amused way, Judge didn't have the courage to say, "That's exactly why."
Completely intimidated, Judge, in his confused state, suddenly thought of his friend's face, a face completely unaffected by the confusion.
"A-Ask Studd!"
And so, Eleven ran out of the shop.
"So, if... wait, he really left."
"He's an idiot, isn't he?"
Lizel interrupted his conversation with Gil to watch Eleven, who had disappeared with incredible speed.
Eleven, despite having a rather shrewd personality, often acts on impulse. He's probably enjoying himself.
Seeing Judge slowly relax his shoulders, Lizel smiled and then, as if remembering something, opened his mouth.
"Marcade doesn't have a commercial guild, does it?"
"Ah, yes, it's more like a self-governing municipality[1]..."
The reason a commercial country like Marcade doesn't have a commercial guild is simply because there's a lord who manages things even without a guild.
Of course, it's not entirely unrelated, but normally, guild registration is required when opening a business, but that's not the case in Marcade.
Thanks to not needing the capital or track record required for guild registration, anyone can start any kind of business, and they aren't bound by guild regulations. However, if the business fails, it's their own responsibility, and there's no guarantee.
Since each option has different advantages, the choice depends on the individual.
"Is Mr Insigh registered with a guild?"
"Ah, yes, he is. Since we're in the trading business, we often operate in various countries, and guild registration is essential..."
"Then, I'm sure the message will get through."
Lizel smiled softly, and Judge, though puzzled, smiled back.
Immediately afterward, that smile froze.
"On the day Judge was feeling down, I thought I'd treat you to something you like, so I sent a letter to Mr Insigh asking about your favorite things."
He added, "It was sent by express mail," which was definitely the final blow.
The letter was sent through the postal guild.
Letters are exchanged.
Since letters are only delivered to a target country once the volume of letters exceeds a certain amount, it's not suitable for urgent matters, and the service is quite expensive, so not many people use it.
However, in the royal capital, since letters from the entire capital are collected, deliveries are made every few days.
Incidentally, this delivery service is only for other countries; exchanges within the same country are not handled. It's faster to go in person.
The express delivery that Lizel mentioned is a special service that, while significantly more expensive, allows you to send a letter immediately even if the predetermined volume hasn't been reached yet.
Although it's a certain volume of letters, a single large backpack is more than enough, so it's carried by horse instead of carriage, making it quite fast. It would probably arrive in Marcade in two or three days.
In other words, the letter has almost certainly already reached Insigh. And at this timing, the depressed Judge and the strangely widespread news of the guild's incompetence can easily be connected.
"Ugh... I might be seen as a pathetic shopkeeper..."
"I did something unnecessary, didn't I?"
"No! I'm... I'm so happy that you were worried about me."
As Judge blushed and expressed his joy, Gil sighed, looking in a different direction, thinking that this was not the time for such things.
Anyone could see that Insigh, who doted on his grandchild, wouldn't remain indifferent after hearing about the theft by the staff and the guild's dismissive response.
If things go wrong, he might leave the guild and switch to his own independent distribution route, and if he makes an enemy of the major trading company in Marcade that controls all the distribution in this area, other trading companies will likely leave the guild as well.
In the worst-case scenario, the guild could collapse. Even though he apologized for interfering, it was Lizel who sent the letter to Insigh, and it was also Lizel who somehow spread the guild's corruption throughout the country. Furthermore, the contents of the letter to Insigh that he told Judge about were probably not the whole story.
He's basically ruthless in his actions, but what kind of person is Judge to think of Lizel as genuinely kind?
Gil genuinely wondered why his boasted appraisal skills failed him in situations like this.
It would be terrifying if he was aware of it but still indulging him, but Judge probably isn't that cunning. Probably.
"I was planning to treat you anyway, and since we've solved the problem, why don't we go out for something to eat tonight to celebrate?"
"Is that okay...? I-I'd love to! Oh, but the treat..."
Gil didn't want to interrupt their peaceful conversation, so he watched them with a look of exasperation, keeping his mouth shut.
Gil and Lizel parted ways in front of Judge's shop.
They had been together because Gil had accompanied Lizel to have the items he obtained from the dungeon during a previous quest appraised.
Of course, Eleven had also come along for the quest, but he wasn't completely attached to Lizel's private time. He had probably run off to Studd's place knowing that.
The quest was finished in the early evening, a time that felt strangely in-between, and Gil walked along, wondering what to do with his free time.
Lizel considered going back to the inn and reading, planning a perfect hermit-like evening, but then he saw a teahouse and decided it might be a good time for tea, changing his plans.
The teahouse seemed to have both indoor and outdoor seating, and Lizel chose to sit on the terrace.
