However, the kindness he felt toward the other party was merely a personal sentiment. Ian immediately cast aside his emotions and returned to his usual, analytical mindset—the perspective of a player who judged everything based solely on efficiency and performance.
“… That’s right. If I had called just to apologize, I wouldn’t have needed to set up a meeting like this.”
Aire, who had been laughing and chatting, suddenly wore a serious expression. She rose from her seat and approached Ian.
“Did you enjoy your meal?”
“Yes? Oh, well….”
“Yeah, it was delicious.”
Aire smiled and lowered her head. Was there something in the food? Just as Ian glanced at his bowl with suspicion, Aire suddenly lifted her hand lightly.
“You’re already addicted.”
“… What?”
“To Aire’s cuteness!”
“……?”
“Do you need an antidote?”
Ian’s expression stiffened as he watched Aire press a finger to her cheek in a playful manner. What? Addicted to what?
When he didn’t respond, Aire seemed to realize something was wrong. She half-cried as she turned to find her maid.
“Oh no, it didn’t work!”
“Hey, I thought it would definitely work if I was cute….”
“Oh, what do I do? He probably thinks I’m some weirdo now!”
“… So, Senior, are you saying my food was poisoned?” Ian, still confused by the situation, finally asked.
Aire blinked at him, as if trying to comprehend his words, “Why would I poison your food?”
“No, you just said I was ‘addicted’….”
“T-That! … Did you really not get it?”
“No.”
“… Then I’m happy.”
“… What?”
“Nothing!”
Aire burst into laughter at Ian’s cluelessness. Still chuckling, she sat back down and spoke again.
“I’ll say it again! Ian Clark! Join my side!”
Ian felt a strange sense of déjà vu, as if he had heard this before. Without hesitation, he declined.
“I’m sorry, Senior.”
“Uh, why? Last time, you even gave me conditions! Listen to my proposal again, okay? I made sure to prepare conditions you wouldn’t want to refuse this time!”
“Even if the duke himself offered me everything, I have no intention of becoming your subordinate.”
“… Should I take that as an insult to our duke?”
At that moment, the maid standing behind Aire stiffened. Her expression turned ice-cold, and if Ian hadn’t been a guest, she might have already drawn her dagger.
Sensing the silent threat, Ian remained unfazed and calmly explained his refusal.
“It’s not like that.”
“Then what? No matter how talented you are, Ian, if you don’t give me a good reason….”
“Senior, can I hear your reason for wanting me first?”
At his question, Aire hesitated. Why did she want to recruit Ian? She had heard rumors that he was an outstanding candidate to become the next duke, and those around her had strongly advised her to recruit him.
That was the extent of it—purely political motives. She sought to expand the northern territories and strengthen her influence.
Hearing her answer, Ian shook his head.
“That’s too small.”
“… Small?”
“Yes. Your ambition is too small. It isn’t something that can contain a person like me.”
“The Duke of Elnes’ ambitions are small?”
It was a blatant insult that couldn’t be ignored. Aire Elnes might have been kind and carefree, but she wouldn’t allow her family to be humiliated.
“You can take responsibility for those words.”
“My goal is to defeat the Demon King.”
“… What?”
For a moment, Aire was speechless. She stared blankly at Ian, and her maids behind her wore the same stunned expression.
But Ian paid no mind to their reactions. He continued, his voice firm.
“I want to slay the Demon King, eradicate demons from this world, and turn the entire continent into the domain of humankind. That is my goal.”
What do you think? Too big of a dream?
As Ian spoke, Aire fell into silence. She thought for a long time before finally reaching a conclusion.
“… Are you an idiot?”
“I’m not an idiot.”
“No, you totally are. A huge idiot.”
Even with her lack of scholarly brilliance, Aire could tell how absurd Ian’s ambition was.
It was a dream shared by all of humanity—one that no one had ever been able to achieve. It was considered a miracle.
And Ian was dreaming of performing that miracle. No, he wasn’t just dreaming—he intended to make it happen himself.
Since ancient times, miracles had been the domain of gods alone. Yet Ian spoke as if he would become a god himself.
Only madmen spoke like that. Either Ian was insane, or he was an utterly foolish dreamer.
“A colossal idiot.”
However, some things could only be accomplished by fools of his caliber. Some dreams could only be pursued by those reckless enough to chase them.
“Ahahaha! You’re really crazy.”
Aire laughed until tears streamed down her face. Holding her stomach, she laughed for so long that she started slapping her thighs in amusement.
When she finally managed to stop, she looked at Ian with a grin.
“That’s great! Let’s do it!”
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