Why the second princess of the Holy Kingdom was getting closer and applying even more pressure on him, Aiden had no idea. Regardless, he had to do what needed to be done. The first step was to check on Noel the next morning. After all, they were already tracking his every move. Considering the man’s abilities, it was impossible for him to act in secret.
“Are you saying you want to go out?”
“I don’t think what I said was that strange…?”
Aiden’s baffled response followed Noel’s narrowed eyes questioning him. Surely, people can go out sometimes. Did she really need to look at him like he just said something ridiculous?
“Perhaps you’re dissatisfied with your current living situation?”
“Pardon?”
“If you need anything, just let me know. I’ll take care of whatever I can for you.”
“No, I’m not uncomfortable or anything…”
To be honest, it was tedious to loaf around doing nothing while Noel worked at the military office every day. Anyone would think he was practically a useless son-in-law at this point. Explaining this made her respond:
“…Isn’t that good for you, though? You’re not doing anything, yet I still pay you a salary and take care of your room and board.”
True. It felt odd to say anything more in his defense. As Aiden stood there speechless, Noel sighed and brushed her hair back.
“I never intended to keep you locked up in the office forever, so it’s fine… but you should take a bodyguard with you.”
“A bodyguard?”
“Of course, considering your skills, I doubt you’d get into any serious trouble. But you seem to have a way of attracting incidents, Aiden.”
Honestly, she’s not wrong. But since it was just a quick trip to get some fresh air, a bodyguard seemed like overkill.
However, thinking about what he planned to do outside, bringing a bodyguard wasn’t a great idea. After all, it wasn’t like he was going anywhere respectable.
“No, but still, a bodyguard—”
“I need some time alone.”
It sounded like an excuse from a husband worn out by over ten years of marriage, but Noel only sighed deeply without objecting further. She had, after all, spent nearly the entire day by his side.
“Fine, then. Go ahead.”
He hadn’t expected such swift approval. Aiden blinked in surprise at her straightforward response.
“I won’t send anyone to guard or eavesdrop on you, so feel free to do as you wish. Just take this with you.”
With those words, Noel handed him something. It was a small device, no bigger than half of his palm, resembling a security buzzer.
“What’s this?”
“A tracker. Just in case you decide to run away before the wedding.”
“What?”
“I’m joking.”
“I wasn’t planning on running away, anyway.”
Even if he did try to escape, she’d probably chase him down no matter where he went. That thought made him reply honestly, and Noel smiled contentedly before continuing.
“It’s a signaler. If you’re in any danger, press it, and I’ll come running immediately.”
“Is that necessary?”
Aiden knew better than anyone how swamped Noel was with work. Each task she handled had significant consequences for the kingdom’s governance. Was he really so important that she’d drop everything for him?
“I brought you here, so it’s my responsibility to return you safely when the contract is over. It’s not about ‘going that far,’ it’s just natural.”
Saying this, Noel returned her focus to her documents. Aiden looked at her, eyes slightly widened.
‘This woman…’
If you ignore the fact that she essentially kidnapped him, she was surprisingly responsible. Even though she had taken him against his will, she cared for him with the diligence of a parent.
“Thank you.”
What a genuinely good person.
That thought suddenly crossed his mind.
***
“Dad, I’ve been kidnapped by a strange person.”
Of course, considering the fact that he had been kidnapped in the first place, it was hard for him to give any other assessment.
The first thing Aiden did after stepping outside the government office was, naturally, to contact his family.
[What are you talking about now?]
His father’s shocked voice came from the other side of the phone.
[Did you borrow money from some mafia? I’ve always told you not to get involved with those criminals…]
“Dad, we’re criminals too.”
It was hard to believe that someone who made such modest remarks lived by thievery.
Well, this was the man who had raised him to avoid playing in the big leagues ever since he was young.
Aiden sighed deeply before continuing.
“I did get kidnapped, but it’s not as bad as it sounds. I’m well-fed, well-rested, and even getting paid while being kidnapped.”
[What on earth does that mean?]
“It’s a thing. I can’t explain it right now, but surprisingly, it’s all true. I’m staying in the most expensive neighborhood in the capital.”
[Can they kidnap me too?]
…This is still his father, after all.
If his dad knew where Aiden was sitting right now, he’d probably pass out from shock.
He decided it would be better to tell him the full story after everything was settled, as a kind of heroic tale.
“Anyway, Dad.”
Despite everything, there were certain things his father could still be trusted with.
“Do you know anyone in the black market?”
There was a brief silence on the other end, followed by a heavy sigh.
[Are you working there too?]
“I need to gather some information. I don’t have any connections here, so I need an introduction. Where should I go?”
[Billy Hagan at the tool shop. The passphrase is ‘Crescent Moon and Sunlight.’]
Even a small-time thief, if they’ve been doing it for decades, will have built up a network through their work.
Aiden chuckled softly and replied,
“That’s kind of cute. Got it.”
[Aiden.]
“Yeah?”
[Be careful. Don’t forget, Sisella and I are always on your side. If anything happens, tell your family.]
“I know.”
No matter what, his family would always be on his side, until the end of the world.
