The Escort Knight Who Is Obsessed by the Villainess Wants to Escape - Chapter 37

Shylock.

A rather skilled con artist.

A former knight.

The reason he lives without any respect is one and only.

Guilt.

His family, suffering from an incurable disease.

He ultimately failed to save those who trusted and supported him.

After the war eased, some maritime trade routes reopened, and Shylock faced a disheartening truth.

The disease that had plagued his family was already cured in the country across the sea.

For a knight at that time, smuggling through the blockaded trade routes was no big deal.

Afterward, he deliberately lived in filthy conditions.

He believed it would alleviate his guilt, even if just a little.

***

“Would you like to solve the incurable diseases of your family?”

I recalled Shylock’s circumstances, which I had forgotten.

After finishing everything that could be done in the game, I had spent most of my time recognizing Eliza.

It was inevitable that Shylock’s family background and the treatment method came to mind late.

“……”

Shylock glared at me with his eyes narrowed.

The mask that used to smile had long been shattered.

He struggled to get up, but Hermes remained unmoved.

Not even struggling, his expression was rather relaxed.

“Sir Shylock? What will you do?”

“…How do you know that?”

He asked without hiding his hostility.

Indeed, it would be unpleasant for someone who doesn’t even know the situation to mention it.

I shrugged and replied.

“Thanks to Miss Eliza’s favor, I’m staying at that mansion. Do you know how freely the knights there talk about various matters? Especially those like me, who are seen as nothing more than a mere commoner, are even less considered human.”

It’s quite true.

I don’t often encounter those knights.

However, when I do, they really don’t treat me like a person.

It’s almost as if they ignore me.

They don’t hesitate to bring up their personal and important matters.

Of course, they don’t talk about things that should not be known outside.

But gossips about others, love affairs, or family matters are easily discussed.

Naturally, I’ve never heard anything about Shylock.

What mattered was that Shylock’s claim was credible.

I can’t fabricate lies, but this is more about selecting and stating the facts.

“I’ll get to the point. I know how to solve that incurable disease. A complete cure.”

“……”

Shylock still didn’t let his guard down.

It’s understandable, given the situation.

It would be difficult to trust what someone like me is saying all of a sudden.

How can I make it easier to believe?

‘If it were Eliza…’

She would make sure of the truth herself.

The more she verifies it herself, the more she would trust it.

“Belief is up to you. The treatment method is simple. Get a flower called ‘Verbena’ from the island of Citra, located in the middle of the southwestern maritime trade routes of the continent. Dry the petals and brew them in water for a few weeks. You will notice improvement even after drinking it just for one day.”

“……”

“Of course, that route is completely blocked. From there, you will need to handle it yourself. Whether you choose to smuggle or something else. There might be places managing what was imported before the blockade. I can’t be certain about that.”

Even after I finished speaking, Shylock just stared at me blankly.

He seemed to be calculating whether what he heard was true.

The lines on his forehead deepened.

His eyes moved restlessly.

His expression was a complex mix of confusion, fear, and hope.

I spoke to Hermes.

“Sir Hermes. Please release him.”

“Will that be alright?”

“I think so.”

Hermes stood up with a cautious demeanor.

Until she stood next to me, Shylock lay still on the floor.

When he finally looked at me and spoke, he asked,

“What do you want from me?”

“Let’s discuss the details after confirming the treatment fact. Isn’t it still hard to trust each other at this point?”

He seemed about to say something but suddenly chuckled.

A cunning smile had appeared on his face.

He shook his head, as if finding the situation absurd.

“Good grief. I’ve been through all sorts of things in my life. They say if you throw out bait like that, you have no choice but to bite. Isn’t that a bit cowardly?”

“Thank you for the compliment.”

“Is it reliable information?”

I just shrugged my shoulders.

Implying that he would know once he verified it.

“…If this turns out to be a lie, I won’t let it slide.”

Still smiling.

But his eyes, not smiling, glared at me.

“Then Hermes won’t just sit back either.”

“…You haven’t spoken a word. What a disgusting fellow.”

Shylock shuddered as if disgusted and walked to the other side.

As I watched him leave, Hermes whispered,

“Is this really alright? Shouldn’t we break a limb or something…?”

