Chapter 008: A Brush of the Collar 4

* * *

The sight of a seemingly ordinary child overpowering his peers was shocking in itself. Only then did the delinquents realize they had picked the wrong person to mess with. But it was already too late. Cain and Raphman moved before they could even speak. Most of them were ready to drop their weapons and surrender, but the swift and relentless footsteps did not stop.

When the commotion finally subsided, only two people remained in the alley. Cain, wiping the blood splattered on his cheek, smiled at Raphman.

"Isn't it quite a good fit? For us."

"Hah, not funny at all."

Raphman kicked the writhing delinquent's buttocks and snorted, finding it absurd. He acknowledged Cain's wit and ruthlessness, but could not give him a higher score. Even considering his age, it was the same.

Cain's talents were mediocre. All of them were things that anyone could have. Without any distinctive features, there were no strengths. Sadly, the outcome for such individuals was predictable.

"Tricks are easy to use, but they often lead to a fall. If you don't walk the right path, you'll be like a sandcastle swept away by a big wave. The techniques you use are the same. They are all extensions of deception, and if you're not careful, you might end up on the wrong path."

"But I don't think they are just tricks."

The words came out harshly, as if his 35 years of life had been outright denied.

Tracking, throwing, and martial arts. All these skills were honed to become a 2nd-class assassin. They were not proud memories, but he certainly did not want to discard them.

These were also part of what made Cain who he was.

But Raphman shook his head again, as if to make him face reality.

"You've picked up a lot of bad habits."

"Those are things you pick up as you live..."

"Unbelievably, for someone so young."

His casual remark hit the mark. As Raphman said, the habits and routines accumulated over 35 years were not light. Cain stood there dumbfounded, under the penetrating gaze that seemed to see through everything.

Regardless, Raphman approached the woman, took off his coat, and gave it to her. She shivered, taken aback by the unexpected kindness.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes, t-thank you."

That was all she could say. The woman, alternating her gaze between Raphman and Cain, fled without looking back.

"Pretty cold, huh?"

"To her, we probably look like a gang of thugs."

Especially since she wasn't averse to seeing blood, it must have been even more terrifying. Indeed, it was not something an ordinary woman could handle. Cain, reflecting on this, looked around.

"Still, I didn't expect something like this to happen in broad daylight."

This was not just any place; it was under the jurisdiction of the Ten Seats. The very existence of such a gang was strange, considering the impending punishment.

"Rotten from the roots, so it's bound to happen."

"There must be some reason, right?"

"You know there are many unused lands that aren't being utilized by the barony."

How could he not know? He had felt it acutely on his way here.

"Surely they didn't come from there?"

"They can't deny that some of them mixed in."

"But isn't it illegal to occupy a territory without permission?"

"There aren't enough people to check one by one. Besides, if they raid and disappear into the snow mountains, there's no way to catch them."

"Then why not ask the Lesser Kingdom for help? If they know this is happening within their borders, they can't help but intervene."

"Our relationship isn't that good."

Cain let out a sigh. The more he heard, the more it felt like he was sinking into a quagmire. He couldn't help but understand the situation now. There was definitely a reason. A reason he didn't want to get involved in.

'But.'

Cain looked up at the man standing before him. A member of the Ten Seats, a sword genius, and the lord of the barony. If this man, who had everything, wielded his sword, the end would be clear.

Overwhelming power carried immense influence.

"If you move personally, won't everything be resolved?"

"I'm not particularly interested."

"What do you mean by that?"

Perhaps because it was an unexpected answer, his face involuntarily showed disbelief.

"Cough, I just happened to be born in Schvalzbein and became a baron. Besides, with the difficulty of managing the barony's troops, searching other lands would be suicidal. It's like trying to see a tree and burning down the forest."

It wasn't hard to understand. Even with the troops patrolling, things were in this state. If they withdrew, it would only fuel the chaos in the barony.

"To be honest, it would be fine if they just didn't come here."

He really lived carelessly. Cain's eyes turned cold.

He wasn't unaware. Until now, Raphman had seemed indifferent and unfeeling. But still, to manage his territory to this extent...

It was hard to believe that Aphen had grown up properly under such a person.

"Still, seeing you check things out like this, it seems you have at least some affection, right?"

"I just wanted to see how much he had changed in six years. There's a world of difference between hearing a report and experiencing it firsthand."

Cain shrugged and sighed, unsure if Raphman was being diligent or negligent.

Then, Raphman smacked the back of Cain's head.

"You've heard enough, so let's go. We've confirmed everything we needed to."

Though the tone was irritable, Cain wasn't bothered. He had a sense of what kind of person Raphman was.

