"First of all," the Marquis began, "let’s start with the basics. Rey isn’t registered as an adventurer. I’ve checked the records, and there’s no indication of her being expelled or banned either."

Well, that much makes sense. Rey doesn’t seem like the kind of person who would get herself expelled for misconduct.

But still… figuring out who Rey really is…

"Based on what you’ve said, and from what eyewitnesses have reported, Rey is undeniably skilled. For someone of her ability to remain completely unheard of… well, that’s not normal."

Is that really so unusual? Maybe to someone as knowledgeable as the Marquis, it does seem odd.

Then again, Ivy wasn’t widely known either until I started my work as an adventurer. Maybe the world is full of skilled individuals who simply go unnoticed.

Rey, I’m sure, is just one of those people.

But the Marquis seemed to have a completely different perspective.

Given his position, I suppose that’s only natural.

Having a mysterious and powerful person within his domain—no ruler would find that an easy situation to deal with.

Still, I think his concerns are unfounded.

I don’t claim to understand swordsmanship or martial discipline, but seeing Rey wield her sword with such precision makes me confident she isn’t someone with ill intentions.

And even if my instincts were wrong, it wouldn’t be a problem.

If something happens, I’ll just deal with it when the time comes.

"Lord Endlord," I said, breaking the silence.

"Hm? What is it?"

"There’s no need to worry. If Rey does turn out to be a bad person, then I’ll—" I paused briefly. "I’ll stop her myself."

That was my own resolution.

If it came to fighting Rey after spending so much time with her, I knew Ivy would be hurt. She’d defeat Rey effortlessly, as she always does, but deep down, she’d shed tears.

But I’ve decided not to let Ivy carry such burdens alone anymore. I’ll do what I can.

Perhaps this determination radiated from me, as a gust of wind suddenly swirled through the room. The Marquis’s hair was caught in its flow, whipping around as he looked at me with a mixture of shock and awe.

After a moment, he murmured softly, "…Bruno, if it comes to that, I’ll be counting on you."

"Of course. But let’s hope it never comes to that."

"Heh, indeed."

After that, the Marquis dropped the subject of Rey. He seemed to have decided that with Ivy and me around, any situation could be handled.

I admired the Marquis’s flexibility and open-mindedness. His ability to think beyond conventional norms was one of his greatest strengths. If I ever found myself in a position of power, I doubt I could make such bold decisions.

Not that I’d ever become a noble, of course… though a sudden chill ran down my spine for some reason.

"Now then, onto the next matter," the Marquis said, presenting a wooden box.

Curious, I untied the string and opened it, revealing what appeared to be food. Wait, is this…?

"Is this… Ivy?"

"Exactly. This is the newest local specialty of our town—Ivy Yaki."

Inside the box were tiny, palm-sized treats shaped like Ivy herself. Their golden-brown surfaces were perfectly baked, and the small, round eyes were carefully painted black. The craftsmanship was impressive.

Still, Ivy Yaki? I gave the Marquis a puzzled look, and he urged me to try one.

I took a bite, and a gentle sweetness spread through my mouth. The filling was a red bean paste-like substance mixed with a gooey yellow liquid. Honey, maybe?

"Some people in Akoup still fear Ivy, as I’m sure both you and she are aware."

"Yes… That’s why we’ve been avoiding bringing her into town lately."

"This is part of my plan to change their perception. By popularizing Ivy-themed goods in Akoup, I intend to transform her into a beloved mascot."

"A… mascot?"

It seemed the Marquis was frustrated by the lingering distrust some townsfolk harbored toward Ivy, despite her efforts to protect them.

To counter this, he was determined to make Ivy an idolized figure in the town.

An idol and a mascot… How would Ivy react if she heard this?

Still, it’s better to be loved than feared.

"Go ahead and push this plan as much as you’d like," I said with a smile.

"Leave it to me."

The Marquis revealed his plans to release a full line of official Ivy merchandise, including figurines, stamps, and more.

Once again, I was struck by how un-noble-like the Marquis was. But this approachable, down-to-earth attitude of his gradually changed how people in Akoup viewed Ivy.

And so, Ivy’s place in the town began to shift, little by little, from feared outcast to beloved icon.