Chapter 219: Parchment bleeding black

When Josel tried to explain the situation to the puzzled Lutz, Claudia descended from the second floor.

“Oh, Josel-san, welcome. Are you here to ask Lutz-kun for a favor again?”

It seems she hasn’t forgotten about the demon subjugation. Lutz’s strange reactions might be more normal than Josel thought.

“I want him to write a letter of introduction for me.”

“A letter of introduction? Lutz-kun?”

Claudia tilted her head. It was an unclear request, especially when suddenly brought up.

“Well, first, let’s go upstairs and discuss it there.” 

The three of them sat down in the living room, and Josel began to speak.

“I’ll start from the beginning. My master and I are planning to go on a bandit subjugation soon.”

“Is it about the traveling merchant attacked on the highway?” 

Claudia casually mentioned. Her quick understanding was eerie, making Josel wonder how she knew.

“…It’s not like I came here to ask Lutz-dono to fight. Since we’re close to the Baron’s territory, I’m thinking of pulling out that Samurai Mask, Donald. He worships Lutz-dono like a god, so I want a letter of introduction to ask for his cooperation.”

“Wait, hold on. Aren’t you and Samurai Mask acquainted? Why do you need an introduction now?”

Josel, the former superior of Samurai Mask, and the one who cooperated in defeating the giant orc just recently. It seemed pointless to introduce oneself now.

“There’s an issue with my relationship with Donald. I’m a high-ranking knight of the count’s territory, and he’s a former knight, the culprit who killed knights. It would be awkward, don’t you think?”

“He might use the excuse of being busy to avoid this.”

Claudia nodded, understanding.

Josel could arrest and execute Donald anytime if he followed the proper procedures. For Donald, who had gained fame as the town’s hero Samurai Mask, Josel’s visit would be the worst disaster. Asking him to cooperate as a former knight might be an unreasonable request from Donald’s perspective.

“That’s where the letter of introduction comes in. I want Lutz-dono to write a letter to Donald, asking for his cooperation in the bandit subjugation.”

That’s all Josel needed. Lutz wouldn’t be in danger, and it would contribute to maintaining the town’s public order. There was nothing wrong with it.

However, for some reason, Lutz didn’t seem enthusiastic about it.

“While it’s true that if it’s Donald, he’ll probably do it if I ask him… I don’t want to force my convenience onto him just because he admires me.”

Josel squinted at Lutz’s troublesome attitude. Despite being remarkably nimble, when it came to moving others, he became overly cautious.

“I understand what Lutz-dono is saying, but this is an emergency. We have to do it even if it means imposing on others. Well, hear me out.”

Josel explained about the attack by bandits on the highway, the old man who was injured and became like a shell of himself, and the plan to establish the Second Knight Order.

As expected, Lutz seemed touched by the story of the old man who had suffered. He groaned, seemingly deep in thought, and his heart’s balance clearly tilted towards cooperation.

“…Alright, let’s write the letter of introduction. However, instead of making it sound like an order, I’ll just explain the situation regarding this matter and ask if he could cooperate, if possible.”

Knowing that a request from an admired person is almost like an order, Lutz felt self-loathing. However, he agreed, choosing to acknowledge the old man’s heart who had suffered, rather than ignoring it.

“…Make sure to pay him a reward. He’s no longer a subordinate but a freelance adventurer.”

Adding that one sentence was at least a gesture of sincerity and apology towards Donald.

Before the conversation ended, Claudia had already prepared a parchment, a pen, ink, candles, and Lutz’s workshop seal on the table with thoroughness.

Lutz could read, but writing was not his strong suit. However, this time, it was crucial that Donald received a letter from Lutz himself. Unable to ask Claudia to be his ghostwriter, Lutz reluctantly took the pen, holding his head while attempting to write.

It seemed like it would take some time to finish. As Josel wondered what to do, Claudia spoke to him.

“Is this Nabal-san person already back in the fortress city?”

“I told him to take the money and come back, but…”

It was careless. Josel hadn’t checked whether he had really returned or not. Considering the situation when he left him at the inn, would he willingly come back?

Suddenly, a cold sweat broke out on Josel’s back.

Realizing this, Claudia sighed as if she expected it.

“I’ll check that for you. If he’s still in the village over there, I’ll send someone to bring him back. If he handles swords well as a merchant, he probably has servants at home.”

“Sorry, I appreciate it.”

Josel reflected on himself, realizing he was a man who didn’t pay attention to the details.

“Anyway, you seem unusually cooperative. I thought you might dislike me.”

“I was just angry because Lutz-kun was in danger last time. I don’t have any particular feelings towards Josel-san personally.”

Moreover, she added with a light glance down.

“The establishment of the Second Knight Order is quite a significant matter. Handling those scoundrels properly, creating a proper organization to maintain public order. It might bring some relief to the merchants who fell victim to their tyranny.”

Although it wasn’t directed at Josel, it was a chilly feeling. 

How deep-rooted is the grudge held by the citizens towards the aristocrats? There is even a possibility that a single spark could have caused a riot. And if a riot breaks out, Josel will be the one who will be forced to take the lead and kill the rioters.

“I’m done.”

Lutz’s voice came like a rescue, and Josel received the parchment with an awkward smile.

…… Let’s just not recommend this guy to government officials.

That was Josel’s honest impression after roughly reading the letter.

It was like an unrefined, list-like memo. The writing was messy, but it wasn’t unreadable. He started to worry if anyone would be moved by such a thing.

Claudia deftly picked up the parchment, checked if the ink had dried, then rolled it up, dripped wax for sealing, pressed the workshop seal onto it, and created a finished-looking letter.

“Did we really need to fix the appearance?”

“If Donald-san respects Lutz-kun, receiving such a splendid letter will surely move him and make him willing to cooperate.”

Although Claudia explained, Josel didn’t quite understand.

…Is that so? Maybe.

Thanking the two, Josel left the workshop with the letter in hand.

It was hard to believe that what he held in his hand was a ray of hope.

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