Janet was in Ivan’s study, sitting next to him on one of the chairs. She remained quiet, as Maddock rested on the floor underneath her chair. Spring and summer came and went, as it was nearly time for the harvest. In fact, it was almost time for Janet’s birthday celebration.

However, Ivan was dense and was too busy focusing on work. For some reason, Janet was getting more and more frustrated, pouting openly around Ivan. Finally, she could no longer stay quiet.

“You need to hire someone else to take care of this stuff. Stick to what you are used to.”

Ivan turned to Janet with an expecting expression on his face, as he scratched at his beard. He had trimmed it, so his youthful appearance was a little more obvious. Not even twenty, it was still hard to see him as a General ever in his life.

Of course, this was a guy that was called a Hero of the kingdom.

“What do you suggest?”

Instead of admonishing her or ignoring her, he decided to listen. He had been paying attention to more of what Janet had to say, ever since she somehow found the location of the Midnight Monsters and procured the War Game. Plus, her action of killing her family was completely suspicious, as she was only about seven, almost eight, now.

“I know a guy, but he is not here. He is in the capital.”

Ivan scratched at his beard again as he reached for his pocket, only to stop when he found nothing.

“Eh, it looks like I ran out, too. Fine, we can make a trip to the capital. I need my booze, as well.”

After telling some people, the two were off. Abigail was left behind so she could watch over Maddock.

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

They were still dressed in casual clothes, which was a little better than the average civilian in their region, but in the capital, it was below the normal. Many people were walking around practically in formal ball wear.

But when they walked around, Janet was riding on Ivan’s shoulders as they walked up and down the large market street. Ivan asked around for the peddler that sold the alcohol while Janet kept trying some of the food at the stalls.

It looked like a young man and his little sister, as Ivan’s appearance was still not that old. It was a warm scene to whoever saw it.

Suddenly, Ivan felt a tug on his shoulder.

“Mm.”

Her mouth filled with a meat skewer, Janet pointed towards a shadowy alley and directed for Ivan to go down it. When they entered, the sounds of the main street ceased, as if by magic. No, it was definitely magic. With an instant reaction, Ivan readied his fists. Janet squeezed tightly, her legs clenching around Ivan’s neck.

However, an old lady arrived.

“Ah! Marcie! Hahaha!”

Ivan released his tension and walked forward without any care as he reached down and gripped the old lady in a bear hug.

“Hehe, little idiot, you think you have the right to touch me?!”

Though her words sounded angry, she was laughing just like Ivan. She reached into her robe and pulled out a single bottle.

“Ah, I knew you would be out soon, so I came back. And who is this? Miss Ivan?”

“Ahem, no, she is Janet Brittoli.”

The lady smirked and looked at Janet.

“Is he too dense or what?”

Janet sighed and weakly smiled at Marcie.

“I know, but he’s cool that way.”

Marcie laughed and Ivan went to scratch the back of his head, though Janet was still sitting on him. He reached over her leg to scratch his itch, causing the two ladies to just glare at him.

“…what?”

Not realizing what he had done, Janet remained silent and bonked Ivan several times over the head. Marcie shook her head and led the two back down the alley.

After Ivan got Janet to talk again, she was wanting to find someone named Alec. He was a superb merchant that she heard about while passing some of the veterans, she said.

Marcie nodded and said she knew of him. When the two asked for his whereabouts…

“Alec is definitely in the capital city, though it might be hard to accommodate him.”

“Why is that?”

“He is in jail.”

The two looked at each other before sighing.