* * *

"Amazing."

"Is it that surprising?"

"To be honest, it's a waste for it to be here."

At the sharp comment, Raphman closed his eyes. Normally, a nervous reaction would have been expected, but he didn't add anything. Perhaps he had felt the same way at times.

Turning his head, Cain whistled as he looked at the towering spire.

Schvalzbein Castle exuded a stern yet stubborn atmosphere. It was a dignity that could not be achieved by the hands of a craftsman. It was the nobility that only history and time could build.

Considering that the Schvalzbein family were founding heroes, it was a scene that could be easily anticipated. It was the result of all available manpower and funds being invested at the time.

Raphman, standing in front of Schvalzbein Castle, looked down at Cain with composure. This place was like a small battlefield.

"The test begins the moment you cross that gate."

A story he had ignored until now was being told.

But it was a story that didn't need to be mentioned. Becoming a disciple of the Ten Seats required overcoming such trials and tribulations.

The disadvantage of being an orphan with an unclear background would be a significant obstacle. Cain was not complacent. He did not arrogantly overlook the current situation.

He had just reached the starting line.

"It could be my test, or someone else's. Whether I recognize you or not, there will be those who want to exclude you."

He nodded quietly.

Having witnessed the state of the Schvalzbein barony with his own eyes, he could imagine how stubborn the people in charge were.

But it was the path that the White Knight Aphen had walked.

'I can do it too.'

Raphman coughed and drew a line before entering.

"It's better not to expect any help from me."

It would be more surprising if he did. Cain had realized how indifferent Raphman was. He wasn't the type to indulge in whims, and even if he asked, nothing would change. Therefore, Cain remained silent.

"Everything must be earned on your own for it to have meaning."

It was a weighty statement. Cain, sensing the regret in those words, reflected on his past life.

A life where he had received no rewards. He couldn't enforce his will because he lacked power, and he was trampled by others because he lacked power. It was a tiresome vicious cycle.

"I will earn it on my own, even if it means stepping on others."

"Is there someone you want to protect?"

"Yes, so I won't back down."

"Hmm, it brings back old memories."

Raphman, who had once been in a similar position, chuckled and placed his hands on the gate. As he bowed forward, the gate, which should not have opened, began to creak and move, as if announcing the master's return.

Schvalzbein Castle would soon be in turmoil.

"I look forward to how this will end."

Raphman, stepping into the castle, smiled, and Cain followed suit.

* * *

Schvalzbein Castle was bustling with the unexpected arrival of its master, who had vanished for six years. Naturally, many people were in an uproar.

Raphman, entering his office, looked down at his desk, which was spotless. It was a testament to the diligence of the butler, Rozan, who had maintained this place for six years.

"Cough, you've worked hard."

"Not at all, my lord."

Raphman praised Rozan's efforts, and the elderly butler bowed. Having served the Schvalzbein family since he was young, it was a natural duty for Rozan.

Once a master, always a master. Even if the master left without a set return date, it was no different.

"Where is Cain?"

"I've settled him in the annex. Do you have a specific place in mind?"

"No, I was just curious."

"That's a relief."

Despite the sudden arrival of an unwelcome guest, Rozan remained courteous.

But the person standing beside him thought differently.

As soon as Rozan finished speaking, the steward, Logan, spoke up.

"Do you really intend to take that boy as a disciple?"

"We'll see."

A simple and straightforward answer. The slightly irritable tone was still there, clearly indicating that further questions were unwelcome. But Logan was not one to stop here. He had been the acting lord, managing the barony for years.

He at least deserved a say. Logan, confident of this, expressed his opinion.

"I respect your decision, but it seems hasty. There are surely more suitable talents for the Schvalzbein family."

"Talents? Are you referring to those who think the world belongs to them just because they are nobles?"

"No, I mean those who command the vast continent. If you wish, I can spread the word. Soon, heroes will gather."

"Do you want superficial power? It's all unnecessary. It will only cause more trouble."

Raphman shook his head, dismissing the idea, and Logan let out a sigh. The master's stubbornness, as always, was unbreakable.

Glancing at the side, he noticed Matthew's gaze. Sensing the intense desire to correct the master's decision, Matthew let out a dry cough and shrugged.

"I also think he is not suitable."

While acknowledging that Logan had influenced him, Matthew had come to this conclusion after careful consideration.

The boy, Cain, introduced just moments ago, had nothing remarkable about him. To be precise, he was so ordinary that it was hard to understand why he was chosen.

He had a common appearance and a small, undernourished build, which was more of a disadvantage than an advantage. Moreover, his talents were not particularly impressive.

He seemed to lack the qualities needed to succeed Raphman.