He finally said.
Illya looked at him but didn't ask any more questions.
Higashino Makoto stood up and walked towards the four people.
Illya lifted her skirt and followed.
Hekkeran was discussing the details of the operation with his companions when he caught a glimpse of a dark-haired man walking towards them out of the corner of his eye.
His fingers tightened slightly, pressing against the short sword at his waist.
It wasn't out of hostility, but out of instinct.
In the workplace, trouble can arise at any time.
Excuse me.
Higashino Makoto walked up to their table and stopped.
Hekkeran looked up at the black-haired, black-eyed man.
He was wearing a dark robe, carrying no weapons, and acting as casually as if he were visiting a friend.
But the silver-haired little girl following behind him made Hekkeran lower his guard a bit.
Such a young child should not be in great danger.
Is there something you need?
Hekkeran's voice was calm, but tinged with caution.
Higashino Makoto glanced at him, then at the other three.
"The commission you just mentioned, investigating the ruins within the Re-Estize Kingdom."
Hekkeran's brow furrowed slightly.
"Did you hear that?"
"You weren't speaking quietly."
Higashino Makoto's tone was flat.
"And I'm sitting right there."
He pointed to the table in the corner.
Hekkeran was silent for a moment.
So? You're a worker too? And you'd like to take this commission as well?
"No."
Higashino Makoto shook his head.
"I am not a worker. I do not accept commissions."
"And you--"
I want to advise you not to go.
The hall fell silent.
Imina's hand rested on the hilt of her sword, Roberdyck's fingers gently caressed the holy seal, Arche's emerald green eyes were fixed on Higashino Makoto, a certain light gleaming in their pupils.
Hekkeran stared at Higashino Makoto for a long time.
"Why?"
"Because that ruin is dangerous."
How did you know?
Higashino Makoto was silent for a moment.
"This matter is not important, and whether you believe it or not is not important. I am not trying to stop you from having your ideas; I am merely giving you a piece of advice."
Hekkeran's eyes narrowed slightly.
"What?"
"That place is dangerous, and the owner doesn't like being disturbed by outsiders."
Hekkeran's pupils contracted slightly.
"Do you know the owner there?"
"Yes, I know him."
Higashino Makoto's voice was calm, but each word was like a stone thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples.
"If you go, you will die. Not just possibly, you will definitely die."
Imina's fingers tightened on the hilt of the sword, her nails turning white.
Roberdyck's lips were slightly pursed, and a complex light flickered in his gray eyes.
Arche lowered his head, looking at his hands, his fingers trembling slightly.
Hekkeran stared at Higashino Makoto for a long time.
"Who are you?"
"Higashino Makoto is most widely known as the Silver Paladin."
Silver Paladin!
The four were taken aback. Even though they weren't adventurers and were just workers, they had heard of this title before.
Why are you telling us this?
"Because you don't look like bad people."
Higashino Makoto's gaze moved from Hekkeran to Imina, then to Roberdyck, and finally landed on Arche's face.
"I find you all quite pleasing to the eye, especially that young mage; she's rather attractive. I don't want you to participate in this doomed adventure."
He looked at Arche.
"By the way, I heard you have a family to support. Two younger sisters, is that right?"
Arche's pupils contracted slightly.
How did you know?
I know a lot.
Higashino Makoto withdrew his gaze.
"Therefore, I advise you not to go. Money can be earned again, but you only have one life."
Hekkeran remained silent.
He leaned back in his chair, his emerald green eyes staring at the ceiling, his fingers tapping lightly on the table.
He was thinking--
Higashino Makoto, or rather, the Silver Paladin, is undoubtedly a very influential figure.
"Higashino. Higashino."
Hekkeran spoke, his voice low and deep.
"You just said, Master, that ruin is inhabited?"
"Yes, but I won't tell you the specifics, so please don't ask."
Higashino Makoto nodded, then paused.
"If you go, you're guaranteed to die."
The hall was so quiet you could hear the dust settling on the floor.
Arche wanted to argue, wanted to say "you're lying," but she couldn't say it.
Because she knew this person wasn't lying.
Hekkeran stared at Higashino Makoto for a long time.
"Thank you for the reminder, I understand. We need to discuss the specifics a little more."
Higashino Makoto turned around and walked towards his desk.
"Whether you go or not is your business. I'm just telling you, it's dangerous there. If you go, don't expect to come back alive."
He walked back to the table in the corner and sat down.
Hekkeran stared at Higashino Makoto's retreating figure in silence for a long time.
Then he turned to look at his companions.
What do you think?
Imina picked up the beer and took a big gulp.
"I don't know. But he doesn't seem to be lying. Or rather, if his identity is correct, we have no right to be fooled by him."
Roberdyck nodded.
"I think so too. His eyes were very calm. A liar's eyes wouldn't be so calm."
Arche remained silent.
She simply sat there, gazing out the window, her emerald green eyes reflecting the clouds in the sky.
"Arche?"
Hekkeran called her.
Arche turned his head and looked at him.
I think what he said might be true.
"Then what do we do? Abandon this commission?"
Arche paused for a moment. She knew that giving up was the best option, but she was still a little unwilling.
"I don't know. But we need more information. We can't just listen to a stranger."
Hekkeran nodded.
"You're right."
He stood up.
"I'll go find the Earl and ask him about the ruins. If he can't explain it clearly, or if he's deliberately hiding something, then we'll give up."
"Good."
All three nodded at the same time.
Hekkeran turned and walked toward the door.
After taking a few steps, he stopped, turned around, and glanced at Higashino Makoto.
The dark-haired man was sitting in the corner, drinking red tea, his expression calm.
His silver-haired little girl was eating apple pie, crumbs stuck to the corner of her mouth.
Hekkeran withdrew his gaze and strode out of the hotel.
Higashino Makoto put down his teacup, his dark eyes fixed on the open door.
"Big brother."
Illya's voice came through.
"Um."
Do you think they will go?
Higashino Makoto was silent for a moment.
"Have no idea."
"What if they go?"
"Then die there."
Illya tilted her head.
"I thought the older brother would say he would save them."
"I am not their nanny."
Higashino Makoto glanced at her but said nothing more.
He leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes.
In the distance, Hekkeran's figure disappeared at the end of the street.
Higashino Makoto opened his eyes, his dark eyes staring at the ceiling.