The Resentment and Bitterness of a Man Who Has Barely Been Focused On Until Now

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Baron Martz Salar was originally the third son of a blacksmith in the southern town of Namedake in Teenidys, born a commoner.

From a young age, he showed more interest in wielding a sword than forging one, and in the spring of his 15th year, he left home to become an adventurer.

The one who had been in his party and shared joys and sorrows with him ever since then was his childhood friend, Mauve.

Unlike Martz, who had a talent for the sword and rapidly distinguished himself, Mauve had no gift for battle.

However, Mauve was a man who prided himself on his stamina, and in Martzs party, he continued to support Martz from behind the scenes as a porter, carrying their luggage.

No matter how strong Martz was and how many powerful monsters he could defeat, if he couldnt bring back the materials, his income as an adventurer would plummet.

But while carrying materials, one cant fight satisfactorily.

Porters solve this problem.

Although an unglamorous role, they are an indispensable and necessary part of an adventurer party.

There are some heartless adventurers who disparage porters for not directly participating in combat.

But Martz was not like that.

He well understood the importance of porters, and highly valued Mauves talent and true ability as a porter.

Martz was a first-class adventurer as a swordsman, while Mauve was a first-class adventurer as a porter.

The two complemented each others lacking aspects, adventuring, fighting, and growing together.

Martz believed that his current self existed thanks to Mauve.

Thats why, when he was ennobled and retired as an adventurer, he invited Mauve, saying, Why dont we continue working together from now on?

By that time, both of them had passed their physical prime and were beginning to feel their decline.

Even Mauve couldnt continue the unstable profession of an adventurer forever.

If so, even if it took the form of employer and employee, hiring him and providing him with a stable life would be a way to repay Mauve.

Martz made this proposal from the bottom of his heart, thinking of Mauves best interests.

Mauve accepted the proposal with a smile.

Martz had no doubt that a firm friendship was forged between himself and Mauve.

Thats why he trusted Mauve, and in this emergency, he entrusted him with the highly important task of evacuating the villagers.

And yet, what was this?

What in the world was going on?

Mauve, in whom he had placed his complete trust.

His friend, whom he thought was bound by a firm friendship.

He was holding a blade to his beloved daughters throat, spilling a warped, dark smile.

Why?

Why, huh. Youre probably thinking something like that, arent you?

In the same easygoing tone as when they were adventurers.

But in a low, dark voice, Mauve began to speak.

Hit the mark, right? I know, you see. What youre thinking. Weve been together for so long so long, after all.

The knife gripped in his hand was trembling.

But you know what!? You dont get it, do you!? What Im thinking right now!!

Mauve suddenly screamed.

Sara, taken hostage, shuddered with a pale face.

Wh-whats going on, Mauve!? Calm down! Come back to your senses!

Come back to my senses!? Hahaha, come back to my senses? Hahahahaha! Hahahahahahahaha! I am perfectly sane! No doubt about it!

Even while saying that with his mouth, Mauves figure, laughing loudly while spitting, was not normal.

Hey, Mauve! As promised, I came to the study with Sara, right!? Please, let Sara go!

Madame Emma pleaded.

Sara, Emma, and Maid were caught off guard and attacked by Mauve on their way to evacuate to the basement.

At that time, Maid was hit on the head and fell unconscious, and now she was stretched out in the hallway.

No way! Hahaha, not yet! Hey, Martz! Shady butler! Take your hands off the barrier stone!

Sh-shady!?

Sneigen, hold back It cant be helped, the repair is suspended.

Martz and Sneigen slowly removed their hands from the barrier stone.

The gradual repair of the barrier stone that had been underway stopped.

Good, thats it. Thats good.

With the blade still pressed against Saras throat, Mauve slowly moved and stood with his back to the window, glaring at Martz and the others.

Hey, Mauve, calm down Why are you doing this!?

Ha, ha, ha. You dont get it, do you, Martz? You dont understand my feelings at all.

Mauves dark gaze glared at Martz.

Martz had never seen such an expression on Mauves face before.

Always, always! Youre always, always a success! Even if you fail at something, you always make up for it with effort and overcome difficulties! Amazing, isnt it!? Everyone always acknowledges you!

Mauve shouted loudly.

And what about me!? No matter what I do, I dont stand out! Im not acknowledged! Its always you who gains something! Honor, titles, peerage, a wife, a daughter!! Youre the only one who gains things! Who becomes happy!! I no one even looks at me!!

I did! I acknowledged you, Mauve! My current self exists thanks to you! Thats why

Thats why? You hired the plain, unremarkable, useless porter as a servant out of pity? And as a result, what happened to me? Every day I glumly carry out work Im not used to or suited for, while being scolded by the shady butler! Being called an incompetent hired out of charity!

