Ruder looked busy, but as soon as Nigel arrived, he willingly made time for him.
Normally, Ruder’s office was austere and cold. But after Nigel started visiting often, it had changed noticeably.
A thick blanket embroidered with quaint little patterns had been added, more age-appropriate books filled the shelves, and several small glass jars of cookies sat on a side table. Ruder, who usually didn’t mind the cold, now kept the room heated to a toasty warmth—even when he was alone. The warmth hit Nigel the moment he stepped inside.
Sipping sweet, warm chocolate, Nigel observed Ruder’s mood. Though busy, his father seemed to be in a good enough mood. Still, unsure of how he’d take what was about to be said, Nigel hesitated for a long time before speaking up.
“Dad, there’s something I need to tell you.”
“Oh? I was just about to say the same. Perfect timing.”
“What is it? Please go first.”
“Hm. It’s about those people you asked me to look into. We’ve heard back, but…”
Ruder paused, rubbing his chin like it helped him think, though it was obvious he was buying time. It had taken longer than expected for a simple trace—something had clearly gone wrong.
“Did something happen?”
“Well, we were able to contact Mikhail Schumacher without issue. I offered him a place in the knight order. He said he’d think about it—apparently his family is against it.”
“They’re against it?”
“Yeah. I made him a decent offer, so I’m guessing he’ll come around. But our order’s more dangerous than the royal knights, so they’re probably concerned.”
Fair enough. During the massive battles that occurred every few years, many lives were lost. Even outside those events, knights in the Magnus Duchy spent their days fighting monsters. The death rate was significantly higher than in the capital.
If they didn’t pay generously, the region would’ve been deserted, and monsters would have overrun the entire continent. Ironically, the very reason for the duchy’s military strength—the monsters—was what kept it afloat.
Intusnica, the land where the wyrm was sealed, had a much higher mana density than other areas. Monsters exposed to this pure mana developed unusually tough bodies and carried unique magical traits. The swarms that came during the Grand Battles—bones, scales, eyes, hearts, and sometimes even cores—were walking treasure troves. Their corpses could be harvested and sold for a fortune.
Of course, as much money came in, just as much went out. Still, the wealth amassed by generations of dukes was staggering.
Nigel recalled the small, shabby house Schumacher lived in. For a man once hailed as the kingdom’s strongest swordsman and the captain of the knight order, it was far too humble.
Even ten years from now, he’d still be living like that—so he probably wasn’t doing any better at the moment. If Nigel brought him here, not only would his family survive, but they’d live well and be treated with respect. That would keep him from going down the wrong path.
Nigel hadn’t forgotten the ending from the last timeline. He wanted to make sure this time, Schumacher didn’t become the final boss. It might all be meaningless if he couldn’t stop the time loop, but still—
“I have to recruit him.”
“Can I ask why, Nigel?”
“A crisis is coming to the kingdom. He’s a crucial talent. But he won’t be able to fulfill his potential in the royal knights.”
“Really now?”
Ruder looked unconvinced. One knight wouldn’t change the tide of war—at least, that’s what he was thinking. In most cases, Nigel would’ve agreed.
“I don’t know everything for sure…”
“…But if you say so, then it must be,” Ruder replied after quietly studying Nigel’s face. He clearly knew Nigel wasn’t telling him everything—but he let it slide. That unspoken understanding let Nigel breathe a little easier.
“And about that boy named Kay—he disappeared from the village.”
“He… disappeared?”
Nigel stuttered in shock. Ruder’s expression turned grave as he nodded.
“Yes. On the same day our people went to look for him, he vanished—as if he knew we were coming.”
A faint suspicion blossomed into full-blown alarm. A normal six-year-old wouldn’t just disappear of his own volition. Meaning—
Kay still had his memories.
Just like Nigel, it wasn’t a one-time recollection. He remembered everything.
Why did he vanish?
Even if Kay harbored deep hatred for Inas, he couldn’t do anything. Not back then at seventeen, and certainly not now at six. No matter how hard he tried, he wouldn’t catch up—not even in ten years. He’d be better off pretending not to remember and waiting for the right moment to strike when they were off guard.
That was what bothered Nigel the most. Kay had to have realized what Nigel knew—he wouldn’t just disappear recklessly.
“Any idea where he went?”
