Chapter 200: Meeting (14)
"Hy-Hyungnim… no, Young Master. Are you truly alright?"
Allen stammered in disbelief.
It was rare to see him this flustered.
"Yes."
Kyren gave a quiet nod.
As if fully understanding Allen’s reaction.
"Whether it's thanks to your concern or because Father brought in someone truly extraordinary… well, I’ve gotten much better."
With those words, Kyren turned his gaze toward the adjacent room.
Just then, with a creaking sound, the door to the next room opened, and two people stepped out.
The first to emerge was Count Amiel.
He wore attire that was neat yet naturally exuded dignity.
In contrast, the one who followed behind… was a man in a bizarre outfit they had never seen before.
A slightly worn, outdated suit.
Shoes stained with marks and grime.
But the strangest of all was the massive and heavy mask covering his entire face and even down to his chest, reminiscent of a knight’s helmet.
Because of it, not even a glimpse of the man’s actual face could be seen.
"Oh ho, we have new guests, I see."
The masked man spoke first, adding exaggerated gestures to his words.
Perhaps due to the helmet-like mask he wore, his voice echoed oddly, accompanied by eerie breathing sounds.
Yet somehow, his voice was soft and naturally instilled a sense of trust and comfort in those who heard it.
He gave a slight bow toward Lian and Allen.
"Truly, I ought to introduce myself properly with all due courtesy, but I ask for your understanding. Due to the doctrine of the religion I follow, I cannot show my bare face to others."
He let out a sigh-like chuckle.
"I may only reveal my face to the one who will become my future wife. But since everyone here is male, I absolutely cannot show it. Hehehik, it's not like I could propose to a man, after all!"
He then bowed his head to Count Amiel.
"And again, I express my gratitude for your tolerance of such rudeness, and for showing respect and courtesy to someone as suspicious-looking as myself."
"Say no more, sir."
Count Amiel replied in a solemn tone devoid of any hint of laughter.
"You are the benefactor who saved the life of my dying son. How could I possibly repay such a grace with disrespect? Even if you cursed at me and spat in my face, I would still gladly laugh it off."
"Oh, to be spoken of so highly… I am truly at a loss."
"I've told you many times already," said Count Amiel.
"I have no idea how I could ever repay this debt. If there is anything you desire, just say the word. I promise on my honor and all that I have, I will obtain it for you."
At that, the masked man waved both hands in a dramatic refusal.
"Oh, noble one! Hero! How could you say such things? I am but a nameless wanderer who, like a fleeting breeze, stopped for a moment, deeply moved by your noble tale."
He spoke as if he were a minstrel, mixing poetic and theatrical expressions.
"If you would consider today’s events simply a meeting with a humble writer captivated by your story, I would be more than overjoyed."
But—
He continued quietly, like adding a final dot.
"But… even such a great hero, in the eyes of some, may be seen as nothing more than an ordinary man—a mere father. However, I believe that very human anguish and evident weakness—that so-called imperfection—is the final piece that completes a true hero."
He modulated his voice like an actor performing a monologue.
"And you, Count, possess every quality I believe defines a hero. That is why I came to see you. Opportunities like this are exceedingly rare in our time… It saddens me that I have nothing to offer in return."
As he spoke, the man smacked his forehead.
Instead of a slap, a dull metallic clang rang out.
"Oops, I got carried away and rambled on again. It’s an old and bad habit of mine. Please forgive me."
Count Amiel replied without a change in expression.
"As I said, even if you hurled insults in my face, I would laugh it off. And since you're speaking of me with such favor, how could I possibly show displeasure? …Though, I must admit, it is a little embarrassing to be praised so much in front of my children."
He briefly glanced at the others in the room.
"…It seems you have nothing you wish to ask for at this moment, so please at least take this with you: If you ever need anything in return, come to me anytime. I will treat you with the utmost hospitality and welcome you as an honored guest."
"Such mercy… I am moved to tears."
The man made an exaggeratedly emotional gesture.
"Then I shall leave now, holding the Count’s words close to my heart. In truth, the only reward I could ever hope for is for you, Count, to live the rest of your life as a hero, just as you are now… If you would promise me that, it would be more than enough."
With those words, he offered a respectful bow.
Then his gaze shifted to Allen and Lian.
"And to the two young men here, may your future be filled with nothing but glory… Hm?"
His words trailed off.
His gaze, beyond the mask, seemed to fixate on Lian.
Then, as if startled, he abruptly grabbed Lian’s wrist.
