Repeat Vice - The Villainous Noble Doesn't Want to Die, So He Swore to Not Die As One of The Four Heavenly Kings - Chapter 39: Contract

Chapter 39: Contract

The meeting between the heads of the Steria and Lightless families proceeded without any issues.

To summarize, there was no punishment for me, Rofus Ray Lightless, despite being at the center of the recent commotion. Honestly, I had expected some form of penalty, so I was a bit surprised by the outcome. Considering the extent of my actions, it’s no wonder I expected repercussions.

I had caused quite a scene, after all. The destruction of the prison tower and the partial demolition of the Gillan mansion. While the Gillan mansion is a private asset, the prison tower is a public facility for detaining criminals in the Steria territory. I thought I’d at least be billed for repair costs, but even that didn’t happen.

All of this was due to my father’s discretion. He justified all my actions in the Steria territory. He argued that the incident at the prison tower was an act of rescuing an unjustly imprisoned acquaintance, putting the blame on Steria for detaining an innocent person in the first place.

Regarding the Gillan mansion, it was the Gillan family who provoked the Lightless family by sending a complaint letter, and my retaliation was seen as justified. In another territory, a commoner provoking a high-ranking noble could be seen as a serious offense, worthy of severe punishment. Given that the Gillan mansion was only partially demolished and there were only a few casualties among the servants and private soldiers, my actions were considered rather merciful.

However, since this assault was carried out without the consent of the Steria family’s head, that was the only point where I was at fault. But even then, the Steria family head also bore responsibility for letting someone like Gillan act as he pleased in their territory. Thus, my fault was negated by the Steria family head’s negligence.

The discussions between the family heads followed this line of reasoning. My father held the upper hand throughout, and although the Steria head, Adler, made various arguments, my father countered them all. Adler seemed a bit pitiable, but he brought it upon himself by empowering commoners like Gillan.

Thinking about this, it’s clear that even the Lightless family isn’t free of its own issues, like dealing with lowlifes such as Clinton. Given the circumstances of this meeting, I incurred no responsibility despite the scale of my actions, and my father further strengthened our position by leveraging the fact that we had custody of Gillan, who is officially missing.

This put the Steria family in a position where they had to choose between abandoning Gillan or making concessions to the Lightless family. They chose the latter without hesitation, indicating Gillan’s significant value to them. It’s ironic, given that Gillan is entirely under our control and loyal to me.

My father demanded a ransom under the guise of compensation related to Gillan and proposed trade agreements between our territories. The main terms were that for the next ten years, Steria would not impose any taxes on trade with Lightless, and merchants could trade freely without any interference from Steria. Conversely, Lightless would have the liberty to impose taxes as they wished.

This trade agreement was extremely favorable to Lightless and highly unfair to Steria. Normally, they wouldn’t accept such terms even with Gillan’s custody at stake. However, they agreed quickly due to the existence of the demon sea, which made maritime trade between our territories impossible. Given the lengthy and costly land routes, they likely saw this agreement as a manageable sacrifice.

But unknown to Steria, the threat of the demon sea had been neutralized. With this in mind, maritime trade between our territories would soon flourish, making the agreement even more advantageous for Lightless. My father, knowing this from reports, brilliantly used the situation to our benefit.

The talks concluded favorably for Lightless, but I had one concern—the presence of the Steria family’s second son standing before me.

“Hello, Rofus. Sorry for the sudden visit,” said Eric Idea Steria, the second son of the Steria family and the current Sword Saint. He was clad in a crimson coat and had a white ermine scarf around his neck. The royal emblem sword he once wore at his waist was now absent.

“What do you want?” I asked, not hiding my suspicion and hostility. Eric chuckled.

“Don’t be so hostile. I have no intention of antagonizing you.”

“I doubt that. Your motives are unclear,” I replied. Eric’s presence complicated matters, as he was a witness to the destruction of the prison tower. If he had testified differently, the talks wouldn’t have favored Lightless as much. Moreover, he had even helped me when I was injured, which added to my confusion about his intentions.

Eric shrugged. “I’m here on behalf of Vallum.”

“Vallum?” I asked, remembering that Eric was Vallum’s superior. He motioned for me to follow him.

“Sorry, but please come with me,” Eric said. I reluctantly agreed, signaling Yusurika to accompany us as we headed to the mansion’s basement.

In the basement, a man was lying in the center of a complex array of magic circles, bound tightly. He was covered in blood, with his left arm missing. It was the assassin who had slashed my throat—the Redcap.