He ordered some tea and watched the passersby. Lizel preferred the terrace because he could observe the people passing by. Since it would take a little while for the tea to arrive, he eventually opened his book and lowered his gaze.
his figure, reading in the sunlight with his hair tucked behind his ear, was as eye-catching as ever, but Lizel paid no attention and simply focused on the words on the page.
He smiled and thanked the waiter who brought the tea, and just as he was about to sip the fragrant drink,
"Ah,"
He waved his hand at a familiar figure.
The other person's face twitched for a moment, but then they continued walking as if nothing had happened.
Lizel stopped waving his hand gracefully and instead beckoned them over.
The person stopped, pointed to themselves, and looked at him. Lizel smiled and nodded slowly, and the person reluctantly approached.
"Please,"
"...No, I'll probably be killed by the boss or something."
He gestured to the seat opposite him, but was immediately refused.
When Lizel pointed out that standing would be conspicuous, the man sat down at the table next to him, diagonally across from him.
He called over a waiter and, based on his own assumption, ordered a sparkling water for him.
"I'll pay."
"It's fine, I ordered it on my own."
"No, please let me pay, I'll even grovel if I have to."
What would happen if he told Eleven that Lizel had treated him?
The man, his face serious with the fear that arose from just imagining it, shook his head and promptly paid the waiter for the drinks.
Lizel wondered if it would have been better to have him order something he liked himself, but the sparkling water seemed perfectly fine.
The man drank heartily to quench his thirst, then placed the glass down, subtly averting his gaze from Lizel. His eyes were completely hidden by his bangs, and his clothes were completely different from last night, but it was definitely him.
The man Lizel had beckoned over was a member of Eleven's Thieves' Guild, whom he had glimpsed briefly last night.
He was probably Lizel's monitor. He didn't know if this was always the case or just for today, but Lizel smiled, glad he had remembered his face last night.
Conversely, he wouldn't have recognized him if he hadn't remembered his face, he thought, closing the book he had been reading.
"Thank you for last night. Did you sleep well?"
"...That's what you're worried about? I'm fine."
The thief inwardly muttered that he was surprised by Lizel's complete lack of concern for the adventurers.
Despite his refined and gentle features, he didn't seem to be a saintly person at heart.
"Well, more importantly, do you have something you want to ask me?"
"I was happy to finally spot my monitor, so I couldn't help but call you over."
And then, Lizel added, looking at the thief.
His gaze was momentarily captivated by his narrowed eyes and smiling lips, making him forget that this was a peaceful terrace.
The atmosphere was as if he had to answer anything he asked, but it quickly dissipated as Lizel smiled brightly.
If this was intentional, he was quite cunning. Now the man probably couldn't lie to Lizel anymore.
"I'd like you to tell me a little about your leader."
"What...?"
"Anything. Like his recent behavior, or if he's become a good boy lately."
Judging by the thief's grimace at the word "good boy," that seemed unlikely.
As far as Lizel knew, he hadn't been involved in any thievery lately, but perhaps he had done something else that prevented him from being called a "good boy," or maybe he was simply beyond redemption.
Incidentally, while the thief was making a grimace, he was inwardly sweating profusely. He seemed to be implying that if Eleven were to be refused to join Lizel's party because of his words, his life would definitely be in danger.
Lizel smiled knowingly and tilted his head, as if prompting him to continue.
"Well, it's not like he's a good boy or anything, but his attitude towards you guys has changed a few days ago. Well, I think you already know that."
This was probably referring to the day Eleven dug his own grave and was warned by Lizel.
Naturally, he hadn't told his subordinates anything. It's amazing how well he managed to hide it, considering how swollen his eyelids were.
While observing Lizel's reaction, who nodded in understanding, the thief carefully chose his words and continued.
"Since then, it's been more like guarding you than monitoring you."
"Guarding?"
"Ah, well, he said he didn't want you to be in trouble or anything."
In reality, his words were much more insolent, but the thief selectively chose only the parts that suited him.
He subtly averted his gaze, grateful for the bangs that covered his eyes, shielding him from Lizel's penetrating stare.
The sensation of the carbonated water fizzing in his throat made his head feel clearer, and he let out a sigh of relief.
Lizel, elegantly tilting his cup, showed no signs of being flustered.
"Did he say anything about last night? I thought I might have entrusted him with too much."
"No, he actually seemed happy. Since the day things changed, he's been thinking of various ways to join the party, but yesterday he seemed genuinely happy to be relied upon."
"Have you known him for a long time?"
"Well, I've known him since he joined the gang, at least."
Lizel, who had been questioning the thief's ability to perceive Eleven's subtle emotions, nodded in understanding at this answer. Eleven is the kind of person who seems to express all his emotions openly, but it's not uncommon for all of it to be a lie, a fake.
If someone could confidently read his mood, they must have a considerable relationship with him.
Lizel chuckled wryly, remembering Eleven, who, despite having so many people close to him, easily said he would kill them all.
