How to Live as a Martial Arts Writer in a Fantasy World

22 – 22. Wishing for some humility

22.

Watching his movements, Allen shrugged.

One gold was enough for a family of four to live for a month in this medieval fantasy world. Precisely, if they only ate bread for all three meals.

That is, considering bread that costs one copper each. If other additional costs are combined, about two gold would suffice for a comfortable life.

In Korean currency, one gold is about four million won.

A down payment of 400 with a success fee of 800, amounted to an astronomical 1.2 million won if successful.

It was no wonder Lenox had no choice but to fold flat.

Felicia gave Allen a strange look.

“You’re better at handling people than I thought, Allen.”

Allen scratched his cheek awkwardly.

Being the child of a nobleman had taught him to handle people in various ways. It was because he was raised to be above others.

Although it was burdensome and he chose not to keep anyone around him, except for Maya. He had threatened his mother to accept Maya if his father did not.

Allen placed a gold coin from his pocket onto the table.

“Anyway, one gold is prepaid. I’m counting on you.”

“The request’s deadline is unlimited. The objective is to find the person who drew this picture, isn’t it? So, do I just find the person and report back, Mr. Allen?”

Allen nodded at Diavella’s words, confirming the request and deadline.

“Yes. I’m curious about what the person was thinking when they drew and spread this.”

“Understood. Sir, get up. Before I kick you.”

“You’re too much, Diavella! Being sweet to the client!”

“There’s no kindness coming your way, sir. You’re full of hot air.”

“How cruel!”

“If you don’t get up, I’m really going to kick you.”

“God.”

At Diavella’s words, Lenox grumbled.

Lenox got up and dusted off his knees.

“Anyway, I’ll accept the request. We’re in financial trouble anyway.”

“I’ve heard there aren’t many club members. Is that correct?”

Diavella replied to Felicia’s question.

“We only have four members. The boss here, myself, and the two others who’ve gone to resolve the request. We’re more like an entertainment company doing all sorts of odd jobs, not just a detective agency.”

“Damn it Diavella! Stop stating the uncomfortable facts!”

“You’re too loud, sir.”

“Damn it, you’re too cold-hearted!”

Getting a tongue-lashing from Diavella seemed to be a routine for Lenox, and he didn’t seem too upset.

Lynn opened his mouth.

“Young Master Allen. What do you plan to do after you find the person who drew this?”

“I’m not particularly curious. I simply wish to meet and ask them why they did this.”

“That’s all?”

“Well, they have worn me out. They owe me some taffy.”

Lynn looked puzzled on this remark.

“Taffy…?”

“What do you think will happen if I say I’m not going to write because of them?”

“Are you joking, Allen?”

“Of course I am. But what if such a rumor started to circulate? Would there be any response from either party?”

“Oh, that’s a good point. I’m sure there’ll be somebody gleefully spreading it around. Those who dislike our client would probably be quite excited. Sounds fun.”

“That might be the case.”

“Oh really? So, can we think that all along you planned this to stir some reactions, client?”

“You can think whatever you want. There’s no real plan. The people who dislike me will respond in some way.”

As Lennox showed delight agreeing to the scheme, he was pinched in the ribs by Diabella.

“Ahh, Diabella!”

“If you blither one more time, I’m really going to poke your ribs, boss.”

“Oh my, my ribs are so sore…”

Pinched in the ribs, Lennox rolled on the floor.

Allen looked at him with a sympathetic expression.

“You have a heavy hand, Diabella…”

“Ahahahaha.”

Diabella gave an awkward smile.

Allen acted as if he didn’t hear her muttering, “I didn’t want you to see me like this..” Thankful at least that she wasn’t being overly critical to him.

Lynn spoke up.

“I see traces of Kunlun swordsmanship in the sword moves of this picture. The portrayal in the Shuren maneuver is oddly reminiscent of Kunlun as well.”

“My mother is a master of Kunlun swordsmanship.”

Upon hearing Allen’s words, Lynn’s eyes widened in surprise.

“A person from the Western Kingdom knows the swordsmanship techniques of Kunlun…?”

“The mother of Allen, Lady Sharuna Blanc von Mueller, she’s from the Eastern noble class of the Empire. The eastern part of the empire borders Kunlun.”

“I see. Then it’s not strange at all.”

Lynn understood then.

The Eastern region of the Tyranto Empire borders the frontier of Kunlun. As a result, the area often saw bloodshed during the strained relations between the two empires.

In the process, the people from the Eastern Empire, who actively adopted Kunlun’s swordsmanship, became known for their oriental swordsmanship in the Tyranto Empire. It soon established as the term referring to Kunlun’s swordsmanship within the Empire.

That’s a fact recently learned in a continental history lecture.

Lynn spoke while looking at the book Alan had brought.

“Looking at this picture, it is clear that it was drawn by someone who at least appreciates the art of Kunlun’s swordsmanship. If one were only skilled in the swordsmanship of the Western Empire, they wouldn’t be able to depict such fine details.”

