The Deputy Commander, Marenne, couldn’t hide his shock after hearing what I’d said.

A rebel force? Was this why the Hunter hadn’t been seen all this time—because he was forming this rebellion?

"Their main slogan seems to be ‘Destroy those who support the Foreign Entities.’ Now, while you’ve utilized their power, it’s quite a stretch to say you’re supporting them."

The Deputy Commander pressed his forehead, clearly feeling the headache that came with such a dangerous slogan. It was bad news. Historically, if a rebellion isn’t swiftly quelled, support for the leader often crumbles significantly. And this rebellion being led by the renowned Hunter? Every piece of this world’s lore was pushing for this to succeed, even if by force.

If the Knights of Londan were to fall, the campaign against the Giant of the Snow Mountains would become an impossible task. Even the most elite Knights, led by the Commander, had been unable to defeat that beast. If support for the order waned, their numbers would shrink, and with fewer reinforcements, it would be impossible to overcome the Giant.

"This is a nightmare."

"You were close with the Hunter, weren’t you? What on earth happened between you two?"

The Deputy Commander’s question made me feel a pang of sadness. That moment had been perfectly poised for misunderstanding, and the Hunter had seen me in situations that would only fuel his suspicions. The fact that he had held back from doubting me for so long spoke volumes about his patience.

"…I see this is difficult for you to answer."

Noticing my silence, the Deputy Commander sighed.

"No, it’s just… On the day I defeated the Inquisitor, I recognized her swapped body and subdued her. But the Hunter saw from afar and thought I was killing a person."

"Couldn’t you explain that?"

"The Inquisitor’s body retained a monstrous form even after her soul had disappeared. I couldn’t convince him."

"…That does make it tough."

Exactly. If not for that, things might not have ended up like this. It felt like some cruel trick of fate.

The Deputy Commander let out a sigh. "In any case, regardless of the backstory, we need to focus on what needs to be done."

"Yes, sir."

"From now on, we’ll classify the rebels as traitors and subdue them, by force if necessary."

Subdue them… I wasn’t so sure. The Snow Castle was popular because of its hidden elements, which implied there were many strong figures still lying low within Londan. Subduing the rebels wouldn’t be easy.

"Deputy Commander."

"Don’t worry. The Hunter knows your relationship with the Foreign Entities. We’ll work towards clearing any misunderstandings."

"Could you erase my name from the order’s records?"

The Deputy Commander’s eyes widened in shock.

"What are you saying? Are you really going to abandon your knighthood over this rebellion?"

I should have explained it better. Once he calmed down, I cautiously spoke again.

"I’m not giving up on being a knight. I just want to lay low for a while."

"Do you think that if your name disappears, the rebels will disband?"

"Maybe."

"That’s far too simplistic!"

The Deputy Commander slammed his fist on the table, rising to his full height, which somehow made his already broad shoulders seem even wider.

"If the rebels scatter and you return, do you think they’ll just let it go? They’ll regroup, claiming ‘the order deceived us,’ and it’ll turn public opinion against us even more."

He picked up a glass shard and raised it.

"Do you think a united force just shatters quietly? Because they achieved their goals? No!"

He dropped the shard, letting it break into countless pieces on the floor.

"Like glass, a movement only disappears by shattering completely and releasing all its energy. You can’t predict what people with lost purpose might do!"

The Deputy Commander’s anger wasn’t personal gain—it was for my sake. He’d likely grown frustrated that I’d consider abandoning my newfound chance to live up to my knighthood so easily, even temporarily.

"Deputy Commander."

"I can help you hide for a while, but I will never erase your name."

I felt a tightness in my chest, touched by his resolve to protect me.

"Then…"

"Knight Raydan Tanton, get out here at once!"

Suddenly, a commotion erupted outside. The shouting and noise made it sound like they were trying to bring down the entire building. There was only one group that would do this—the Hunter’s rebels. They were already here.

"Damn it! To resort to such extremes!"

The Deputy Commander’s frustration turned to a roar. He couldn’t just rush out unprepared against them. Doing so without the full might of the order could lead to disastrous losses. Suddenly, he dashed to the corner and opened a hidden stone panel on the floor, revealing a concealed door.

"Get in here, Tanton."

"What is this?"

"In a crisis, having only one exit from headquarters is a death sentence."

The Deputy Commander gave a brief smile before growing serious again. "We don’t have time. Go!"

"…Understood!"

I entered the hidden passage, looking back only to see him nod and close the door behind me. Unsure of what lay ahead, I ran towards the exit, determined to plan my next steps.

In a quiet alley, I moved as stealthily as possible. I couldn’t afford to get caught here. Londan would be crawling with rebel sympathizers, and any misstep could lead to a chase.

My first priority was to find Asti. I’d sent her ahead to the branch office to file my report with the order, so I knew she’d be worried. I quickly headed there, forgoing the usual formalities with the Branch Leader.

"Asti!"

I burst into her room, only to find it empty. This wasn’t good. I remembered where she often hid, so I went to my quarters.

"Asti!"

Pushing open the door, I found her nestled in my bed, face buried in my blanket.

"Asti…?"

Even as I questioned her, she seemed unfazed, inhaling deeply as though savoring my scent.

She looked up, her expression neutral. "I was just replenishing my energy while you were away."

Her unbothered demeanor made me sigh. "Asti, I may need to go into hiding. I’m not sure how long it’ll be, so I wanted you to know in advance."

"I’m coming with you."

Taken aback, I replied, "It’s dangerous."

"I’m stronger now that I have my mother’s body."

"But we’re up against the rebels. The Foreign Entity Hunter."

Asti met my gaze, holding my hands tightly. "Are you asking me to sit in anxiety, not knowing if you’re safe?"

I didn’t have an answer. Looking into her determined eyes, I relented, patting her head with a sigh. "Looks like we’re fugitives again."

"I don’t mind," she replied calmly.

As we prepared to leave Londan, I heard a familiar voice.

"Finally, I’ve been waiting forever."

I turned, surprised to see Agarta standing by the train, motioning for me to join her. "Come on, let’s go to another domain."