The Regressed Son of a Duke is an Assassin

Soul Stone.

Where have I heard of that before?

Ah, right, I remember it as something I heard when I visited Pruina in my past life.

Wasn’t it said that every White Elf gets one as their second soul from birth?

It’s not an artifact made artificially like the Ignition Stone or the Daze Stone, nor is it a mana-filled crystal like a Mana Stone.

It’s just a white stone that can be seen anywhere in Pruina.

However, sometimes, the meaning contained within is more important than its apparent performance.

The Soul Stone was said to be a very meaningful item for the residents living there.

A stone containing souls, as its name suggests.

In addition to the innate soul bestowed upon the body, it was said to have the meaning of a second soul that grows with the body as it develops.

It was also said to have the meaning of a talisman protecting the owner from danger,

And if one were to transfer their Soul Stone to another, it meant they trusted and relied on that existence so much that they could even pass on their own soul, and furthermore, the meaning as a companion…

Wait a moment,

Is this elf really crazy for showing me this?

‘Oh, don’t misunderstand! It’s just my sentiment! It doesn’t have any other meaning! It’s just as a token of gratitude for saving me…’

As a token of gratitude, she gave away something akin to her own soul?

Hey elf, do you think I’m such an ignorant human who can’t even understand that?

To some, I might seem like a demon who saved their life in exchange for their soul.

Look at that.

Thankfully, the other elves are not wielding swords in their hands, staring at me as if they might kill me at any moment.

“Hey you! What trick did you use to bewitch our Lady Hastia?”

Talking about tricks.

Seems like the situation turned against me now, I don’t even know who I’m protesting to.

“Stop it, Alphonse!”

Instead of him, who seems like he won’t calm down even if he speaks, a middle-aged elf stepped forward, trying to handle the situation with flexibility.

“Greetings are overdue. I will express gratitude on behalf of the White Elves for rescuing Lady Hastia and escorting her here.”

Just like humans, he bent his waist at a right angle to express gratitude to me.

“We can’t reveal much due to our circumstances, but Lady Hastia is extremely important to our White Elf clan. I don’t know for what reason or purpose you helped, but since Lady Hastia also trusted and relied on you sincerely, I won’t ask further.”

In his raised head, determination and a fierce determination could be seen.

“But, from now on, please refrain from interfering. Just as you have your own affairs, this matter is solely the business of our White Elves.”

I barely managed to hold back a laugh.

It’s not like you’re a desperate team for some kind of great deed, so what are we going to do with just four people?

I guarantee it.

If they leave in that state now, they won’t even be able to leave the vicinity of Gaul, let alone the kingdom.

My gaze naturally turned to Hastia.

‘I’m sorry for surprising you. But what Roel said is true. This is purely our affair, and we can’t involve people who have no relationship with us like Cyan anymore.’

She bowed politely, her hands neatly folded.

‘It was really nice to be with you, Cyan. I don’t know when we’ll meet again, but I’ll pray every day that the blessings of the gods will be with you too.’

With her final farewell, she turned without any lingering feelings.

The clan members followed one by one, and I just blankly watched them go further away.

[What? Not following?]

Kaeram asked, seeming surprised by my reaction.

Instead of answering the question, I just stared at the white Soul Stone she left behind.

It’s hard to understand when people, whether human or elf, act like this.

It’s absurd that they trust me like some lifelong savior just because I saved them once.

I don’t understand how they can be so naive while pretending to be brave.

As someone from not so distant memories comes to mind, my brow furrowed involuntarily.

Wishing for the blessings of the gods?

They themselves have always openly received divine protection, but not me.

I raise the demonic sword gripped in my right hand and gaze at my reflection on its blade.

I’ve lived like this for the past seven years, and I’ll continue to live like this in the future.

Unchanging, regardless of whatever truths are presented, is my immutable self.

After a brief moment of reflection, I quietly lowered the sword.

Then, opposite to the direction Hastia and her party went, I leisurely walked away.

* * *

On the vast expanse of fields, a gentle mountain breeze blew towards the procession of carriages heading back to Gaul, where the headquarters of the Garam Society was located, departing from Uito.

Leaning out of the window, Luna glanced outside, gently closing her eyes to feel the touch of nature on her skin.

“….”

Before her, Schurz sat with hands and feet somewhat gathered, appearing even more awkward than usual.

Sweat dripped down his forehead, clearly uncomfortable in his current position.

“Don’t just sit there like a constipated puppy, ask comfortably.”

“Yes?”

“You want to ask me something, right?”

Stabbed by her straightforwardness, Schurz simply opened his mouth dumbfoundedly.

“Can… Can I?”

