After listening to the old man’s analysis, Glenn merely lowered his gaze in thought for a moment before saying, “Even if I’m exposed, it doesn’t really matter. I have no ties in this world—at worst, I’ll just leave. If I wish to hide, they’ll find it hard to catch me. And when I become invincible someday, I’ll return and wander as I please.”

  The old man chuckled softly. “I must admit, I envy your temperament. Nothing ever seems to trouble you.”

  “I call it seeing things through,” Glenn replied with a smile.

  “Hmph. You strike me as someone who’s lived through a great many things… but not like anyone I’ve ever met.”

  The old man rose, hefted his pack once more, and started toward the house.

  “Wait a second, old man,” Glenn called out. “There’s a string of demon script on the inside of my bracelet—can you take a look?”

  The old man paused, took the bracelet, squinted at it, and finally shook his head. “It’s Ancient Demonic. I can’t read it.”

  “Ancient Demonic?” Glenn asked, astonished. “You mean demon language actually… evolves?”

  “Yes. Ancient—or High Demonic, as it’s also called—is spoken only among upper demons and those of even higher rank. No scholar has ever deciphered it completely. The language used by ordinary demons today is merely a simplified form.”

  The explanation left Glenn silent. So what now? Should I find a high-ranking demon to ask? Forget it. I’ll deal with it later. He dismissed the thought and, after parting ways with the old man, set off for Dudd Town in his deer-drawn carriage.

  By now, Dudd Town was quiet. Gryphon Knights still patrolled the streets, their mounts resting by the fountain square.

  Glenn had barely entered town when a sharp voice called down from above.

  Looking up, he spotted Windsor.

  “Leaving without a word, sir? How very impolite of you,” the gryphon knight said with a playful smile as her silver armor shimmered in the light.

  Caught off guard, Glenn forced a smile and improvised an excuse. “Something urgent came up at home, so I left in a hurry.”

  “Recruits who depart without permission are defying the laws of the kingdom, you know. That’s a serious offense,” Windsor said, feigning sternness.

  Glenn widened his eyes in mock fear, his tone trembling. “I’m terribly sorry, Lady Knight! I swear I won’t do it again! Please don’t take me back to prison!”

  Seeing the reaction she’d hoped for, Windsor burst into laughter—a clear, melodic sound unique to a warrior woman.

  “Hahaha… Alright, alright, I’m teasing you. Volunteers like you aren’t bound by that law.”

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  Glenn patted his chest with a sigh of relief. “You nearly scared me to death, my lady. I’d rather not spend a night in a cell.”

  His exaggerated tone made Windsor laugh again. With a graceful motion, she dismounted her gryphon and strode toward his carriage. Her long legs carried her effortlessly as she leapt up onto the frame, leaning forward slightly.

  From where Glenn sat below, the view was… rather distracting.

  With a faint curve of her lips, Windsor whispered, “Ever consider becoming my personal attendant? I could take you to the capital. You’d live more comfortably, dress more finely, and mingle with people of far higher standing.”

  Glenn blinked, surprised. So she really came all this way just because of that massage? he thought, amused.

  After considering which expression best suited the moment, he answered humbly and earnestly, “I’m deeply honored, my lady, but I already have a modest business here. It may seem trivial to you, yet I’m a commoner with dreams. My parents taught me that without dreams, a man is no different from a salted fish. I wish to build my own future through honest work—so please, allow me to decline your generous offer.”

  His words carried a quiet strength that even Windsor felt stir within her. For a fleeting moment, she saw him in a different light—and liked him more for it.

  “I didn’t expect such a steadfast heart beneath that calm face,” she murmured. “To ask you to serve as my attendant would indeed be an insult to you… and to think I believed two gold coins a month could tempt you.”

  “Uh…” Glenn’s mouth twitched. Did she really have to mention the money? he thought wryly.

  “If there’s nothing else, my lady,” he said cautiously, “I should be on my way.”

  Windsor turned her radiant face toward him, her tone teasing. “This is the first time a man’s ever dismissed me so bluntly. Have I failed to charm you?”

  She leaned closer, eyes narrowing playfully, her breath warm between them.

  She’s really toying with me now… Glenn gently pushed her back, keeping to his “modest commoner” act. “A knight of your rank is far beyond my reach. I should focus on my humble duties instead.”

  Windsor propped her chin on her hand, her gaze still fixed on him, amusement flickering in her eyes. “Alright then… but after all this, you still haven’t told me your name.”

  “I’m—” Glenn began, eager to end the conversation, when another gryphon rider swooped down from the sky.

  “Mr. Dylan! Captain Windsor! What are you two doing here together?” Elena called out, landing lightly beside them.

  Oh, great… another one. Glenn sighed inwardly.

  “So your name’s Dylan,” Windsor said with a teasing smile, before turning to the newcomer. “You know him too?”

  “Yes,” Elena said brightly. “I recruited him for the logistics division earlier. He agreed without hesitation.”

  Windsor nodded in understanding and gracefully stepped down from the carriage. “You two talk—I’ll wait over there.”

  After saluting her superior, Elena turned to Glenn, concern softening her expression. “I heard something happened on the battlefield—a powerful werewolf appeared. You weren’t hurt, were you?”

  “No, I left early. Thank you for worrying,” Glenn replied sincerely. He had always liked Elena’s kind nature.

  “That’s a relief.” She smiled, though regret soon clouded her face. “I stayed here instead of fighting alongside my comrades. It doesn’t sit right with me.”

  “Everyone has their role,” Glenn said softly. “Fulfilling yours is enough. There’s no need for regret.”

  “Thank you… It’s just hard, seeing so many comrades fall while I stand here doing nothing.”

  “They are heroes,” Glenn said quietly. “We will remember them always. The peace we enjoy now was bought with their lives. I believe that’s what every true soldier of the kingdom desires—to fall in defense of their home. That, too, is an honor.”

  He had borrowed the line from a video game he once played, but it rang with solemn truth.

  Elena’s eyes shimmered as tears traced her cheeks—yet she smiled. “Yes… it is an honor. If everyone remembered them as you do, Mr. Dylan, then their sacrifice would truly be worth it.”

  Without thinking, Glenn reached up to wipe away her tears, his hand brushing gently against her hair. Then, realizing how intimate the gesture was, he quickly drew back.