"Based on the information that I have gathered on you, Raza, you seemed like a man with few regrets," Alfred said.
As soon as Drifa relayed her father's message to Raza, they left the academy to meet him. The two of them ran into Leora on the way there, and she grew jealous so she forced them to take her with them. When she found out that they were going to a Duke's home, she had been nervous the entire time. The trio were now speaking to Alfred in his office.
"That is false. I do have regrets. For example, when my sisters picked up the hobby of creating art, I was the last one in my family to learn about it," Raza said regretfully. "I also forgot to get them art supplies last time I visited home."
'That's what he regrets!?' Everyone in the room thought.
This news shocked everyone. Given his serious attitude, they were expecting something… well, serious. Alfred had a stoic expression when he heard this since he didn't know what to make of this information.
"R-right," Alfred cleared his throat. "Anyways, Headmaster Junko began researching your past. I was able to feed her small, useless information, but even I cannot prevent her from finding out the truth," Alfred explained.
"What truth?" Leora finally snapped out of her nervous state.
"I'm the king's illegitimate child," Raza bluntly said.
"Oh ok…"
"Junko holds too much power over me since she knows that I run the Ring. She could flaunt the possibility of losing my title as a noble in front of my face, and I have more important things to protect than supporting your revenge story," Alfred sighed.
"Wait!? You're the king's son!?" Leora processed the information. "But, but, but, your parents are all lovey-dovey and stuff!" Leora explained.
"The king sexually assaulted my mother. I wish to leave it at that," Raza said coldly.
He clenched his jaw, and his eyes were even dimmer than they normally were. A lot of questions were running in Leora's mind, but she did not want to piss off Raza. She nodded her head and looked forward.
"Since you are telling me, you want me to increase my reputation faster than Headmaster Junko can expose me," Raza guessed.
"Correct," Alfred confirmed. "And fortunately, I have the perfect case for you. There has been a group of succubuses on the loose, and everyone that went after them was killed," Alfred introduced the mission.
Raza noted this information. In this world of swords in magic, there were other races than just humans. In the kingdom of Ambicia, the main races were humans and beast folk. Other kingdoms had elves, dwarves, mutants, monsters, and other races. Mutants were mutated subspecies that evolved into dangerous beings. For example, vampires were a mutated species of humans that developed a craving for blood. Succubuses were a mutated species of elves.
"Father, may I speak?" Drifa spoke up.
"Your friend seems to have no issue speaking up," Alfred replied.
To Alfred, this was meant to be a light joke to encourage his daughter to speak with more confidence. It wasn't received as that. Drifa thought that he was annoyed. They both struggle with having stoic expressions and monotone voices.
"Succubuses target males only, especially if they have a large sex drive. I do not yet know the details of this job, but it seems no different than a suicide mission," She expressed her thoughts.
"I understand your thoughts, but see it from my point of view. If Raza gets a strong headstart, the rest of his missions can be more lax in difficulty while still being able to greatly boost his social standing. Raza isn't a people pleaser nor is he social. Therefore, he needs to provide results and fast," Alfred explained.
Drifa was searching for a counterargument, but she could not find anything. She looked down. Alfred sighed. He wanted his daughter to have nerves of steel, but he also didn't want to dote over his daughter. Raza stepped forward.
"I will accept the mission, but I would like to state one condition."
"Ho? What is your condition?" Alfred raised his eyebrow.
"Regardless of my techniques, methods, tools, and even what I said during the mission, none of them will ever be shared with the public eye," Raza stated.
"That's an interesting way of wording it…"
"It is illogical to keep everything a secret. Men whisper secrets to their wives. Drunkards confess their sins under the influence of alcohol. My goal isn't necessarily to stay completely hidden, but to limit the amount of people that get the information," Raza explained.
"That means if someone does get their hands on any information on you…"
"I'll be able to track them through the Ring," Raza boldly said.
Alfred felt a wave of excitement. It was true that he kept a record of every transaction that was made through the Ring, but he never expected that Raza would use that information to his advantage. Of course, he could always buy the records. Alfred was impressed by the insight that Raza had, but he was also concerned.
'This man could potentially become a powerful enemy,' He inwardly frowned.
"Very well. I will limit the flow of information from not only this job but future jobs as well," Alfred agreed.
"Thank you, Duke Montgomery," Raza bowed.
"If that is all that you have to say, then I suggest that you get ready. The carriage that I have prepared for you is already here. Everything you'll need to know is in this file," Alfred pushed a file toward Raza.
Raza picked up the file from the desk. He skimmed through it and nodded his head. Leora and Drifa were worried about him, but they also had a sense of confidence. They couldn't shake off the feeling that Raza had done this kind of thing before.
"I will report back to you when I return," Raza said as he left the office.
Leora followed him, but Drifa stayed behind. Once the door closed she looked at her father. Alfred was curious, but something told him that she wasn't staying for some fatherly advice.
"Father, I know I am not fit for the world of politics, but… but can you teach me?" She bowed her head. "I want to be able to help Raza in some way."
Alfred raised his eyebrow. He was proud that his daughter had finally begun to take steps toward gaining political influence, unlike her other siblings. Alfred's sons wanted to be knights or adventurers. Power was always good to have, but information was better. However, one question was on his mind.
"Why do you want to help Raza so much?"
"He is my only friend, father. He saved my life, but he didn't take advantage of me. When he is with his family, he actually relaxes and smiles. If possible, I would like to protect that… or at least help to protect it," She explained.
'What naive thinking, my daughter,' Alfred thought to himself. 'But, if this is what gets her motivated, then this will do for now.'
…
Meanwhile, Raza and Leora were outside the manor. Raza gave a brief explanation about his heritage and why he was taking jobs from Alfred. Leora listened to the best of her abilities, but she couldn't shake off a feeling.
'Raza looks very angry while he telling me this. I hope he will be okay… But can I do anything for him?' She thought as she listened to Raza.
Raza saw that she had a worried expression on her face. He thought of a way to console her.
"If you are worried about the succubus, I have a way to counter them. Their primary way of catching victims is by physical contact. With my guns, that can be easily managed," Raza told her.
"No, it's not that," Leora shook her head. "You are always so serious, but you are happy when you're with your family… But when you were telling me about your relation to the king, so seemed angrier than I had ever seen you. I'm just worried about you," She expressed her concern.
Raza didn't know how to respond to what Leora said. She didn't seem to have any ill intent or ulterior motives, but Raza sensed an unfamiliar feeling. Part of him wanted to stay and listen to Leora, but another part wanted to flee from the scene. It was a conflicting feeling for Raza.
'Why does she care so much?' Raza thought.
Before he could say or do anything, Leora reached for Raza's neck and pulled him in close. It was a slow action, but Raza found out that he couldn't resist. It was like he was forced to comply. Leora brought his head to her chest and held him.
"I may not be part of your family, but you can always come to me if you are feeling angry or anxious. I'll try my best to console you," She said softly as she held him.
Raza let her hold him for a moment before he moved away from her. He had a similar tighten feeling in his chest as he used to experience when he was a kid. It was something that Raza still didn't know how to coup with. Regardless of his mixed emotions, Raza nodded.
"I will keep that in mind, Leora," He walked to the carriage before stopping for a moment. "Good-bye."
Raza entered the carriage, and Leora watched as it drove into the distance. She was worried about Raza.
'Stay safe, and please come back safely,' She inwardly pleaded.