“Right. You’re right. The young Duke Rodrian is indeed a fool without a brain. It’s refreshing to meet someone who can make an objective judgment after a long time.”

At the same time, those who had sent menacing gazes towards Luna also laughed joyfully.

What’s going on? Why is this suddenly a cheerful atmosphere? She didn’t know what happened or why, but strangely, he seemed to be one of the few people who despised Fersen to the extreme.

“I apologize for the mistake in the rumors. I’ve been extremely rude to someone I dislike so much. So, is it the young Duke Rodrian’s one-sided love?”

He asked as if he found it interesting. In response, Luna frowned seriously and denied his words once again.

“No, absolutely not. He has someone else as his lover.”

Fersen loved only Seira. That was a part that she believed without a doubt after reading the original.

“Then why on earth does the young Duke Rodrian behave like that?”

“He’s insane. He’s not in his right mind. Everyone thinks they’re right and their actions are justified.”

As Luna replied with a bitter tone, the man smiled as if he was enjoying it. He seemed very pleased to hear Fersen being criticized.

“It seems that the young lady has an accurate judgment. Yes, he’s not in his right mind. He thinks his actions are justified.”

“Not only is he not in his right mind, but he also annoys others.”

She had created a frustrating situation to the extent that she dared to come and mine the gold. If Fersen had behaved properly, this situation wouldn’t have occurred.

The mercenaries who were listening to the conversation nodded, and the man also responded in agreement with Luna’s words, as if he disliked Fersen.

“If we consider the harm caused, he can be considered the worst in the Empire.”

“In the Empire? Wow, your evaluation is too severe. Even considering the entire continent? He has severe delusions and exceptional ability to interpret things as he pleases.”

“Yes, that’s right. He even fabricates non-existent events and deludes himself into thinking that he has been harmed.”

What’s going on? He’s someone I’ve never seen before, why is he able to communicate so well? It feels like he’s the lost twin soul of a lost spirit…

Since being born in this world, Luna felt a deep sense of empathy from someone else for the first time. Moreover, she found that she could communicate much better with him than with Fersen, whom she had known for over ten years.

Of course, it was a strange comparison since even a passing dog could communicate better than Fersen.

In any case, they exchanged only a few words, but with a conversation that connected better than with her own father, Luna’s liking for the man soared. Luna’s eyes sparkled as she echoed his words.

“That’s right. He’s the first person I’ve met who is such a nuisance. If someone like him exists, it’s better not to have him at all. He only stirs up trouble and disrupts the peace of the world.”

“That’s a good idea. Then, should we get rid of him?”

The man’s eyes flickered for a moment, as if he could erase Fersen from this world if was told to do so. Of course, Fersen is the protagonist of this world, so it wouldn’t come to that, but Luna nodded her head, hoping that the man would at least consider removing Fersen.

“If possible.”

“It seems you think I can’t do that. I’ll have to make an effort.”

He replied with a radiant smile. Then his surroundings began to shimmer. The conversation about eliminating someone transformed into a blessing with just his smile.

Although he had an extraordinary face, Luna focused more on his words and replied, “I’m counting on you. Please make sure to do it.”

“Alright. I’m glad to meet someone I really like after a long time. Shall we travel together to the Vincent Territory?”

“Oh, yes.”

Luna had set her intention to invite him to travel to the Vincent Territory with her, despite being engaged in criticizing Fersen.

“I permit it. It’s not common to travel with someone, but I can’t miss such a distinguished guest like you.”

What did he say? It’s not common to travel with someone?

Luna was shocked, thinking she had been deceived by the carriage rental agent. They even charged her double and pleaded to hurry. Are they mocking the declining family?

The repercussions of poverty had reached such a trivial place, and now he added even more shocking words, smiling gently.

“Welcome to the Antares Merchant Guild. Young lady of barony Peils.”

“…Excuse me?”

What did he just say…? What is this ‘Antares Merchant Guild’? Is it closely related to the antagonist of this novel, ‘Antes Vincent’…!?

* * *

The Antares Merchant Guild. Where is that place? It was none other than the place that pays money to the antagonist of this novel, Antes Vincent. They even praised him and named themselves after him.

Although the Merchant Guild itself was not engaged in illegal activities, the fact that it was associated with Antes Vincent was enough to make Luna uneasy.

