Chapter 76

Chapter 76: The Aftermath of the Fight

Translator: “Kell” Editor: ”Weasalopes”

How long was I asleep? Things were a bit different when I woke up . There were other people gathered around besides Emma and Layla-san . The other Ramuh guys and Count Bourne . Did one of them call for them while I was out?

「Everyone, Noir’s awake . 」

「Good morning, Emma . And to everyone else, too . 」

「Noir Stalgia, was it? I can’t thank you enough! Thank you very much!」

Count Bourne grabbed my hand all of a sudden and thanked me again and again . He also casually kicked Tom a few times .

「I didn’t do much, Sir . It was all Layla-san and Emma . 」

「That’s not true . I was asleep the whole time save for the last part . If it weren’t for Noir, who knows what horrible things they’d be doing to me right now . 」

「Yes . If Noir-kun didn’t help me, we wouldn’t have won . 」

Thanks to their giving me credit, Count Bourne was getting more and more pleased .

「I’ll confer a reward to you tomorrow . I got the Mermaid’s Tear back because of your help . 」

He apparently already got back the Mermaid’s Tear that Tom took and was rubbing it on his cheeks, beaming with joy .

「Just leave the rest to us . You may rest for today . 」

「I will do that, then . Thank you . 」

I had barely any strength left so I accepted his offer . Layla-san stayed behind so we just agreed to meet some other day . So me, Emma, and her parents headed home .

「Thank you so much for saving Emma . 」

「You really are Emma’s hero, Noir-kun . 」

I’m sure Ladan-san and Romy-san were worried sick . With the matter now settled, their faces were bright . Emma looked relieved as she wrapped her arm around mine .

「Hmm hmm~」

「Well, you’re in a good mood . 」

「You came to save me after all . 」

「Of course I would . You’d do the same for me if I were the one kidnapped, right?」

「You bet I well . I’ll go after you even to the depths of hell!」

「I’ll be counting on you then when that happens . 」

「Okay~!」

I parted ways with the Brightness family at the crossroads and continued on the road home . I felt a bit dizzy . Must be cause I fought those two powerful thieves .

「I want to get stronger…」

It all worked out in the end this time, but I couldn’t have done it alone . I would’ve lost against Phan if it weren’t for Layla-san’s help . I want to get a lot more stronger . To fight back against senseless violence, and to protect that which is precious to me . I inherited the power of the legendary Master Olivia . I should have more potential . I know I can get stronger .

I finally made it home . I felt my body relax as I opened the door to a familiar scene .

「Oh, you’re finally back, Noir . 」

「Welcome home, Onii-sama!」

Toramaru and Alice came to greet me . I sensed something odd, however, like they were worn out from exhaustion .

「Did something happen?」

「Actually, your father can’t keep it down . It’s unbearable . 」

「He couldn’t find us a spot for our shop . 」

「I see . Let me talk to him . 」

I chuckled just a bit after finding my father in the living room biting a handkerchief, weeping, with my mother comforting him .

「If it isn’t Noir~! Listen to this . It’s about our shop…」

「Sounds like you’re having a hard time . 」

「They said they only sell to real nobles! Isn’t that just horrible? What, are we not real nobles or something?」

Yeah, it can’t be easy for a quasi-baron .

「I’ll be receiving a reward from Count Bourne soon . I’ll ask him about our problem then . 」

「Huh? Why are you getting a reward?」

「I caught the Phantom tonight . With the help of my friends, of course . 」

「That’s amazhing . Very impressive, Noir . Impress Noir! Empress Noir!」

And so Father was revived quite easily . His attitude sure changes quickly . I should learn from him .

「Anyway, I’m really exhausted so I’m gonna hit the sack . 」

「Good night, my family’s hidden treasure!」

I entered my room, rubbing my eyes . After changing, I threw myself onto the bed .

「That’s not good, Onii-sama . You’ll catch a cold . 」

「Ha? Alice…」

Drowsiness was overwhelming me so I couldn’t really tell, but it seemed like Alice put a blanket over me . That’s not all . She even lied down beside me .

