Chapter 128 The Remnants
"Hey. Long time no see. You look good, Lord Hiiro. And wow, you've really polished up nicely, lady. How about dinner later?"
"Hmph, Marcus Millio, ain't ya doin' all right for yourself."
"Honestly, you haven't changed a bit. No thanks."
"Aww, come on then, just a quick what's-up."
To hit on Shura just 5 seconds after meeting again, that's classic Wagner's top actor. It's not like it's been ages, but Marcus has such a strong presence that it feels like a long time.
"Yo, thought we'd never run into each other again, especially not in some lame Western shithole. You stuck here now?"
"What are you talking about, boy? Wagner's base has always been Asgardam. Of course, I live here."
"Word is the troupe got disbanded. You snagged a new gig with another crew or what?"
"Nope. Sure, I got a lot of offers from other theater troupes, but I have my feelings about this place. Right now, I'm just sorting things out while working as a server in a hidden bar in the busy town."
The actor is on a break. He says it so casually, it's clear he's a guy who used to carry the weight of a famous theater troupe. Or maybe he's just being considerate.
"I'm only hearin' one gripe, period."
"Hey, don't underestimate me. You did the right thing as a knight, boy. Rose was a friend, a rival, and a charming neighbor all at once. I'm still shocked. But taking it out on the boy is totally unfair."
"...You think you're some kinda big shot, huh?"
"Haha, glad to hear that. I just hope the lady next door can see my good side too."
"Might as well wish on a dumpster fire, ya hear me?"
Facing a guy who took down one half of the duo, this is what it is. Marcus Millio might be a bigger person than I thought. Proof of that is the soft smile on Shura's face, which usually looks so serious.
"Well, instead of resenting you, I'm stuck dealing with the big mystery left behind."
"...You mean that Director Drodo cat?"
"Yeah, what a mystery. The day we left for Joosa, a dead body was found at the inn. So who was that theater troupe leader who was with us?"
"Were they hidin' behind some shape-shiftin' white monster or wearin' a disguise like a boss? In the end, we're clueless about their motives and what they were after. Straight up creepy."
"Totally. After causing all that trouble, the one pulling the strings is long gone in the shadows. It gives me the chills."
Director Drodo, huh? He filled Rose with hatred, handed over beasts and items, and hid like a villain directing a revenge play.
Even a month later, we still don't know his true identity, his goal, or where he got his methods. But one thing is for sure: that man had deep, hidden 'malice.'
(A hidden malice from the mastermind, huh? But in a way, that's one reason I couldn't see Rose as a 'witch' until the end.)
The truth is, one reason I didn't fully believe Rose was the 'witch' behind everything was because of Director Drodo showing up at that time.
The depth of malice I felt from that man left a stronger impression than Rose's obsession for revenge. To be honest, Rose and that man were different kinds of 'bad guys.'
If he hadn't stepped onto the stage, I might have wanted a different ending for Rose. Thinking about it makes things a bit complicated.
"Hold up, don't get all worked up. They're hiding in the shadows? I'll crack 'em open like a cracked skull when I catch 'em."
"Oh? That's some bold bravery, boy. You're making me believe that the hero knight title isn't just for show."
"Yeah, I'm Hiiro. Don't expect anything less."
"Nice. A big mouth is a man's badge of honor, so keep showing it off!"
"Just don't get too cocky, or this flyboy'll be gone before you can blink."
Shura tugged at my collar like it was a struggle to hold the reins. I thought maybe she was afraid of being outdone by a rival, but it also felt like he was treating me like a troublesome kid.
Probably the latter. Her gaze feels a bit too warm.
What's up? It's okay to have this kind of vibe sometimes. You can't do this with serious Quollio around.
"Well, let's wrap up this chat. Sorry for stopping you two."
Feeling a cool breeze, Marcus took a couple of steps back. His way of ending the conversation was smooth, and I couldn't help but think that guys like him must be popular.
"...Anyway, can I'll ever catch ya back on stage, huh?"
"Of course. I'm Marcus Millio, the prince of the theater. The stage is my home."
"Glad to hear that. Got a lotta fans goin' crazy from my crew."
"Haha, that's nice to hear. Well, for now, I'll take some time in this town to think things over... yeah, I guess I'll look for my long-lost brother."
"You got a bro?"
"Yeah. But we're not blood-related, just had a big fight. I wonder what that little guy is up to now."
Your brother, huh? I hope you get to see him. Marcus shrugged with a slight smile, wishing he could share more through the filter. It seemed like their relationship wasn't simple, but it would be rude to dig deeper.
"Sorry for interrupting your date. See you."
With a wink that felt like a distraction, he turned and walked away. He passed by quickly, leaving a cool summer breeze behind.
"...What date? Are you trying to run away?"
"Nah, he just makin' a joke, fool. Why's ya gettin' all worked up?"
"...I'm just a girl who doesn't get jokes."
"What's eatin' at ya, then?"
"I'm not sulking!"
Why does she look so frustrated? But after talking to someone so smooth, Shura seemed a bit cuter than usual. I thought that while casting a shadow over my face with one hand.
It was getting to be afternoon, and the sun was getting stronger.
"Still hot as hell out here, ain't it?"
"We've already passed the halfway point, you know."
"Aren't you hot?"
"I'm fine. Way better than being cold."
"Is that so?"
We started walking again, chatting about nothing in particular.
Shura might be fine, but I feel like I need a break soon. It's not really a date, but since I dragged her along for my errands, I guess I'll treat her to lunch.
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