am-books Chapter 8
Chapter 8
If the troll's blood gave Ihan astonishing recovery abilities and immense strength, the gnoll's blood granted him a heightened sense of smell and keen instincts.
While there's much to be said about his instincts, let's set that aside for now. His sense of smell, however, was three times sharper than that of an average human, giving him an extraordinary power.
The ability to remember people by scent alone.
Like dogs with poor eyesight who rely on their noses to recognize their owners even years later, Ihan, somewhat unintentionally, developed the ability to remember people by their scent rather than their face.
...Once he got used to it, it turned out to be quite convenient.
"...I'm leaving now."
"What about your wages?"
"Just deposit it into the bank like always. And don’t forget—otherwise, you know what’ll happen."
"Look, I may not worry about the others, but I wouldn't dare shortchange you, Lihan. In fact, I’m more likely to give you double! Just promise not to work anywhere else."
"I know."
Ihan casually responded to the foreman's words and then splashed water on himself from the well.
Washing away the sweat and dust, he dried off with a towel, achieving a modest sense of cleanliness.
After changing into a relatively clean set of clothes, he stepped outside...
"‘She’ is waiting for you."
"...Sigh."
An elderly butler, who exuded an air of experience, greeted him with a polite bow.
At the sight of the familiar face, Ihan could only let out a sigh.
"Seems like you’re working hard, old man."
"Haha, what hardship is there? Please, this way."
"Haa..."
There were many reasons why Ihan found this particular butler, Albert, troublesome, but three stood out above the rest.
One of those reasons was that Albert was not just a butler but a noble with the title of baron.
Not just any noble, either—he came from a distinguished family that had served the royal family for generations. Even those with higher titles couldn’t treat him carelessly.
While Ihan wasn’t one to care about noble status, dealing with someone of Albert's stature was undoubtedly uncomfortable.
What made it worse was that, despite his status, the baron treated everyone, be they commoners or beggars, with equal respect, running an orphanage and being an exemplary figure.
That was the second reason Ihan found him difficult to deal with.
It would be easier if the butler were cold or confrontational; then Ihan could just ignore him. But no, Albert was far too upstanding for that.
And the final reason, the most significant one...
"Ho ho, it seems your physique has improved again. It’s always a pleasure to see such steady progress."
"Ah, yes."
"At this rate, I believe you’ll be able to land a blow on Baltar one day. Keep up the good work."
"...Haha."
The fact that this man was one of the kingdom’s three Aura Users made him particularly intimidating.
For the record, Baltar was the captain of the Third Division and the very person who had brought Ihan into the knight order.
‘This guy is crazy in his own way, too.’
Though clearly a man of virtue, Ihan couldn’t understand why someone hailed as a superhuman would continue working as a butler.
Then again, if he considered the fact that Baltar, another Aura User, remained content as the captain of the Third Division instead of taking on a more prestigious role in the military, it seemed that all of these Aura Users were eccentrics.
Ihan knew better than to let these thoughts show on his face. One wrong expression, and he might end up facing this man in combat again.
They had fought once before, after all.
‘And it was terrifying.’
She was a fearsome woman.
By her twenties, she had secured a foothold in power and even brought an Aura User like Albert into her fold. She now carried the weight of the future monarch with ease.
...Thinking about how their friendship had started purely by coincidence, Ihan found life to be quite ironic.
"Crown Princess, why have you graced me with your presence today—"
"Enough. Don’t use such cringe-worthy titles. Call me the way you usually do."
"But... the circumstances are different now..."
"Do you want me to repeat myself?"
"—Big sis! Your little brother greets you with respect!!"
"Hoho, now that’s more like it."
Isis laughed brightly, clearly pleased with Ihan’s playful display, her smile like a blossoming flower.
She was undeniably in her 40s, yet her beauty still radiated.
Then again, there were rumors that members of the Pandragon royal family retained their youthful appearance until they were 100.
And they lived to an average of 150 years.
‘If only they could live to 200, barring stress and overwork.’
...Though, that might be impossible for royalty.
"Remember, Ihan. You are the one who saved my life. As a reward, you have earned the honor of becoming my sworn brother, which you should regard as a lifelong privilege and act of mercy."
"...Big sis, you really haven’t changed."
Three years ago, right after the war ended, Isis had visited the soldiers at the camp to boost morale when she was attacked by assassins.
Fortunately, a brave soldier had saved her—none other than Ihan. From that moment, their unlikely connection had begun.
...But don’t get the wrong idea.
There was no romance here.
In fact, if there were, it would be quite concerning.
"Hoho, I’ve mellowed a bit since then."
"How’s the baby?"
"Would you like to see?"
"...Huh?"
"She refuses to part with me, no matter what."
Isis was, after all, a married woman—and a mother at that.
"......"
Ihan’s jaw dropped.
He knew who the child was.
He had seen her once as a newborn from afar.
Which is why, perhaps irreverently, he blurted out:
"...Sis, I know I shouldn't say this, but... are you insane?"
He scolded her in disbelief, but Isis only laughed heartily, her booming laughter more fitting for a seasoned warrior than a noblewoman.
"It’s perfectly fine. I trust my people enough to keep her with me."
"...Sometimes you really do the strangest things."
"I know."
"Woo!"
"Hoho, such a bold laugh. Well, that’s only fitting for my child."
"Mmm..."
I remember a friend from my previous life once said that all politicians are a little unhinged.
Looks like they were right.
The only heir to the Pandragon royal family giggled beside his mother while Ihan could only feel a growing sense of dread.
All he wanted was to escape from this situation as quickly as possible.
...Too bad he knew that wasn’t going to happen anytime soon.