Vim Abel

While Vim was relaxing in his room, a different conversation was unfolding in the living room.

“Um, do you have a moment?”

“What is it?”

Hana addressed James.

“What kind of person is Master Vim in your eyes, James? To think he would be so kind to someone like me…”

Hana was a slave. Normally, it wouldn’t be strange for someone in her position to be mistreated. Yet, despite that, Vim cared for her and treated her with nothing but kindness.

“Let me see… I believe he is a wonderful person. There are many who can feel anger for the sake of others, but very few who can actually translate that into action.”

“It’s true that Master Vim’s tone of voice changes when he gets emotional.”

Vim had a habit of slipping into rougher language when his emotions took over. He knew it wasn’t a good trait and tried to correct it consciously, but sometimes he couldn’t help it. There is much irrationality in this world; sometimes, one simply has to wear a look of bitter resentment.

“Indeed. I believe that man might truly be capable of changing this country. I genuinely feel that way.”

There was no lie in James’s words. Initially, he had considered refusing the offer to serve this household. However, after learning of Vim’s character and his past circumstances, he felt a desire to serve him.

“Changing… this country?”

“Precisely. I received the invitation to this mansion just after I had passed my duties to my son. Having observed the Master up close, I have come to truly want to spend the sunset of my career as a steward serving him.”

Vim might become an existence that influences not just a country, but the entire world. James truly believed this.

“At a glance, he appears to be merely a kind man, but I believe he carries a heavy weight of responsibility on those shoulders. Even so, he never shows us his weaknesses. He is a strong person—in the truest sense of the word.”

At S-rank, one possesses enough influence to speak on matters of national policy. In Vim’s case, while he had no interest in politics, it was certain that he was the type who couldn’t stay quiet when something was wrong. Due to that personality, Vim was a prime target. There were likely dozens of people in this country alone who would benefit if Vim disappeared. Such was the responsibility that came with being an S-rank adventurer.

“He really is amazing…”

That was all Hana could find the words to say.

“It seems that staying by the Master’s side will allow me to see many more interesting sights. I have found something to look forward to in my old age,” James said with a chuckle.

“Is this going to be your last job, James?”

“Most likely, yes.”

Given his age, James would likely retire from his position as a steward in about ten years. If that were the case, his life as a steward would conclude at Vim’s mansion. A man like Vim Abel was the kind of person to whom a steward as exceptional as James was willing to dedicate the finale of his career.

The strongest magician, who had received the title of S-rank directly from the King of Leoria, would continue to run headlong into the fray to crush every injustice in this world.