The Former Holy Knight. Having Lost My Job and Childhood Friend, I Decided to Start a Dark Guild - Chapter 33

After the Holy Knights had left, I decided to drop by the tavern just in case. The place was bustling with customers, showing its usual lively atmosphere. Kano, who came with me, seemed relieved but still muttered some complaints.

“I introduced Leon-san to the Dark Guild in the first place, so it’s not fair for him to take on everything alone.”

“Well, that’s how it is.” 

“Don, when it comes to thievery, I’m the senior. It’s better with me around.”

Above Kano’s head, ancient symbols floated, displaying skills related to stealth and lockpicking. These would be extremely useful for our current quest: infiltrating the heavily guarded stone castle of the Holy Knights and stealing a holy relic.

I was hesitant to involve her in such a dangerous quest, but working together might be for the best. As I pondered this, Kano looked at me and said, “By the way, Don, you’re showing Leon-san’s face now. Is that okay?”

Usually, I use the skill “Another Face” to maintain a fierce appearance, but it seems the effect has worn off today after using it continuously.

“Well, it might be fine for a change. Since we’re here, let’s have a drink as customers, especially before a big job. It’s just the two of us, but consider it a celebration for forming our party.”

“You mean I can join the quest?!”

“Yeah, let’s do our best not to disappoint Sani.”

“Are you sure?”

“Kano, you’re happy, but remember, this quest is life-threatening.”

“I know. But I’m happy. Nina-chan, Seneca-kun, and Sofia-san contributed, and I haven’t done anything yet. It’s about time I showed my capabilities.”

We sat down in a corner of the tavern and ordered some drinks. A girl from Sofia’s brothel, sent to serve at the tavern, awaited us with a curious look.

“People outside the family don’t know who Leon-san is, so it’s mysterious to them. Nobody would guess you’re the fearsome Don,” Kano said with a pleased smile.

As we chatted and sipped on heretic highballs, someone suddenly called, “Leon! You’re Leon Stein, aren’t you?”

I turned towards the voice, startled, and beside me, Kano tilted her head in confusion.

“Do you know him?”

The man reddening his face with a drink at a distant table was Bumpy, a fellow knight from my days with the Holy Knights. I never expected to run into him here, especially since knights are prohibited from entering taverns for leisure.

More importantly, I was on the run from the knight order. I thought of escaping before being recognized, but Bumpy, holding a wooden mug filled with ale, sat beside me, seemingly with no intention of capturing me.

“Leon, I wondered what you were up to after leaving the knight order, and here you are in this town.”

“And you, aren’t you worried about being seen here? If the higher-ups find out, you’ll be disciplined,” I retorted.

Bumpy laughed heartily, clapping my shoulder.

“You’re as stiff as ever. You’re probably the only one who never sneaks out at night or pays for a prostitute. I heard there was a new place with beautiful women, so I made the trip.”

Then, Bumpy turned his gaze to Kano.

“What do we have here? A beautiful elf. Hey, elf girl, why don’t you drink with me instead of this dropout from the knight order?”

Kano whispered to me with a look of disgust.

“Is everyone affiliated with the knight order like this guy you mentioned earlier?”

“Well, there are many serious people too. But this guy is a bit special.”

Bumpy came from nobility, using his parents’ connections to join the Holy Knights despite his dismal performance in the entrance exams. He was not particularly competent as a knight and often ridiculed me, who had no parents and did not manifest any skills.

Irritated by being ignored, Bumpy tried to grab Kano’s shoulder, but I stopped him with my hand. “You’re too drunk, Bumpy. Maybe you should head back to the barracks.”

Brushing my hand aside, Bumpy smirked.

“Preaching to me, a man of no ability? You’re truly pitiful. Didn’t you cause a violent incident the day you left the knight order? If Cecil-sama hadn’t covered that matter, you’d be a criminal by now.”

Of course, the assault incident was a false accusation. However, I was unaware that Cecil had taken such measures on my behalf. No wonder Bumpy didn’t try to arrest me. Bumpy continued speaking.

“To end up living in such a filthy, hopeless town… You’ll be the talk of the knight order tomorrow. The epitome of incompetence, Leon Stein.”

At that moment, Kano slammed her hands on the table and stood up, her face flushed with anger.

“Apologize to Leon-san,” she demanded.

“Apologize? Why should I apologize to this good-for-nothing?”

“Leon-san is not incompetent in the slightest.”

I stepped between them, “Both of you, that’s enough. Bumpy, you really should head back.”

But then Bumpy turned on me.

“I’ve never liked you, Leon. A filthy orphan, getting cozy with Lady Cecil.”

Bumpy tried to grab my throat, but his hand never reached me.

“Ah, I was hoping to relax today, but it turns out to be quite an eventful day.”

The one who grabbed Bumpy’s arm was Seneca.

“Sir, you are disturbing the other guests. Please leave.”

“What’s this kid? Don’t touch me with your dirty hands.”

“Dealing with drunkards is as troublesome as working in a brothel,” Seneca said, lifting Bumpy effortlessly. I narrowed my eyes at his movement. Not only had he mastered the capture technique I taught him perfectly, but the intimidating aura he emitted was incredible. Yet, he maintained a sense of dignity, resembling a bouncer at a high-class brothel.

“What do you think you’re doing, you brat!”

“Alright, alright, let’s not bother everyone else. Let’s go outside.”

Bumpy was thrown out onto the street before the tavern, landing with a thud. The patrons burst into laughter.

“Way to go, Seneca! Take down that man who disrespects our town!”

Seneca seemed to activate his “Killing Intent” skill, intensifying the aura of intimidation around him.

Bumpy sobered up instantly.

“Could it be, Seneca, are you that heretic, the Slasher Seneca?”

Seneca looked down at Bumpy with an expressionless face.

“You’ve been calling my brother a good-for-nothing, but from what I see, you’re nowhere near his level. Come on, stand up. I’ll take good care of you.”

“No, that was just… I drank too much… Hey Leon, help me out, will you?”

I tapped Seneca’s shoulder, “That’s enough. Let’s leave it at this.”

Bumpy’s pants were soaked, seemingly having wet himself.

“Bumpy, it’s best you head back if you don’t want this to affect your career. Also, your pants seem to be wet. Should I arrange for a change?”

“No, it’s fine. But Leon, what are you doing in this town? Why are you with these heretics?”

I remained silent, unable to answer, and Bumpy continued.

“A former Holy Knight like you shouldn’t associate with these people.”

Then, Bumpy said something unexpected.

“Commander Cecil is still looking for you, you know. Every chance she gets. She’ll be disappointed if she finds out.”

Cecil is looking for me? That was somewhat surprising, but it made sense. Whether I was expelled for being incompetent or regardless of her marriage to Prince Raymond, we were childhood friends.

Of course, as a heretic now, I couldn’t meet the commander of the Holy Knights casually, but there was something I needed to tell her directly about Nadale.

I spoke up.

“Bumpy, could you pass a message to Commander Cecil for me?”