“It appears that the mana operation method, which is the most crucial part, is missing from these pictures.”

At the comment of the two princesses, Alan chuckled lightly.

“The painting is based on the novel in the first place, and if there is someone who included the mana operation method to that extent, they should be regarded as a genius. Such a person who can execute something described only in a novel would be a huge loss if let go.”

“Well, that’s true. If there is such a talented individual, we wouldn’t want to let them go.”

“Princess Felicia, I kindly ask you to let go.”

“Absolutely not.”

“Tch.”

Alan, clicking his tongue, looked at Lenox.

“Anyway… I count on you, Lenox.”

“Eh? Oh. Got it. I’ll do my best. I’ll bring back good results.”

“Good.”

Half-dazed Lenox nodded at the conversation exchanged by the two princesses and Alan.

Should be considered an honor to speak with a princess of the empire, but Alan seemed so familiar with engaging in conversation with both Felicia and Lynn.

‘What kind of life is he living…?’

He was an attractive boy with black-blue hair and blue eyes, so he understood, but…

Lenox once again thought the world was unfair.

‘… such a filthy world!!’

***

On the way back from Morrison’s Detective office.

Alan casually looked back at Shen who was quietly following Lynn.

“… I heard you’re not that talked about.”

“What do you mean.”

Shen’s voice was cold, icy.

The blatant contempt that dawned on Shen’s face.

Intense hostility for no known reason. Alan didn’t understand why Shen seemed antagonistic towards him, but Alan decided not to concern himself with it.

Even if Shen tries to deceive, he cannot win against Maya.

And it was a fact that the escort of the Eastern Imperial Princess had no business meddling with Allen.

“Shen.”

The displeased expression on Shen’s face made Rin slap the back of his hand.

“Princess mama.”

“I’ve been curious for a while, you seem unusually hostile towards Allen. I even heard you were speaking disrespectfully to him.”

Felicia stops and looks back at Allen and Shen.

“Do you realize such an attitude could cause friction? Or do you think it doesn’t concern you at all? Unless you belittle the Empire’s three ducal families, one would not act thoughtlessly.”

Shen is silent.

He seemed to be biting his lip, restraining words that threatened to slip out.

Felicia spoke sharply.

“Our role as the princess’s escorts is one of political importance. Meddling excessively even with the escorts of another country is an inconvenience to the master, are you aware of that?”

Even Rin, who should be standing up for Shen, said nothing.

She, who stopped Shen in his tracks when he was about to criticize Allen through the secret method, didn’t protect him from Felicia’s biting criticism.

Shen, who had swallowed a deep sigh, bowed his head.

“…I apologize. I will make sure this does not happen in the future.”

“Your apology should be directed to Allen, not me.”

“That is.”

“Shen. Apologize now.”

“Princess mama…”

Although Shen looked as if he were begging Rin, she was firm.

“Do you need me to command it?”

“…I am sorry.”

He keeps his head down and doesn’t act like someone who wants to apologize.

Allen chuckles.

“There’s a public rumor that you dislike me because of your behavior. I heard it from the nobles who were admitted this time that they want to make contact with you.”

“Is that so?”

“The rumor has got around. It was quite a fuss.”

Rin’s gaze turns sharp as a blade and directs to Shen.

“…Shen. Know that this will not be overlooked lightly.”

“Princess Mamma.”

“Shut up! I won’t tolerate any excuses. I’ve warned you countless times to mind your self-preservation!”

Shen bowed his head, seemingly having nothing to say.

With a sigh, Lynn turned to look at Allen, placing a hand on her chest and slightly bowing her head. Her voluptuous curves swayed with her movement.

Lynn spoke:

“I wish to dispatch you back to the homeland immediately, but I cannot. Forgive me, Allen. Lady Felicia.”

“Well, we can’t send you back now that the semester has begun. I just hope you don’t attract attention.”

“…tch.”

They heard Shen gritting his teeth.

‘Even when escorting, you should have done enough…’

Why then did they simply pass over?

It was because only Albert and Allen were there, and there was no one around to provide support in that manner.

No matter how great the prestige of the Müller duchy was, if the opponent was escorting a foreign princess, it was clear that they would eventually receive the princess’s protection.

But if they have the same authority, it’s easier to confront each other.

Allen said:

“Try not to attract attention. And don’t randomly start a dispute with others.”

You’d better know your place and shrink back a little, murmured Allen, passing Shen.

Shen saw Allen’s retreating figure, but Allen didn’t look back.

“Then I will take my leave first. Let’s go, Meia.”

“Yes, young master. Please excuse us.”

Bowing to show respect, Meia followed Allen and disappeared.

Between Lynn and Shen, who remained, and between Felicia and Stella, a chill wind blew.

Felicia smiled.

“Well then, shall we have a little chat?”

“…That would be good.”