Naturally, Hesabel had first heard Cedrics name from Isaac.

How did you know I was from Wallachia?

I knew someone has been looking for me. I thought a human hunter from Wallachia was after me, so I observed quietly. It seems you finally approached me to warn you. Had I known you were such a beauty, I would have spoken sooner.

Cedric coughed awkwardly and took a sip of water.

Its the glass I was using.

Choke.

Its alright. Drink it.

Hesabel relaxed her body, leaning casually on the table while watching Cedric. It was a simple gesture of flirtation, but Cedric, uncharacteristically for a rogue, showed signs of tension.

Hesabel could tell that although he acted like a rogue, he was actually clumsy with women and had never experienced this type of seduction,different from the rugged women of Elil.

What brings you to Aldeon, Mr. Cedric?

Isaac had said that finding Cedrics whereabouts was enough, but now that it had come to this, she decided to extract as much information as possible. Fortunately, Cedric seemed like an easy target.

Me? I just came as my employer commanded.

Your employer, you mean Lady Rosalind?

Yes. Originally, it was Theobald Saltain from the borderlands but since he died on the way here, the employer has changed.

Cedric answered straightforwardly. It seemed like information that everyone who needed to know already knew.

Then shouldnt you be protecting Lady Rosalind? Why are you here?

Well

Cedric began to reply but suddenly stood up and glared at Hesabel.

Dont try to seduce me, you lady!

Unable to utter an insult, a bizarre title came out instead, leaving Hesabel with a look of disbelief. What she had done so far wasnt even seduction.

She was just easing the mood and asking questions casually.

Are you trying to seduce me to extract information? Sorry, but Im not that easy to fool!

The people around turned to look at Cedric when he raised his voice, but soon turned away. Only the waitress hurried over upon hearing the commotion.

Whats the matter?

This lady here tried to seduce me.

The waitress gave Cedric a disbelieving look.

But Mr. Cedric, you do that to us every day.

Thats different! This lady here is

Cedric fumbled for words, his eyes darting around.

The waitress glanced at Hesabel, who looked the same as before, tightly wrapped and unchanged in expression or demeanor. Compared to the flirty behavior she had shown earlier, Hesabel was really doing nothing now.

With a sigh, the waitress grabbed Cedrics shoulder and pushed him down. He weakly sat back down.

Stop making a scene and be quiet. Sister, if he does this again, tell me. Ill kick him out right away.

Yeah, thanks.

After the waitress left, Cedric tapped the table in a dejected manner. After a long silence, Hesabel spoke up.

You are Swordmaster Cedric, right?

Yes.

I was certain until a moment ago, now Im having doubts.

Im just a bit weak around women. I have six older sisters, you see.

Cedric glared at Hesabel.

What are your intentions in seducing me?

If I had decided to seduce you, you would have fallen without even realizing.

She knew over a hundred ways to seduce such an easy target.

I dont know what youre trying to do, but its best not to fall too easily. This is the kingdom of Elil, not a place for vampires to lurk.

And its a place where the most just and brave knight wins the beauty. Perhaps I came to take a fine knight from the kingdom of Elil?

Hesabel said, slightly tipping her hood back and brushing her hair behind her ear. Cedric, momentarily lost for words, stared at her, speechless.

If she had intended to assassinate him, she would have lured him to a room by now and stabbed him in the neck, but Isaac had given no such orders.

So, are you not thinking of confiding your secrets to me?

However, Hesabel did not forget her role as an information gatherer. As she leaned forward on the table, looking up at Cedric, his agitation became more apparent.

I dislike men with many secrets.

With that, Cedric seemed completely won over.

He soon began to speak as if he had made a decision.

Are there many beauties like you in Wallachia?

A contemptuous expression flickered across Hesabels face, much like the waitresss.

***

Lady Rosalinds protection? Is that all?

Yes. Specifically, she said she was helping to find justice. I even asked if she was targeting King Edelred, but she said no.

Isaac was speechless with the information Hesabel had gathered. Finding Cedrics location was already a major achievement, but to have met and interrogated him directly was beyond expectations. Of course, there was a chance Cedric was lying, but it seemed unlikely at the moment.

At least the possibility of Cedric directly attacking Edelred was now dismissed.

Remarkable. Well done, Hesabel. It was good to leave this to you.

Praised by Isaac, Hesabels pride swelled even more. With her self-esteem fully boosted, she spoke confidently.

Maybe if I seduce him a little more, I could find out more detailed information. Should I try?

No, lets not. From what Ive heard, it seems riskier than I thought. Foolish he may be, but a Swordmaster is still a Swordmaster.

In fact, when Hesabel had sent a strong request for rescue after encountering Cedric, Isaac was already on his way. However, he received a message that he neednt come soon after.

Fortunately, things had worked out, but he remembered how tense the situation had been.

Hesabel could have been killed without a chance to resist.

Rosalinds search for salvation, and the justice Cedric would bring her

The most intuitive metaphor was a duel. It was the most common way to resolve conflicts in the kingdom of Elil. But even if Rosalind had been a skilled pirate in her youth, she was too old now.

And it wasnt fitting for Cedric to challenge Edelred directly. He would have to defeat countless knights protecting Edelred first. Even if he succeeded, considering the immense enmity he would earn, no amount of money would make it a worthwhile deal.

Salvation, and justice

Isaac repeated this to himself and suddenly had an epiphany.

He abruptly stood up.

The Holy Sword Kaldbruch.

The name Kaldbruch means justice.

Find King Edelred. Immediately.

TL Notes