‘To experience something like this as soon as I deviate from the original work.’

Was it a blessing or a misfortune? It was difficult to judge.

However, one thing was certain: no matter what action she took, extreme situations would arise, indicating that God despised her to the utmost. Because of this, Luna made up her mind to stick with the Antares Merchant Guild and head to the Vincent Territory. In the current situation where she couldn’t grasp anything, unnecessary movements were not desirable.

Five hours after making that decision, Luna sat around with the mercenaries of Antares, enjoying a bowl of potato soup.

“To spread such a disastrous rumor about this beautiful young lady, you are truly hopeless.”

“That’s what I’m saying! The wedding of Lady Palace was almost blocked!”

“Most people still think she’s that guy’s lover. It’s a big deal.”

“We have to keep correcting everyone we meet.”

“Oh, that’s a good idea! We should start from this town!”

Enemy’s enemy is a comrade, and they developed strong affection for the enemy of Fersen whom they unexpectedly encountered.

Especially Luna Peils, who was known to be close to Fersen, had even stronger affection.

Although their appearance was a little intimidating, as Luna engaged in conversation with them, she realized they were just cheerful and empathetic young men who sympathized with the pain of others.

Luna continued to enjoy her potato soup while watching the mercenaries, who were still gossiping about Fersen. The language they used was rough, but the content was warm and comforting.

Then, a curiosity suddenly arose within Luna. She set down her half-empty soup bowl and discreetly asked the golden-haired man sitting next to her.

“By the way, what is your name? Since it will take a few more days to reach Vincent territory, it would be nice to know what to call you.”

Who could this man be? There was no one as handsome as him other than Fersen. It didn’t make sense to have such a striking face as an extra. He must be an important character.

As Luna posed her question, the rowdy mercenaries, who were previously chattering, looked at her with wide eyes. Their expressions were unexpectedly serious.

The man, with a radiant smile amidst the tense atmosphere, responded briefly,

“Captain.”

“Your name is Captain?”

“Just call me Captain. My name is too long and bothersome to say. If you don’t like it, you can call me ‘Hey’ or ‘You.’ No need to be formal.”

Could he be a criminal? It was possible since he was associated with Antes Vincent and the Antares Merchant Guild.

Sensing Luna’s suspicious gaze, the man smiled softly as if to tell her not to dwell on trivial matters.

Feeling his reluctance to reveal his name, Luna quickly gave up on finding out and moved on to her next question.

“Then, one more thing. It’s more of a curiosity than a question.”

The man nodded, his expression encouraging her to speak about anything, even if it wasn’t a proper thing.

Once the issue of names was settled, the mercenaries resumed eating their soup. Luna couldn’t help but ask.

“At first, I was taken aback, but why do you keep using informal language with me?”

“…!”

As if it would have been better to ask for their names, a colder silence fell upon them compared to before.

Since there was only one person in the group who used informal language with her, Luna couldn’t just let it go without asking.

“…Why?”

The man pointed to himself with his finger and asked. Luna nodded in confirmation, and the mercenaries couldn’t hide their perplexed expressions.

“W-What does that matter?”

“H-Haha! D-Don’t worry about it! It’s not really important, is it?”

“Yes, it is!”

Despite it being a very important issue, the mercenaries shrugged it off strangely. Therefore, Luna urged for an answer without turning her gaze away from the man.

“It’s important. It’s not pleasant to be spoken to informally by someone whose name I don’t even know.”

After struggling to maintain his expression for a while, he slowly lifted the corner of his mouth and responded to Luna’s question.

“Now that you mention it, I suppose so. It’s impolite to use informal language with a noble lady.”

“Then from now on—”

“But.”

Before Luna could even request for them to show some respect, the man interrupted her.

“Maybe it’s because I never learned it, but I’m not familiar with honorifics. To be honest, I don’t even use honorifics with my parents. I’ve been like this since I was born, so I don’t know how to use them.”

It was hard to believe such a person existed. Just as Luna was about to argue that it couldn’t be an excuse, he laughed brightly and stopped her words. With just his smile, the field of weeds instantly bloomed with flowers.

“So, how about you continue using informal language with me? In fact, it might be faster that way. You can even curse at me if you want.”