“Is this Vallum’s doing? So, that’s how it is,” I murmured. Eric explained that Vallum had captured the Redcap and handed him over to me.

Noticing my presence, the Redcap raised his head and smirked. “Oh, it’s you, one-armed boy. How’s your throat?”

I instinctively touched my neck, remembering the attack. “It’s fine, thanks to you. And you seem surprisingly well.”

“Thanks to you too. I’m now one-armed like you,” he laughed. We exchanged brief words, but then he looked at me seriously.

“Let’s get to the point. Is there any chance for me to survive?” he asked.

“None,” I replied flatly. The Redcap let out a dry chuckle, resigned to his fate.

“Then, are you going to tell me why you know my name? There shouldn’t be anyone in this era who knows it.”

At the mention of “this era,” Eric and Yusurika frowned.

With that phrasing, it didn’t seem like he was trying very hard to hide it.

The nickname “Bloodstained Redcap,” a fiend who has lived for ages, is no mere myth.

This creature isn’t even purely human; it truly deserves to be called a fiend.

“I know a lot about you. Not that I need to explain myself to you.”

I was surprised that he survived being consumed by Tartarus, which only proves his formidable vitality and troublesome nature.

Unfortunately for him, though he survived, Bloodstained Redcap will be killed here and now.

He is one of the few who can penetrate my magical barrier.

They call me the “Wizard Killer,” but I can’t afford to let someone capable of killing me roam free.

But there’s something strange.

Why is he quietly allowing himself to be captured?

“Stroa, why are you quietly letting yourself be captured? You’re not the type to be restrained by such trivial shackles.”

Bloodstained Redcap usually lazes around but possesses superhuman strength from birth.

If he wanted to, he could twist metal restraints like they were candy.

“Heh, you really do know me well. The reason I’m being quiet is because I’m curious about why you know my name.”

“Curiosity? Is it worth gambling your life on? Or do you think you won’t die even now?”

“Interesting question. People die eventually. It’s just a matter of sooner or later. I wouldn’t be surprised if death came in the next moment. I’ve killed enough to know that.”

Bloodstained Redcap smiled serenely, and I laughed through my nose.

“Very well, if you’re prepared, I’ll make it quick.”

I summoned the Dark Scythe into my hand.

Bloodstained Redcap’s face changed.

“Wait, let’s talk first.”

“Aren’t you prepared for death?”

“Even the most virtuous saint would change when faced with imminent death. I just wanted to know why you know my name.”

“I won’t tell you. So, you will die.”

“I see now. I think we need to know each other better. We could become best friends. So, put down the scythe and let’s talk.”

Bloodstained Redcap winked at me.

…This is a novel way of begging for his life.

I sliced through the magic circles and brought the Dark Scythe’s blade to Bloodstained Redcap’s neck.

“Okay, I’ll buy it. How much is my life worth?”

“Die.”

“Stop! Hey, you there, Sword Saint! Stop this violent boy. We’re comrades who protected Gillan together, right?”

Eric, who was suddenly called upon, frowned openly.

“Sorry, but I have nothing to say to you. And I don’t remember being comrades.”

Bloodstained Redcap looked downcast as Eric turned away from him.

“So, I was the only one who thought we were comrades… Did you hear that, one-armed man? I’m so pathetic that even my comrades abandon me. You don’t need to kill me yourself.”

“Enough of your noise.”

What is with this guy?

Begging for his life in such a frivolous manner—does he have no pride?

“You have the power to kill me. I won’t leave you alive.”

“I swear I’ll never target you again.”

“Do you think I’m stupid enough to believe that?”

“Not at all. You’re smart and wise. Don’t belittle yourself.”

“I see. Die.”

You can still say comforting words in this situation, huh?

“Magic Contract.”

Just as I was about to decapitate him, Bloodstained Redcap said that.

“…Huh?”

“It’s a contract with magical power. I’m sure Gillan had one.”

Bloodstained Redcap explained further.

I knew that.

A Magic Contract is an artifact that forces the contractors to adhere to the contract.

“Are you suggesting using it on yourself? Do you want to survive that badly?”

I was stunned and shrugged.

If he makes a contract never to target me again, Bloodstained Redcap indeed won’t be able to attack me.

This contract acts directly on the soul.

Even Bloodstained Redcap, who can destroy spells, can’t break a spell that affects the soul.

However, Magic Contracts are extremely rare and expensive, rarely available on the market.

And even if Gillan had one…

I looked at Eric, who sighed and shrugged.

“While searching Gillan’s half-destroyed mansion, we recovered the valuables. We might find it if we look, but it belongs to Gillan.”

