“Finally got the reservation.”

Osen flashed a rueful smile.

Before the attack, the restaurant Osen had recommended. He had been complaining about how good it had to be to take three days to get a reservation.

“Well done.”

“What’s the big deal about a reservation when there’s even a master who plucked out a dragon’s eye.”

At that remark, Hertian pulled back the reins and asked him.

“Was it that amazing? Everyone’s talking about the dragon since we came back.”

The gaze that met him, from knights and servants to passing nobles, had been peculiar. Was this because he had shed some blood, despite having fought more than one or two wars? But that wasn’t it.

‘Is it true that Your Highness tore the dragon’s limbs?’

Odd rumors had been spreading fast.

“Well, because I pierced the nowcalm dragon’s eye, that’s why. Why did you have to disturb the dragon that was put to sleep by the herbs the madam gave? You even blinded the other eye.”

Osen was reminded of the nightmare he had the previous day.

As soon as he opened his eyes in the cave, the letter was burning. A horde of vermin was attacking at the entrance of the cave, and the dragon’s wail echoed from deep within.

Thanks to the herbs brought by a knight from the royal palace, they managed to put the dragon to sleep. Yet, Hertian did not flee from the dragon. Instead, he blinded both its eyes, nearly causing not just the letter but everyone to be burnt.

Still, Hertian had indifferently kept the eyeballs as a trophy. Gazing at his figure emitting a bloodred glow, Osen felt as if he had returned to the battlefields he had long forgotten. Perhaps the war had already begun.

“Wouldn’t they just think we ran away if we return emptyhanded?”

“Well, yes, but first we have to live to take revenge. Didn’t you say retreating a step was also a strategy last time?”

“That was then. There will be no retreats from now on.”

Hertian emphasized to the uneasy Osen. He had personally realized that it wasn’t safe just because one retreated.

“Did I look cool just now?”

“Huh? Why are you asking if you look cool today?”

“I have to be cooler than the guy imitating me.”

Hertian took out a piece of paper with Mikael’s face drawn on it and crumpled it tightly. The face was so cheesy that he felt like the butter he spread on his bread in the morning might pop out.

‘So they’re desperate enough to put such a face forward.’

From stealing the letter to understanding its content, it took a maximum of three days. It would have been difficult for Anette to find someone to impersonate Cassian while she was in the capital. So they must have hurriedly picked anyone.

And yet, at their first meeting, they made the mistake of ordering a fish dish she hated.

‘The one pulling the strings will pay for this.’

Hertian smirked. Doing things like this would not win Anette’s heart, rather the remaining affection would vanish.

Hertian knew Anette’s personality better than anyone. That’s why he didn’t carelessly reveal his identity as Cassian and was on edge every moment.

“Mikael Balosone, you said? Shall I look into what kind of writer he is? No, should we create a seat? Don’t we have to ask why he is impersonating you? It’s absolutely baffling.”

“Before heading north, we need to prepare to receive guests.”

Osen was about to ask who he was inviting, but he thought of someone and asked.

“You’re not inviting Lord Balosone, are you?”

Hertian smirked.

“I should properly treat my wife’s most precious friend while we’re in the capital.”

“With the madam as well?”
Hertian gave a slight nod of his head. He wasn’t afraid of the fake Cassian. No matter how convincingly he imitated, Hertian knew he couldn’t even touch his toes.

“My heart is somewhat trembling.”

The meeting of the real and fake Cassian.

‘Plus, Madam is also here!’

“May I also be invited there?”

Osen couldn’t hide his excitement.

“Eat this.”

Hertian handed him a bag he had with him, watching his subordinate whose hopes were high.

“What is this?”

“I may be cool, but there’s no need for your heart to tremble.”

It was the arrhythmia medication that Anette always took care of.

“Who got excited seeing Master!”

(This is a time separator.)

The place Hertian contacted me to meet was a restaurant located in the middle of the capital.

“A place I’ve been to before.”

A very famous place, so it’s a spot I’ve been to on special occasions. The taste and ambiance are topnotch. However, it’s always crowded, which is why I hated coming. I dislike noise.

‘It’s the same here.’

The restaurant was even busier because it was lunchtime. I passed by the full tables and followed the staff’s guidance. I felt drained by the crowd before even entering. I appreciated the reservation but already felt worn out.

I wanted to rest in a somewhat quiet place today.

“But where are we going?”

I’d never been to the place the staff guided me to.

“This is a place specially operated for today. It’s prepared by the person who made the reservation.”