For Whose Sake Is Justice?

Vim released Misa’s hand and settled back into the sofa.

“That being said, I expect you’ll be accompanying us on adventures. Do you already hold an adventurer’s license?”

Here, her skills as an adventurer would be in higher demand than her duties as a knight.

“Yes. I have already obtained an A-rank adventurer qualification.”

“That’s impressive.”

An A-rank was a rank well worthy of praise. It was only one step below Vim’s own rank.

“I worked as an adventurer before I became a knight.”

“I see.”

He had heard that many were recommended for knighthood after their skills as adventurers were recognized.

“Will I be of use to you, Master Vim?”

“Of course. I’ve gained a very reassuring ally. I look forward to working with you.”

Having three people instead of just himself and Hana would certainly make fulfilling requests easier. Because there were so few people who could actually keep up with them, Vim hadn’t bothered to recruit for the party until now. However, with Misa’s abilities, there should be no problem.

“You should live here starting today.”

“Eh? Are you sure?”

“Yeah. We have plenty of spare rooms anyway.”

Even after assigning rooms to Vim, Hana, and the servants, there were still several rooms left over. Vim called for James.

“She will be living here starting today. Could you prepare a room for her?”

“As you command. I shall make the arrangements,” James said, bowing solemnly.

“I am James, the steward of the Abel household. If you find yourself in need of anything, please do not hesitate to ask me.”

“My name is Misa. I look forward to working with you.”

James gave another perfect bow before Misa.

“Could you show her to her room?”

“Certainly. Lady Misa, please follow me.”

Misa followed James out of the reception parlor.

“Well, things have certainly gotten interesting,” Vim murmured, sinking deep into the sofa.

He had a rough idea of what was happening. This was likely the handiwork of someone like the Duke back in the Cyrus Empire. The Duke had tried to stay on Vim’s side until the very end.

Looking up at the ceiling, he thought back to the Duke. Though their final parting had ended that way, Vim understood. The Duke had no other choice. To protect the Empire and its many citizens, Vim couldn’t think of the Duke’s decision as wrong. Besides, the last time Vim saw him, the Duke was in tears. Though he had worked for him for years, that was the first time Vim had ever seen him cry. The Duke must have been heartbroken.

If Vim made a scene over here, news of it was bound to reach the Duke’s ears. Of course, if he stood out too much, the Emperor would hear of it as well—though having already reached S-rank, he figured he was past the point of staying under the radar.

“Thank you,” Vim whispered to the empty air.

There was, of course, no reply, but he felt as though the Duke was smiling somewhere. The Duke was a good man, deeply trusted by his subordinates and completely reliable. Vim always thought that if he had to work for someone, he’d want it to be someone like him.

He finished his cup of tea and left the parlor. Just then, James returned.

“Master, I have settled Lady Misa into her room on the second floor.”

“Thanks. I’ll introduce her to everyone else during dinner. Let me know when it’s time.”

“Understood, sir.”

James gave a solemn bow and went on his way.