Chapter 168: Burning Eyes Behind the Mask

While Lutz and the others were on their way to the baron’s domain by carriage, the high-ranking knight Jocel roamed the market.

Josel had no specific items to purchase, nor was he on patrol. He was here just to immerse himself in the bustling atmosphere in hopes that it might lift his spirits. In the end, he felt even emptier amid the noise.

“As one who doesn’t act when they see injustice, they lack courage.” 

He muttered, but his words were drowned out by the loud voices of the hawkers.

The people were under attack by monsters, and Josel had a position, relationships with nobles, and countless reasons not to get involved. There were plenty of reasons why he couldn’t help, but in the end, he was doing nothing.

What is justice, and what is chivalry? Watching the situation without taking any action certainly wouldn’t lead to an answer. However, if he were to go to the baron’s domain without resolving the issue that Gerhardt, his master, had presented, it would inconvenience everyone. There was nothing more troublesome than the reckless pursuit of justice without consideration for others.

Suddenly, Josel’s ears caught the name “Samurai Mask.” He looked around, wondering if he was starting to hear things due to overthinking, and spotted a questionable vendor’s stall.

The vendor noticed Josel’s curiosity and called out.

“Hey, take a look big brother! These are Samurai Mask goods, the latest craze! These masks were imported from the East; I highly recommend them!”

Rather than being enticed, Josel had nothing else to do, so he bent down in front of the stall. The ragged pieces of fabric that look worn and various unidentifiable trinkets were on display, with a suspicious-looking mask in the center.

Certainly, it had the appearance of a mask from the East. However, it was entirely different from the Hannyamen Mask that Samurai Mask wore.

This mask had a man’s face with a distinct expression, where it was unclear if he was laughing or expressing dissatisfaction.

When Josel pointed this out, the vendor responded with a vague smile.

“Hehe… Well, I’ve never actually met Samurai Mask.”

He quickly waved his hand, seemingly realizing that no matter how trivial, lying to a knight could lead to various accusations.

“But, you know, it’s true that these are Eastern goods. This unique design might not be seen much in the kingdom, right?”

Josel inquired.

“How much?”

“Eh…?”

“How much does it cost?”

“Ah, yes. Right…”

For some reason, the shop owner has only now figured it out. Everything is haphazard.

“Um, well… about ten silver coins.”

It was expensive. Despite having extra income each time he was involved in some troublesome situation recently, it was still not a small amount of money. He couldn’t even imagine how to explain its use to his wife if she asked.

“Justice comes at a cost…”

Josel muttered bitterly as he took out his wallet, and the vendor looked at him with a face that seemed to say, “Is this guy in his right mind?”

On his way to the stables, Josel encountered Gerhardt unexpectedly in the corridor. He respected Gerhardt as his master, but at this moment, he didn’t want to meet him.

“What’s that?”

As expected, Gerhardt pointed to the mask Jocel was holding, and Jocel presented it to him.

“It’s something I bought at a street vendor.”

“Let me see it,” Gerhart casually said, moving his fingers as if he wanted to look at it. He was a curious man, and refusing here would only lead to more trouble. So, Josel obediently handed him the mask.

“Ah, it’s the Hyotokomen.”

“Is that what it’s called?”

“What, you bought it without knowing? Well, compared to Hannyamen, it’s as if it’s not well known.”

Gerhard was observing with interest, turning the mask inside out and upside down.

“Why did you buy something like this?”

“I see…I was wondering if this would be a good souvenir for my child.”

“Don’t do it, or you’ll cry.”

Gerhardt returned the mask, saying dismissively, and turned to leave, passing by Josel’s side.

“Ah… yes.”

Gerhardt stopped and called out to Josel, who breathed a sigh of relief in her heart. “What now?” Josel’s whole body tensed up.

“Don’t let them know.”

With that, Gerhard left as if nothing had happened.

Josel sighed with relief and thought, “I can’t compete with that person.”

—————————————————-

A chestnut horse burst out like an arrow. There were two shadows watching from the balcony. One was Gerhardt, the enchanter, and the other was the castle’s lord, Count Maximilian Zander.

“They’re all doing as they please…”

“Everything falls on this Gerhardt. You may handle it as you see fit.”

Gerhardt bowed deeply to Maximilian. It was the role of an old man to support the younger generation. He had even prepared to offer his neck for this matter.

“Josel applied for an extended vacation.”

“Ah, he did, didn’t he?”

Maximilian spoke in an amused tone.

“Uh, well… It’s not exactly like that.”

“If you claim to have lost the documents, simply handle it appropriately.”

Does that mean he will leave without any reprimand? Gerhardt thought it unwise to repeat the words, so he bowed his head in silence.

“Concealing your true identity and acting as a hero seems quite enjoyable; I would like to try it too.”

Maximilian gazed at the clouds and said with deep contemplation.

“Perhaps it would be best to give it up.”

“Is it because of my position or because  I’m out of your depths?”

“It’s both, Your Excellency.”

Gerhardt’s straightforward speech made Maximilian wince a little, but he quickly rethought and nodded, “You’re right.”

There was no point in pushing too hard; it would only upset everyone involved. He didn’t harbor any deep resentment against the world. Gerhardt wasn’t kept around as a mere cheerleader. Honest opinions like his were what Maximilian hoped for.

“I feel like moving my body a bit. Let’s have some practice,” 

Maximilian said, caressing the pommel of his beloved katana, the “Demon Weeping Sword,” with his fingertip, wearing a smile.

Maximilian, standing tall, made his way to the courtyard with enthusiasm. Gerhardt followed, three steps behind.

“Oh, by the way,” 

Maximilian suddenly stopped, as if a thought had just occurred to him.

“If something happens during Jocel’s ‘vacation,’ please let me know so you’ll take care of it.”

“Yes, sir…”

Gerhardt had no choice but to handle the aftermath of his beloved disciple. However, he couldn’t say he was entirely convinced.

Gerhardt was the court enchanter, not a knight. Moreover, being an advisor to the count was a clear indication that something was wrong.

“Your Excellency, wouldn’t it be time to increase the available personnel?”

“I hear you, Gerhardt, but if we plug the holes with more incompetence, it’s pointless. I have to be cautious in selecting new talent.”

The knight order composed of lower nobles’ sons was truly, truly useless and had fallen into a state of manpower shortage despite having people. Maximilian understood that something had to be done, but the issue had been postponed time and again.

“…How about we recruit this Samurai Mask as a knight?”

Maximilian said this somewhat jokingly, but to his surprise, Gerhardt took it quite seriously.

“It’s an unconventional idea, but it might not be a bad one. He has a track record of working for the citizens and gaining their trust.”

“Is that so? If he returns alive after battling the orcs, I might consider meeting him.”

Unaware of the significant contradiction hidden in that thought, the two of them laughed contentedly.

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