“If there’s something you’re curious about, don’t hesitate to inquire. It’s a truth you must uphold in life.”

As he thought about it, he realized she was speaking like someone who has lived twice as long as her age.

Despite feeling incredulous, Schurz couldn’t muster any objections.

Instead, he decided to pursue his curiosity.

“I’ve been thinking carefully on my way here, but I just can’t understand why Luna would…”

“Why did I choose you?”

“….”

Looking into her eyes, it seemed she had known for quite some time.

After an uncomfortable cough to compose himself, Schurz calmly spoke.

“My real name is not Zion, it’s Schurz. My parents, whom I’ve never seen, traveled from city to city when I was young, just to make ends meet. I’ve literally lived to survive.”

Schurz, deeming there was nothing more to hide, revealed his identity without falsehood.

“I’ve sometimes thought my life was absurd, but I’ve never complained. Despite the hardships at the beginning, I’ve managed to overcome them and make it to where I am now.”

Luna listened silently, showing no change in expression.

“While I’ve always thought living alone was no issue, I realized that the world is vast, and within it, a vagabond like me is no different from the wanderers who aimlessly float around. At some point, living a life of uncertain death itself.”

Schurz remembered the injuries he sustained that day and absentmindedly rubbed his shoulder.

“It may be a hasty assumption, but I believe that you, Luna, have also seen a lot while living a life as challenging as mine. That’s why there are many others far more talented and capable than me who you must have encountered. Yet, why did you choose to pick up a rootless mercenary like me, I still don’t understand….”

“It’s nothing special.”

Luna answered without waiting for him to finish.

“It’s because your potential, Zion, no, Schurz, is essential to me.”

“My potential?”

Schurz couldn’t comprehend her words yet.

A darkness attribute, not welcomed by the world, with limited capabilities, what kind of potential could there possibly be?

“By the way, that black-haired demon you encountered was also of the darkness attribute.”

“….!”

“The attribute ratio was 91%, wasn’t it? Who knows, it might be higher now?”

Schurz blinked his eyes, wondering if he had misheard.

91%?

Is that a number a person can have?

Considering that even if half of the attribute’s value is exceeded, it’s considered a divine selection, but 91%?

It would be more credible to say that a being from the divine realm descended.

Though it’s just a number, what does this girl mean by casually mentioning it?

The more he knows, the more elusive she becomes.

Then another question arose.

What relation does she have with the black-haired demon?

Listening to her, it felt like there was an inexplicable tenderness beyond mere understanding.

It even seemed as if she were searching for a long-lost lover.

“The black-haired demon you mentioned….”

“….”

“What kind of person is he to Luna?”

Schurz smoothly brought up the topic, as if naturally inclined towards it.

“Nothing special.”

Luna responded without any hint of displeasure, instead showing a faint smile.

“He’s someone I loved, love, and will continue to love.”

The unchanged emotion over seven years.

It was an immutable emotion that wouldn’t change even after 70 or 700 years.

“And someone I must find. Find and…”

Schurz momentarily thought.

The sight of Luna now seemed more serious than ever.

The sincerity tinged in her indifferent gaze was evidence, devoid of any denial or doubt.

“Now it’s someone I must save.”

The faint smile that once graced her lips had vanished, replaced by a confident glint in her eyes, though,

“…”

As if it wasn’t the right time yet, Luna gently closed her eyes and erased the trace.

When she opened them again, she returned to her usual indifferent demeanor, devoid of any lingering emotion.

Before her, the carriage crossed a hill, revealing the colorful magic stone atop the spire, shimmering brilliantly in Gaul’s landscape.

* * *

In a space where chilly air circulated, a man sat alone at the center like in meditation.

Someone hurriedly ran towards him.

“Lord Garnian! Hastia’s location has been detected!”

“….”

“They’ve just left Gaul after joining the remaining clan members who escaped earlier! What should we do?”

Despite the urgent report, Garnian didn’t bat an eye.

He simply rose from his seat, took a deep breath, and said.

“Ensure they are safely escorted without any further injuries.”

His voice resonated with authority and inner strength.

Without further questions, the elf who received the instructions left immediately.

Just as Garnian was about to move towards Hastia’s location.

‘Garnian….’

A woman’s voice, dignified and elegant, resonated within him.

‘Lady Nephrodite!’

Pausing in his tracks, Garnian listened intently to her voice.

‘I won’t speak much. I trust you’ll handle it without any issues.’

Encouragement that he’ll do well or a warning that failure won’t be tolerated.

With a complex blend of both meanings, her voice faded away.

‘I’ll follow Lady Nefrodite’s words.’

With a determination to succeed, Garnian resumed his stride.

Behind him, an overwhelming surge of magic emanated, uncontainable.