That’s exactly why he was fighting so hard—to return to a peaceful life with his dad and sister.
“…Haa.”
And really, the place he was walking through right now was no joke.
It wasn’t an exaggeration to say that he was indeed in the middle of a battle.
The underworld of the capital lived up to its name, exuding an ominous atmosphere.
No matter where he looked, everyone around him seemed shady, as if they all had something to hide.
Still, there was a reason he came here.
“The first act begins here.”
The first act, “The Capital’s Crack,” is about a large-scale rebellion and upheaval within the heart of the Empire.
That much he knew for sure.
And what he needed to focus on first was clear as well.
“A massive amount of illegally distributed weapons will flood the black market.”
Of course, a large-scale rebellion and coup would require a trained army, and the materials to arm them wouldn’t fall from the sky.
They would be smuggled in through underground routes.
The first act begins with the protagonist getting involved in a case related to these illegally distributed weapons.
Yes, the protagonist.
People like Noel or the Second Princess of the Holy Kingdom were labeled as key characters in the system’s scenario, but they weren’t the protagonist.
Somewhere out there was the true protagonist, the one who moves the entire story of this world and who will ultimately save it.
That person had to exist.
They must.
“Because that person is my express ticket out of this scenario.”
What Aiden had to do now was find that person and dump all the burdens currently weighing him down onto them.
He, as a mere extra, would fade away, while the true hero would step up onto the stage.
The one who would deal with all the bothersome business about being the Lionheart’s groom and saving the world.
To do that, he needed at least a vague idea of what would happen in the next few days.
If the protagonist existed in this world, they would surely get involved in whatever event was about to occur.
But…
What if it doesn’t exist?
Just like the information he had found before didn’t reveal anything, what if it truly doesn’t exist—
‘…No, it’s not certain yet.’
Isn’t that why he had come all the way here to check for himself?
“Here it is.”
While continuing his thoughts, he reached his destination.
Billy’s workshop. For a black market tool shop, it had an incredibly plain name.
As soon as he entered, a middle-aged man who clearly had no intention of greeting customers lazily looked up at him.
“Crescent Moon and Sunlight.”
After hearing the passphrase, the shopkeeper scratched his cheek and responded,
“The information costs 50 gold. What do you want to know?”
“I’ll give you 500 gold, but make sure to dig up everything you can about these.”
With that, Aiden placed a thick bundle of papers he had prepared beforehand on the counter.
It contained information on the weapons circulating in the black market. Even just understanding the general flow could easily reveal the locations of deals, the sellers, and the buyers.
The shopkeeper flipped through the documents, skimming them with his eyes. A moment later, he snorted with a sneer.
“You’re getting involved in information that’s bound to get you killed. You must like dangerous work, huh?”
“I don’t have much of a choice.”
“Ah, I see.”
The irony of having to put himself in the middle of danger to avoid danger was not lost on Aiden.
As he silently wiped the metaphorical tears in his heart, the man asked another question.
“What’s the timeline?”
“As quickly as possible. How long will it take?”
“Tomorrow is enough. Just make sure you keep your promise of 500 gold.”
As expected, his father’s acquaintance was reliable when it came to getting the job done.
Nodding his head, Aiden casually looked around the shop while the man moved the documents from the counter to his workspace.
It was clear that the black market tool shop in the capital dealt with far more products than the magic tool shop in the back alleys where Aiden used to operate.
Just seeing the items that immediately caught his eye confirmed that much.
‘Why would they sell something like this in a black market?’
Being in the “industry,” Aiden instantly recognized what the item was.
A variable mask powered by magic stones and a voice modulator. Tools perfect for committing crimes, but originally developed by government agencies. These weren’t the kind of items you’d expect to find in a place like this. It was definitely a rare, high-end product that you wouldn’t come across outside of the capital.
“Are you going to buy it? I guarantee the quality, but there’s no discount.”
“…I don’t have money.”
In reality, Noel had given him a hefty “contract fee,” so he did have quite a bit of cash, but he was certain he wouldn’t need something like this for the time being.
There weren’t many situations where he would have to go so far as to “deceive” someone—at least not in his current position.
That was, until something outside the window caught his eye.
“…?”
Aiden stretched his neck, looking out at the scene unfolding just outside the shop.
Something felt off.
It was a scene that gave him a sense of déjà vu, as if he couldn’t just leave it alone…
“…!”
And the moment he clearly recognized what was happening, his eyes started to widen.
—System Message—
A ‘Sub-Quest’ has been issued.
There will be penalties if you fail.
Would you like to check the details? [Y/N]
As soon as he saw the message pop up to match the scene outside, Aiden’s face turned pale.
“No.”
No.
No, this can’t be what he thinks it is.
With trembling eyes, Aiden checked the contents of the ‘Sub-Quest.’
He ran a hand over his tired face, eyes glazed over.
‘I don’t want to live anymore.’
That was his natural reaction, thinking about what he would have to do next.
“May I ask you something?”
“What is it?”
“How much is this?”
Aiden pointed to the mask and voice modulator that he had earlier waved off, claiming they were too expensive.
