The Iron-Blooded Lord's eyes seemed to linger on me for a long time. Seeing the stare from a distance, I wondered if leaving would be wiser.
Has he seen through me?
I wore the mask now, standing here not as Luan but as Nalu. I was borrowing the power of a magic tool, yet the crucial question remained: how convincing was this disguise?
A man of the Iron-Blooded Lord's caliber would hardly fail to notice. If he had recognized me, wouldn't he have shown some reaction by now?
The truth was, I had no idea. His face was so expressionless that it offered no clues.
"Hey. Are you deaf? Right now—"
I struck the back of the thug's head before he could finish. The urgency of the moment, combined with my own tension, made me hit harder than intended. The burly man fell with a grunt and passed out.
Will this fool even realize that I just saved his life? This isn't the time to worry about other people's lives.
Uncomfortable silence stretched again.
The Iron-Blooded Lord's detached gaze bore into me like stone. He had still not spoken. It felt deliberate, as if he were pressuring me to make the first move.
I also desperately forced my expression to stay calm while my mind raced.
Has he recognized me? Has he not? I hoped for the latter, though that hope felt hollow.
Should I just greet him? However, what if he hadn't realized? The risk was immense.
I studied him with unease. He wore no formal attire of a family head, only simple clothes that made him resemble a wanderer. That simplicity emphasized his age. He looked hardly older than me. Even his presence seemed restrained, making him appear at first glance no more than a refined, enigmatic youth. Perhaps that restraint had tempted that back-alley fool to pick a fight with him.
I should say something.
In confrontations, I usually mirrored the other's lead. If the Iron-Blooded Lord spoke, I could adjust my response. Yet he remained silent, watching.
In the end, I could not withstand the pressure and spoke first. "Are you hurt anywhere?"
Shit. This wasn't right.
The Iron-Blooded Lord's eyes narrowed slightly, and I could tell that he was baffled by my tone. Finally, his lips parted.
At that moment, a massive figure appeared, his voice booming. "What's this? So you were here all along."
What is this now?
The man towered over two meters, maybe two and a half, or even taller. It was hard to tell. He radiated such an overwhelming aura that his body seemed larger than it actually was. His head was shaved close, his muscles solid as stone, and a bastard sword the size of his torso hung across his back. The blade was so thick it resembled a bludgeon more than a sword, almost like a small book.
He appeared to be the Iron-Blooded Lord's companion. Unlike him, this giant made no effort to hide his presence.
"I took my eyes off you, and you disappeared immediately. Who else except a Dark Fairy would linger in a back alley this grim, huh?" Despite his size and booming voice, his tone carried a casual ease.
The Iron-Blooded Lord finally shifted his gaze from me and spoke for the first time. "It's nothing."
"Really? Then let's get moving. We're probably the last to arrive. You know how foul those people's tempers are."
"Yes, let's do so."
The giant turned his gaze on me. "And what about this kid?"
I didn't know how to respond, so I bowed. "Hello. I am Nalu. I'm an academy student. This person seemed to be in trouble, though in hindsight, it seems I interfered unnecessarily."
" Oh-ho . What a real talent." The man smirked and touched his chin. It felt like a lion using his front paws.
I brainwashed myself for a moment. I am a student at the academy. I am a good, nice and kind academy student who doesn't know much.
If it were truly Naru standing here, not Luan, how would he react in this situation?
"Forgive my curiosity, but you both carry an unusual air. May I ask what brings you to the academy?" I asked, my mind racing.
Of course, they could not answer. Even within the family, only a few knew the Iron-Blooded Lord's whereabouts. If the giant brushed me off, I would pretend to understand and excuse myself quickly.
Just as I expected, the giant scratched his cheek awkwardly. "Ah, well, that's a bit difficult to—"
Unexpectedly, the Iron-Blooded Lord interrupted, "Are you curious?"
"Pardon?" I blurted out.
"As a noble, it is proper etiquette to offer a token of gratitude," the Iron-Blooded Lord said. "Maxim, if you don't mind, shall we invite this child to the meal?"
"What? Wait, what are you—"
Shock hit me twice. First, the realization that this enormous man was Sky-Destroying Sword Maxim—the master of the two people from earlier. Second, the dawning horror that I was about to be dragged along against my will.
I rushed to protest. "Oh, I appreciate the offer, but I just had a full meal—"
"Then let's at least stroll through the shopping district together. It aids digestion," the Iron-Blooded Lord said.
"I actually eat a lot at my age. I've probably already digested it. Thank you." I shot Maxim one last hopeful glance.
