Chapter 7

“Hmph. So, you recognized me?” Rillian Adore asked.

Ri’en nodded, “Not only did Drake here nearly call your name just now, but the tales of the Golden Blade also travel far. While I was a part of the Sweeping Trees Swords Clan, I heard much of your exploits. Long blonde hair, a muscular build, and an aura that towers like a mountain. You may have dyed your hair and tried to suppress your presence, but I still figured out it was you.

Though you shouldn't feel bad about it. In my clan, I was the best at recognizing Sword Fighters even if they were experts at hiding their skills like those from the Hidden Desires Swords clan. I wasn't sure if only Drake and I would be able to take down the demons that guard us. But with you here, we might stand a chance.”

“So you knew I was a Sword Fighter too?” Drakkel asked.

“I wasn't sure at first.” Ri’en answered. “Your build was fine but your aura was weak, similar to an ordinary person’s. I had to test it out, so I got close to you to see if I could sense your sword energy. It was there, but barely. I couldn't measure your proficiency and was going to ask after securing your trust.”

Drakkel lowered his head as he thought of Ri’en’s odd behavior. It all made sense now.

Ri'en continued, “I became a sword outcast because I had met a common woman and wanted to settle down. Like many other sword clans, my clan wouldn't allow me to marry someone who was not also a Sword Fighter, so I was cast out. It was fine for me though, because I was able to marry my love.

But the small amount of jobs I could get in the inner town where my clan was didn't pay well and no one would hire me as a guard because I was a sword outcast.

I couldn't find decent work and her salary alone couldn’t support us for long, so we moved to a place that we thought would have better opportunities.

When we arrived, we were happy. We both got jobs for a short while. But, after staying for a bit, the businesses and merchants began to leave left and right. We lost our jobs and soon found ourselves in a lion’s den.

With the high prices in the area, we quickly grew poor. Then the Town Lord said he was looking for workers and he would pay a hefty sum.

It was the Town Lord, so we thought he wouldn't lie.

I was useless after all so I signed up for the work. Then, I found myself here. I waited and watched for opportunities to escape and saw too many others fail.

Although my skills weren't bad, I couldn't take on so many demons by myself. I was beginning to lose hope when I received a letter from one of the servants. It was from my wife…”

His hands trembled a bit as he continued, “She told me that she infiltrated the Lord's mansion and won some servants over to her side. I later found out that only the demons and a few of the Lord's workers liked him. Most everyone else wished to see him gone. He robbed the town of all resources and left everyone to die for his own gain. Since then, my wife and I have been waiting for a chance to escape and report this matter to someone who can do something about it.”

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

He paused a bit before continuing. “I said sorry earlier because I made Drake worry for me and because I lied. I did it because I noticed that someone had been watching my moves recently. It wasn't a problem before, but because I was going to ask for your help…”

Drakkel finished, “The man named Fenri became an issue, correct?”

Ri’en nodded.

Drakkel was impressed.

Ri’en used the excuse of getting close to him not only to gain his trust and test him, but to draw out his enemy. No wonder the Sweeping Trees Swords clan was known as one of the three geniuses of the Sword Fighting world, along with the Hidden Desires Swords Clan and the the Enchanting Fans Swords Clan.

Rillian Adore raised an eyebrow. “So your wife communicates with you through the servants?”

Ri’en nodded.

“Which servants are on your side?” Drakkel inquired.

“Everyone but Ro and Enzo.”

Drakkel nodded.

“Drake. Since you’re asking all these questions, have you figured out a way to resolve this?” Rillian Adore asked.

“I believe I have.” Drakkel replied.

Ri’en and Rillian Adore looked at him curiously.

“How?” Ri’en asked.

Drakkel explained his thoughts to them in detail.

By the end of it, Rillian Adore’s eyes were drawn close together as he stared at the ground. His expression showed that he was unenthusiastic about this new development.

“It's too dangerous.” He stated.

Drakkel didn’t know Rillian Adore that well and wondered where this concern came from.

Then he realized that although Rillian Adore could be intimidating and ruthless, it didn’t mean he couldn't be kind as well. He wouldn’t have been a respected character in the Swordfighting world if he wasn’t an honorable person.

“Don't worry,” He answered. “Once I've come in contact with Ri'en's wife and have gained the trust of the Town Lord, I should be able to find the evidence.”

He turned to Ri’en. “Ri’en. I need to know what Enzo looks like, since I’ve already seen Rou. Can you also inform me how you recognize if a servant works for your wife or not?”

Ri'en nodded and described Enzo’s appearance. He also delved into Ro and Enzo's temperaments.

Rou was fearful of the Town Lord while Enzo was an opportunist who would switch master's in the blink of an eye if he thought it was worth it. He finished by informing them of the method with which he identified whether or not a person worked for his wife.

When he was done, Drakkel stated, “Then we'll begin tomorrow. Let's get some rest.”

Later, Ri’en drifted off to sleep and Drakkel closed his eyes soon after.

However, Rillian Adore stayed up.

Rillian Adore suddenly said, “Drake…Are you…”

As he tried to sleep, Drakkel could still feel his gaze fixated on him. Because of this, it took him a bit until he finally drifted off.