Breaking the silence, Boros opened his mouth. The nobility of the Empire would never speak with a commoner on equal terms, but Boros felt Asher was a person worthy of such trust and respect.
"Thanks to you, I realized that my father was truly not my father, but rather a Demon."
Boros hadn't noticed the presence of the Doppelganger for over twenty years. If it weren't for Asher, it was questionable as to whether he would ever find out the truth later on.
Under such chaotic circumstances, Asher not only noticed the Doppelganger's interference but also revealed it's identity. It was no exaggeration to say that he was the savior of the estate.
However, Boros' gaze that rested on Asher's figure, contained complex emotions.
"Do you remember when you pointed out the key fact to exposing the Doppelganger? The memories of my father and I, and when we had met the heroes…"
Boros had never shared that experience with anyone other than his father, and it was shocking that a young man, not even at the age of twenty, knew the events that had happened that day to such a degree that not even Boros could recall so clearly until told.
It was incredible how Asher had pointed out the discrepancy in the memories between Boros, The Doppelganger, and what had truly transpired that day.
"You somehow knew what happened in the past. You, who is younger than me, somehow knew something so detailed that even I couldn't remember clearly."
At that time, Boros had been too young to fully and clearly remember what had happened on that day. However, only the people who were there, would be able to remember it.
"So I want to ask….. Who are you?"
Boros' gaze of suspicion rested on Asher's eyes.
***
The question addressed the elephant in the room. And it was an expected question from Asher's point of view.
Luckily, Asher already had a prepared answer that would solve everything to a certain degree.
"Oh my gosh."
Boros was impressed with Asher's reasoning.
"You are a disciple of the Swordmaster, High Count, Van Ester."
"Yes, he has been observing and noticing that the movements and events happening right now in the world have become strange. And has his disciple he told me, prior to coming here."
"As expected of Mr. Van Ester. But that's so surprising! I know you are his disciple, but I can't help but be shocked that he had told you of such things in a relationship focused around learning the sword."
"That's just how strange the world has become these days."
"So, he was right to be worried…."
Boros smiled bitterly.
"If Asher is a disciple of Mr. Van Ester, then all my questions are naturally already answered."
It was a lie though. However, Boros had no way of knowing. Van Ester had never told Asher about that fateful day when Boros was with his father Balbaca and had met the other heroes.
And there was only one reason for that. It was because he was there too.
However, it was most comfortable to wrap up the situation, like this. It was fortunate that he would not have to worry about having to explain his reincarnation to someone.
The reputation of a Swordmaster in the Empire was absolute. They deserved that much respect.
'The position of the disciple that I have given you. You're free to use it however you wish.'
Asher recalled Van Ester's words that he had left him, but he couldn't help but feel this might be a bit troublesome to explain if it reached Van Ester's ears.
"I see, I'm sorry for the unnecessary doubt I placed on you."
"No, it was more than reasonable to do so. So, may I ask? What are you planning to do now?"
"...."
Boros looked down at the village outside the window, remaining silent. Looking at the bustling residents, he clenched his fist with determined eyes.
"I'm not a mere successor anymore, I'm the Lord now."
The Doppelganger impersonating Balbaca had disappeared. Naturally, Boros, the successor, became the rightful Lord of Belturia Estate.
"I have to take care of them properly as their Lord."
Boros rose from his seat and lowered his knee as he bowed his head in Asher's direction.
"Once again, I must thank you from the bottom of my heart."
No noble should even kneel down to anyone but the Emperor. It was an implicit law of the Empire. And now, Boros, a noble, kneeled to Asher, a commoner.
There was only one reason for this.
"You are the savior of the Belturia Estate. Our estate will forever call and praise your name."
Boros uttered in a steady and calming voice.
"You are the hero of our estate, Asher."
The emperor's authority was meaningless to the original Great Hero, Balbaca. Asher shook his head.
"I'm not a hero."
"No, you're that kind of person. No matter what anyone else says, you are the hero and savior of this estate. This is not overpraising, but simply stating the truth. As long as this estate remains standing, your name shall forever be ingrained in its history."
"...."
It was too much for even Asher to know how to react. However, Boros had a firm and resolute face that looked as if he would not allow Asher to reject his words.
"Because of this, I will do whatever you wish for, as long as it's within my power."
"….Then there is one thing I need right now."
It wasn't what Asher had originally hoped for. But the world was a dangerous place right now and he had to keep an eye on the happenings of the affairs going on within it.
"You said you had run an information agency."
"Yes, it's not that big, but I did indeed create one personally."
"The agency."
Asher spoke quietly.
"Can you lend its use to me?"
"The… information agency?"
Boros tilted his head curiously.
"Why is that?"
"It's because I have personal matters to attend to, and I need it's capabilities to achieve what I want."
"Yes, I don't need it anymore anyways… I see."
Boros nodded.
"Yes, I'll lend it to you."