“No. They went to the village that morning, and when the boy wasn’t around, they assumed he was just playing nearby. They waited for him to come back, but when night fell and he still hadn’t returned, the village went into a panic. Even with our people searching the area, they found no trace.”
Nigel’s face hardened. This was a highly suspicious disappearance.
Most likely, Ruder had sent someone from the intelligence network run by the duchy. These were people trained in assassination and reconnaissance. For them to fail in tracking down a six-year-old made no sense.
“Now I’m curious about this child.”
The weight in Ruder’s muttering was unmistakable. He’d started this conversation not because of Schumacher, but because Kay was the real concern.
Nigel forced a weak smile.
“He knows about the future as much as I do—maybe even more.”
“Are you saying that boy also received a divine revelation?”
“No… I don’t think so.”
Though it was certainly possible Glarus had reached out to Kay as well, it wouldn’t have been as blatant as what Nigel experienced. Not with Inas around, ready to kill anyone at the slightest provocation. If Glarus had made a move, it would’ve been in secret.
Nigel let his words trail off, and Ruder nodded.
“Alright. I’ll keep the search going.”
“Thank you. If you find him, please bring him to me. There’s something I need to say to him.”
Nigel added that to prevent Ruder from deeming Kay a threat and eliminating him on the spot. Judging by the way Ruder frowned, it seemed he’d guessed Nigel’s intent—but nodded all the same.
“Understood.”
Realistically, though, Nigel didn’t think they’d find him. Even if he was only six, Kay was the Protagonist—and one who’d gone through countless loops. With his usual luck, he might just manage to survive anything.
Unless Inas was sent to find him…
…
But Nigel didn’t want to use Inas for something like this. Even if worst came to worst, Inas could handle Kay without breaking a sweat. For now, he’d let Ruder take care of it.
“So, Nigel. What was it you wanted to talk about?”
He couldn’t focus only on Kay. There was something even more urgent right now.
Time to get to the point. Nigel took a deep breath and looked his father straight in the eye.
“Dad.”
“Yes?”
“I… I received a revelation.”
He managed the opening, but couldn’t bring himself to say the rest. Ruder reached out and firmly held Nigel’s hand.
“If it’s too hard to say, you don’t have to.”
“No, I have to. Tomorrow, my brother—Etna—is coming back to life.”
“…”
Ruder’s face darkened instantly. A low, troubled sound escaped his throat, and he looked at Nigel with clear worry and disbelief.
That expression made Nigel’s heart sink. It wasn’t the seriousness of someone taking his words to heart—it was the pity and horror of a parent faced with a son who might have lost his mind.
“Nigel. Your brother is dead. He’s not coming back.”
“No, really. I received a revelation. He’ll return, revived by Glarus’ power.”
“Did the priests put some weird idea in your head?”
“No… it’s not like that…”
Nigel faltered under the weight of Ruder’s stare. With a sigh, Ruder took the chocolate from his hands, set it aside, and pulled him into an embrace.
“D-Dad, I’m serious—”
“Yes, yes. I know. You just need some rest, Nigel.”
…
He didn’t believe him. Honestly, who would? It was an absurd story, far too fantastical. Nigel swallowed a sigh, unable to push the matter any further.
And then—the Character Info Window popped up.
Quest [Etna Rodd Montstein] has been completed. Your reward will be given tomorrow evening.
So just telling his father was enough to complete the quest. There hadn’t been any requirement to convince Ruder, so Nigel had assumed this much. Still, the fact that his father truly didn’t believe him stung. But if he just let them treat him like a poor delusional child for one day… tomorrow night, they’d all have to believe him.
Even with his busy schedule, Ruder immediately summoned the family doctor and fretted over Nigel with a stiff face. Watching that made Nigel’s emotions churn.
If Etna had received a revelation, Ruder would’ve done anything to secure his position as heir. And if Nigel had died, and Etna had foretold his return, Ruder might have seriously considered that outlandish hope.
Sure, Nigel was twelve, and Etna had been an adult. That likely made a difference. Normally, Nigel would’ve just accepted that—but today, the disparity in trust gnawed at him.
A half-baked duke. A title that doesn’t suit me.
That deep-rooted inferiority complex, always tucked away, flared up and smothered his lungs.
Still, like the good boy he was expected to be, Nigel smiled, quietly received the doctor’s examination, took the medicine, and went to sleep.
That night, a hand gently brushed his hair as he slept, more tender than ever.
