It was a year ago that Eclair Gladys first met its mightiest hunter.

The Count Gladys family is a gateway to the martial family that has long protected the imperial capital.

The Knights in their possession are powerful and famous, and have long passed through the Zebuldia Empire, protecting them from nations, demons and phantoms.

The Empire became one of the ranks by taking in a large number of treasure hunters. But that is why we must not fail to prepare for the hour. That was the home lesson of the Count Gladys family.

In the empire, the strongest force is not the knight, but the hunter.

Absorption of Mana Materials strengthens a person's underlying abilities above all else. No matter how harshly trained and skilled you are, there is a difference in performance between the Knights who have to defend their territory and the hunters who constantly challenge the Treasure Palace.

For Gladys, who prides himself on the sword of the Empire, the high level hunter, who would not be able to mobilize the Knights to divide them under control, was the bug in the lion - the subject of vigilance.

The reputation of hating hunters also stems from the fact that Gladys' eyes on the hunters are more daunting than those of other nobles. Few imperial aristocrats call the hunters burglars and turn their contempt eyes, but Gladys' gaze at them is only a little more risky than that.

I have had an unparalleled confrontation from day to day.

By the time Ecclair himself was mindful, he had held his sword and been guided by the swordsmen named Undefeated by the hunters. Although escorted, Ecclair's ability to dive regularly into the treasure hall is still quite high as a child.

It was the only presence of such Gladys admitting in the hunter - the Rodin family.

The Rodin family story had been heard over and over again.

A family of treasure hunters once allowed to name brave men with great merit in Zebuldia.

Hundreds of years after the completion of the Empire, Zebuldia's proud warrior is still at the top of its multitude of hunters, when Zebuldia became known as the Sanctuary of Treasure Hunters.

Treasure hunter, but like Gladys, he protected Zebuldia from time immemorial and devoted himself to its development, until temporarily gaining the title. In the end, Rodin dismissed his title, but it makes no difference that they are compatriots.

Gladys always raises the name when it comes to hunters.

Rodin, for generations, is known for his versatility, but the next contemporary candidate is particularly talented, dominating one treasure house after another, young but already given two names and high level certification. Its strength will overwhelm other hunters, and sooner or later its name will remain in history as a hero.

Ecclair's expectations of who the hell he is whenever he hears the story.

In fact, Ark Rodin, whom we met, was far beyond the expectations that Ecclair had.

Some elegant waist, the opposite of a hunter with a crude image. The flesh was skinny and forged, and Bi's eyes, reminiscent of the lake's surface, were deep, with some extraordinary color.

And above all - its strength. In a hands-on training session, Ark Rodin let only one man take control of the prestigious Knights of Gladys unharmed.

I got a sword guide. I cooperated in the search for the treasure hall in a way that sticks to the party. Whenever we acted together, the vision in Eclair grew stronger.

Silver Star Thunder. A hunter worthy of the name of a hero who blends the inherently incompatible two fields of sword and magic at an extremely high level.

I want to stand next to it one day.

It was the information of hunters who were considered rivals of such heroes that shook themselves to a strong sense of intoxication and came into the ears of Ecclair, who was still passionate about that adventurous Tan even after his breakup.

§ § §

The base of the Count Gladys family in the Imperial capital was in the heart of the Imperial capital - a painting lined with nobles' mansions.

It's a sophisticated compartment, different from along the busy boulevard. The fully furnished cobblestone runs several overdecorated luxurious carriages, lined at regular intervals by security knights equipped with armor helmets polished enough to reflect the scenery.

There is little of an ordinary person or a hunter. One piece of garbage hasn't fallen on the side of the road, and even the smell of the air seems different from the compartment we usually live in.

Count Gladys.

The rights of nobility are quite strong in this Zebuldian empire, although there seems to be no big deal in terms of titles when it comes to counts. Even when it comes to level 8 and so on, hunters are only ordinary people. It is like dust before its power, such as the status determined by just one union.

