Chapter 367: Book 27 (3)

    Kate’s genuine amazement beside me didn’t quite resonate with me.

    Instead, I felt more bewildered. I clearly understood Musk’s intent: to grant a private audience with me to the person who defeats the most demon worshippers.

    At first glance, it seemed like a straightforward concept, but it was far from an ordinary event—it involved staking one’s life.

    Frankly, there are numerous events where someone could have a private audience with me without such stakes. With a hint of caution, I voiced my thoughts.

    “Um... Mr. Musk? Is meeting me in private really worth that much? It doesn’t seem like something worth risking one’s life for...”

    “Then, Lord Isaac, could you suggest an alternative type of event?”

    “Hmm...”

    I pondered over his question. First, I considered my position and authority.

    In my previous life, there was a nickname for the U.S. president: “World President.”

    Though mostly a joke, it aptly represented the influence and authority of the U.S. globally.

    Historically, no empire has ever matched the strength of the U.S., and nations like the Soviet Union that challenged its supremacy eventually crumbled.

    And yet, I hold authority and influence even greater than a U.S. president.

    It’s a comparison, but it speaks volumes about the magnitude of my position.

    Even Arwen, despite her personal feelings, once treated herself as a gift to me.

    While her people played a role in this decision, they went so far as to offer their queen as a “gift,” underscoring my elevated status.

    “To have a private audience with someone like me...”

    One must either save an entire nation from peril or bring such honor to their country that they are immortalized in history.

    And I am someone who saved the world from catastrophe simply by writing a book. This isn’t just public perception—it’s an undeniable fact.

    I preemptively stopped the corruption of the World Tree’s roots, exposed the hidden existence of demon worshippers, and contributed significantly to cultural development, among other accomplishments.

    “...There really is no easy way to meet me, is there?”

    Perhaps if this world had a sport I was passionate about, it would be a different story.

    I could personally request to meet someone under such circumstances.

    But this world lacks even the simplest forms of sports, let alone the Olympics.

    The most notable activity is jousting, and while there may eventually be Olympic-style events introduced in Animars, I hold little interest.

    Given the era, there’s virtually no opportunity for someone to bring glory to their nation, and unless one slays a dragon like my father, it’s nearly impossible to meet an emperor or king.

    In this world, unless you are born a noble, you quite literally must risk your life to meet someone of high status.

    “...I don’t think there are any alternatives.”

    “Lord Isaac, you must carefully consider the position you hold. Even the elves look up to your accomplishments.”

    “Such high praise makes me a little embarrassed.”

    “I’m merely stating the truth,” Musk replied with a kind smile, nodding.

    Watching him, I couldn’t help but smile wryly.

    Honestly, I would prefer to have a different kind of event.

    But if I did, those around me would probably argue that it diminishes my value.

    They’d insist that true power lies in using it properly, and that even with absolute power, I’m still stuck in the same routines.

    “So, is the plan to focus on defeating demon worshippers?”

    “I merely offer suggestions. The choice is entirely yours, Lord Isaac.”

    “Then...”

    I trailed off mid-sentence, feeling a piercing gaze beside me.

    When I turned my head, I saw Kate fidgeting like a restless puppy, her anticipation and nervousness mixing in her deep blue eyes, even darker than Adelia’s.

    She seemed eager for me to decide, silently urging me to choose the path of eradicating demon worshippers.

    “...I assume you have plans in mind, given your suggestion?”

    “Ah.”

    As soon as I gave a positive response, Kate let out a sigh of relief for reasons I couldn’t quite grasp.

    I briefly wondered if she intended to participate in the event herself, but my conversation with Musk took precedence.

    The event Musk proposed would undoubtedly have significant impact, but with that would come proportional consequences.

    “Of course. While the number of demon worshippers eliminated is important, not all demon worshippers are mere underlings. Isn’t that right, Cardinal Kate?”