He exploded into booming laughter. "That sounds like fun!"
***
Sadly, I never imagined that this choice would drag me to the depths of hell.
"Oh. You've finally arrived."
"Brothers and sisters, you must be punctual. Every passing moment is a gift from the gods."
"And who's the brat?"
"He looks cute!"
The Iron-Blooded Lord and Maxim led me to a tavern I had never noticed, despite having wandered the shopping district countless times. Its shabby exterior gave no hint of the dignity and elegance inside. We descended to the basement room, where silence reigned and subtle lighting created a calm, refined atmosphere.
Even the furniture speaks of wealth. My noble upbringing gave me a keen eye for quality. Each piece was solid wood, devoid of gaudy embellishments, yet every detail showed the handiwork of master craftsmen. The waiters I glimpsed along the way were as polished and deferential as servants from noble households.
This had to be one of those secret establishments frequented by powerful figures, the kind that guarded its patrons' identities with absolute discretion. Perhaps it was. In any case, the basement contained a large table where four people were already seated. Each wore a distinctive outfit. I barely had time to process them, but in a single impression: a thug, a priest, a pirate, and a witch.
All four radiated the same aura as the Iron-Blooded Lord and Maxim. The moment I saw them, I realized what this was and who they were.
Are all of them MIddle Names?
Cold sweat ran down my face. From my perspective, I had walked straight into the jaws of monsters.
Should I turn and run now without looking back?
My mind felt more numb than it had when I faced the demon kings, but I forced myself to steady it.
Maxim said, "He helped Delac, so we decided to buy him a meal."
"He helped the Iron-Blooded Lord? What, did he attack a priest?"
Maxim chuckled. "That is a funny joke."
Not funny at all, I thought.
All eyes at the table turned toward me. I struggled to ignore the pressure, trying to look pitiable.
Isn't it absurd? Someone like me, at such a high-value gathering? Surely, they should react accordingly.
Suddenly, a sharp knife struck the wooden table.
At last, the pirate spoke, her voice sharp with irritation. "Have you lost your mind?"
The eyepatch and cutlass made her as sharp-eyed as an eagle. She jabbed a finger at me. "This is a tavern. Why drag in a baby who hasn't even shed his baby fat?"
Ah, so that's the reason. Pirate, you're the last one who should be saying that.
I tore my gaze away from her and studied the priest. Judging by his attire, he was a priest of the Seventy-Two Churches, but his solid frame underneath the vestments suggested he was a combat expert—a heretical inquisitor. If any priest deserved a Middle Name, he was likely one of the church's ultimate weapons. He also looked far younger than I had expected.
In truth, everyone here appeared deceptively young, though I knew their insides told a different story.
The priest's narrow eyes met mine, and a gentle smile brushed his lips. "Rest assured, young man. Nothing will happen to you."
Instead of soothing me, wouldn't it be better if you just threw me out? I grumbled inwardly, but there was nothing else I could do.
The thug seemed indifferent, while the witch's shining eyes lingered on me, setting my nerves on edge.
"Let's all sit down," Maxim said in a low voice.
The pirate clicked her tongue. Her attention on me vanished as suddenly as it had appeared, which left me momentarily off guard.
"Sorry, but business keeps me busy these days," the pirate said. "From tomorrow, my schedule will be split by the minute, so let's make this quick."
The thug laughed openly. The pirate's eyes narrowed. "What's funny? Did you take a look in the mirror?"
"My apologies. It is amusing to see you trying to act superior in front of a mere pupa."
"What?"
"Isn't it true? Far more noble and dignified people fill these seats than an outlaw like yourself. It is hard not to laugh when a mere sea marauder starts talking about schedules."
"It stinks. Shut your mouth," she spat.
"Oh? Will you close it for me yourself?" he taunted her.
"Step closer. I'll cut out that tongue first."
The air turned violent in an instant. The pirate and the thug squared off, while neither the witch nor the priest moved to stop them. Only Maxim scratched his head with an awkward frown. Up close, he felt less like a lion and more like a slow, lumbering bear.
The Iron-Blooded Lord's indifferent voice cut through the tension. "The Middle Names have been summoned."
The two people glaring at each other immediately turned their attention to him.
I realized he had drawn upon a blessing. With the sheer number he possessed, I couldn't guess which one.
"It has been ten years. Only three people in the empire hold that summoning right. Coincidentally, the Red Archmage used it ten years ago. So it is the same reason again this time," the Iron-Blooded Lord explained.