He judged it to be a line meant to gauge Lizel's reaction, and it seemed he was right. The crucial point was that Eleven was truly capable of doing it.
However, Lizel pondered.
Regarding Eleven, and the way the young thief in front of him spoke, he thought it would take a little longer, but perhaps the time was almost right.
In any case, a final push would be necessary, he thought leisurely while sipping his tea.
While observing him, the thief acted as if he were a complete stranger. So that even if Eleven saw him at this moment, he could make excuses.
(It might be pointless,) the thief thought, when Lizel suddenly looked at him.
"One question."
"?" "Yes."
"What would he think if all of your subordinates, not the elite, but the numerous low-ranking thieves, were killed by me?"
"Would he resent me?" Lizel smiled, and the topic, coming from his calm face, felt strangely ominous.
But that was all. That was the only thought that came to mind after hearing those words.
He seemed to be speaking normally, but he was truly a genuine thief. He had no interest in the low-ranking thieves who came and went, and he didn't even remember the names of most of them.
Furthermore, the man in front of him was the one who would be doing the killing, so it would be a waste on the low-ranking thieves. He even thought it would be better if he volunteered and did the killing himself.
"No, rather, if they were killed by you, the low-ranking thieves should consider it an honor."
Had he been poisoned or purified by this encounter of just over ten minutes? He looked at Lizel, unsure. There was no deception in the man's gaze, hidden though his eyes were, as he stared straight at him, and Lizel smiled gently.
Seeing this, the man felt he understood why his mind was so fixated on him. The feeling of fulfillment he experienced the moment he gave him that approving look, as if he had met his expectations, was overwhelming.
Taking his eyes off the thief, who had involuntarily stopped moving, Lizel called out to someone in the passing crowd.
"Excuse me, could I ask you something?"
"Yes, me?"
The thief, who had been sitting still, was startled back to his senses when the man approached them.
The man was wearing a military police uniform. For the thief, he was practically a mortal enemy.
Lizel smiled reassuringly at the thief, who showed a slight hint of caution, and then turned to face the military policeman.
There were many military police officers moving about the city today because of the incident at the commercial guild this morning. It seemed they were investigating the damaged shops, so Lizel figured that even if he didn't actively search for them, he could catch one fairly quickly just by sitting on the terrace.
"Is the head of the military police here? I don't know his name... He seems very serious, but also a bit incompetent, and socially awkward, but with a strong sense of justice."
What a way to describe someone!
While the thief almost burst out laughing, the military policeman, among the several heads of the military police, immediately thought of someone specific, but hesitated for a moment, wondering if he should identify him.
To the military policeman's hesitant affirmation, Lizel nodded.
"He's nearby."
"?"
"Well, I'll need to verify this at the shop up ahead."
"Okay, could you call him for me then?"
The military policeman froze again.
If this were just an ordinary citizen, he would think the man was being arrogant, and he would put him off, saying he was busy. However, the man in front of him was clearly not an ordinary citizen.
Based on appearances alone, he was undoubtedly a nobleman, but recently there had been many rumors about an adventurer who resembled a noblemen.
He didn't know if the man in front of him was the person in the rumors, but the idea of summoning the military police chief while he was on duty clearly indicated someone of high status.
In reality, Lizel was simply taking advantage of the fact that he looked like a nobleman, but since he wasn't directly claiming to be a nobleman, it wasn't fraud.
"Right away, sir?"
"Is that a problem? I think it will be clear if you just say it's a noble-looking man who knows Viscount Ray."
"Immediately!"
Hearing the name of his superior, Viscount Ray, a figure far above him, the military policeman immediately ran off.
Knowing a Viscount was beyond doubt or question.
Normally, he would think it was a lie, but not a single shred of doubt arose in his mind regarding Lizel.
"...Wow, you really know him, that's amazing."
"Didn't you see me interacting with the Viscount when you were keeping watch?"
"At that time, I was far away, so I couldn't hear the conversation..."
The thief started to speak, then suddenly stopped.
He shouldn't know that he had been watching Lizel at that time. The man in front of him hadn't noticed his surveillance at all.
He shouldn't have noticed at all.
Thinking it might be a trick question, the thief looked at Lizel, who had casually dropped the remark, and was met only with a gentle smile. The feeling of being completely manipulated was almost refreshing.
As Lizel cheerfully watched the man who was deep in thought behind his bangs, a familiar face approached.
"Here he comes. I'm sorry to bother you when you're so busy."
"To summon me like this, you must be a nobleman...! No, you are an adventurer...! No, that's not right, you are...!"
"I apologize for confusing you every time."
The man, slightly out of breath from running, looked like he wanted to say something, but Lizel, amused, offered him a cup of tea.
He offered the tea to help him catch his breath, but he politely refused, saying he was on duty.