「I’ll sleep with you . I’ll share my body warmth with you until you fall asleep so you won’t catch a cold . 」

She looked so full of spirit so I just nodded slightly and closed my eyes . I’m at my limit . Good night .

I could hear birds chirping outside my room . I stretched my body .

「That was a good night’s sleep…?!」

「Ufufu~ Good morning . 」

First thing in the morning and my heart almost jumped out of my chest . Alice was beside me, wearing a bright smile .

「You scared me . Your face is too close . 」

「I was just admiring your face . You look so adorable when you’re asleep . Then somehow I came closer… It was beyond my control . 」

Beyond your control? Pretty sure that’s not how it works but okay . Wait, did she even sleep properly? I was concerned so I asked her and she simply smiled .

「It’s already noon . You must’ve been exhausted from your heroic deeds last night . 」

「Huh, so I slept like a log . 」

「I made you lunch . Please come down as soon as you’re ready . 」

「Thanks . 」

I could take it easy since it was summer break but that would dull my mind and body . I immediately changed and went down .

「Did you rest well, Noir?」 Toramaru asked .

「Yeah, fortunately . 」

「Are you headed somewhere today?」

「I’m going to the Count’s house after lunch . 」

He said he’s giving me a reward . After savoring Alice’s homemade cooking, I made my way to the Count’s house . I gave my name at the entrance and a butler welcomed me and led me to the Count’s study .

「I’m glad you’ve come, Noir-kun . I’ve been waiting for you . 」

「Thank you for everything last night . 」

「No, no . I should be thanking you . Take a seat . 」

Wow, the sofa’s so soft . Way better than the cheap one we have at home . I supposed that was to be expected from a Count . They were on a way different league . Even the tea served was fragrant and rich in flavour .

「What happened to the Phantom, Sir?」

「We got it all under control . Right now, they’re in prison . They should be handed down their punishment eventually . I have to say, I’m very impressed . The men from Ramuh had a hard time with them and you were able to take them down . 」

He looked at me in awe, immensely curious . So I figured I could tell him a bit about my abilities .

「I have not much going for me in terms of physical strength, but I have some unique abilities . I can weaken an opponent, for example . 」

「Splendid . If it’s all right with you, I’d like you to be my bodyguard occasionally . I can pay you a hefty amount, of course . 」

「That is a wonderful offer, Sir, but in addition to being a student, I’m also already an adventurer . I’m afraid I don’t have time to be a bodyguard as well . 」

「Is that so… That is most unfortunate . 」

「Ah, Odin has a number of excellent members . You can send them a request . 」

「Hmm, yes . 」

I tried to promote Odin, though I knew the Count was a pro Ramuh fellow . Would you like to switch sides, Sir?

「It might be a good idea to ask Odin next time . Anyway, about your reward . Would money be acceptable?」

「I know this is a lot to ask, Sir, but my family is planning to open up a shop that sells materials from monsters and stuff . Unfortunately, we couldn’t find a plot or a vacant establishment we could rent . If you have one sir, can we rent it?」

「The location?」

「If possible, in the business district . 」

The place is bustling with shoppers and it’s good for business . The residential area would be too far away .

「I have a building there that used to be a restaurant . Would that be all right?」

「Can we remodel the place?」

「Of course . I’ll rent it out to you cheap . But you’ll have to pay separately for sales taxes . 」

「Thank you, Count Bourne . 」

「Don’t mention it . If you have any problem, just tell me . 」

After the negotiations, Count Bourne immediately led me to the vacant establishment . It was a bit far from the main street but the location was not bad . The shop had an antiquated feel to it, but I couldn’t complain . Since we were allowed to remodel it, I want it to be stylish .

「I used to rent it out for 200,000 ria a month, but I’ll rent it to you for only 20,000 . 」

「That low?!」

「Well, in return, I’d like to ask for your help if I have some trouble . Let’s make this relationship long-term, shall we?」

「Okay, Sir . Thank you . 」

It would be beneficial for the Stalgia family to have connections with the Count . I told the whole story to everyone that night . They were glad with the news and said they’ll help with the renovation . My father was overjoyed, in fact, he hit his pinky finger on the edge of the table, and cried in agony .

I hope we can bring life to the shop too as a family .