“I set out to find Riley in the late evening. Honestly, because too much time had passed, I didn’t expect her to be alive… But still, I searched for her just in case. However, I was then faced with the threat of being attacked by magical beasts. So, I dealt with the magical beasts and rescued her.”

“Was she alone?”

“Yes, she was just sitting there doing nothing. There was no one around her. She hadn’t been harmed or threatened by anyone. She seemed to have been left alone all along.”

“Hmm.”

“If they were going to leave her alone, they wouldn’t have gone through the trouble of attempting a kidnapping. I judged that those who moved Riley to that place would be lurking nearby. And soon enough, a man attacked us.”

“How did he look?”

“He was wearing a mask, so I couldn’t identify his face. However, he was tall, well-built, and had a robust physique, with fiery red hair.”
Bahn recalled the man’s impression while simultaneously remembering that urgent moment. The situation was such that one wrong move could cost him his life, causing his expression to involuntarily contort.

“He used magic to freely manipulate tentacles made of iron. I speculate that he created the tentacles through alchemy and utilized them with physical force. Judging by his posture and the skill in handling the tentacles, I think he may have learned martial arts.”

“Did you not hear his voice?”

“He remained silent and carried out the attack, not uttering a single word. What’s certain is that he was a highly trained expert.”

“So, what happened to him?”

“I don’t know; Riley activated a massive spell in the end.”

Givernan hesitated at Bahn’s words. It was a reaction of disbelief. Bahn, feeling puzzled, continued his story.

“When I came to my senses, the surroundings had turned chaotic, and the man with the mask was nowhere to be seen. Riley was in a state of collapse, unable to withstand the magic she unleashed… She had suffered severe injuries. I moved her to a different location and was on high alert. That’s when I encountered you.”

Bahn, who had been wondering why he had to give such a troublesome statement here, felt a bit relieved after pouring out everything he knew. There was nothing more to reveal now, and this suffocating conversation would probably come to an end.

Bahn hoped that Givernan would leave quickly. However, for some reason, Givernan stared at Bahn intently. As if observing a person one by one, Givernan looked at Bahn with a gaze so unsettling that he chuckled and asked.

“It’s not like you deliberately stayed there, right?”

“…I’m not sure what you mean.”

“Bahn Claf. Top student at Horizon. Even among the professors, your name is mentioned as the next rising star.”

“…”

“Moreover, if you noticed the presence of my shadow, it’s hard to believe that your skills were so lacking that you couldn’t rescue Riley from magical beasts and immediately come out. Why didn’t you bring Riley out immediately?”

At Givernan’s question, Bahn made a groaning sound, and eventually, he sighed and said.

“I was arrogant.”

“I see.”

“I wondered who had committed such an act. And I thought it would be good to know the guy’s identity for sure. That way, there wouldn’t be any loose ends, right?”

“Indeed.”

“Well, it was honestly possible to escape right away. But I thought the enemy lying in ambush wouldn’t just let it go. Moreover, if a skirmish broke out as we exited, there might be civilian casualties. If I had to pick a mistake… I didn’t know he was such a skilled individual.”

Bahn quickly admitted his mistake.

“Quite sharp more than I expected. Are you naturally perceptive?”

“I’ve lived by being extremely cautious.”

“I see. Well, considering your background, it makes sense.”

Although it seemed like the conversation was over, Bahn wished Givernan would leave quickly.
Bahn suppressed the words that rose to his throat. Perhaps sensing his inner thoughts, Givernan stood up. Bahn thought he would just leave.

However, unexpectedly, Givernan extended his hand for a handshake. Bahn, wearing a bewildered expression, shook his hand.

“Thank you sincerely for saving Riley.”

“…No, it’s not like that.”

After the handshake, Givernan left the hospital room.

Bahn, seemingly surprised, stared at the door Givernan had left for a long time.

When he first saw Givernan and even the second time, he clearly saw eyes filled with hostility. It was a natural guard and hostility. It was like the gaze of a male beast wanting to protect a female… a raw, unfiltered gaze.

Perhaps that’s why he didn’t expect Givernan to express gratitude separately.

Instead of anticipating a situation where Givernan would sarcastically ask why he was always hovering around his woman, Bahn expected him to be polite. However, contrary to his expectations, Givernan expressed his gratitude very politely.

He seemed less narrow-minded than Bahn had thought.

Bahn, feeling drained, let out a heavy sigh and lay down on the bed. It was tough, really too tough. Dealing with an unknown adversary and facing magical beasts were easier than dealing with a monster disguised in the guise of a refined gentleman. He really didn’t want to compromise with that creature anymore.

“…Now, I really need to keep my distance.”

Bahn lay on the bed and vowed not to get involved with Riley anymore. If he continued to be entangled with Riley, he would have to keep dealing with that monstrous man as well. Even the thought of it was exhausting.

So now, he wouldn’t pay attention to Riley or get involved in her affairs.

It was the sixth resolution.