Chapter 13 - Report to the Captain
"Volfred, it's good to see you safe."
"Captain Grato, I deeply apologize for all the trouble I caused."
Finally released from the infirmary, Volf stood in the office of the Monster Subjugation Force captain.
Behind the desk sat a man with a sturdy build, like a boulder, staring at him with piercing red eyes.
He was Marquis Grato Bartolone, captain of the Monster Subjugation Force.
Although nearing fifty, Grato was still an active knight, participating in subjugation missions in addition to leading their squad.
"I heard you were taken to the infirmary first. Any injuries?"
"No issues. Just minor eye irritation from the monster's blood."
Right after the incident, Volf had been dragged off to the infirmary.
The diagnosis was mild fatigue and anemia. As for his eyes, it was a slight irritation, so the doctor quickly cleansed them and gave him some eye drops.
Even though Volf had insisted it wasn’t serious, his comrades had made a fuss, earning the doctor’s ire and getting everyone but Volf kicked out into the hallway.
"Take a seat. I need your report."
Grato gestured toward the guest area of the room with his chin, and the two relocated.
They sat across from each other, separated by a polished black table. The spacious office held only the two of them.
"Here’s my report: After being captured by the wyvern, I stabbed it midair and fell into the forest. I confirmed the wyvern’s death. I then traveled toward the capital for two days, where I was aided by a civilian on the highway. He provided me with a potion and food, and I traveled to the capital by carriage. I reported to the royal castle through the west gate before returning to base."
"Good to hear your luck held out. You’re certain the wyvern was finished off?"
"Yes, I confirmed its death twice."
Grato nodded in approval at Volf's words.
"A wyvern is of the dragonkind. Taking one down on your own, even if you were captured, earns you the title of Dragon Slayer."
"No, it was already wounded by the squad before I brought it down. My capture by the wyvern and the subsequent two-day search by the unit were failures on my part. I will accept any punishment."
Although Volf had told Dahli it was merely a matter of writing a reflection report, if the wyvern had made its way to a populated area, it could have been catastrophic. He was bracing himself for the possibility of punishment.
However, the captain shook his head.
"You finished it off properly. That’s enough. In fact, since you've become a Dragon Slayer, perhaps I’ll recommend you for the Royal Guard."
"I must decline."
"Not many would turn down a Royal Guard recommendation like you do."
"...If I get recommended, I’ll consider leaving the Order."
"If that’s your wish, then so be it."
Grato gave a wry smile at Volf’s stony expression.
He had made a similar offer when Volfred had previously slain a highly-threatening monster, only to be met with the same blunt refusal.
For most knights, the Royal Guard was a dream post, but to this man, it seemed like a place to flee from.
"Now, about the wyvern carrying you off mid-battle. Do you think it intended to use a human as a shield?"
"I can’t say for sure. However, using a human as a shield would prevent mages from casting spells and knights from using their enhanced bows, so it would be an effective strategy."
"This is the first time we’ve encountered such behavior during a subjugation. Let’s hope those lizards don’t start getting clever ideas."
Grato ran a hand through his graying hair, his expression grim.
"If it happens again and I’m captured, feel free to attack without hesitation."
"You fool. If I were captured, you'd shoot me, wouldn't you? Unforgivable. Better yet, we have to train everyone to take down a wyvern even when they get caught."
"My apologies."
Grato let out a sigh internally.
Before him stood a man whose features were almost too perfectly chiseled—Volfred Scalfarotto.
At the age of seventeen, he enlisted and immediately volunteered for the perilous "Scarlet Armor", a position he earned within a mere six months.
Despite facing countless dangerous situations, he had never suffered a serious injury until today.
In his early years, he was often whispered about as a reckless fool, but now, both within and outside the division, he was highly regarded as a "skilled and courageous knight."
Unlike many nobles, Volfred possessed no offensive or healing magic.
His only magic was physical enhancement.
That was enough for him to face monsters without hesitation—charging, striking, dodging, and repeating the process.
Moreover, when it came to something that would benefit the hunt or the team, he would casually throw himself into reckless actions. It wasn’t so much bravery as it was recklessness, almost as if he were rushing toward death.
Grato had initially assumed he sought glory or was driven by self-sacrifice, but fighting alongside him revealed otherwise.
This man had no sense of fervor. He felt no fear. He had no desire for accolades.
He simply did what he believed needed to be done for the sake of his role, carrying it out without hesitation or attachment.
As part of the Monster Subjugation Force, it was natural for him to face powerful monsters.
As a Scarlet Armor, he naturally took on the dangerous roles of leading the charge, acting as bait, or holding the rear.
For him, it was simply his duty—nothing more, nothing less.
Grato was worried about how little weight Volf placed on himself.
"Rest until your eyes are completely healed. You’re off for six days starting tomorrow. See a doctor and return only when you're cleared. If it doesn’t improve, go to the church. I’ll take care of the expenses."
"Understood. Thank you."
With a slight cough, Volf adjusted his posture.
"Captain Grato, I have a request."
"What is it? Want a magic sword now that you’re a Dragon Slayer?"
"It's not about that."
The only time Volf had ever shown interest in conversing with him was when the topic turned to magic sword.
Since Grato owned the magic sword known as "Ash Hand," he had shown it to Volf several times, not just during hunts.
During Volf's first year, despite repeatedly warning him, "Only I can touch Ash Hand without suffering burns," he insisted on giving it a try and, as expected, ended up with burns.
If the conversation turned to magic swords, it seemed like Volf could easily spend an entire night drinking with him.
However, it seemed that today, he had a different request in mind.
"I’d like a letter of introduction to the Merchant Guild. The person who helped me in the forest is apparently a merchant. I still owe them for the potion they gave me."
"Did you forget to ask their shop’s name?"
"No, he refused payment. He said it was his way of supporting the monster subjugation efforts as a commoner. But just as I tried to continue the conversation, another carriage arrived..."
"He fled, huh? Sounds like he might have had something to hide."
Grato’s comment made Volf furrow his brow slightly.
"Something to hide? What could it possibly be?"
"Illegal gathering, being a spy for another country... There’s little reason to linger in the western forest."
"I don’t think he was that kind of person."
"Or... another possibility could be that they just didn’t want you meeting their wife or sister when you visit their house or shop?"
"I don’t think... that’s it."
Unfortunately, the moment Volf's voice had paused, it had completely turned into an affirmation.
What was said half in jest might have, surprisingly, turned out to be spot on.
This man's appearance was undeniably striking.
A tall stature paired with black hair and golden eyes—a rare combination.
He had a face so perfectly sculpted that the squad teased him, saying it was almost excessive.
Whether he desired it or not, he had a knack for capturing the attention of women.
According to what he had heard from the squad, there was a manual on how to refuse when female relatives or friends asked to be introduced to Volf.
Honestly, if he had a daughter, he would rather not introduce her to a man like him.
"...I really must ask. If possible, I'd like to show my gratitude."
"Very well. I’ll write it now. Wait here."
With a hint of sympathy for the young man, who had started to exude a slightly somber aura, Grato returned to his desk and began to move the pen across the parchment.
The ink on the parchment dried quickly after using a dryer.
"I’ll pray that you find your benefactor."
Taking the letter of introduction that was offered to him, Volf bowed his head deeply.
Then, with a slightly slower pace than when he had arrived, Volf left the captain's office.
"If Dahli-san had a lover, meeting him in a tavern or restaurant should be fine… right?"
The murmuring of the black-haired young man was heard only by the hallway.
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