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How long was I asleep? Things were a bit different when I woke up. There were other people gathered around besides Emma and Layla-san. The other Ramuh guys and Count Bourne. Did one of them call for them while I was out?

「Everyone, Noir’s awake.」

「Good morning, Emma. And to everyone else, too.」

「Noir Stalgia, was it? I can’t thank you enough! Thank you very much!」

Count Bourne grabbed my hand all of a sudden and thanked me again and again. He also casually kicked Tom a few times.

「I didn’t do much, Sir. It was all Layla-san and Emma.」

「That’s not true. I was asleep the whole time save for the last part. If it weren’t for Noir, who knows what horrible things they’d be doing to me right now.」

「Yes. If Noir-kun didn’t help me, we wouldn’t have won.」

Thanks to their giving me credit, Count Bourne was getting more and more pleased.

「I’ll confer a reward to you tomorrow. I got the Mermaid’s Tear back because of your help.」

He apparently already got back the Mermaid’s Tear that Tom took and was rubbing it on his cheeks, beaming with joy.

「Just leave the rest to us. You may rest for today.」

「I will do that, then. Thank you.」

I had barely any strength left so I accepted his offer. Layla-san stayed behind so we just agreed to meet some other day. So me, Emma, and her parents headed home.

「Thank you so much for saving Emma.」

「You really are Emma’s hero, Noir-kun.」

I’m sure Ladan-san and Romy-san were worried sick. With the matter now settled, their faces were bright. Emma looked relieved as she wrapped her arm around mine.

「Hmm hmm~」

「Well, you’re in a good mood.」

「You came to save me after all.」

「Of course I would. You’d do the same for me if I were the one kidnapped, right?」

「You bet I well. I’ll go after you even to the depths of hell!」

「I’ll be counting on you then when that happens.」

「Okay~!」

I parted ways with the Brightness family at the crossroads and continued on the road home. I felt a bit dizzy. Must be cause I fought those two powerful thieves.

「I want to get stronger…」

It all worked out in the end this time, but I couldn’t have done it alone. I would’ve lost against Phan if it weren’t for Layla-san’s help. I want to get a lot more stronger. To fight back against senseless violence, and to protect that which is precious to me. I inherited the power of the legendary Master Olivia. I should have more potential. I know I can get stronger.

I finally made it home. I felt my body relax as I opened the door to a familiar scene.

「Oh, you’re finally back, Noir.」

「Welcome home, Onii-sama!」

Toramaru and Alice came to greet me. I sensed something odd, however, like they were worn out from exhaustion.

「Did something happen?」

「Actually, your father can’t keep it down. It’s unbearable.」

「He couldn’t find us a spot for our shop.」

「I see. Let me talk to him.」

I chuckled just a bit after finding my father in the living room biting a handkerchief, weeping, with my mother comforting him.

「If it isn’t Noir~! Listen to this. It’s about our shop…」

「Sounds like you’re having a hard time.」

「They said they only sell to real nobles! Isn’t that just horrible? What, are we not real nobles or something?」

Yeah, it can’t be easy for a quasi-baron.

「I’ll be receiving a reward from Count Bourne soon. I’ll ask him about our problem then.」

「Huh? Why are you getting a reward?」

「I caught the Phantom tonight. With the help of my friends, of course.」

「That’s amazhing. Very impressive, Noir. Impress Noir! Empress Noir!」

And so Father was revived quite easily. His attitude sure changes quickly. I should learn from him.

「Anyway, I’m really exhausted so I’m gonna hit the sack.」

「Good night, my family’s hidden treasure!」

I entered my room, rubbing my eyes. After changing, I threw myself onto the bed.

「That’s not good, Onii-sama. You’ll catch a cold.」

「Ha? Alice…」

Drowsiness was overwhelming me so I couldn’t really tell, but it seemed like Alice put a blanket over me. That’s not all. She even lied down beside me.

「I’ll sleep with you. I’ll share my body warmth with you until you fall asleep so you won’t catch a cold.」

She looked so full of spirit so I just nodded slightly and closed my eyes. I’m at my limit. Good night.