It was decided at the council that Gillan would be returned later.

Gillan will soon return as a director of the Steria Territory Commerce Guild.

Even though he’s absent now, the items in his mansion rightfully belong to him.

But Bloodstained Redcap continued.

“Actually, I haven’t received my payment for guarding Gillan. He said I could take it in kind.”

“As payment, you’ll take the Magic Contract? But you didn’t even protect Gillan. Do you expect to be paid for that?”

Having fled wounded after my magic attack and being captured by Vallum, claiming payment is incredibly audacious.

“Gillan is alive, isn’t he? The contract was that as long as he lived, I would be paid. You can confirm with Gillan if you like.”

“Hmm…”

When I looked at Eric, he shrugged as if to say, “Do as you please.”

Honestly, it’s not a bad idea, but it’s not particularly good either.

However, Bloodstained Redcap’s killing ability is certain.

Used properly, he could benefit Lightless and be a power for my survival in the future.

But as long as he can kill me, keeping him alive is risky.

Weighing the risks and benefits, I looked at Eric.

“If there’s really a Magic Contract, bring it.”

“…Are you serious?”

“If not, I’ll just kill you.”

“Well, if you say so, I’ll try to find it.”

Eric nodded and left.

I thought it might take some time, but Eric returned sooner than expected.

The valuables were apparently stored within this mansion.

Eric brought a scroll and handed it to me.

“Is this it? I’m not familiar with magic. I brought what seemed right.”

I opened the scroll and read the embedded spell.

“…This is it.”

I confirmed it was a Magic Contract from the inscribed spell and wrote the contract with my magic-imbued finger.

The Magic Contract’s compulsion increases with the amount of magic imbued.

With my immense magic, it becomes unbreakable, almost like a curse.

I wrote the contract and tossed it in front of Bloodstained Redcap.

“If you agree to this, I’ll release you.”

Bloodstained Redcap read it and narrowed his eyes.

“…Are you sure about this?”

Bloodstained Redcap seemed slightly puzzled.

The contract had two terms.

He must not harm Lorphas Ray Lightless.

He must accept one job from me, no matter what, without payment.

“Do you have a problem with it?”

“I thought you’d ask for more.”

“Did you want a lifetime of absolute obedience?”

“I expected that much, honestly.”

Bloodstained Redcap shrugged.

I glared at him.

“Enough with the charade. Or do you want to fight again?”

When I intimidated him, Bloodstained Redcap chuckled.

“…Spare me. I don’t want to face that magic again.”

Bloodstained Redcap tore off the many layers of restraints like candy and stood up as if nothing happened.

“Impossible, the restraints…!”

“…! Young master, step back.”

Eric shouted in surprise, and Yurika drew her wand and moved to protect me.

I gestured for her to stop.

“So, the contract? You suggested it.”

At my words, Bloodstained Redcap smiled.

“…Fine, let’s do it.”

Bloodstained Redcap picked up the scroll with his newly regenerated left hand, bit his right finger, and signed his name in blood.

The moment Stroa Endwalker was written, the scroll burst into blue flames and burned to ashes.

This signaled the contract’s completion.

The contract terms were etched into his soul.

Even Bloodstained Redcap, who can break spells, can’t break a Magic Contract once it’s activated.

“Now I can’t harm you… But are you sure? The other term is just one free job. It’s too cheap for my life.”

“Don’t overestimate yourself. Your life isn’t worth much. One job is plenty.”

“Harsh…”

Bloodstained Redcap looked genuinely crestfallen.

He had always been able to escape; his previous begging was a farce.

That entire exchange was indeed a charade.

“…Now leave, Bloodstained Redcap. Before I change my mind.”

At my words, Bloodstained Redcap laughed.

“Call me Stroa. Only you use that name now. I’ll call you Lorphas.”

“Add ‘sama’ to it, you killer.”

“Haha. Don’t worry, I’ll stay in touch when you need me.”

With that, Bloodstained Redcap vanished.

It was pure skill, not magic.

Bloodstained Redcap’s ability to erase his presence is extraordinary; he can disappear from sight even when standing right in front of you.

Without magic, it’s nearly impossible to track him once he decides to hide.

But he noticed the swordfish in the shadows, didn’t he?

Of course, anyone who can see magical energy wouldn’t miss that.

“…Was it wise to let him go?”

Eric asked in the now empty basement.

“The contract is binding. There’s no problem.”

I said this and turned to leave, but Eric blocked my way at the stairs.

“What are you doing?”

“While we’re here, I want to discuss Gillan.”

Eric’s words made me narrow my eyes.