“That much isn’t necessary… well, he hasn’t actually touched me.”

If it were Eliza, she wouldn’t have sent him away quietly.

To build a more friendly relationship when we meet again.

“More importantly, Judas. What about the information you mentioned earlier regarding the illness?”

“Oh… since the topic came up, let me finish. It’s about the treatment for a condition called episodic insomnia.”

Hermes took notes as before.

“When I was moving around the frontlines, there was an old man who had come from across the sea. He provided various remedies, including folk treatments.”

“You have an excellent memory.”

Hermes fully believed my words.

For her, Eurydice is the only blood relative.

They are as close as real sisters.

I found Eurydice’s husband, who would be the source of a lifetime of regret for her.

Eurydice would view me as a benefactor, just as Hermes would.

‘…Probably?’

The remaining issue is Shylock.

He has no choice but to test my words.

After discovering the truth, he will definitely come looking for me.

He can’t be called a good person.

But he’s definitely not someone who lives in debt.

***

A few days have passed.

I intentionally took walks around the training camp for several days.

The area around the training camp is a sparsely populated forest, suitable for waiting for Shylock.

There wasn’t much to discuss, and no further information to reveal, but Hermes was a sociable person.

She guided the atmosphere without making it awkward.

“Oh, and about the Jericho matter you mentioned last time.”

“Yes.”

“After verifying various elements, it was found to be true.”

Hermes handed me my bankbook.

I had brought it last time to record the payment for the information.

The recent entry in the returned bankbook read ‘3,000 florins.’

This amount was deposited as payment for the information provided.

“This is the amount we’re offering. It’s for the combined information of Jericho and episodic insomnia.”

I stared at the figure of 3,000 florins, bewildered.

I earned this much for just a few words.

About 12 million Korean won.

I don’t know how much the information guild has gained from this information or how valuable it is.

Likewise, I’m not entirely sure if this amount accurately reflects the value of the information.

I know it’s of significant value.

But I couldn’t gauge how much it would be when converted to a monetary amount.

“The amount we’ve calculated for now is at this level, and there is a possibility of additional compensation depending on the profits we make in the future. If you’re not satisfied, negotiating is also possible.”

“No, no. It’s fine. I’m satisfied.”

I replied hastily.

With this amount, I can at least manage to get by for now.

Just barely manage.

It’s still insufficient to settle down in a safe area.

“Next time…”

Hermes, who was about to say something, looked ahead with a wary expression.

Shylock was there.

He was the one we had been waiting for the past few days.

Today, it seemed that he was waiting for us instead.

As usual, his face was relaxed, adorned with a somewhat unpleasant smile.

“Oh. Judas.”

“Have you checked what I mentioned?”

“Of course. I’ve confirmed it thoroughly. So…”

I waited for the next words.

However, Shylock did not speak.

Instead, he approached me.

“…?”

Slowly, he bent his body.

He bent his legs and sat on the floor.

He looked up at me while proudly kneeling on both knees.

…The height difference was almost similar.

“Thank you.”

In contrast to his submissive posture, he spoke with a refreshing smile.

“If you have any questions, feel free to ask. I’ll tell you everything I can.”

I had not expected him to change his attitude so readily.

It was surprising and uncomfortable.

Perhaps it’s because his family is still alive, but he seemed much brighter compared to the Shylock I knew.

Less sinister.

“Well, please get up. It’s uncomfortable for me if you suddenly act like this.”

“Oh? Contrary to your grumpy personality, you’re surprisingly weak to this kind of behavior?”

“…….”

It hit the mark, so I had nothing to say.

For some reason, Shylock was grinning mischievously. Annoyingly so.

Shylock brushed off his knees and stood up.

“Then, you must be weak to compliments or expressions of gratitude as well?”

I ignored the teasing.

“…First, why were you tailing me?”

Shylock glanced at Hermes.

“She’s fine.”

The contact person from the Information Guild.

Maintaining a friendly relationship with them is beneficial, apart from any plans to escape.

‘Though, I’m not planning to abandon that plan.’

If the continent is divided into two, it’s the Helios Empire and the Bevel Principality.

If divided into five, there are also the Magic Tower, the Assassin Guild, and the Information Guild.