That, too, is the famous nobleman who hates hunters from now on. Besides being a famous martial artist. No wonder he was truncated by the encounter.

Now my stomach was sore and damaged. For once, I am the master of the clan to which Ark belongs, but how far does that fact work for that lady...

"Fuck. Whenever the common man is destined to be abused by the nobles..."

If you walk down the road, the sights of the guard knights will follow you. Me and Citrie traveling on foot out of place was the focus of attention.

I should have come by carriage, not at least on foot. However, the use of carriages other than nobles and licensed merchants is restricted in this compartment.

Citrine shakes my hand all the time. The white toughness and fingertips involved were only slightly limp.

"It's okay. I'm just gonna talk to you for a second... so don't worry."

"Yeah, yeah, right."

It should be a sin for any imperial nobleman to harm an irresistible man. The most problematic point is that it is likely to bring down the fact that it did harm.

Continue as Citrie grins. Even though I feel like I'm going to throw up, for some reason this childhood tame seemed in a good mood.

"When it's time to abuse you. I just wanted to see if a great advantage exists in your blood over the average individual. This is such a feat that even if you talk to Akasha, you'll be cut off and thrown away, right?

"... yeah yeah, right"

I'm not sure what you're talking about, but are you invincible? Isn't there anything scary about Citrie? Well, I'd be very grateful if you'd just hang out with me...

The residence of the Count Gladys house was a large mansion surrounded all the way by a fence.

A dozen knights stood in front of the gate on the family crest of the Count Gladys' house, which was heavily raised.

Perhaps a Gladys private soldier, the knights frowned and tongued when they looked at me. It is not strange to be pulled out of the sword. If I hadn't spoken through via Eva beforehand, I would have been immediately captured.

I've rarely been directly involved with Gladys, but apparently it's true that I don't like hunters.

A man with a light, black, burnt skin like a leader narrows his eyes towards me.

"Deposit your weapon. Let it out."

"... yeah... I don't have it..."

…………

You can see that, can't you?

Rarely did the leader perform my physical exam to make sure he didn't really have anything, and he put his bracelet in my hand at the end.

It is a magically sealed bracelet that disrupts the operation of magic and limits the activation of magic. Of course, it doesn't matter because I can't use magic.

To me flat, the leader roared with his nose. If you look closely, your eyelids are cramped.

"I can afford that in this state - don't lick it. If the hunter style is a strange imitation, it cuts it off instantly."

... a bandit or something? I was just going to talk to you in good faith......

A little easier. I'm used to being threatened, but I don't always like and be threatened.

I sighed and said, pointing to the citrie with a gentle grin next door.

"Oh, Citrie's a girl, so I'd like a woman to do a physical exam, too"

§

They take you inside the mansion treating you like a criminal.

Only the nobleman's mansion, and the condiments are first-class. Bright chandelier with crimson carpet. A maid who was doing her chores hurriedly paves the way for me and Citrine, who are surrounded and taken by knights in a rugged manner.

It was a large room that was guided. Heavy table on a large, luxurious looking couch.

The walls are decorated with portraits and silver armor. I heard you were a Wujia, but you seem richer than I expected. I can see why a lady who wouldn't even be an adult could have given 100 million dollars for a treasure piece she'd never even seen.

Look at us the lady's been taken, put her legs together, and smile.

Miss Eclair was in a water colored dress today. The only thing that hasn't changed is the sword I lowered to my waist.

My attitude is huge, but my body is small enough for the year, so I'm not afraid of that either.

"You have the guts to look up to visit this house in dignity." Thousands of Changes. "

No, I'm not being hostile. I don't want to turn nobility on my enemies.

The lady is not afraid, but she is afraid of the knights of the escorts lined up all the way behind her. The knights in line behind us are also scared.

I had no choice but to imitate Citrine and smile. Miss Eclair's expression hardens perfectly.

"Huh... surrounded so far, what is the look of spare... I see, the liver sitting seems comparable to Lord Ark"

Hmm? I don't know, but is this... complimented?

