Bloodhound’s Regression Instinct

Chapter 60

In the office of Duke Beowulf, the noble was meticulously reviewing documents, assessing the damage caused by the barbarian tribes’ invasion.

Knock, knock.

“Lord Duke Beowulf, it’s Yan.”

“Enter.”

As Yan stepped inside, Duke Beowulf set aside the stack of papers and massaged his temples. Despite his disdain for such headaches, his noble status obliged him to tackle the unpleasant tasks.

“If only someone could handle these matters for me.”

“Handing over your seal could lead to a major disaster, sir.”

“That’s precisely why I’m burdened with this headache.”

Yan chuckled at Duke Beowulf’s remark, seeing a surprisingly human side to the usually stoic and reserved noble.

“I’ve heard you found something.”

“I’ve called you here as I have something to give and a favor to ask.”

Duke Beowulf slowly rose from his seat. He wasn’t as towering as the warrior Vila he had seen before, but he was still significantly larger than Yan.

Rummaging through his desk drawer, the Duke pulled out a pouch and tossed it to Yan.

“This is…”

Catching the pouch, Yan’s eyes sparkled. It was covered in dense geometric patterns, which he recognized.

“It’s a spatial pouch.”

“Why would you give me this…”

Though he spoke casually, Yan was desperately holding back his drool. A spatial pouch, enchanted with space-expanding magic, was incredibly valuable, far beyond the reach of ordinary nobles.

“Were you planning to carry all those bags by hand?”

“Well, yes, but…”

“It’ll be easier on your body and mind to carry them in this.”

Yan observed Duke Beowulf, who was avoiding eye contact and looking out the window, speaking in circles without getting to the point.

Unable to hold back, Yan asked, “Are you saying you’re giving me this spatial pouch, which is worth far more than the prize I received?”

“Ahem.”

Duke Beowulf cleared his throat, still gazing outside.

‘What’s going on?’

Even if he had seen a more human side to the Duke, this was still one of the ‘Four Dukes,’ a powerful figure who toyed with the mighty Vila.

‘But this…’

It was like watching someone agonizing over confessing to a secret crush. Quite the softie, isn’t he?

“Lord Duke?”

“…Yes?”

“What was that?”

Yan asked, barely catching the Duke’s whisper.

Turning his head, Yan noticed a faint blush on Duke Beowulf’s face.

“I was asking if you could do me a favor!”

“Ah! You startled me!”

“Then listen carefully the first time! Ahem.”

What could the Duke possibly want after all this hesitation?

Yan asked with a hint of anxiety, “What do you need?”

“Ahem… Could you look after Lorena while I’m at the training grounds?”

Yan was taken aback by the request. To his knowledge, asking someone to look after one’s daughter had a very specific implication.

“I have no intention of marrying Lorena.”

“You madman!”

With a thunderous shout, Yan stood up straight. Duke Beowulf had inadvertently released his energy.

“Do you think I’d marry my daughter off to some unknown person like you!”

“Then speak clearly, please.”

“Ahem.”

Duke Beowulf coughed uncomfortably before getting to the point.

“There may be no one in the North bold enough to bother Lorena, but in the Central region, where my reach is limited, who knows what madmen might lurk.”

“Who would dare trouble the daughter of Duke Beowulf?”

“From what I’ve seen in my life, there are more fools out there than you’d expect.”

So, the bottom line was…

He was asking Yan to ensure Lorena wouldn’t get hurt by such madmen.

Despite the mountain of tasks ahead of him, Yan agreed.

“Yes, I understand!”

Receiving a spatial pouch, a rarity even for the wealthy, was a small price to pay for such a favor.

‘After all, Lorena never got seriously hurt in my past life.’

It was hardly a concern worth his attention.

“…”

Duke Beowulf didn’t seem entirely convinced by Yan’s smiling face.

“Sigh.”

But with Yan’s achievements, protecting Lorena from ordinary dangers shouldn’t be too difficult.

“Then I should tell you a few things. Lorena has had a seafood allergy since she was young…”

Initially attentive, Yan’s expression grew more puzzled as time passed.

Lorena’s likes and dislikes, her food preferences, her allergies.

‘Why do I need to know all this?’

Yet Duke Beowulf’s expression as he spoke was gravely serious.

‘Well, it’s the customer’s request, after all.’

Since Yan wasn’t expected to attend to such details, merely listening was the least he could do.

After a lengthy explanation of Lorena’s preferences, Duke Beowulf finally fell silent, realizing he had shared more minutiae than necessary.