However, the latter two organizations operate in secret, so their actual power is less noticeable compared to their scale.

Simply escaping doesn’t solve all the problems.

Barak.

To avoid his gaze, maintaining a friendly relationship with the Information Guild is crucial.

“If you, a benefactor who is undeservingly honored, say so, then I guess I can believe it.”

He has a knack for making compliments aggravating.

He was like this even in the future I encountered.

“Yes. I’ll tell you everything honestly. Following you was at the behest of someone else. To be more specific, I was instructed by Duke Barak.”

…Barak? Eliza’s biological father?

Is that name coming up here?

Hermes also seemed surprised.

“The goal was to isolate you, Judas.”

“Isolation?”

“I was told to obstruct your adaptation to the training camp. I don’t know why such an order was given. I just follow orders.”

I recalled the previous conversation with Barak.

Nothing particularly memorable came to mind.

Someone who tried to assassinate Eliza.

Just the brutal conversations between father and daughter. That’s about it.

There’s also the matter of me confronting Barak and Narcissus.

‘At that time, I clearly said I would remember.’

Barak doesn’t directly interfere with me.

It’s more accurate to say he can’t.

If he touches me now, it will be obvious to anyone that it’s Barak.

No matter how many others are involved, the circumstances point to him.

Eliza is someone who can read those circumstances and question them.

To avoid bothering her, Barak chose a rather petty method.

‘You’re quite narrow-minded, Elder.’

Shylock added.

“The first thing was to spread malicious rumors at the training camp to make you feel isolated. If that wasn’t effective, you were to be ambushed and subjected to violence.”

“Violence, you say?”

“Just breaking an arm or a leg. The goal is to intimidate.”

“Hmm.”

Hermes listened with a complex expression.

He seemed both perplexed that I, who should be protected, was targeted by Barak and strangely excited because it was useful information for the guild.

“In return for taking on this job, I was promised a separate reward from the Grand Duke. Naturally, it was money for the continued treatment of my family.”

Shylock looked me straight in the eye.

“But, it’s no longer needed, right? Thanks to your popularity as the top favorite in the training camp under Lady Eliza’s favor.”

“Please be quiet….”

He kept adding unnecessary comments.

“Anyway, you don’t have to worry anymore. I…”

“No, wait. You need to keep doing it as you have been.”

“… What?”

“Continue to follow Barak’s orders. Oh, except for taking direct action. You can just say it failed due to Sir Hermes being here.”

“Wait, wait. I don’t understand.”

Before speaking, I collected my thoughts.

How can I use this situation to my advantage?

What would Eliza do?

‘I’m Eliza, I’m Eliza… No, that’s not right!’

If we just put Eliza in this situation.

How would she respond?

“It’s simple. The suggestion is to stay under Barak and continue to act as my spy.”

“…!”

“I don’t care about rumors like that. Whether you do or don’t. Physical threats are a different matter, but if you’re under Barak, you should be able to handle them properly, right?”

Shylock looked at me as if I were something strange.

What is this?

How old is this kid? Isn’t he just a child?

That’s the exact expression.

In fact, it’s not that great of a strategy.

I’m not the kind of person who comes up with brilliant strategies. I’m not.

‘It’s just that thinking like Eliza led me to a useful method.’

This exaggerated reaction also has to do with the influence of Judas being young.

“To summarize, I want Barak to believe his plan is proceeding successfully. Of course, if you refuse, there’s nothing I can do.”

In the end, what matters is Shylock’s will.

This is dangerous for him too.

Because he has to be a double agent.

If he is discovered, not only his life but even his family’s safety cannot be guaranteed.

Barak de Bevel is no easy opponent.

Shylock chuckled.

As if he had discovered something amusing.

“I’ve never seen such a disgusting little brat in my life.”

“You don’t seem that old yourself, Sir.”

“I do look younger than my age.”

“……”

“And, compared to how I look, I’m a debt-ridden and impoverished man.”

He smiled slyly and extended his hand.

It was a handshake request.

“You do know, don’t you?”

“Of course.”

I gladly took the hand.

“Looking forward to working with you.”

“Likewise. No, actually, I should be the one thanking you. Anything, just say it.”

