The Unflappable Mercenary

Standing before Mofimod Rigles, Domu suddenly realized she didn’t even know who he was. She could only stand there awkwardly, at a complete loss for how to begin the conversation.

She certainly couldn’t just blurt out, “Um, could you please rein in your aura? You’re freezing everyone here, and that’s really not appropriate!”

And so, Domu remained where she was, feeling strangely flustered in front of the tall, fierce-eyed man.

“You must be the legendary mercenary, the Silver Reaper, Lady Domu, correct? I am Mofimod Rigles, the Second Legion Commander of the Norachi Kingdom. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

Mofimod spoke first, extending his right hand in a formal gesture, inviting a handshake.

Ah… what a relief, Domu thought as she heard him take the initiative. This fierce-looking gentleman is surprisingly considerate.

However, the moment she heard his name, Domu felt a slight jolt of surprise.

So this intimidating man was indeed Mofimod Rigles—the Second Legion Commander.

No wonder his gaze is so intense, she thought. But even so, releasing such an uncomfortable aura in a crowded place like this… that’s still not very considerate…

Domu felt that she should say something about it. But seeing Mofimod’s outstretched hand, her ingrained politeness took over. She decided to return the gesture first.

“Mr. Mofimod, I am Domu. It is an honor to meet you.”

Domu extended her right hand and clasped his.

“…Mr. Mofimod?” Domu added after a moment, a hint of confusion slipping into her voice.

When she tried to withdraw her hand, she discovered that Mofimod was still holding it firmly, making it impossible to pull away.

“Lady Domu, might I ask about your relationship with the beautiful lady behind you? Perhaps you would be so kind as to introduce her to me?”

Though Mofimod’s eyes remained cold, his tone was remarkably polite.

“This is Soronna,” Domu replied without hesitation. “She’s the first friend I made in the Norachi Kingdom… and my best friend.”

Domu felt something slightly strange about the prolonged handshake, but since this was her first time experiencing such etiquette in this world, she assumed this was simply how it was done. As such, she paid it no further mind and continued speaking naturally.

“Heh… is that so? Your best friend?”

Mofimod felt a flicker of irritation rise within him at Domu’s words.

This man… was far from simple.

Even under the subtle pressure of his killing intent, he remained completely composed. And that deliberate emphasis—first friend—was it a provocation? A calculated statement meant for him?

Though Domu’s face was hidden behind full plate armor, Mofimod’s gaze shifted past her—and there he saw it.

Princess Soronna’s cheeks, faintly flushed red.

‘…This cannot continue.’

Mofimod’s thoughts sharpened instantly.

‘This man’s methods are far too insidious. Princess Soronna is completely defenseless against such tactics… Very well. Let me see just how much strength a fellow Demigod truly possesses.’

Still gripping Domu’s hand, Mofimod released his full Demigod-level special aura—[Repel the Weak]—and focused it entirely on Domu alone.

For someone like Mofimod, who had long since mastered his Demigod powers, controlling this aura was effortless. Its intensity, its precision—everything was perfectly calibrated.

Not a single trace leaked outward.

Even with Soronna standing so close, she would not be affected in the slightest.

In battles between Demigods, this ability was far from trivial. When used with precision, it could disrupt an opponent’s mental state, create openings, even cause humiliation—frothing at the mouth, loss of control—if the opponent was caught completely unprepared.

And now—

Mofimod felt it.

His aura struck Domu directly.

Cleanly.

Without resistance.

“…?”

A flicker of surprise crossed his mind.

How could this man—this enigmatic Domu—be so careless? Or was it intentional?

Normally, Demigods instinctively guarded against such mental intrusions. Even among the Legion Commanders, maintaining a defensive mental barrier was second nature.

Yet Domu…

Showed no defense whatsoever.

‘Heh. Then this is not my fault,’ Mofimod concluded coldly. ‘He brought this upon himself. Or perhaps… he was never a true Demigod to begin with?’

His gaze hardened slightly.

‘Is this “Silver Reaper” nothing more than a pretty face who deceived Princess Soronna? What a disappointment…’

He studied Domu, waiting.

Waiting for the inevitable reaction.

‘Should I have Princess Soronna step back?’ he considered. ‘If this man loses control of himself, it would be unsightly… especially before her.’

Yet—

Nothing happened.

“Um… Mr. Mofimod, I apologize, but this is my first time performing a handshake. I’m not quite sure how long this custom usually lasts…”

Domu suddenly spoke, her voice carrying a faint trace of embarrassment.

“Impossible!”

Mofimod’s composure shattered.

His pupils shrank sharply as he stared at Domu—who stood there completely unaffected.

“…Uh, Mr. Mofimod, I didn’t mean anything improper by asking…” Domu added nervously, misunderstanding his reaction entirely.

With so many people watching, she simply felt awkward continuing the handshake for so long.

Did I say something rude…?

‘How… is this possible…?’

Mofimod’s thoughts spiraled.

His [Repel the Weak] had unquestionably struck.

Directly.

Without resistance.

And yet—

No effect.

Unless…

‘…Unless he possesses an artifact capable of negating magical influence.’

His eyes narrowed.

‘Items of that caliber are at least Artifact-grade… possibly higher. It seems I have greatly underestimated him.’

Just as Mofimod was lost in thought—

“You perverted old man! Haven’t you held on long enough?! Let go—Domu is mine!”

Soronna suddenly stepped forward.

In one swift motion, she forcibly pulled Mofimod’s hand away from Domu’s grip, then spread her arms wide, positioning herself in front of Domu like a protective mother hen shielding her chick.

Her lips were tightly pressed together, her eyes filled with unmistakable hostility.

“Ah… So—Soronna…” Domu was completely caught off guard.

After all, this was the very same man whose aura had made Soronna tremble just moments ago.

She had never expected Soronna to step forward like this—especially against someone of Mofimod’s status.

Is it really okay to call him a perverted old man…? Domu worried silently.

“Ah… Prin— cough… I was presumptuous. My apologies, Miss Soronna.”

For the first time, Mofimod’s expression showed genuine disarray.

He had nearly slipped.

Nearly addressed her as Princess.

He immediately corrected himself, coughing lightly and lowering his head in apology.

‘Princess Soronna…’

His thoughts hardened once more.

‘As your tutor… as a Legion Commander… it is my duty to remove those with impure intentions from your side. Even if you resent me for it… I will not falter.’

“Lady Domu,” Mofimod continued, regaining his composure, “do you possess any item capable of blocking magical energy?”

“Soronna, that’s very impolite,” Domu said gently, reaching out to pat Soronna’s pink hair. “How can you call Mr. Mofimod a… pervert? Even if his eyes are green, that’s not a nice thing to say.”

“…Ah, Mr. Mofimod, I sincerely apologize. My friend is still a bit childish, and her personality can be impulsive. Please don’t take offense.”

Domu then answered honestly.

“As for an item that blocks magical energy… yes. The armor I’m wearing does have that function.”

She spoke calmly, completely unaware of the faint twitch at the corner of Mofimod’s eye.

“…Armor?” Mofimod repeated, unable to hide his surprise.