He was so fast that I couldn't even react.
"Excuse me, but… may I ask your name?"
A slightly flustered Lian replied.
Given the situation, he couldn't simply shake off the man's hand.
"…I am Lian Gwendil."
"Lian Gwendil… then, if you don’t mind me asking… may I also ask your mother’s name?"
At his question, Lian’s eyes instantly sharpened.
"…May I ask why you’re asking that?"
At Lian’s cold response, the man seemed to realize his mistake and quickly let go of his hand with an apology.
"Ah… no, I’m terribly sorry. I overstepped my bounds."
He bowed deeply, as if embarrassed by his own behavior.
"You looked so very much like someone I know that I lost myself for a moment… but now that I look more closely, I see you’re a completely different person. Please forgive my rudeness."
"…I understand."
"Thank you for understanding."
With that, the man repeatedly apologized, bowed, and left the room in a flash.
It all happened in the blink of an eye.
"…A truly eccentric fellow."
Count Amiel murmured quietly.
He then turned his gaze to Lian.
"So you're the one—Lian Gwendil."
Count Amiel approached Lian and held out his hand.
When Lian bowed politely instead of taking it, Count Amiel smiled lightly and extended his hand again.
"I didn’t mean it that way. Go on."
In the end, Lian clasped the offered hand.
A firm grip was conveyed.
"I’ve heard the story from Allen and Kyren."
He nodded as he spoke.
"They both said it was thanks to you that they were able to escape a great crisis. I’ve wanted to meet you, and I’m truly glad we had the chance."
"You flatter me."
"You saved not just one, but both of my sons—how can that be called flattery?"
He spoke briskly and looked to Allen.
"You must have brought him out of concern for your brother."
"…Yes, that’s right. I know it was confidential, but I couldn’t just sit by and do nothing…"
When Allen responded cautiously, Count Amiel patted his shoulder reassuringly.
"How could I possibly blame a younger brother for worrying about his older one? I’m not scolding you, nor did you do anything wrong, so there’s no need to feel that way."
Then he turned again to Lian and said,
"Naturally, it would be right to treat you as an honored guest. However, as you can see, my eldest son has only just returned from the brink of death, and things are a bit hectic. I hope you wouldn’t mind if we arranged a proper meeting another time?"
"Of course, Count. I am more than grateful."
When Lian responded courteously, Count Amiel gave a slight nod.
"Thank you for understanding."
And so, Lian left the room together with Allen.
"Haah… I’m really sorry, Lian. I feel like I dragged you here for nothing…"
Allen apologized with an embarrassed expression, but Lian replied as if it were no big deal.
"No, if anything, I’m glad it turned out to be nothing."
"…Thank you for saying that."
"No need for thanks. It’s not like I did anything."
As they exited the building, standing there as if she’d been waiting for some time, was Cecilia, looking somewhat downcast.
She looked between Lian and Allen and said,
"Looks like things went well."
"Yes, that’s right."
Allen then suddenly asked the two of them,
"By the way, were you two headed somewhere?"
"We were just about to go grab some lunch together."
"Ah."
At Lian’s reply, Allen suddenly made a face like something had just clicked.
"Why, do you want to come with us?"
At Lian’s offer, Allen quickly shook his head.
In a split second—so fast that even Lian didn’t notice—Allen stole a glance at Cecilia and then answered with an awkward expression.
"Actually, I already had lunch… and I’ve got somewhere to be, so I’ll have to part ways here. You two, enjoy your meal."
With an awkward smile, Allen quickly made his exit.
Watching him leave, Lian slightly furrowed his brows and then spoke up.
"…Well then, shall we head out?"
"…Yes!"
Finally!
Cecilia nodded so vigorously that her head seemed like it might fall off, with an audible swoosh in the air.
‘Please.’
Please let there be no more uninvited guests.
Especially not Yuran or Lancia…
Cecilia quickened her pace beside Lian, hoping none of the women close to him would suddenly appear.
— Lady Cecilia. They’re all far away right now.
— You don’t need to worry!
Then, as if sensing her thoughts, a few spirits whispered reassuringly into her ear.
With her heart racing, Cecilia suppressed the smile that kept threatening to rise as she thought about heading to the restaurant her sister had recommended as a great spot for a date.
Just as they were about to reach the restaurant…
"…Lian?"
Please no.
At the sound of yet another familiar voice, Cecilia was overwhelmed with emotion without realizing it.
But then—
Lian’s next words made her gasp, swallowing her breath.
"…Mother?"