Mauves hand holding the knife tightened.

Ngh!

A small cut appeared on Saras throat, and a trickle of blood flowed.

Sara let out a small groan.

Aah! Sara! Saraaa!!

Madame Emma had already lost her composure.

Her usual calm and composed figure was nowhere to be seen here.

You know, Martz. Ive endured it for so long. Yes, Ive endured it for so long. Ive killed my own feelings. But that was a mistake!

A mistake!?

Thats right! Because, that time! That time when I dropped the roof tiles on your wife and child who happened to be passing by below! The exhilaration I felt at that moment! It was the best!! I finally realized my true feelings! I want to take from you, Martz! The things precious to you! The happiness I couldnt obtain!!

Th-that was your doing!?

Huh!? What are you so surprised about now!? Well, I failed that time. That damn cursed child, how irksome.

Mauve clicked his tongue and spat.

Martz had never seen him spout such abuse, from their adventuring days until now.

He was supposed to be a gentle, modest man who always smiled quietly.

Hey, Mauve, if you resent me, you should target me, right? Please, let Sara go! Dont involve my daughter!

Huh? Were you even listening to me? Im telling you, I want to take from you. The things precious to you.

But, what will that accomplish!? Please, calm down, Mauve. Doing that wont make anyone happy.

No!! It will!! This will change my fate!! Thats what I was told!!

T-told, you say?

Hey!! Are you ready yet!! I did exactly as I was told!! What should I do now!?

Mauve ranted while restlessly moving his gaze to the ceiling and walls.

From Mauves words just now, it became clear that his crime this time was instigated by someone.

And judging from the direction of Mauves gaze as he sought instructions, it was a third party not present in this room.

Martz searched for any presence lurking where Mauve was looking, but there was no sign of anyone.

Uncle Mauve

The next to speak was Sara, who was being held hostage.

Perhaps her body ached from being roughly grabbed, as her voice lacked its usual energy.

However, she didnt seem frightened or trembling either.

That was due to her innate strong will.

Werent you friends with my father?

Huh?

Father often says it. That Mauve is the best companion. A friend too good for him.

Uncle, I want you to calm down. I want you to go back to being the kind uncle you always were.

Hey, uncle. You two are friends, right?

They were such pure words.

Straightforward words.

Sara was sad.

Her father and Mauve were supposed to be friends.

And yet Mauve was trying to hurt her fathers heart.

That wasnt right.

It was painful to see a friendship break apart with a sound right before her eyes, rather than having her own life put in danger.

All she could think about was wanting her father and Mauve to make up.

We werent friends. Not for a long time now.

But what came out of Mauves mouth was a sad truth for Sara.

Once.

Words spun as if squeezed out.

I was always grateful. I respected you. I was proud. I thought Martz was the best friend. But now, Im just envious! Resentful!

Uncle

I can tell, Sara! You must be the same as Martz! Liked by everyone, facing any difficulty without giving up! Im sure youll become a success like that! Youll be able to live in a world of pretty words! Im so envious! So jealous! So resentful!

Spitting, Mauve began screaming again.

Tears trickled down Saras face.

She was so sad, so sad that she couldnt find any more words to say to Mauve.

But you know, today all fates will change. You will no longer be successful, and I will put an end to my life as a person in the shadows.

Mauve began to laugh.

His appearance, cackling with bloodshot eyes glinting, was by no means normal.

Martz had felt something off about Mauves behavior for a while now.

Even if his claims up until now were spoken from the heart.

Even so, what was the point of causing this incident while a horde of monsters was heading towards the mansion?

Why would this change fate?

Taking his daughter hostage and barricading himself in the room, what would happen from there?

Wasnt the only future waiting for him that of a criminal?

What do you plan to do from here, taking my daughter hostage? The only future waiting for you there is that of a criminal, is that what youre thinking now? Martz.

!

Grinning, Mauve said that.

Once again having his thoughts read by Mauve, Martz bit his lip.

It seemed Mauve really could tell what he was thinking.

Even though he had no idea at all what Mauve was thinking

Well, normally, youd think that! Hahaha, but you know, I have an ally.

An ally Who is it?

Hahaha! You want to know? Of course you do! I dont mind telling you! Itll blow your mind, Im sure!!

Mauves collaborator.

From Mauves earlier behavior, its existence was certain, but Mauve was revealing it himself.

Perhaps even that carriage attack was orchestrated by that person.

Tension ran through the room.

Ready? Listen closely? My ally is

It happened the next moment.

The giant Poison Topopolock Queens head burst through the window and wall into the study with a roar.