I told her that I wanted to talk about the treasure item in advance. I just want to talk about it and go home, but I don't know what nobility thinks.

"No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. I can't believe I'm beating Arc. It's about level."

"Huh!?

Speaking of which, Ark Rodin is a popular person. Popular among young and old alike, but immensely popular, especially from Zebuldian nobles.

Strength, character and alignment. Besides the face, the popularity would be satisfactory if it came from the right family pattern, which has long contributed to Zebuldia.

Even Gladys, who hates hunters and is famous, admits Rodin, so as far as I'm concerned, that's just one word.

Occasionally there are stories about me being an arc competitor, but it's a hell of a story.

Perhaps the mouth that led you to believe the rumors that Miss Eclair had no roots or leaves like that? Is that supposed to make you stronger around me? No way. Isn't that totally perfect?

Miss Ecclair is staring at me with a sword. [M] Let me get this straight.

"Perhaps Master Eckler is listening to me because I'm an arc competitor? That's outrageous."

"... Hmm?

"Everything is too different between me and Ark. It's a rumor without roots or leaves, at least I don't think I'm a rival about Ark. He's just a friend, my friend."

"Huh... what... so... huh?

Miss Ecclair's fist shaking with a grip. My lips tremble, my cheeks tremble, and it's as if I'm enduring even anger.

Did I say something strange? The Empire is wide. There are many ultra-armed hunters in this country who have been working for a long time. But still, Ark is undoubtedly the strongest class in the Empire City, and will soon be called the strongest.

"Ark is... your rival, isn't he?

That's right. I'm not a rival. Don't worry. I don't have any enemies.

I had no idea why I was getting more and more eye-catching. The guards who consolidate the back are also staring down at this one eating up their teeth.

Do you think it's a lie?... Oh, I see. I said with my hand. [M]

"Uh, not exactly my rival, but my party member rival. You seem to admire yourself for painting yourself, but you're very good - and I'm sure Ark will be convinced of that. Right, Citrie?

To my words, Citrine smiles and says. [M]

"Yes. Mr. Ark is a competitor. So far, overall, this one has won, but I'm always amazed at Mr. Ark's rate of growth. You could lose one day."

Come on, don't say anything to stir it up.

The lady is turning bright red to her ears from the top of the citry to the words of her gaze (and doesn't make her dislike the tone). I rushed to follow up. [M]

"No, don't think I'm winning over Ark. The treasure house you're attacking is up here."

"I don't know... which side is Klee on, Mr. Ark or me!?

"No, well, that's on Citrie's side... but don't give me the time and the case."

It's a serious statement in the citrie of beauty that you can always read the air with calm deposition.

I was in the mood for an intermediate management position between my boss and my subordinates.

In the first place, it's hard to rate a hunter. Ark is the strongest. His power stands out among the young, and few will be able to win one-on-one at this stage.

But if it's limited to fighting between the parties of the Son of the Holy Spirit (Arc Brave) and the Mourning Ghost (Strange Grief), we will definitely win.

That's not about Ark, it's about the party members.

The Mourning Ghost (Strange Grief) is so strong except for the leader, but the Son of the Holy Spirit (Arc Brave) is the strongest leader and the other members are one now. I'm not weak, I have first-rate strength, but I don't flatter myself.

It doesn't last long to include good members because of their inferiority to leaders. Especially the man will be gone soon. I don't think it's a slippery story. It is too heavy and difficult to use when......

Would you take a laugh if you told the lady that story? No, you won't be able to take it......

Slightly, the lady suddenly pulled out her sword and struck the table.

Wood scraps fall all the way up.

Stiff without sudden action. Miss Eckler raised her right leg to the table and said with a trembling voice.

Her face was bright red. Tears accumulate in those good shaped eyes.

"I know what you're trying to say! You know, Ark, you're making fun of my house!

"Huh? What a fool -"

"If I had that authority, I'd be turning you both in!

Hit him!? Did you say hitting him now? Come on, what did I do?

