Chapter 362: Chapter 362

Lowell was only able to smooth over her mistake after swearing to provide one more piece of information.

“Isn’t that really too much? Aren’t you tired of living like that?”

“Is that your question? I am a bit tired. Now give me the information about Snake Mask.”

“Ugh! Are you going to keep doing this? A joke is only funny the first couple of times! If you keep going, it gets boring!”

It wasn’t a joke, it was serious.

But Caron decided to let it slide one more time.

It would be troublesome if Lowell got sulky and withheld information about Snake Mask.

“Information on the demons currently active. And a map showing their locations.”

In truth, demons were more active than expected. Humans were more easily tempted than one might think.

In small territories, there weren’t even decent knights, so sometimes they simply gave up and abandoned the land.

Failing to protect one’s territory was a definite wrongdoing. But the bigger issue was what these people did afterward.

‘They don’t report that a demon appeared.’

Punishment, scorn from other nobles, and the humiliation of having lost land.

They tried to solve it on their own and ended up escalating a minor issue into a major one.

As a result, information brokers like the rats had no choice but to roam around and gather intel.

If strange rumors were spreading in a territory, nine times out of ten, it was the work of a demon.

What Lowell wanted was a map marked with such locations.

“A map of the region you’re active in should be enough, right?”

“Right. I’d love to get one of the entire empire, but you’re not going to give that up, are you?”

Caron handed her a rolled-up map. Lowell whistled as she accepted it.

“You prepared this ahead of time? Man, it’s so convenient working with someone competent.”

“You’re still obsessed with demons, I see.”

“They’re filthy creatures. It’s easier to catch them before they grow stronger.”

But Caron knew. There was another reason why Lowell pursued demons.

The problem was, even Caron didn’t know what that reason was.

‘She’s definitely looking for a specific demon…’

Which demon it was, and why she was chasing it—Caron had no way of finding that out.

“Isn’t it about time you told me? If you just gave me the characteristics, I could probably find them.”

Lowell started to say something, then closed her mouth.

“No, never mind. I almost slipped again. Seriously, this mouth is the root of all evil.”

Lowell smacked her lips a few times with her palm. Caron couldn’t help but let out a small chuckle at the sight.

“Of course~ Who do you think taught me? My lips used to be swollen all the time from getting hit by your pot-lid-sized hands.”

Don’t most people realize their mistakes before it gets to that point?

Caron briefly recalled the past image of Lowell with her swollen lips sticking out, but quickly pushed it aside.

Now was the time to focus more than ever.

“Then it’s your turn. Talk.”

Lowell, after tucking away the map, closed her eyes.

Snake mask. She pictured him in her head once more and began to speak.

“First of all, he’s male. He disguised his voice, but from the feel of it, maybe mid-thirties at most? Honestly, he felt even younger than that.”

If asked to name a genius on the continent, there was always one person who came up, regardless of the order.

Lowell’s older sister, and one of the empire’s Morning Stars.

She had shattered every existing youngest record on the continent.

Lucia was currently thirty-five years old.

And now someone on her level had appeared?

“In unofficial terms, he might be the youngest ever.”

“I agree. And the problem is, it’s not just his aura control that’s impressive.”

Lowell paused. Caron waited in silence.

It had to be something she hadn’t recorded in her statement, and there must be a reason for that.

“He used magic. And not just any magic—high-level magic.”

Caron’s eyes widened. It was such a shocking revelation that he couldn’t even control his expression.

“What kind of magic?”

“A shield. The fact that my attacks didn’t leave a single scratch was surprising, but… Honestly, I’ve never seen a shield like that before. Even Lord Elester’s wasn’t that strong.”

“Why didn’t you include that in the statement?”

“You know why. It’s not that I’m worried about your security, but… if that information spreads…”

Every country would mobilize to capture the Dark Beast Squad.

An 8-Star Knight, and a high-circle mage.

Each one would already be considered a monster-level threat, and this wasn’t even two people—it was just one.

It was equivalent to a national strategic weapon.

“What’s strange is… well, despite all that power, he ran away. And he seemed to lack combat experience.”

His stance, his breathing, his awkward movements.

To be honest, he was a complete novice.

But the aura and magic he wielded didn’t match that at all.

“That mismatch is what bothers me. Maybe he just came down from the mountains after training or something?”

“Could it be the composure of a strong man?”

“…That could be it too.”

He acted relaxed even in front of someone like her, a knight nearing 7-Star?

That was infuriating in its own way, but Lowell had no choice but to admit it.

Because the aura and magic were real.

Caron, who had been lost in thought for a moment, finally spoke.

“Lowell, step away from this matter.”

“I’ll handle the pursuit of the Dark Beast Squad. You focus on finding the humans who’ve made contracts with demons.”

“Then I’ll make you step away by force.”

Caron’s eyes gleamed coldly. That meant he was serious.

Seeing that, Lowell raised both hands high into the air.

“Alright, I’ll back off. But if they show up right in front of me, I can’t help that, can I?”

“Call me and back off immediately. Given his playful nature, there’s a high chance he’ll let you go.”

“Hmph~ Aren’t you scared?”

Caron was not trembling in fear. He had lived a life side by side with death.

‘Because Lord Adonis is with me.’

An 8-Star Knight? No, even a 9-Star wouldn’t be a problem.

Adonis was the strongest knight on the continent.

‘His health isn’t great, so long battles are impossible… but with my support, it’ll be over quickly.’

The fact that the opponent used magic was a variable, but there’s no way he’d have the time to cast it in front of Adonis, who was faster than lightning.

Even if he did, Caron thought the result wouldn’t change much.

