Skip to content 
𝐂𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭
“Luke-san, what’s going on with you and everyone else?”
ㅤ
Kick, who was cooking a large pot over a fire in the village square, exclaimed in surprise upon seeing Luke and his companions arrive breathlessly.
ㅤ
Leah, who had joined up with Luke since yesterday, was also with them.
ㅤ
“I heard you couldn’t come to the village for a while. . .”
ㅤ
“We rushed here after hearing about the increased activity of the demon beasts. Can you tell us what’s happening?”
ㅤ
“About that. . .”
ㅤ
Kick’s expression became grim.
ㅤ
At that moment, noises came from the village chief’s house.
ㅤ
There were rough footsteps and a tense atmosphere.
ㅤ
“Listen up! If Pit isn’t found, you all will bear collective responsibility! Don’t expect our protection!”
ㅤ
With a voice of rebuke, Runker and the group from 《Blue Sky Hawk》 appeared in the square.
ㅤ
“You guys are. . .”
ㅤ
“!. . .You, why are you here?”
ㅤ
Runker’s face twisted bitterly upon recognizing Luke.
ㅤ
“What we want to know is why you’re here.”
ㅤ
“It’s none of your business! Wait. . . do you know where Pit is? He’s been missing for days.”
ㅤ
“Pit?”
ㅤ
Luke opened his eyes wide in surprise.
ㅤ
Of course, this was an act.
ㅤ
Because it was none other than Luke who was sheltering Pit.
ㅤ
On that night, Luke had stopped Pit from leaving and had him protected at Falx’s place.
ㅤ
If Luke and his team managed to prevent the warehouse attack, 《Blue Sky Hawk》 would certainly suspect a leak.
ㅤ
First and foremost, they would suspect Pit.
ㅤ
Runker’s unusual attitude confirmed this suspicion.
ㅤ
“Could it be he escaped? But considering how you treat him, it’s not surprising. Did you come here looking for him?”
ㅤ
“Hmph, what happens to that kid is none of our concern, but he’s our property. Taking him without our permission violates Mercapolis law. We’re searching for him to uphold Mercapolis law. If he’s being harbored here, we’ll hold you all responsible.”
ㅤ
Runker’s smug look intensified the unease in Luke’s heart.
ㅤ
Luke had a bad feeling.
ㅤ
He recalled Runker’s earlier words.
ㅤ
“Earlier you mentioned protection, is that regarding the demon beast activity?”
ㅤ
“Ha, you knew!”
ㅤ
Runker’s face twisted with contempt.
ㅤ
“Exactly! The annual massive onslaught of demon beasts, we were the ones protecting this village from it! We’re here to tell them that if they don’t take responsibility for Pit’s disappearance, we have no obligation to protect this place.”
ㅤ
So that’s how it is.
ㅤ
Luke ground his teeth in frustration.
ㅤ
Sheltering Pit had put Crete village in jeopardy. . .
ㅤ
“What are you talking about? Even until now, you’ve only taken the fee and barely did anything. We were the ones protecting the village.”
ㅤ
Beside Luke, Kick grumbled under his breath.
ㅤ
Runker glared at Leah, who tried to hide in Luke’s shadow.
ㅤ
“Your brother is a coward who can’t even keep a promise. You and this village are nothing but a nest of cowards. What a pitiful bunch.”
ㅤ
“Onii-chan is not a coward!”
ㅤ
Leah, snapping at Runker, was restrained by Luke.
ㅤ
“Leah, calm down.”
ㅤ
“But. . . but, those people! Onii-chan and the villagers.”
ㅤ
“I know. Leah, Pit, and the people here are neither cowards nor pitiful. I understand that very well.”
ㅤ
Luke said this and then turned to Runker.
ㅤ
“You’ve delivered your message, haven’t you? Then you should have no more business in this village.”
ㅤ
“Hmph, I have no intention of staying in such a filthy place anyway. But be warned, this year’s demon beast activity is said to be the highest ever. If you value your lives, you better work hard.”
ㅤ
Runker sneered contemptuously.
ㅤ
“The Poorman Village is under our protection. If you want our protection, prepare something worthwhile.”
ㅤ
Gustav sneered.
ㅤ
“Depending on the conditions, I’m not unwilling to help. As for the payment. . . how about the previous cyclonite? If you can provide that, I’ll consider it.”
ㅤ
Leslie, mounted on a running dragon, spoke coldly.
ㅤ
It was clear that they were provoking with impossible conditions.
ㅤ
“Well, I don’t care what happens to such a village. Just be a breakwater for Mercapolis.”
ㅤ
Ethel appeared utterly disinterested.
ㅤ
The《Blue Sky Hawk》passed beside Luke and the others, leaving the village.
ㅤ
ㅤ
ㅤ
“Really, what a bunch of troublemakers. I’m sorry, Lord Luke, for making you feel uncomfortable after inviting you here.”
ㅤ
Namil arrived with a sigh.
ㅤ
“It was good to have sent Leah to your place. Those people, suspecting Pit was hiding, wrecked the two’s house. I can’t imagine what would have happened if Leah had been there.”
ㅤ
When they visited Leah’s house, a shocking scene unfolded.
ㅤ
Household items were thrown outside, and the house was almost collapsing.
ㅤ
“They unleashed attack magic in frustration when they couldn’t find Pit.”
ㅤ
“Horrible. . . my house. . . this is unbelievable. . .”
ㅤ
Leah collapsed to her knees.
ㅤ
Tears fell on a mud-covered doll.
ㅤ
“Leah-chan. . .”
ㅤ
Held in Alma’s arms, Leah sobbed.
ㅤ
ㅤ
“I’m sorry, Leah.”
ㅤ
Luke knelt beside her.
ㅤ
“It’s my fault.”
ㅤ
“Luke-san’s? Why?”
ㅤ
Tearful eyes looked up at Luke.
ㅤ
Unable to bear the gaze, he almost turned away.
ㅤ
Crushed by guilt, Luke struggled to find words.
ㅤ
“Pit is hiding with me. Because of that, the village and your house suffered this fate. . .”