The corner of Eris's eye twitched. She ducked behind Cain, her face full of disgust.
For the record, Eris had always remained calm, whether Cain was slaying monsters or fighting drenched in blood. He had once asked if she minded him getting blood on his hands. She had folded her arms and answered with frank, almost childlike earnestness:
"Everything you do is to protect me, Cain. I'd never stand in the way of your decisions. I'll always listen to you. You're always right. There's only one thing you absolutely can't do..."
"Don't marry anyone besides me and Roxy!"
Rujierd stepped forward in silence, hoisted the limp, distraught Rudeus onto his shoulder, and left the tavern.
Hearing that a fight had broken out, the guards rushed into the tavern. But when they saw the adventurer cards Cain and Alexander presented, cold sweat soaked through their uniforms. The captain and his four men bowed ninety degrees to them, terrified and deferential.
"W-we're terribly sorry! We didn't mean to disturb you, Lord Sword God, Lord North God! We'll dispose of the dead man's body at once!"
"Clean this up and get out! Don't show your faces before Lord Cain or me again. Understood?" Alexander barked.
"Understood! It won't happen again!"
"If I ever see you draw your blades on Lord Cain again, I'll kill you on the spot!"
Sweat streamed down the captain's forehead. He lowered his head and answered loudly, "Please calm yourself, Lord North God! We failed to recognize you. We would never dare show either of you the slightest disrespect again!"
"You think there'll be a next time?!"
Alexander's expression hardened. He drew his blade in a flash and pointed it straight at the captain.
"That's enough, Alexander. They were only doing their duty. Taking your anger out on them