As expected, he was very serious. Lizel looked up at the stiffly standing head of the military police, complaining inwardly that since he had called him away from his busy schedule, they should get straight to the point.
"I have a few things I'd like to ask the Viscount, so I'd like you to arrange an appointment for me. Could you tell him that I'd like to visit as soon as possible?"
"Huh, no, someone of my rank wouldn't be able to easily get an audience..."
"You'll be giving him a report about this, won't you?"
Although he was the head of the military police, he wasn't exactly a high-ranking figure overall.
However, since he knew Lizel personally, his message would surely reach Ray's ears.
The head of the military police was certain that Ray would never refuse a request from Lizel. In fact, he would probably welcome it gladly.
Ray had previously referred to him as "Sir Lizel." It was unheard of for a nobleman to use an honorific for an adventurer.
Ray, while free-spirited, had a keen eye for people, and he had judged Lizel to be worthy of such respect. He nodded, realizing he simply needed to deliver the message.
He was serious, inefficient, and not very good at navigating social situations, but he wasn't completely inflexible.
"...Understood. Should I deliver the reply to the inn where you stayed before?"
"Yes, please. Thank you for your hard work."
After exchanging words of appreciation, the military police chief, though still looking troubled, returned a salute to Lizel and departed.
(I'm not even his superior,) Lizel thought, watching the man's brisk figure disappear.
Once the figure was out of sight, Lizel turned back to the thief.
"So, please tell him to come to my place tomorrow morning."
"Uh, we'd be in trouble if our leader gets dragged into this."
"Well then, I'll leave it up to him whether he comes or not."
The thief reluctantly agreed, knowing full well that he would definitely go.
The choices Lizel offered weren't really choices at all. He already knew which one the thief would choose.
Lizel finished his tea and stood up.
The thief, thinking it would be strange to stand up at the same time since they weren't together, tried to remain seated for a while, but then noticed Lizel approaching.
The bandit froze, his hand still holding the sparkling water to his lips, as Lizel's clean-cut face, now wearing an amused smile, drew closer.
"You're probably serious about this, but..."
Lizel slowly put the unused straw of the sparkling water the bandit was holding into his mouth.
His head was tilted slightly, his gaze lowered. Even the small teeth visible when he held the straw were right in front of the bandit's face.
The hand holding the glass remained frozen, as if sewn in place.
Hearing a small gulping sound, the bandit watched, somewhat dazed, as Lizel released the straw, his lips slightly parted, and the straw swayed without support.
"You won't be killed, absolutely not."
With a smile still on his face, Lizel said this and walked away, leaving the bandit to watch him go in silence.
He tried to understand the meaning of Lizel's words with his muddled mind, and then, realizing the danger, he resigned himself to his fate, convinced that someone was definitely there.
Immediately, a hand was placed on his shoulder, and he turned his gaze, with a creaking, stiff movement, towards the vibrant red hair that appeared from behind his shoulder.
The top of his organization, the leader of the bandits, the boss—no matter how he tried to rephrase it, it was undoubtedly Eleven.
"You've gotten quite friendly, haven't you? Did I say you could talk to him?"
"...No, I was called."
"By that person? Specifically? To show your face? Just because you met last night? Don't get cocky, you bastard!"
The bandit braced himself for death.
The crawling voice felt like a physical force strangling him, causing his body to stiffen in a different way than before.
The only thing he could cling to now were Lizel's words. He inwardly cursed him like a mantra, wondering if he really wouldn't be killed, or if he was a liar, when Eleven's arm moved.
He thought he was going to be strangled by the arm wrapped around his neck... and contemplated his next life, but the arm defied his expectations and simply snatched the glass of sparkling water from his hand.
Eleven, with a straw in his mouth, began to drink the sparkling water with great gusto.
The arm slightly wrapped around his neck had only tightened slightly to bring the glass to his mouth; there was no intention of killing the man.
After finishing the sparkling water, Eleven removed his arm from the man and slammed the glass onto the table. Seeing the table and glass that had made a surprisingly loud clatter, he looked up at Eleven from his seated position. Eleven's displeased face was looking down at him, but that was all.
"If you don't report every single detail when we get back, I'll kill you."
"Uh, well... yes."
He had thought that Eleven considered him nothing more than a disposable pawn, but it seemed that wasn't the case.
He was still alive, even though he had done something that would have gotten an ordinary subordinate killed instantly.
Whether it was embarrassment or relief, he wasn't quite sure, but he ruffled his bangs and followed behind Eleven, who had started walking.
[1] Municipality: usually a city, town, or village (in some cases a country) that is self-governing. It acts as a localized administration that makes decisions tailored to its residents. Key features include local control, essential services, elected leaders, limited autonomy, and 'home rule'. Essentially, it is the lowest, most direct level of government where residents manage daily life and community services locally.