"I heard the Purple Archmage was taken down. They even approached me, asking if I'd fill the vacant seat. Of course, I turned them down. Too bothersome," the witch said lightly. "Well, Alderson's fighting ability was terrible, but if an Archmage fell, the answer is obvious."
The priest responded to these words. "The Dark Pope must've intervened."
He was right. No matter how much they exploited the Otherworld or manipulated the princess, the descent of a demon king in such secrecy should have been impossible.
More than anything, I still didn't know how Dean Alderson was taken to the Otherworld. When I saw him, he was already imprisoned beneath the building. Was Leone involved? That seems the most natural explanation, yet something feels off. If she orchestrated everything, why would she help me?
Maxim spoke. "Even though the Dark Pope intervened, the plan was overturned with minimal loss. It is a great accomplishment. Delac, I heard your son played no small part."
At Maxim's words, the Iron-Blooded Lord nodded. "Indeed. The child has promise."
His approval drew quiet whispers from the others. Even Maxim, along with the pirate and the thug, seemed bewildered.
Maxim spoke in a flustered tone. "Oh, gods. You actually know how to offer praise. How about saying a kind word to Heero as well?"
He referred to the eldest son, Heero Badniker. As a hero of the Hero Society, he likely had an impeccable reputation. Maxim, being a fellow hero, was probably acquainted with him.
"That boy has reached A-class. That is a remarkable achievement for his age," Maxim said.
The Iron-Blooded Lord tilted his head. "Was Heero satisfied with the result?"
Maxim faltered, searching for an answer.
"I didn't think so. Besides, Maxim, now is not the time to discuss the Badniker family's education."
Maxim nodded. "True enough."
I kept my eyes on the Iron-Blooded Lord as he spoke, but he didn't glance at me even once. That only heightened my uncertainty. Any reaction on his part would have signaled that he saw through me.
Nonetheless, a more pressing problem struck: I had probably drunk too much apple juice, and I urgently needed to pee. No matter how thick-skinned I was, requesting a bathroom break in the middle of a conversation among these elders with Middle Names was daunting.
"Forgive the interruption, but may I excuse myself for a moment?"
It was difficult, but unavoidable. Holding urine for too long was unhealthy.
All eyes turned to me again. Most exchanged incredulous glances, while only Maxim chuckled.
"That is bold. I look forward to your future," he said.
"Yes. This kid is definitely unusual. Maxim, is he your disciple?" the pirate asked.
"No," he replied.
The pirate sharpened her gaze at the Iron-Blooded Lord. "Then you?"
He ignored her and addressed me instead. "Take the right path, and you'll reach it."
"Thank you."
I hurried out of the room. Even that brief escape eased the crushing tension. They hadn't threatened me outright, but being among monsters carried its own weight.
"Should I just run now?" It wasn't a bad option. I wore a fake face anyway, so the risk of being tracked was low.
I sighed and headed to the bathroom.
"Ah, that's..." a waiter called out, flustered, as I approached the bathroom, but I ignored him. My priority was to relieve myself.
Was it due to being a high-class tavern? The bathrooms were pristine and unnecessarily elegant.
I didn't leave immediately after washing my hands. I leaned against the wall, lost in thought. No matter how I consider it, I should just run—
At that moment, the door swung open, and the Iron-Blooded Lord appeared.
I stifled a gasp.
"There were too many eyes before," he said in his usual calm tone. "Let's talk for a moment."
"Shall we?"
This was what it felt like to be hunted by the strongest demon hunter. For a moment, I imagined what it would feel like for Priest Luan to flee.
Surprisingly, he hesitated. He seemed unusually careful, weighing every word. What could make a man like him so cautious?
Naturally, my nervousness also increased.
"I..." He finally spoke, his voice grave and deliberate. "I respect my children's preferences."
"What now?"
What in the world was that supposed to mean?
Confusion replaced my fear, and before I could react, he left. It seemed that he wasn't here to relieve himself.
I lingered in the bathroom and caught my reflection in the mirror. Nalu's face, sculpted by the Linchal Mask, stared back. Its features were far too feminine. Coincidentally, the academy's uniforms were unisex, so anyone seeing me now could easily mistake me for a woman.
Understanding dawned. If the Iron-Blooded Lord knew I was Luan and saw through my disguise... then from his perspective, he reunited with his son on the street—dressed as a woman?!
Then when we first met, his silence and uncharacteristic hesitation must have been because he was flustered beyond words.
I groaned, my head spinning.