Arknightcraft Modpack

“Am I causing you trouble by showing up, Mr. Steven?”

Seeing the complicated expression on Steven’s face, the white-haired old man was momentarily taken aback, clearly not understanding his reaction.

“No, not at all. It has nothing to do with you, elder. It’s all my fault—my fault entirely.”

My fault for being too amazing.

Steven sighed regretfully. He still couldn’t figure out how these people managed to assess him so accurately. Logically speaking, shouldn’t those in higher positions be more shortsighted? How else would they clash with protagonists in stories?

But with the elder treating him so respectfully right off the bat, Steven couldn’t bring himself to provoke him, no matter how much of a joker he was.

“That’s good to hear. My name is Carmen, one of Iberia’s Saints and the chief commander of this operation.”

With a kind smile, the elder exuded an air of refined elegance. Despite the marks of time etched on his face, it was clear he must have been an extraordinarily handsome and robust young man in his prime.

But Steven wasn’t concerned about any of that. He didn’t even care about the elder’s title. All he was pondering was how to make himself appear weaker than he actually was.

If everyone treated him so respectfully, where would he find opportunities for fun later on?

“Saint Carmen, are you here to escort my daughter and me to the Inquisition?”

Steven posed a crucial question, as he was still itching to visit the Inquisition and experience it firsthand.

“I don’t believe that will be necessary. I’ve already heard from a friend about you and the Abyssal Hunter accompanying you. You’ve done nothing to violate Iberian law, so there’s no need for the Inquisition to pass judgment on you.”

Carmen’s tone remained polite and steady as he shook his head, effectively declaring Steven innocent.

“Your friend… is it the green-haired, pretending to be young, cat-eared old lady?”

Steven frowned. The only person he could think of who knew about his actions was Kal’tsit. Why was she always meddling?

“Green-haired, pretending to be young… Pfft, hahaha!”

Carmen was momentarily stunned, then burst out laughing as he pieced together Steven’s description. It had been years since anyone had managed to make him laugh this heartily. Even Dario and Irene, standing nearby, were surprised by the sight.

“Yes, indeed. That green-haired, cat-eared lady,” Carmen confirmed with a hearty smile.

It was the first time anyone had described that woman in such a way, and Carmen found it thoroughly amusing.

“She assured me that neither you nor your companion are affiliated with the Church of the Deep. In fact, she mentioned that you helped us clear out a hidden stronghold of the Church in this village. I should be thanking you for that.”

“They provoked me first. No need to thank me—I didn’t do it for your sake.”

Steven waved dismissively. Since Kal’tsit had already vouched for him, it was clear there wouldn’t be much excitement ahead. And to think he had waited so long for the Inquisition to show up, only for this anticlimax.

Carmen, observing Steven’s apparent lack of interest, couldn’t help but feel he now understood why Kal’tsit had described him as a peculiar character. Truly, this young man was an enigma.

Despite his seemingly carefree and mischievous demeanor, there was an undeniable aura of menace about him—an unusual combination that defied logic.

“If you’re really intent on thanking me,” Steven suddenly said, scratching his head, “how about treating me to some pork chop rice? Since I’m already here, it’d be a shame not to try the signature dish.”

The elder and the two Inquisitors looked at Steven with confusion as he patted his stomach earnestly.

“Huh? Do you even know what you’re saying?”

Irene, who had been holding back from commenting, finally couldn’t help herself. She had assumed Steven would make some outrageous demand, given his strength and the opportunity to leverage his position. But all he asked for was… pork chop rice?

Did he think the Inquisition was a family restaurant or a street-side eatery?

“Yeah, and make it four—no, five servings. One for my daughter, two for me, and the rest to-go,” Steven said, raising five fingers with a serious expression.

“Of course, that’s the least we can do for you.”

Carmen quickly adjusted, smiling broadly as he nodded at Steven’s request.

This young man was fascinating. It had been a long time since Carmen had encountered someone so refreshingly unique.

“Once I finish eating, I’m leaving. Are you sure there’s nothing else you want to ask me?”

Steven couldn’t help but marvel at how patient these old-timers were. Neither Kal’tsit nor Carmen had given him the kind of confrontational fun he was looking for.

“That’s entirely your choice,” Carmen replied, still smiling serenely.

“However, it seems someone else doesn’t plan on letting you and your companion leave so easily.”

Before Carmen could finish, his gaze shifted toward another part of the village. The sound of clashing steel and the distinctive low growls of the Sea Terrors indicated the arrival of trouble.

To everyone’s surprise, Steven was the first to dash toward the commotion.

“Leave this to me!” he shouted midway.

Two missed opportunities for a fight had left Steven itching for action. Now, all he wanted was an outlet for his frustration.

For Sea Terrors to show up right now? Perfect timing. A blessing, even.

He was itching for a fight.