I could hear birds chirping outside my room. I stretched my body.

「That was a good night’s sleep…?!」

「Ufufu~ Good morning.」

First thing in the morning and my heart almost jumped out of my chest. Alice was beside me, wearing a bright smile.

「You scared me. Your face is too close.」

「I was just admiring your face. You look so adorable when you’re asleep. Then somehow I came closer… It was beyond my control.」

Beyond your control? Pretty sure that’s not how it works but okay. Wait, did she even sleep properly? I was concerned so I asked her and she simply smiled.

「It’s already noon. You must’ve been exhausted from your heroic deeds last night.」

「Huh, so I slept like a log.」

「I made you lunch. Please come down as soon as you’re ready.」

「Thanks.」

I could take it easy since it was summer break but that would dull my mind and body. I immediately changed and went down.

「Did you rest well, Noir?」 Toramaru asked.

「Yeah, fortunately.」

「Are you headed somewhere today?」

「I’m going to the Count’s house after lunch.」

He said he’s giving me a reward. After savoring Alice’s homemade cooking, I made my way to the Count’s house. I gave my name at the entrance and a butler welcomed me and led me to the Count’s study.

「I’m glad you’ve come, Noir-kun. I’ve been waiting for you.」

「Thank you for everything last night.」

「No, no. I should be thanking you. Take a seat.」

Wow, the sofa’s so soft. Way better than the cheap one we have at home. I supposed that was to be expected from a Count. They were on a way different league. Even the tea served was fragrant and rich in flavour.

「What happened to the Phantom, Sir?」

「We got it all under control. Right now, they’re in prison. They should be handed down their punishment eventually. I have to say, I’m very impressed. The men from Ramuh had a hard time with them and you were able to take them down.」

He looked at me in awe, immensely curious. So I figured I could tell him a bit about my abilities.

「I have not much going for me in terms of physical strength, but I have some unique abilities. I can weaken an opponent, for example.」

「Splendid. If it’s all right with you, I’d like you to be my bodyguard occasionally. I can pay you a hefty amount, of course.」

「That is a wonderful offer, Sir, but in addition to being a student, I’m also already an adventurer. I’m afraid I don’t have time to be a bodyguard as well. 」

「Is that so… That is most unfortunate.」

「Ah, Odin has a number of excellent members. You can send them a request.」

「Hmm, yes.」

I tried to promote Odin, though I knew the Count was a pro Ramuh fellow. Would you like to switch sides, Sir?

「It might be a good idea to ask Odin next time. Anyway, about your reward. Would money be acceptable?」

「I know this is a lot to ask, Sir, but my family is planning to open up a shop that sells materials from monsters and stuff. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find a plot or a vacant establishment we could rent. If you have one sir, can we rent it?」

「The location?」

「If possible, in the business district.」

The place is bustling with shoppers and it’s good for business. The residential area would be too far away.

「I have a building there that used to be a restaurant. Would that be all right?」

「Can we remodel the place?」

「Of course. I’ll rent it out to you cheap. But you’ll have to pay separately for sales taxes.」

「Thank you, Count Bourne.」

「Don’t mention it. If you have any problem, just tell me.」

After the negotiations, Count Bourne immediately led me to the vacant establishment. It was a bit far from the main street but the location was not bad. The shop had an antiquated feel to it, but I couldn’t complain. Since we were allowed to remodel it, I want it to be stylish.

「I used to rent it out for 200,000 ria a month, but I’ll rent it to you for only 20,000.」

「That low?!」

「Well, in return, I’d like to ask for your help if I have some trouble. Let’s make this relationship long-term, shall we?」

「Okay, Sir. Thank you.」

It would be beneficial for the Stalgia family to have connections with the Count. I told the whole story to everyone that night. They were glad with the news and said they’ll help with the renovation. My father was overjoyed, in fact, he hit his pinky finger on the edge of the table, and cried in agony.

I hope we can bring life to the shop too as a family.