“Ahem, that should suffice.”

“Yes, I’ve taken note of everything.”

“Then off you go. There’s a mountain of work to be done.”

Waving his hand to dismiss Yan, Duke Beowulf watched as Yan’s eyes lit up.

“May I ask you something before I leave?”

“What is it?”

Yan pulled out a family pendant.

Pointing to the embossed pattern on the front, he asked, “Do you recognize this symbol?”

While others might not know, Duke Beowulf was free from the influence of the Grand Instructor.

Being one of the empire’s top leaders, he was expected to know something about ‘Magi.’

However, contrary to Yan’s expectations, Duke Beowulf merely tilted his head.

“Hmm, an intriguing pattern. What is it?”

“…I’m not sure myself, which is why I wondered if you might know.”

“Unfortunately, it’s the first time I’ve seen it.”

A flicker of disappointment crossed Yan’s eyes.

But he didn’t dwell on it. He hadn’t held much hope to begin with.

“Thank you for your time. I hope we meet again.”

“The next time I see you, will be if you’ve ignored my request.”

“I’d be too scared not to take good care of her.”

“Indeed, you should.”

With a wry smile, Yan bowed and exited the office.

Creak.

“Time to get going?”

With the second exam completed, it was time to pursue his own plans.

‘I can look for the task force commander’s daughter after seeing him. How far was Soma from where he is…’

As Yan pondered, his expression turned blank.

“Huh?”

He muttered as if realizing something.

“He was in Soma too!”

The place he needed to visit was also in the region called Soma.

* * *

Trainees, after packing their gear, made their way to Beowulf Station.

It was time to return.

“Take care on your way.”

“I look forward to seeing you again, miss!”

Thump. Thump.

Hans and the Mookgab Knights pounded their fists against their chests as a salute, a customary gesture of Northern knights.

Cruel, brandishing the Breakers bestowed by the Beowulf family, responded in kind.

“Oh, you scoundrel.”

Yan clicked his tongue, and Cruel glanced at him sideways.

Charle bowed deeply, repeatedly thanking Hans and the Mookgab Knights, saying she’d return.

The black bracelets and anklets filled on her arms and legs were quite noticeable.

“What will you do?”

Lorena asked Yan.

Yan shrugged nonchalantly.

“You saw the errand I was given. I have to go and come back.”

“I can go with you.”

At her words, Yan chuckled.

“No need. I prefer going alone.”

“Is that so? Then we’ll go ahead.”

Without asking further, Lorena boarded the train to the training center with Cruel and Charl.

Yan watched the train they were on.

Whoo-whoo-!

The train began to move with a robust horn, soon leaving the station behind.

“Aren’t you taking the train? I heard you’re heading to Soma, which is quite a distance to walk.”

Hans asked, tilting his head.

Yan just grinned, offering no particular response.

At this, Hans chuckled and, along with the Mookgab Knights, bid farewell.

“Hope to see you again.”

“You’ve won against the Frost Knights, I hear? Next time, we’ll be ready.”

“Don’t strain yourself too much. You might get hurt.”

“If you’re ever in the North, come visit! We’ll at least offer you a meal.”

“Safe travels!”

Yan, leaving his spot, laughed at their parting words.

“See you next time!”

Once Hans and the Mookgab Knights had all disappeared, Yan stretched his arms high.

“Phew, that was tough.”

The harsh Northern lands.

The weather was one thing, but the sudden major incident had led to hectic days.

“The training center’s work is done, now onto my own tasks?”

Yan straightened up, stretched, and walked to the transportation office set up on one side of the station.

Entering the office, a young clerk stood up.

“How may I assist you today?”

“I’d like to use the gate.”

“The gate?”

The transportation clerk scanned Yan’s attire.

He didn’t look like the nobles or high officials who typically used the gate.

Rough, commoner’s fur clothing.

The clerk snorted and asked.

“Do you know how much it costs to use the gate?”

Yan grinned and pulled out a red badge from his pocket, showing it to the clerk.

A badge granting free gate access, given by the head of the transportation bureau.

“A first-class badge?!”

The clerk’s eyes widened upon seeing the badge.

Those who possessed it were invariably of tremendous status.

“Is there a gate to Soma?”

“Yes, yes! I’ll summon the mages right away. Please wait here.”

“Would you like a beverage to enjoy? Feel free to ask.”

“Here are some light refreshments for you!”

Yan began to hum as the office atmosphere turned bustling.

Thinking of what he’d gain in Soma, a song naturally formed.