“Right, if the assassin’s don’t return, they would realize that something went wrong and move the kidnapped people elsewhere. Then we wouldn’t be able to rescue them.”

The more time passes, the more disadvantageous it will be for this side whilst at the same time, the more advantageous it will be for the enemy. That was the current situation of the person called Sebas.

“Then I will begin my assault immediately. I apologize but I have no intention of changing my mind. May I ask that you two take these assassins to the guard office?”

“Ahhh, wait Sebas-sama! If it’s okay with you, please allow me to help! Of course, only with your approval.”

“I agree as well, Sebas-sama. As Renner-sama’s subordinate, safeguarding the capital’s public order is my obvious duty. If the Kingdom’s people are suffering, I will save them with my sword.”

“…Though Unglaus-kun will probably be fine, it might be a bit dangerous for Climb-kun.”

“I am aware of the dangers.”

“Hey, Climb… you ever heard of only being a burden? Well, from Sebas-sama’s point of view, there’s probably not too much of a difference between me and you.”

“No no, that wasn’t what I meant. I was only worried about Climb-kun’s safety. Please know that I will not be able to protect you like before.”

“I’m prepared.”

“…What we are about to do now may end up harming you, or your master’s, honor. Are there not other opportunities that would be more fitting for you to risk your life?”

“Closing my eyes because it’s dangerous would only prove that I am not a man fit to serve my master. Like how that person helps others, if it’s possible, I want to extend my hand to those who suffer.”

Like when she extended her hand to me—.

As if they had caught a glimpse of his firm determination, Sebas and Brain turned to look at one another.

“…Have you prepared your resolve?”

From Sebas’ question, Climb nodded his head once.

“I understand. Then there is nothing more that needs to be said. Please lend me your strength.”

Chapter 5. Extinguished, soaring sparks of fire.

Translator: Sene9ty

Editors/Proofreaders: Ferro, Namorax, Skythewood, SifaV6, Rockgollem, JcqC

Part 1

Lower Fire Month (9th Month), Day 3, 12:07

“The shop is through this door and according to the assassin; there is another entrance over at that building.”

Standing in front of the entrance of the brothel, in front of the door where Tsuare had been thrown away, Sebas pointed to a building several doors down. Although both Brain and Climb were present when extracting the information, they had never actually been to the brothel and obediently accepted Sebas’ explanation.

“That’s what I heard as well. They said that entrance is used as an emergency exit and always has at least two people guarding it. In that case I think it would be better for us to split up into two groups. Considering our fighting strength, how about letting Sebas-sama take the main entrance by himself while Climb and I attack from that side??”

“Although I have no objections, what does Climb-kun think about it?”

“I have none as well. But Unglaus-sama, once we go inside, what then? Should we conduct a search together?”

“Please call me Brain, same goes for Sebas-sama. Anyway… though we should stick together to be safe, there could be a secret passage even the assassins didn’t know about. I think we’re going to have to search quickly while Sebas-sama is distracting the enemy head on.”

As if he was recalling something, Brain muttered how it’s common for there to be a passage that only the boss would know of.

“Then how about we split up once we get inside?”

“… As long as we’re prepared for the dangers, we have to act and hope for the best.”

At Brain’s words, Sebas and Climb nodded their heads.

“Then since you are stronger than me, could I leave searching the interior to you, Unglau— Brain-sama?”

“I believe that would be best. I will leave Climb-kun with securing the exit over there.”

Needless to say, searching the interior carried a high risk of running into the enemy. Since Brain was much stronger than Climb, the task would fall to him.

“Then this will be it for our final confirmation.”

Although they held a general discussion before arriving at the brothel, because they had not yet seen the actual location, there were parts that were still uncertain. Now, all of that had been decided and there were none who objected to Sebas’ plan.

Sebas placed a foot forward and approached the thick metal door. The door that Climb thought he himself would never be able to open no matter what he did, when compared side by side with Sebas, looked like a thin piece of paper.

The front was where the defenses were naturally the highest. Even though they were about to attack such a place, it was not a concern. Brain Unglaus, who fought on equal footing with Gazef Stronoff, the strongest in the surrounding countries, such a person stated that ‘both of them together would not be able to win’. The being who could only be described to be in a different league was now stepping forward.

“Then you should be off. According to the assassins, four knocks on that entrance should be the signal to show that you are an ally. I do not think that you’ve forgotten, but just in case.”

“Thank you.”

He did not forget, but regardless, Climb thanked Sebas.

“And if possible, I will try to capture them alive. But should they resist, I will kill them without mercy. I assume that will not be a problem?”

Both Climb and Brain felt a shiver down their spines as Sebas spoke with a gentle smile.

He was not wrong, his was the obvious response. Both of them knew that if they themselves were in that same situation, they would opt to do the same. The reason that they grew fearful and felt a chill down their spines was because Sebas’ face looked as if he had an alternate persona.

A kind gentleman and a cool-headed warrior, the extremes of kindness and heartlessness were coexisting with one another. They felt a premonition; if Sebas were to go in as he is now, everyone inside would die.

Climb nervously spoke to Sebas.

“If it is to avoid needless bloodshed as much as possible, then it can’t be helped. After all, we are few in number. But if you spot someone who seems like a high-ranking member, could you capture him alive? Interrogating that person could prove to be more beneficial in the future.”