    “Yes, that’s correct. Just as insects grow into mature forms, demon worshippers also have distinct tiers.”

    In response to Musk’s question, Kate, as usual, compared demon worshippers to insects.

    Her expertise in this area was undeniable.

    Even before meeting me, she had been cracking their skulls, and recently, she apprehended a corrupted cardinal.

    Glancing at me briefly, she continued speaking in her soft, signature voice.

    “Demon worshippers bear distinct markings. While underlings only have necklaces or rings, those of higher rank engrave sigils on their bodies.

    However, these marks are not visible under normal circumstances, making them hard to identify at a glance.”

    “If it hadn’t been for the potions I always carry, I wouldn’t be alive today.”

    Musk himself is a survivor of such an incident.

    The mercenary he hired for protection turned out to be a demon worshiper. He barely survived thanks to his potions.

    “Now that everything else is sorted, let’s discuss the most important matter—rewards.”

    “Isn’t meeting me in person already enough?”

    Honestly, this event involves risking lives, so a private meeting feels a bit lacking as a reward.

    I was considering adding extras, like a signed book or light physical interactions, but even that seems insufficient...

    “No, it’s more than enough. A private meeting with Isaac could be a once-in-a-lifetime honor.

    How could it possibly be ‘just enough’? You really ought to recognize the significance of your position.”

    “...Fine. So, what exactly would these rewards be?”

    “In addition to private meetings, there will be rewards for those who achieve significant accomplishments. For example, signed books.”

    “...I’ll think about it.”

    Even the idea of a private meeting is overwhelming, let alone signed books as rewards. It’s both understandable and hard to fully grasp.

    Musk didn’t seem too concerned about the rewards either, focusing more on getting my approval.

    Besides, they plan to spend significant sums of money, which is something the orders will manage, not me.

    As things gradually come together and I accept Musk’s proposals...

    “Isaac? May I ask you for a favor?”

    “A favor?”

    Kate’s sudden request takes me by surprise.

    She rarely asks for anything, so I can’t help but be curious.

    And the request that follows is enough to leave me utterly speechless.

    “I’d like to step down from my escort duties temporarily so I can join in hunting demon worshipers.”

    “...You want to participate too?”

    “Of course. How could I miss an opportunity to meet Isaac in person?”

    “No, I mean— Hah.”

    I had a feeling, but to think that feeling would become reality. I run a hand down my face, caught off guard.

    She’s the type to be absolutely stubborn about specific things.

    Even if I tell her not to, she’d likely insist it’s unfair.

    But even so, I can’t allow her to step down from her escort duties. Adelia might be here, but someone as reliable as Kate is almost impossible to find.

    Sure, I could hire Helium’s elite group, the Reapers, but they wouldn’t have Kate’s level of divine power.

    “I refuse. No matter the reason, I won’t allow it.”

    “Why? As a faithful servant of Luminous, I want to meet Isaac.”

    “And if I say you already qualify for such a meeting?”

    “It wouldn’t be fair to the others.”

    I knew she’d say that. Letting out a hollow laugh, I respond in a calm voice.

    “It’s fine.”

    “But...”

    “It’s not fine if you’re not by my side, Kate.”

    “...Pardon?”

    Kate blinks in shock at my answer. Seeing my chance, I press on quickly.

    “I said I need you by my side. So I’ll give you all the private meetings you want—just don’t step down from your duties. Understood?”

    “Kate?”

    “Haah...”

    What’s with this person?

    Why are her eyes suddenly glazed over? And what’s with the heavy breathing?

    As I stand there bewildered, Kate gazes at me with softened eyes, then slowly covers her face with both hands.

    Moments later, her face flushes, and she murmurs softly, with an oddly sensual tone.

    “I understand.”

    “......”

    “I’ll protect Isaac... forever.”

    I never said anything about forever.

    “Hahaha! Well, I’ll be going now. Goodbye!”

    Why are you running away now?