Miss Ecclair's escorts are all laying their hands on the sword of her hips. If you take orders, they'll jump right at you. And the knights behind you should have the same attitude. I didn't expect you to come talk to me in good faith and get killed.

Unlike me, who strengthens his face, Citrine's mouth remains smiling.

It's always nice to be calm, but I just don't think that look is ready for the situation.

Oh yeah... not to this extent compared to the treasure hall, is it?

Miss Eclair sticks her index finger over here. I don't care, I'm putting my feet up on the table, so I think I can see my pants.

"But so is your arrogance. I'm gonna make you regret making this Gladys vain. Huh! The most powerful treasure, absolutely, absolutely, I'll get it!

"... no, that's a dangerous treasure. That's what appraisers judge. You better stop putting your hands on it."

While confused, it takes persuasion as originally planned. Mostly, you don't have to do anything extra because you already have power and money. If I were a Countess, I'd be sloppy not to do anything.

But Miss Eckler had no way of listening at all.

"My research suggests you're gathering treasure! I guess I used that to get to level 8 anyway! Your strength and all that borrowing!

"Hmm? Yeah...?............... yeah yeah, right?

It's hitting but it's off. Sure, my strength is ten percent treasure, but using hundreds of treasure pieces doesn't make me any less than level eight.

I don't know what that means. Why is this lady heating up?

And Miss Ecclair made her yell and screamed.

"The most powerful treasure will be given to Lord Ark! That's it! That's all you've got!

I think it would be... difficult to get it.

Ark already has powerful treasure gear as a trail for the Rodin family, and more choices don't necessarily lead to strength.

He's strong. You don't have to have treasure to be strong. The strong don't have to have treasures to be strong so Luke can kill me on foot and at his leisure. And I'm weak no matter how I twist. [M] This is the truth.

"It's pointless. Those who are strong without treasure are strong, and those who are weak with treasure are weak. Yeah, like I'm weak."

"What!?

"This is the truth. It will never lead to the strength of the arc where I got that treasure piece. For the most part, let me tell you from a friend's point of view, Ark wouldn't be happy to be strong with the power of such a dispute."

So give up. I'll take care of that treasure.

The arc is fine. You don't need to change your face because you're handsome. You don't have to hide yourself because you can repel an attack.

Miss Eclair's expression shudders for a moment and changes her complexion.

I was shaking for a while, but screamed with tears poking away.

"Guh...... Ugh, shut up, shut up! Buh-buh, buh-buh! Not at all, I won't give you anything!! Go home! Go home already. Eh!

"What is it? - Oh, lady, calm down!

You heard the Lord's ugliness, and a butler jumps in from outside the room. I try to calm her down, but Miss Eclair is probably crying as she shakes her head.

Isn't this like I made you cry? Shit? Are you okay with insults or something?

Next time I'll ask Eva to send me a cake.

So Citrie stood up watching the situation evolve until then.

"Dear Eclair, we came here today to ask you to give up that treasure."

"Grr... wh... wh!?

Miss Eckler rubs her eyes and looks at Citrie.

No, I sure am, but do you need to say that now? I mean, I said the same thing, didn't I?

"That treasure is an untouchable substitute for Master Eclair and Mr. Ark. It's wiser to give up."

I wonder why you say things that stir up...

Blood rises again on Miss Eclair's head. Blood flows from overbitten lips.

And in everyone's gaze, Citrie put her hand on her cheek and smiled to say it off.

"Master Ecclair used to call it 100 million at the tavern, but this is -- we've got 200 million gears."

"Two hundred million...?

Miss Eclair squeaks. Citrie nodded loudly and declared.

"This is the only real limit we have. No matter how much Sir Gladys' daughter, there must be a limit to the amount of forehead that can be used - that is a treasure that means nothing to Master Ecclair. Still, if you really want that treasure piece - more than 200 million geels, try to get it all together! If Lord Eckler is going to do that - it's a very sad story, but let's admit we lost too."

Citrie......