"I understand! Even after all that, Lord Cain still considered the guild's reputation. Such mercy and generosity are truly admirable."
"You call that mercy?"
Cain looked at the adventurers around him, still trembling and too frightened to speak. The corner of his eye twitched.
"To me, it's mercy of the highest order," Alexander said without a trace of hesitation.
"Fine. If you say so."
Cain gave a helpless, wry smile. Compared with Alexander, who had grown up fighting for his life, he really was too gentle in his methods—perhaps even weak.
When it came to the Demon Continent's rules of survival and the treachery of human nature, he was nowhere near as clear-eyed as North God III.
Alexander turned to the guards still cleaning up the blood and barked, "Are you deaf? Clean this place up, now! If a stain on the floor dirties Lord Cain's boots, you'll answer with your heads!"
"Yes, sir! Right away!"
Cain paused. He had no intention of being so harsh, but he had to admit that Alexander understood the Demon Continent's rule of the strong preying on the weak.
Such a forceful show of authority would prevent most trouble down the line. This land had towns and their rules, but it was lawless at heart. Only those strong enough could protect what was theirs.
After today's warning, no one should dare openly covet or scheme against anyone in the party. At least the threats in plain sight had been dealt with.
A Rest at the Hot Spring
Mist rose from the hot spring. Rudeus sat on a stone stool beside the pool while Alexander scrubbed his back. Still shaken, he couldn't help complaining.
"Seriously, why did you two rush out and start fighting? You even killed someone on the spot! That scared the life