***
The black market naturally attracts all sorts of people, but there are a few unspoken rules that everyone tends to avoid.
For example, ‘standing out,’ ‘carrying valuables,’ or ‘coming unguarded.’
In that sense, this small girl was like a bleeding prey surrounded by sharks.
Her appearance was more fitting for someone attending a high society event than wandering into a place like this.
She was dressed in a luxurious suit, meticulously crafted by a master artisan, with matching gloves and boots that could easily be sold to cover a commoner’s monthly living expenses.
No matter how you looked at her, she didn’t belong here.
“Walking around like that won’t do you any good, young lady.”
And when such factors combine, people like these thugs are bound to appear, as if drawn to her like iron filings to a magnet.
A group of shady-looking men grinned wickedly, each holding weapons of questionable quality. Among them, a few carried small firearms like pistols.
To ordinary people without special abilities, this alone was enough of an excuse to pretend not to see anything. After all, this was the lawless black market, where such scenes were not uncommon.
As the group surrounded the girl, no one nearby showed any intent to intervene.
“This isn’t the kind of place you can wander around in that fancy outfit. Do you even know what kind of place this is?”
“The black market, right?”
Her answer, delivered in a cheerful tone, left the thug who had spoken dumbfounded.
She sounded like she was out for a picnic on a sunny afternoon.
Who would’ve thought she’d be dumb enough to know and still come here?
“What are you doing here?”
“For a hobby.”
Her reply was so far off the mark that the thugs were left momentarily stunned.
“What?”
“This is my first time visiting the capital’s black market. I’ve been to the back alleys of my hometown several times, though.”
The girl’s face was still smiling brightly.
“Could you help me? You guys seem just right for the job.”
The thugs exchanged glances, before bursting into laughter.
“Of course, we’ll help. Why don’t we go over there and you can tell us what you need?”
One of the men pointed to a dark alleyway nearby.
In their minds, they had already planned to rob her of everything and take her hostage to squeeze even more money from her wealthy family.
Despite the looming danger, the girl’s smile only grew brighter. It was as if she was genuinely relieved to have found people willing to ‘help’ her.
“Take your time. We have plenty of it now,” one of the thugs said, failing to maintain his composure, but the sentence was cut off when someone grabbed his shoulder tightly.
“Who the hell—!”
The thug turned around aggressively, only to freeze on the spot.
The man who had grabbed his shoulder was a nightmare to behold.
His skin was rough and scarred, as if it had been carefully carved by a knife. A scar ran from his forehead down to his neck, his nose was hooked, one of his eyes was missing, and half of his lips were gone.
Even a hardened criminal would turn pale at the sight of such an overwhelmingly terrifying appearance.
“Get lost.”
Even his voice, like the sound of metal scraping, was enough to send shivers down the spines of the thugs.
“W-what? Are you picking a fight?”
“Don’t make me say it twice.”
His voice dropped even lower.
As his hideous face loomed closer, one of the thugs let out a startled yelp.
“This is your final warning. Leave.”
His words were passionate enough to move anyone.
All the thugs understood the message and scattered without a single retort, running off as fast as they could.
“You too.”
The man, with his intimidating demeanor, turned to the girl and spoke as if he were chewing out the words.
“Go home. This isn’t a place for someone like you.”
Without hesitation, the man turned and began to walk away, as if he had no further business here.
“Mister.”
But a voice stopped him in his tracks.
“You know who I am, don’t you?”
The disguised Aiden, feeling a chill run down his spine, slowly stopped walking.
“What do you mean—”
“You didn’t come to save me, did you?”
“It’s obvious.”
She was right.
Aiden hadn’t stepped in to save the seemingly helpless girl, but rather to help the armed thugs avoid a catastrophe.
To be precise, it was because he had figured out who this girl was.
!! Sub Quest !!
You have encountered Katia Heinkel Craven, known as ‘Death Wish.’
▶ Resolve the situation as peacefully as possible.
▶ Successfully handling the situation will greatly increase the subject’s affection towards you!
▶ Failure will result in penalties.
The thugs were practically sticking their heads into a lion’s mouth, and Aiden had just pulled them back by the scruff of their necks.
“You shouldn’t have interfered. Things were just about to get interesting, and you ruined it.”
“……”
“I could have handled them under ‘self-defense,’ you know?”
The girl said this, still smiling, as she walked over to Aiden with light steps.
Her voice was sweet, like pearls rolling on a tray, but to Aiden, it felt like his veins were drying up.
“What are you going to do?”
“What do you mean, ‘what’?”
“You have to take responsibility. You ruined my leisure time.”
“I came all the way to the Empire and had some free time, so I was looking forward to a nice opportunity.”
‘Damn it. Damn it all.’
While Aiden cursed inwardly, the girl, still smiling, continued speaking.
Aiden recognized her face.
She was the second princess of the Holy Kingdom.
A key figure in the main scenario, especially on the Holy Kingdom’s side.
And now, this important person was saying,
“Why don’t you keep me company for a bit?”
As if it were no big deal.
Cliche Novel 
thank you for chapter
LikeLike