Chapter 307: Hidden Enemy

"I’d like to keep my name out of it as much as possible," Soren said with a serious expression. "The competition already drew enough attention, and I don’t want to be paraded around as some kind of hero. If possible, take all the credit yourself or give it to Commander Ervin and others."

He paused, thinking for a moment. "Also, please announce that I was seriously injured during the incident and will need three or four months to recover. That should explain why I’ll be staying out of the public eye."

Then, as if remembering, he added, "Right, and I’ll officially forfeit from the competition as well. The injury excuse should cover that too, so it won’t look strange."

Lord Asad blinked repeatedly, clearly caught off-guard. "W-Why? You were the one who defeated the Outcasts! You practically won the championship too! If you’re worried about the danger, I can assure you we’ve inc-"

"It’s not about the danger," Soren cut him off gently. "Well, partly it is. But mostly, it’s due to personal reasons. I was going to leave yesterday anyway if all this hadn’t happened, you know. So this outcome doesn’t change much for me." He paused, offering a small shrug. "I just want to go back to a quiet life with my wife."

"S-Still..." Lord Asad struggled for words, clearly not expecting this. Almost anyone else would have jumped at the chance to be hailed as a hero, to claim glory and rewards, to have their name carved into the city’s history. Yet here was the man who had fought harder than anyone and contributed the most to their victory, and all he wanted was to be erased from the story.

It was both baffling and admirable.

’But I guess that is also why he’s in a disguise...’ The pieces clicked into place as he studied the man before him. ’He must have planned this before meeting me.’

"Then... don’t reject the rewards, at least." Lord Asad sighed. "I understand wanting to keep a low profile, but there’s no harm in accepting a private token of gratitude."

"...In that case, can I ask for something myself?" Soren said after pretending to think it over for a moment.

Lord Asad’s expression brightened. "Of course! Name it. As long as it’s within my power, I’ll grant it without question."

"Then... I’d like to receive some magic ingredients," Soren said. "There are a few rare ones I’ve been looking for everywhere but couldn’t find. I understand they’re hard to come by, but with the city’s resources, maybe it’s possible?"

Lord Asad nodded readily. "I’ll see what I can do. Once you give me the names, I’ll have my men search every corner of the city. If they can be found, they’ll be delivered to you." He looked at Soren expectantly. "Is there anything else?"

Soren paused for a moment. "I’d also like to use the teleportation gate without any trouble. We will be leaving soon, so I’d rather avoid unnecessary complications."

"R-Right, you have to leave soon..." Lord Asad trailed off as if in deep thought. "Can you tell me when you’re planning to depart? I’ll make the necessary arrangements in advance so you won’t have to wait."

"This evening," Soren answered. "Around 7 pm."

"Alright, consider it done." Lord Asad nodded firmly. "I’ll have everything prepared and make sure the gate is ready for you by then." He paused, then added, "I’ll also assign someone to escort you, so there won’t be any delays or unwanted attention."

"Thank you for your help, Sir." Soren smiled. "I’ll put together the list of ingredients and have it sent to you as soon as possible."

"Good." Lord Asad reached into his pocket and pulled out a card, handing it to Soren. "You can send the list to this number. If anything else comes up before you leave, feel free to reach me there as well."

Soren accepted the card, glanced at the number, and slipped it into his pocket. "Got it. See you later then."

He turned to leave.

"Ah, wait." Lord Asad’s voice stopped him. "One more thing."

"Hmm?" Soren looked back in confusion.

"The elves have been searching for you too. Especially Chef Nuelia. She asked me to notify her the moment I found you." Lord Asad explained. "She said she wanted to thank you personally for everything you did. She looked really anxious too. So I suggest meeting her before you leave. It might help put her at ease."

Soren thought for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. I’ll make some time before we depart. Thank you for letting me know, Sir."

"Of course. Take care, Mr. Everly."

"You too, Sir."

With that, the two parted ways.

As he walked, Soren reached out to Malakor. ’The half-elf is called Monie, right? Can you tell me what you learned about her?’

’Yes.’ Malakor replied after a moment. ’She is actually a relative of Nuelia, but... her story is a tragic one. Her mother was an elf noble who was promised to another, but she ran away with a human man. When she returned, she was already pregnant with Monie.’

’...’ Soren listened silently, thinking his earlier guess might have been correct.

’The scandal brought shame to the family. Monie’s mother was confined, and when Monie was born, they treated her as an outsider in her own house. Most of the elves saw her as nothing more than a mistake, and... they made sure she knew it every single day.’

’...I see. But how did she end up in this situation?’ Soren asked curiously.

’She ran away from her home a year ago, and after hearing about the Outcasts, she sought them out. It was Sevihan who found her first. He was also the one who gave her a place to belong, a purpose, and in return, she became one of his pawns.’

’...Willingly?’

’...Yes, she wanted to take revenge on the elves who made her life a living hell. So she did everything she was asked to, including giving all the information she knew about the elves. She was the biggest reason why they could kidnap Nuelia so easily.’

’You mean...’

’She played the role of a hostage and tricked Nuelia into surrendering. Nuelia was one of the only elves who treated her kindly, and she used that kindness against her.’

’...It makes sense now.’ Soren muttered, recalling how Nuelia reacted when Monie’s name came up. She must have realized then that she had been betrayed. ’...Where is she now?’