“Anyway, this should be enough, right? Now it’s time for my second question.”

What was Lowell’s second question, as someone who hunted demons?

Just as Caron was wondering—

“Do you have any recent info related to the Lester family?”

A question Caron hadn’t expected at all came out of Lowell’s mouth.

But Caron wasn’t shaken in the slightest. In fact, after her earlier slip-up, he had raised his evaluation of Lowell and was now even more wary.

‘Because it concerns Luna.’

Mistakes were not allowed. Protecting Luna—that was the only atonement he could offer.

He knew that Lowell had made contact with Luna the day she came to the academy.

Both had combative personalities. A fight had surely broken out, and seeing Luna use ‘One Flash’, she must have realized something.

That Luna might be a survivor of the Lester family.

“Vague, aren’t we. Are you talking about that nonsense rumor that the Lester family might have been innocent?”

“You also know that those involved are dying off one by one.”

“I’ve determined it to be a coincidence. For now, at least.”

“I see. ‘For now’… That makes me curious.”

Lowell whistled. Judging by the lack of further questioning, it seemed she was convinced Caron hadn’t confirmed Luna’s identity.

How Lowell viewed the Lester family was something even Caron didn’t know.

So he decided to test her thoughts a little.

“Still, it’s amusing.”

“I’m the one who killed the head of the Lester family. And you ask me for related information? Are you sane?”

“Well, doesn’t really matter, does it? It’s not like you’d mess around in a data exchange. And more importantly…”

Lowell narrowed her eyes and continued.

“I don’t believe you killed Lady Renia.”

“If it wasn’t me, who else could it have been? I brought back the head.”

“I don’t know. Why don’t you finally tell me what happened that day? My sister still grinds her teeth whenever your name comes up.”

Caron turned his head.

Judging from her demeanor, she probably wasn’t trying to harm Luna.

“You’re mistaken. That child just hates me. It’s not because I killed the head of the Lester family.”

“Well, it does seem that way. Should’ve tried getting along better.”

“That’s enough pointless talk. It’s my turn now.”

“Huh? You were serious, not joking?”

Lowell’s slip of the tongue turned the 2:1 information trade into a 2:2 exchange.

“Tch! Just so you know, if it’s something I don’t know, that’s the end of it, okay?”

“Don’t worry. It’s something only you would know.”

Lowell narrowed her eyes. She thought he was about to ask why she chased demons.

She was planning to give a vague answer when—

“How long are you going to keep bothering Rodelin?”

Lowell flinched. A completely unexpected question had come out of nowhere.

This man had always been like that. He’d mellowed a bit with age, but still.

Lowell turned her body to the left, avoiding Caron’s gaze.

“…Who says I’m bothering her?”

“I know what you’re thinking, but keep it up and her heart will eventually leave. Family won’t stay family forever.”

The memory was still vivid before her eyes.

The day the Lucid family nearly fell. The day Rodelin almost died.

And the day Rodelin was forced to bear the weight of the family.

‘She can’t be a soldier. No—she must not become one.’

How long would she keep bothering her? That was obvious.

‘Until she gives up that dream.’

“Mind your own family business.”

“Rodelin is my student. Of course I care.”

“Ooh~ you’re playing teacher now? Coming from the continent’s most infamous assassin. The world’s really changed, huh?”

Lowell began to tense up. Caron was walking slowly toward her.

Just as Lowell, still seated, shrank back—

Caron’s fist lightly tapped her lips.

It was a soft, very gentle punch.

“And Lowell, you were my student too. So of course I care.” ᴛhis chapter is ᴜpdated by n0velfire.net

Lowell lifted her gaze and looked up at Caron’s face. Because of the backlight, Caron’s face was completely shadowed. She couldn’t see his expression.

But she could tell his words were sincere. Lowell lowered her head deeply.

“You only taught me for a month, so why…”

“Still, a teacher is a teacher. Don’t you think?”

“Yeah, yeah, be the teacher all you want. Move. I’ve got to go bully Delin.”

Despite Caron’s concerned words, Lowell’s resolve didn’t waver in the slightest.

Everything was for Rodelin—for that girl.

Just as she opened the door to leave, she heard Caron call out from behind her.

“Ah, I forgot to ask one more thing.”

“What is it? No, before that, don’t I get a question too? That’s fair, isn’t it?”

“It’s a continuation of Snake Mask matter. If you don’t like it, forget it. There won’t be any more trades between us.”

“Tch! Petty. What is it?”

“Is it true that Snake Mask provoked you during the fight by pulling his pants down and up? It wasn’t in anyone else’s testimony.”

“T-That? Maybe it was just a lack of skill?”

Lowell stammered without meaning to.

It was a false testimony she’d written out of spite after missing her chance to catch Snake Mask, purely out of frustration.

Caron’s eyes narrowed.

“N-No! It’s real! Think about it carefully. He’s an 8-Star Knight. His speed would be too fast for ordinary people to see!”

With that, Lowell hurriedly bolted out of the room.

Caron let out a sigh.

He was an 8-Star Knight himself, yet there was no way to verify if Lowell’s statement was true or false.

Because normally, an 8-Star Knight wouldn’t mess around like that.

‘Should I try testing it later?’

An experiment to verify the credibility of her testimony.

Caron sighed deeply at the thought. In order to prove it, someone would have to witness the act.

Meaning, he’d need people to watch him pull his pants down and up.

And not just anyone—at least seven people, from regular citizens to 6-Star Knights.

If no one could see it, that would be a relief. But if, contrary to Lowell’s statement, everyone could clearly see what he was doing…

Caron shook his head and added another charge to the wanted poster.

He even underlined it in bright red.

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