It was shocking how they found it more plausible that the Mayer Knox gave out a position because he was smitten instead of thinking that the support mage he took in was useful. Perhaps that was just a reflection of how terrible support mages were. My lips trembled as I was struck with the urge to clutch my belly and laugh out loud at the ludicrousness of it all. There wasnt any logic in their gossiping for me to get angry. Me and Mayer Knox up a tree? Hah! I thought I had gotten used to being treated like a dog, but this was new.

Still, I couldnt just leave things as they were. While I had expected rumors about me to fly around, I didnt think theyd be nothing but scandals. This wont do, I murmured, convinced that I had to do something.

Just as I was glaring at my food tray, pondering about the easiest method to fix this entire situation, someone called out to me in a cheery tone. Oh, Jun! Long time no see!

I looked up, only to see Axion. Why was he here instead of in the officers mess hall? As he put down his food tray and sat opposite of me, I asked, How come youre over here?

I came because I thought I saw someone who looked like you. Are you done hunkering in your room now?

Yes, well, pretty much. I nodded.

It was only after Axion came over that the gossiping nearby stopped. He dunked a piece of bread into his tomato soup as he asked, Id like to ask the same myself, by the way. How come youre over here, Jun? Im sure His Excellency has permitted use of the officers mess hall.

He has, but as I havent been officially appointed yet

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Youre surprisingly uptight. He laughed. A woman of principle, are you?

I just want to avoid doing things thatll be frowned upon as much as possible. Theres enough talk about me as it is.

Axion stuffed his cheeks with bread as he said, I would just let them talk if it were me; theres no helping it anyway.

I wanted to retort that it was easy for him to say that, but seeing how he stared at me with his brazen face, I felt he would truly live up to his words. He probably never bothered about what others thought, the egoist he was. Everyone would acknowledge him for being a powerful flame mage, after all. I dont think its at the level of just talking, though, I added with a sigh.

Such is the fate of the popular. Get used to it, Jun.

I stared at him, speechless. Was he trying to add oil to the fire or what? I low-key hated myself a little for seeking advice from him.

Suddenly, Axion started swiveling his head around, startling the diners nearby as they rushed to avoid his eyes. He smirked. Youre definitely an interesting subject of gossip. Everyone must be keen to hear the gossip after such a long time of nothing but training. But people who cross the line by prattling about someone elses affairs do so because thats the only thing they care about. Theyre the sort wholl fall behind eventually, so dont give it much thought, Jun, he said.

Thats cold.

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We have to be cold.

And he was right. Being cold-minded was necessary because a split-second decision inside a dungeon could be the difference between life and death, even more so when it came to judging people to trust ones back with. Axions eyes shone behind his glasses as he continued, However To suggest that His Excellency, of all people, would be swayed by his emotions in a matter concerning dungeon raids Those people have insulted not only you for their amusement, but the duke as well. And as a member of the Dark Knights, that cannot be forgiven.

No wonder Axions attitude was so hostile He seemed displeased that Mayer was involved in my rumors, almost raring to secretly slit someones throat despite having just told me not to bother about it. Who knew what would happen if I agreed with him here? Well You couldnt understand it at first either, I replied in a slightly softer tone.

Not understanding and questioning His Excellencys command are two different matters. Didnt I faithfully obey the dukes orders despite my unacceptance?

That was true, so I conceded and let him act all haughty and high-headed.

At this point Id say youre most certainly one of us now.

I stared at him. You werent certain of it until now?

Haha. You see, it wouldve been terrible if you had run away before becoming vice-captain.

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So should I assume youre about to tell me something that would have made me run away?

Very astute of you. He nodded.

So, what is it? This secret thatll scare me off, I asked disinterestedly. I wasnt too curious as I knew almost everythingexcept for secret information only known among the Dark Knightsbut I felt I had to make some conversation.

Perhaps my reaction was satisfying, or maybe he just wanted to go on and say it, but Axion looked excited as he began, I told you last time that His Excellency has never personally recruited anyone besides you, Jun, but

Yes? I think people are overreacting even considering that. Is it because Im a support-type mage?

Thats not completely unrelated, but I think its more because of His Excellencys usual disposition, he said.

Usual disposition?

His Excellency is uninterested, to an extreme degree, in anything other than closing dungeons. It was the only thing he derived joy from.

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Bingo.

his had to be it. It was kind of an open secret that Mayer was driven insane by his loathing of demons and fellspawn alike. The only reason there was little talk about it was that the act of closing dungeons itself was a socially recommended virtue, to begin with. But the man was not normal, of that I was sure of.