I Grabbed the Tyrant’s Heart - Chapter 185

The main forces are Weathering and me. I secretly hoped Weathering would accept Count Jester’s request. While I didn’t need the money, the heart of a Kirapt was very tempting.

The blue color was so luminous that, if well-crafted, it could make a significant gift.

“We need to hear the amount of the compensation, but it seems fine regardless. After all, if the Count calls for help from the imperial family, it’s expected that either I or someone else should come here.”

“I’m okay with it. Weathering, you talk big but are you really up to it?”

“I have to protect someone.”

“Hmm, I’ll trust you then.”

Ruby and Tolby had supported him from the side, but Weathering had managed both defense and offense. Surely, without the scholars, he would have defeated many monsters.

“There are supposed to be two Kirapts, but there might be other monsters as well. We’ll have to consider that…”

Weathering paused for a moment then looked at me.

“Honestly, Euel, couldn’t you handle it all by yourself?”

“Perhaps?”

“Then, let’s just have the two of us go.”

“What about me?”

When Ruby intervened, Weathering asked if she had ever faced a Kirapt.

“I haven’t encountered a Kirapt before.”

“Then it’s decided.”

“I can fight pretty well, why are you trying to leave me out?”

Having become somewhat friendly with Weathering through this ordeal, Ruby protested jokingly.

“The Count’s own troops can handle the other monsters, and shouldn’t one leader stay behind?”

Since this wasn’t Count Daidi’s territory, Ruby wouldn’t need to play host here, but from Count Jester’s perspective, it would seem appropriate since we appeared as a group.

“Or you could go ahead to the capital.”

“That’s another option.”

Huh?

“Alright. I’ll go tell the others and inform Count Jester of our decision as well.”

Wait.

Ruby was out the door before I could stop her, leaving Weathering and me alone. I considered announcing my retirement from learning magic, but since we still had things to do together, I postponed it.

“I’ll go check in. We’ll discuss the details with the Count.”

“Alright.”

As I stood and headed for the door, Weathering’s voice caught me.

“Euel.”

“Yes?”

“Never mind… We’ll talk during mealtime.”

Weathering seemed troubled but decided against saying more, and I didn’t press him.

* * *

After explaining the situation to the group after meal time, everyone agreed. Particularly those on business in County Daidi, who were displeased about any delay and eager to return to Alin as soon as possible.

All but one.

“Are just the two of you staying?”

“Count Jester will join us.”

Up until now, Carin Heights had been quiet, but her face fell at the news that only Weathering and I would remain.

“I will stay too.”

“It’s Lady’s choice to stay.”

Surprisingly, Weathering responded with a leniency that was unlike him, yet predictably cold.

“However, Lady Hardland and I are separate parties. If you have business, you might want to ask Count Jester to accommodate you separately.”

Weathering said his words and left, quickly deflating the atmosphere. Everyone soon excused themselves, and Ruby and I were no exception.

“I should go too. I need to speak with Count Jester.”

Left alone, Carin Heights looked like she might cry, but I didn’t console her. While I understood her feelings, it wasn’t my place to intervene.

Eventually, Carin Heights joined the others who left, leaving Weathering and me to handle the monster extermination.

“The Kirapts are mine, got it? You can take all the fees, but don’t interfere with me taking down the Kirapts.”

“I’d prefer the fee, but why? Are you after their hearts?”

“Yes.”

“Come on, I also want those hearts. You know their worth is higher than any fee?”

This was my first commission, but Weathering, who had more experience, remarked that the Count’s offered compensation was generous.

“Then let’s each keep what we kill.”

“…Wow, are you planning to outrun and outmatch me?”

“Well.”

We decided not to use magic this time. The last thing either of us wanted was to accidentally get swept into a dragon’s domain again.

There turned out to be three Kirapts, not two, and I defeated all three of them. I was worried that Count Jester might claim a share since his own soldiers had been injured, but thankfully, that concern didn’t happen.

“Are you really going to keep all of them for yourself?”

“Yes.”

Weathering looked at me with eyes full of longing, but I had no intention of giving any away.

Since the day I decided to give something to Tess, I had even tried to learn embroidery from Laura, who was renowned in Hardland for her skill.

However, I soon realized there are things I simply cannot do, and I was unable to produce any tangible results.

So, why not prepare something I can actually provide?

“Hehe, hehehe.”

“Wow, really not even one?”

“Yes, really. So don’t get your hopes up.”

Weathering fought as well as he had boasted. He was extremely skilled in controlling magic and could use multiple spells simultaneously.

It was perplexing why he was more famous as a scholar than a magician.

However, he was simply outmatched this time. I, who could even hold my own against a dragon, had already slain the monsters and extracted their hearts before he could even cast his spells.

With the monsters swiftly dealt with by Weathering and me, Count Jester’s favor was visibly apparent. Moreover, Weathering had significantly helped with the village’s reconstruction.

While Weathering was out on the outskirts of the estate, I toured the main castle, where Count Jester showed me a corridor hung with portraits of heads from the Jester family.

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