One's own problems must, after all, be solved by oneself.
At least, that's how Margaret Nearl saw things.
Having been transformed into a Bloodfiend, she'd grown significantly stronger... At the very least, she had enough confidence that if another assassination attempt came without warning, she'd survive and swiftly counterattack.
This newfound strength was the source of her confidence. She felt that, having gained this level of power, perhaps she truly could achieve the dreams she'd carried for so long...
Her thoughts were briefly interrupted there. Nearl brought her attention back to reality, raising her head to look at Don Quixote, who was sitting right in front of her.
He seemed to have recovered from the earlier atmosphere and was now chatting happily with Hai at the dining table.
Perhaps sensing Nearl's gaze, Don Quixote turned toward her, giving a playful wink.
Nearl quickly lowered her head, avoiding Don Quixote's eyes. She poked idly at her plate with her fork, her thoughts still churning endlessly within her.
The situation in Kazimierz from now on… truly does feel unpredictable.
Such a thought drifted through her mind, leaving behind a sigh of emotion.
Yet, certain things were already crystal clear.
Let this fire... ignite Kazimierz.
With renewed resolve, Nearl raised her head once more.
...
Meanwhile, at the Armorless Union—
When Aqing returned with news that he'd failed to kill Nearl, the Union fell into an awkward silence.
Especially when they heard that the mysterious La Mancha Knight accompanying the Radiant Knight had arrived earlier than expected and nearly skewered Aqing with a single spear throw, the silence only deepened into numbness.
If what Aqing had reported was true, the Armorless Union needed to consider a critical question: just how strong was that La Mancha Knight?
Exactly how powerful was he…? Could the Armorless Union even manage to kill him?
For a moment, because of this competitor-knight who had abruptly entered their view, the entire Armorless Union was thrown into complete turmoil.
After careful deliberation, they finally came to a conclusion: perhaps they could kill him—but likely at a severe cost. If possible, it'd be better to find some other way to defeat Don Quixote.
They'd already openly made enemies, and retreating without losses was clearly impossible.
Amidst their heated discussion, someone finally proposed a new idea:
"Hasn't the Kazimierz Chamber of Commerce recently admitted a new member… Lobotomy Corporation?"
"They seem unusually active lately, as if they're desperate to build a foothold… If we really have no other options, maybe we could try asking them for support?"
When he voiced this idea, he himself felt unsure.
But after some careful consideration by the group, the Armorless Union decisively agreed:
Let's do it!
Lobotomy Corporation's actions clearly indicated they were anxious to solidify their place in the Chamber of Commerce… if so, then when the Union asked for assistance, surely they'd want to earn that favor.
Let's have Lobotomy Corporation deal with this first. It would conveniently test their true capabilities… If they could handle this outright, all the better—but even if not, they'd likely drain or weaken Don Quixote significantly. At that point, taking down this troublesome La Mancha Knight would become far easier.
And so, carrying this thought, the Armorless Union quickly sprang into action. About an hour later, a man exited the Armorless Union's headquarters, heading straight for Lobotomy Corporation's local branch.
He was the same person who had proposed the idea. As he departed, a radiant smile bloomed on his face.
It was as though he could already see the path to promotions and a raise stretching out in front of him…
Soon enough, Lobotomy Corporation received this guest.
Seeing the Armorless Union arrive unannounced, the yet-incomplete branch office's first reaction was surprise. But X, as if sensing something intriguing, personally stepped in to receive this visitor.
Thus, shortly after, in X's office, the guest wrapped himself tightly in his coat and sat across from X, who was quietly sipping a cup of tea.
"So, then—what business brings this honored guest from the Armorless Union to my humble office?"
Setting down his teacup, X asked with a polite smile. The visitor chuckled dryly before responding:
"Apologies for troubling you, Mr. X. Actually, it's a simple matter of business. Just a deal—we merely wanted to inquire if you'd be interested."
"A deal commissioned by the Armorless Union?"
"Yes, precisely."
"…And what matter would prompt the Armorless Union to seek assistance from our small, humble company?"
X cooperatively asked this, his tone still casual. The guest seemed slightly irritated by X's attitude, and with a hint of malice, finally stated:
"We'd like Lobotomy Corporation to help us eliminate someone…"
"Who?"
"La Mancha Knight."
X set down his teacup, casting a genuinely surprised glance at the guest—this time his surprise was authentic, not feigned.
"And the price?"
Yet despite his initial reaction, X quickly regained composure, voicing a thoughtful question:
"How much is the Armorless Union willing to offer for him?"
"A favor from the Armorless Union and our complete support. That's what we promise Lobotomy Corporation if you succeed."
At this, the corners of X's mouth faintly curved upward. The guest didn't notice. X stood up and spoke:
"Then, please step outside for just two minutes. I'll have an answer for you shortly."
As the visitor stepped out, X leaned back in his chair, finally letting the smile he'd been holding back spill openly onto his face.
He laughed unrestrainedly, a few hearty chuckles echoing in the room, before murmuring quietly to himself with clear satisfaction:
"Just when I was worrying… you've truly sent me a magnificent hand."
After straightening his appearance, X reopened the door, inviting the guest back inside with a courteous, faintly smiling expression:
"Please come back in, my friend. Lobotomy Corporation accepts your conditions."
"However, Lobotomy Corporation never does unprofitable business. As a condition, we'd like the Armorless Union to deliver your side of the bargain first."
"…Is there something specific you'd like us to do?"
"Of course… we'd like the Armorless Union to create certain… 'situations.' Naturally, Lobotomy Corporation will also provide suitable compensation."
As X sat back down, his eyes flashed with intensity, confidently adding:
"I offer you this assurance: by the time the finals of the Kazimierz Knight Tournament arrive, you will no longer have reason to worry about Don Quixote."