Shylock smiled reassuringly.

Unlike his earlier playful demeanor, his voice was now quite serious.

“Is there anyone else handling this other than you?”

“There are two others inside the training camp: Gaston and Dallant.”

“I don’t know those names.”

“They’re not close to the candidates. In fact, I led the effort to spread the rumors myself.”

I had advised Shylock to report that everything was going smoothly.

When leaving, we decided to exit the forest in different directions and viewpoints.

As Shylock’s back disappeared into the distance, Hermes timidly asked.

“About the conversation we just had…”

“You may use it as you see fit. You don’t need my permission, do you?”

“Even so, it’s the first time I’ve overheard such information right next to a client… Hmm.”

“By the way, I’m curious now—will everything that happened with me be reported to Miss Eliza?”

“Not everything, but any significant incidents must be reported.”

“And what about this incident?”

“Well… since there’s a possibility that it will be revealed that I was planted by the information guild, I’ll try to minimize the report.”

“Will you report about the knights Gaston and Dallant too?”

“Yes. Since they are spies planted by Duke Barak, they need to be reported. Sir Shylock… will require some consideration.”

I thought the same.

I, under Eliza, and Hermes are obliged to report.

But one thing bothers me.

‘How should I explain the method I found out?’

If this information gets out, my name will inevitably come up.

And my unusual traits or connections to the information guild during the process…

Suddenly, it seemed too late to worry about this.

That thought crossed my mind.

The anemone in the bedroom.

A potted plant I see every night before falling asleep with a troubled mind.

“Don’t worry.”

Hermes said.

“As a member of the information guild, I’ve been active longer than as a knight. There will be no issues as you fear. I’ll report as minimally as possible.”

“…It seems my face gave it away.”

Hermes just smiled.

Indeed, Hermes is better than I am.

I’m not good at lying.

‘I want to ask Eliza something, but I can do that next time.’

Anyway, Barak…

I understand that Barak is targeting me.

I also understand the effort to avoid Eliza’s scrutiny.

But, somehow…

‘Why go to such lengths?’

I expected that Barak would either kill me or at least exact a comparable revenge.

But, what—alienation? Isolation? A broken limb injury?

‘Does this old man really think this is all that’s deserved after what he did to me?’

Duke Barak.

A person who would be dead in the future, killed by Eliza.

But, I know his reputation well.

‘He doesn’t seem like the kind of person who would resort to such childish tricks.’

This seems less like revenge and more like…

A test of some kind?

‘Even if she’s a illegitimate child, what exactly does he intend to do at the daughter’s training camp…’

***

After leaving the forest, I arrived at the entrance to the training camp.

I was about to head back to the mansion when the people from my room appeared near the entrance.

“Hey, Judas!”

Richard, Lindel, Argon, Hador, and Felin.

The five of them gathered around.

“Senior?”

They alternated their gaze between Hermes and me.

Hermes just gave a simple, innocent smile.

Richard, looking tense as he stared at her, swallowed hard and cautiously asked me,

“Um… could we talk somewhere without her?”

“Huh? Well, sure.”

So we moved to a spot away from Hermes.

Argon asked with a serious face,

“Judas, tell me the truth.”

“What is it?”

“Are you dating that knight?”

What the…

I was so flabbergasted that a stream of curses almost came out of my mouth.

“How did you come to that conclusion…?”

“You, you’re always with that knight lately!”

“Well, that’s because she was appointed as my guard by the young lady…”

“And! Every time, you two go into the forest and do… something!”

“Ah…”

Damn these idiots, really.

My head hurts.

It feels like my head is throbbing.

I think I’m getting a bit dizzy.

I pressed my forehead with one hand.

A deep sigh escaped involuntarily.

I spoke each word with effort.

“Senior, that’s not what’s going on…”

Richard asked seriously,

“Is it that you have a preference for older people…?”

A preference for older people or not, she’s still a kid by my standards.

She’s not a little kid like Eliza, but still a teenager.

I know there are no laws or punishments regarding age and relationships in this world, but anyway, by my standards, it’s criminal!

“It’s not…”

“Did you playing around with Lady Eliza?!”

“……”

Ah.

My head hurts….