“What did you say?”

Upon hearing his words, Luna imagined herself saying ‘Hey,’ ‘You,’ ‘You bastard.’ to the man in front of her.

No, it was still strange. Maybe if they had been close friends for years, she wouldn’t mind, but no matter how she thought about it, it wasn’t right.

In the past, she might not have minded, but since being reborn as a noble and pretending to be refined, she felt a sense of resistance towards that way of speaking.

“If you don’t like it?”

“Well, I wish you could tolerate it a bit. Later, when I learn honorifics, I’ll use them with the young lady.”

Using his beauty as an advantage, he smiled brighter and more brilliantly than ever before, as if to avoid this obstacle. Then, only the man who was as beautiful as a flower remained, with sharp and sensitive eyes. Moreover, as if even the sky was fond of him, a warm breeze gently passed through his golden hair, illuminating his face even more beautifully.

As if to say, just overlook it because of his pretty face.

However, unfortunately for Luna, she had trained her body for decades under the most handsome person, Fersen. Furthermore, she was not someone who would easily fall for someone’s looks wherever she went, so she had confidence that she wouldn’t be swayed by the man’s beauty.

“…”

Even so, strangely enough, she couldn’t come up with a response. She wasn’t inclined to nod her head either, so when she engaged in a staring contest with the man without saying anything, the mercenaries, who were trying to change the atmosphere and intervene in the conversation, joined in.

“U-Um, by the way, didn’t the young lady mention having business in the Peils Territory?”

“Oh, right! That’s true! Although I’m not sure what kind of business you have in a place where there’s nothing, it wouldn’t be a bad idea for us to accompany you to the Peils Territory!”

“That’s right! It’s a rare encounter!”

“What do you think about settling it with that?”

“Excuse me?”

Is it allowed to speak informally and even accompany her for free? It was a tempting offer, but Luna managed to maintain my composure and shook her head.

“No, thank you. I have something to do alone.”

Given the nature of the task, she felt uneasy about traveling with someone. That’s why she planned to mine a decent amount of gold on her own. Even if it meant breaking the arm, she was willing to work day and night for it.

“You have something to do there? Alone?”

“Yes, alone.”

“But still, wouldn’t you feel more at ease with company? Besides, I don’t know what you’re doing, but I’m sure it would be easier if there were two of us!”

“That’s right!”

What’s with this informal speech? The mercenaries pleaded with her, making a fuss about taking them with her.

“It’s a strenuous task, so I’ll go alone.”

“A strenuous task? How can you say that after seeing our bodies? Haha! You’re truly naive. Haha!”

“I feel more uneasy when I see your bodies. I’m worried that something unfortunate might happen if we go together.”

The mercenaries responded with disappointed faces to Luna’s answer, expressing their objections.

“Just so you know, we’re officially employed by the government in Antares, the recognized Merchant Guild! To say that something unfortunate might happen!”

“Don’t judge based on appearances!”

They started to mix up their words, saying that they should judge based on appearances at one point. Luna was still unsure despite their clear identities. When Luna shook her head again, the man who had stopped using his alluring charm joined the conversation.

“Take them with you. I don’t know what you’re doing, but if you’re that worried, I can provide a guarantee from the Merchant Guild.”

“…A guarantee?”

“Yes. If you want, I can get it certified by the royal family. So you can use them with peace of mind until the next carriage moves.”

“…”

‘Is this really the Merchant Guild of the antagonist?’

Royal certification, huh?

Royal certification is quite an expensive paid insurance. If an unfortunate incident occurs, the royal family takes responsibility for the damages. More accurately, they initially bear the losses on behalf of the royal family and ensure that the perpetrator’s relatives pay the price, even if it means going to great lengths.

What on earth is the catch?

Unable to figure out the reason for going this far, Luna furrowed her brow. The man then came up with a condition, saying:

“Let me continue speaking informally.”

Informal speech. Why would someone go to the trouble of not even minding inconvenience for the sake of that? Could it be a deadly disease to use honorifics?

At this point, Luna briefly considered making the man use honorifics, but her desire for money and convenience was more pressing than that desire. So she quietly nodded her head and accepted his offer.

“…Fine. As long as you provide the necessary documents.”

“Of course. The contract is established then.”