Chapter 127: Paramecium
E-Rantel. Afternoon sunlight came through the glass windows of the adventurers' guild's second-floor meeting room, cutting a bright geometric patch across the floor.
Momon sat on the bench by the window, the black full-body plate armor catching the light with a cold metallic gleam.
Narberal sat beside him, long hair pulled into a high ponytail. Her flawless, snow-white skin caught the sunlight and seemed to glow like pearl. Her expression was indifferent, as though nothing in the room were worth her attention.
A knock at the door.
"Come in."
The voice came from beneath the helmet.
The door opened, and a thin, bony man walked briskly in.
He wore a deep blue formal coat, a fussy bow knotted at his collar, pencil mustache neatly trimmed. Those small eyes found Momon immediately.
"Mr. Momon of the Adamantite-ranked team Darkness?" The man gave a slight bow. "I am Chenako, Baron of the Kingdom, here at the command of First Prince Barbro to pay my respects."
His manners were impeccable — nothing to fault.
Momon rose and returned the courtesy, extending a hand in invitation. "Please sit, Baron Chenako."
"My thanks."
Chenako straightened, and his gaze left Momon.
Then he saw Narberal.
The woman seated beside the black-armored warrior — her hair dark as ink, her features as finely wrought as a temple statue.
Baron Chenako's breath stopped for a beat.
His small eyes went round. His lips parted slightly, and the pencil mustache lifted with them. He stood completely rooted to the spot, feet forgetting to move.
"You must be the lovely Miss Nabe." His voice had dropped considerably, as though afraid of disturbing something fragile. "A great pleasure. A great pleasure indeed."
Baron Chenako was not a particularly intelligent man, but in certain departments his instincts were sharply honed — and he moved quickly.
He crossed to Narberal, bent at the waist, and extended his hand in the gesture of one about to press his lips to the back of hers.
Narberal didn't move. She left Baron Chenako bent at the waist, hand suspended in midair, unable to advance and unable to retreat.
The silence lasted three seconds.
Baron Chenako straightened up, smile entirely undimmed. He told himself inwardly that a woman of that kind of beauty came with a temperament, and that was only natural.
The baron stepped back two paces and sat in the chair across from Momon.
"Mr. Momon," his gaze kept drifting irresistibly toward Narberal. "the reputation of the Darkness team preceded you all the way to the capital. Meeting you in person today, I find the reputation well-earned."
As he said this, his gaze inadvertently settled on the tips of Narberal's shoes.
Narberal's brow drew in slightly. She was running out of patience.
Baron Chenako noticed. He only found that the frown of disdain had its own particular appeal.
"Baron Chenako." Momon's voice cut through the atmosphere. "You said you came at First Prince Barbro's command. What does His Highness require?"
"Ah, right, of course."
Baron Chenako came back to himself. He produced a neatly folded handkerchief from his coat and dabbed at his temple where no sweat existed — wanting to project an air of refinement. He tucked the handkerchief away, straightened in his chair, and managed to look something like a proper envoy.
"His Highness the First Prince has always held strength in the highest regard." His tone took on the formal quality of someone reading from a prepared text. "His Highness has heard of the Darkness team's remarkable advancement to Adamantite rank — subduing the Wise King of the Forest and the Western Serpent, killing the Eastern Giant. Such capability is matched by very few in the entire Kingdom."
Momon didn't move. No reaction at all.
"Accordingly," Baron Chenako continued, "His Highness wishes to hire Mr. Momon to take charge of His Highness's personal security."
The ingratiating smile deepened.
"As for compensation, His Highness has made clear it will absolutely satisfy Mr. Momon."
This was the First Prince's plan: secure Momon's services first, then win him over with personal charisma.
Such were the calculations of a First Prince who thought very well of himself.
Momon didn't answer immediately. The gaze beneath the helmet settled on Baron Chenako's face, as though assessing something.
The gaze made Baron Chenako somewhat uncomfortable, and he redirected his attention quickly. He turned his head toward Narberal.
"Miss Nabe," he rubbed his hands together, "guard duty for His Highness is not particularly demanding. With your looks and bearing, you would certainly become the center of attention at every banquet in the capital."
As he said this, his eyes moved deliberately across Narberal's face — from brow to lips — his gaze so thick and clinging it nearly left a visible residue.
Narberal finally spoke.
"Are you a paramecium? A brainless single-celled organism. I wouldn't mind scooping your eyes out with a soup spoon."
Her voice was as cold as the frost that never melted in the Ice Prison, through any season.
Baron Chenako's smile froze.
The air in the room dropped several degrees in an instant.
Baron Chenako's mouth worked. The constructed smile cracked down the middle, a thread of genuine fury breaking through.
But he didn't let it out.
The First Prince's mission... he repeated it to himself, over and over. The mission matters. The mission matters.
He drew a deep breath and pressed the fury down. The muscle at the corner of his mouth twitched once, then the smile was back.
"Miss Nabe has quite a sense of humor." His voice was somewhat dry, but he held the tone together.
Momon cut through the weighted atmosphere.
"Nabe. Don't be rude to our guest."
Narberal pressed her lips together and said nothing further.
But the reluctance was practically written across that finely wrought face.
Baron Chenako exhaled quietly inside himself.
Not for nothing is he Adamantite rank — even his handling of subordinates is impressive. He quietly added a few points to Momon's tally in his mind.
"Mr. Momon certainly knows how to manage his people." He forced out two dry laughs and steered the conversation back. "Now then, regarding His Highness's offer of employment..."
"Agreed." Momon's answer was immediate and clean.
Baron Chenako's eyes lit up.
"Mr. Momon accepts?"
"Yes." Momon gave a slight nod. "No objection on my end."
Baron Chenako nearly leapt from his chair. The smile on his face finally recovered some genuine warmth.
"Wonderful!" The baron was visibly excited. "His Highness will be delighted to hear this!"
He stood and took a few rapid, pacing steps around the room.
"When can Mr. Momon depart? The sooner the better, naturally."
Momon paused, as though making a final calculation.
"No issue on my end. Tomorrow." He said. "Today for preparations, tomorrow for departure."