I Became a Ruined Character in a Dark Fantasy

Chapter 282

Chapter 282

"Understood. I just ask that the conversation we’ve had here stays between us."

At Seras’s words, Ian shrugged. With a smile, Seras turned her body and entered the dining hall, followed by Phaden and his squire. Ian, after glancing briefly at Phillip and Elia, nodded and followed suit.

"Uh, Sir. Would it be alright if I stepped out briefly and returned?" Fael’s hushed voice reached Ian just then.

Seeing Ian’s gaze on him, Fael quickly added, "It’s just... we can’t possibly leave the princess without offering anything."

He’s probably trying to make some connections.

Ian chuckled softly at Fael’s sudden display of boldness, which only seemed to surface in moments like these.

Without stopping his stride, Ian replied, "You heard her. Just be careful about what you say."

Fael nodded eagerly, whispering, "Don’t worry," before hurrying off.

***

The princess sat at a table against the wall in the empty dining hall. She was the only one seated, while Phaden, his squire, and another woman in a gray hooded cloak—likely Seras’s handmaiden—stood behind her. Ian sat down across from Seras. She smiled gently while her gaze shifted to the two standing behind Ian.

"Please, both of you, have a seat as well."

"I’m fine standing, Your Highness," Phillip replied immediately.

Elia simply nodded, silently following Ian’s teachings to remain reserved in such situations.

A slight smile played on Seras’s lips. "Sir Phillip, the Apostle of Lu Solar, I presume. And the other... unfortunately, I don’t yet know your name."

"Elia Meyer. Lady of a dwarf noble house and also my client," Ian interjected matter-of-factly, meeting Seras’s gaze.

"So, you’ve read Count Thaddeus’s report," said Ian.

Ian had told Count Thaddeus he had business in Midfert on the way to the Count’s estate, hoping to dodge the subtle suggestion to stay longer. It seemed the Count had recorded every word. That Seras didn’t know Elia’s name confirmed it—Ian had never mentioned it to the Count.

"Yes, that’s correct, Agent of the Saint."

"You’ve arrived much too quickly for someone who left after reading that report."

"Indeed." Seras nodded immediately at Ian’s remark. "I left the capital as soon as I heard you had set foot in the central region."

"That early...?" Ian’s brows furrowed involuntarily. "How did you know where I would be? The central region is vast."Nôv(el)B\\jnn

"I figured if I wandered around, I’d hear news of the Agent of the Saint sooner or later."

You’re more reckless than I thought.

Ian stifled a dry laugh. After all, it was just a matter of timing—sooner or later, he would have met this princess. Even though the central region was vast, the cities one would pass through were inevitably limited. Similarly, there would eventually be a moment when he would need to wield his authority, whether in Basmut or elsewhere.

It also meant that, whether by reputation or misdeeds, he had already garnered enough attention even before setting foot in the central region.

So, was this an event that would have triggered the moment I stepped into the central region, regardless of timing, as long as my reputation was high enough? And it didn’t have to be in the capital?

He couldn’t be sure how it would have worked in the game. As with many things, the constraints might have vanished when it became reality.

"... When the awaited news from the palace arrived, I was not too far from here. It must have been Lu Solar’s guidance, as I was able to meet the Agent of the Saint far sooner than I had expected," Seras continued.

"Well..." Ian met her gaze. "Whether it was truly the Goddess’s guidance will only be certain once we’ve finished our conversation, don’t you think?"

Seras’s smile deepened. "Of course, Agent of the Saint."

"Then let’s get to the point, Princess. Why did you come to find me?" Ian asked directly.

Seras leaned in slightly, her eyes gleaming with intent. "My father wishes to meet you, Agent of the Saint."

"Hmm... I see." Ian nodded.

Seras blinked momentarily, as if she had expected a more surprised reaction.

"Borta’s wines are always excellent, but this one is particularly delightful. Send five crates of this vintage to the Sonnier family in the capital each year. If you mention Ingrid’s name, they will handle the payment."

"It would be an honor, Your Highness!" Fael bowed deeply, practically lowering his head to the floor.

Seras smiled softly.

... Yes, it really can’t be easy.

Ian smiled inwardly. Her actions weren’t just polite gestures—they were the product of years of education ingrained in her behavior. Even in a situation like this, she was expected to act according to her status.

"... As you said earlier, I haven’t brought any proof with me."

Seras took another sip of wine and finally looked Ian in the eye once more. "However, my father indeed wishes to meet you, Agent of the Saint. If he hadn’t, he wouldn’t have allowed me to leave the capital."

Leaving the capital didn’t seem like such a big deal..., Ian thought, but he nodded in response.

"So you’re saying this isn’t a lie? Understood."

"Of course not. You’d be surprised how many people want to meet the Agent of the Saint. Though my father’s reasons for wanting to meet you are probably different from most."

"How so?" Ian asked calmly, bringing the glass to his lips.

Seras, who had also taken another sip of her drink, continued. "The accomplishments you’ve achieved will go down in history, and you have proven your divinity. But even so, you’re not affiliated with the Great Church."

"I don’t see how that becomes a reason for wanting to meet me. The gods also have chosen and blessed His Majesty, right?"

"Of course. The throne is not something one can ascend to without the gods’ favor. However... as you know, the Order is composed not by gods, but by men."

Seras paused briefly before cautiously adding, "I assumed that was why you aren’t part of the Order."

Ian inwardly smiled at her blunt honesty.

"Most would assume it’s because I’m the Great Warrior of the North."

"Just because you’re a Northerner who serves Karha doesn’t mean you can’t also serve Lu Solar."

"So, you’re saying His Majesty wishes me to align myself with him instead of the Order?" Ian asked, his tone still calm.

Seras blinked, somewhat surprised by his directness. She hadn’t even realized that what she just said could be blasphemous.

"My father isn’t the kind of man to reveal his true intentions. We can only speculate. And my speculation aligns with what you’ve said, Agent of the Saint."

"I thought the royal family and the Order were united, like one body. Apparently not," Ian murmured, raising his glass to his lips again.

Seras offered a faint, slightly chilling smile. "Have you heard of people born with their bodies fused together?"

Conjoined twins, was it? Ian thought, nodding.

"That’s what the royal family and the Order have become. Originally two, they have become one, and now they are neither fully separate nor fully united."

"Hmm..." Ian mused.

"So, if you, Agent of the Saint, were to lend your strength to my father, it would be of great help. Especially in these times, when the Order is in such disarray."

"Is something wrong within the Order?"

"There are multiple factions. I don’t know the details, but it seems there’s a quiet struggle for power."

Ian took another sip, wondering if this was due to the internal conflicts within the Round Parliament. Of course, he had no interest in the Order’s inner workings or the intricate relationship between the royal family and the church.

The reason he continued to listen to Seras was for more practical reasons.

"So in the end, once the internal turmoil subsides, the Order will come seeking me as well."

"Most likely. It seems the Radiant Goddess has opened a path for us first."

"I could wait until I’ve heard from both sides and then choose whichever offers the better terms."

"Of course—wait... what?"