I revisited Marquise Larose at dawn that night. However, I was alone, as it was a matter between adults.

  “Thank you very much for last night.” Once again, I thanked him.

  “No need. It was my duty.” I realized it. So, you, too, have taken it upon yourself? I could not fulfill this duty, as I was her close associate. It would not be a good influence for Lady Aria to take advice from the person closest to her. Some vermin could take advantage of the situation and manipulate her. However, time was short, so we needed to go to the main topic.

  “About what you said, could you help me with something?” I made a request to him as I handed him an envelope.

  “….. this?” After seeing the content, Marquise Larose looked back at me and asked.

  “It is her personal wealth that she offered me.” Yes, it was the enveloped Lady Aria offered me that night.

  “Hmmm, so you need at least this much to buy the soon-to-be Swordmaster?” Deeply in thought, Marquise Larosse asked me.

  “Quit joking around. You already know that it was not the case.” And I knew he was joking.

  Yet, he still gave me crap. “Say, if I offer you double this amount, will you come under me?”

  If you want to play a mind game, I can accompany you. “…… I would consider it if you could offer me the world.”

  “The world, huh? So, what she offered to you was that valuable? I don’t think I can go higher than that.” Marquise Larose put down the envelope as he lazily leaned back.

  “It is good that you understand.”

  “So, why is it that you give this to me?” Marquise Laros began to inquire about my purposes.

  “Could you use it? I would like it to become her strength.” I, too, have been thinking about the problem he pointed out. Yet, I could not find the most effective ways to do it. Now, since he willingly brought up this topic, I thought I could entrust it to him.

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  True to his reputation, Marquise Larose entered his business mode. “….. hmmm, I see. It will be possible. However, I will charge a commission fee of at least 30%, and I cannot guarantee success.”

  “…. I will leave it at your discretion.” Yet, I knew I could entrust it to him. I could see that what he was showing was nothing but the shell of his pride as a businessman. Both of us have already been poisoned by Lady Aria, after all.

  “……. We are starting a new business in the medical field. I will put this thing there. So, when the time comes, you can come and claim it.” See, I could see that we could trust him. Additionally, I got the feeling that the business he talked about was related to her demand at that time. Lady Aria has been researching medicinal herbs all this time. She even brought some samples with her in secret.

  “You have my thanks,” I said as I extended my hand to shake his to seal the deal.

  I was preparing to leave, then Marquise Larose stood up and walked to the window. As he looked down from the window, he uttered.

  “….. You know, I could be considered an atheist. I lost my faith in the goddess long ago. The church and its clergy have diverged from her teachings, yet they continue to prosper. And those who cling to faith are suffering without salvation.”

  It was puzzling for me. I was trying to guess what he wanted to talk about. Then he walked to me.

  “However, after meeting her and following her track, I began to regain my faith. Setting aside whether she is a saintess or not, I am truly grateful that the goddess sent her to us.”

  On that part, I could understand it. Those who were touched by her kindness, by her light, would come to the same conclusion. However, I could not help but ask his purpose. “………… What are you trying to say?”

  As we came face-to-face, Marquise Larose looked into my eyes. “... Lady Aria is the light illuminating this darkness. She is our beacon of hope.”

  I silently looked back. Then, I realized. So, it was you? The presence I felt all the time, was it you? Yes, it began after we visited him. At first, I thought it was someone from Duke Ellon for surveillance. So, it was you who was stalking us. I started after a week; we left his mansion after all. I did try to check it several times; however, I could not risk provoking Duke Ellon should it turn out to be true. I also found that they also helped us on several occasions, so I ultimately left it alone.

  “Paul Avarice, you must protect Lady Aria no matter what.” Marquise Larose said that as he placed his left hand on my right shoulder.

  “…………… I would do so without you telling me. After all, she is my Gold.” I also placed my left hand on his right shoulder. It was the way warriors swore an oath to each other.

  When I thought of it, the way he placed his left hand under her right hand was also considered a ritual. It was an act of submitting to a lady. He was so smooth with it that I did not notice it.

  Marquise Larose, I had to say. You did not have to remind me. After all, I have already set it as my life goal. Even if I have to fight the whole world, even if it means defying the goddess, I will stand by her side, protecting her, for she is my Gold.