30 Years After Reincarnating, It Turns Out This World Was A Rofan?! novel Chapter 8

If the troll's blood gave Ihan astonishing recovery abilities and immense strength, the gnoll's blood granted him a heightened sense of smell and keen instincts.

While there's much to be said about his instincts, let's set that aside for now. His sense of smell, however, was three times sharper than that of an average human, giving him an extraordinary power.

The ability to remember people by scent alone.

Like dogs with poor eyesight who rely on their noses to recognize their owners even years later, Ihan, somewhat unintentionally, developed the ability to remember people by their scent rather than their face.

...Once he got used to it, it turned out to be quite convenient.

"...I'm leaving now."

"What about your wages?"

"Just deposit it into the bank like always. And don’t forget—otherwise, you know what’ll happen."

"Look, I may not worry about the others, but I wouldn't dare shortchange you, Lihan. In fact, I’m more likely to give you double! Just promise not to work anywhere else."

"I know."

Ihan casually responded to the foreman's words and then splashed water on himself from the well.

Washing away the sweat and dust, he dried off with a towel, achieving a modest sense of cleanliness.

After changing into a relatively clean set of clothes, he stepped outside...

"‘She’ is waiting for you."

"...Sigh."

An elderly butler, who exuded an air of experience, greeted him with a polite bow.

At the sight of the familiar face, Ihan could only let out a sigh.

"Seems like you’re working hard, old man."

"Haha, what hardship is there? Please, this way."

"Haa..."

There were many reasons why Ihan found this particular butler, Albert, troublesome, but three stood out above the rest.

One of those reasons was that Albert was not just a butler but a noble with the title of baron.

Not just any noble, either—he came from a distinguished family that had served the royal family for generations. Even those with higher titles couldn’t treat him carelessly.

While Ihan wasn’t one to care about noble status, dealing with someone of Albert's stature was undoubtedly uncomfortable.

What made it worse was that, despite his status, the baron treated everyone, be they commoners or beggars, with equal respect, running an orphanage and being an exemplary figure.

That was the second reason Ihan found him difficult to deal with.

It would be easier if the butler were cold or confrontational; then Ihan could just ignore him. But no, Albert was far too upstanding for that.

And the final reason, the most significant one...

"Ho ho, it seems your physique has improved again. It’s always a pleasure to see such steady progress."

"Ah, yes."

"At this rate, I believe you’ll be able to land a blow on Baltar one day. Keep up the good work."

"...Haha."

The fact that this man was one of the kingdom’s three Aura Users made him particularly intimidating.

For the record, Baltar was the captain of the Third Division and the very person who had brought Ihan into the knight order.

‘This guy is crazy in his own way, too.’

Though clearly a man of virtue, Ihan couldn’t understand why someone hailed as a superhuman would continue working as a butler.

Then again, if he considered the fact that Baltar, another Aura User, remained content as the captain of the Third Division instead of taking on a more prestigious role in the military, it seemed that all of these Aura Users were eccentrics.

Ihan knew better than to let these thoughts show on his face. One wrong expression, and he might end up facing this man in combat again.

They had fought once before, after all.

‘And it was terrifying.’

Albert was the perfect gentleman in everyday life, but the moment he picked up a weapon...

"You're late."

...Ah, great.

Before Ihan could finish his train of thought, he found himself standing near a luxurious carriage in a quiet alley.

"I’m not late. I didn’t mean to be, anyway."

"Your words are as polished as ever, Albert. No doubt you were just gossiping or chatting idly, causing the delay."

"Haha, your highness, such a harsh misunderstanding. Too cruel."

"Hmph! Ridiculous nonsense."

Although the tone of voice sounded haughty and harsh, the unmistakable air of nobility and poise in her voice was undeniable.

Feeling the overwhelming presence of the speaker, Ihan glanced at Albert with a dismayed expression as if to ask, "Do I really have to get into that carriage?"

"Please, step inside."

Without offering a real answer, Albert politely opened the door and practically ushered Ihan into the carriage.

...The old man had no mercy.

Inside the carriage, two maids stood among the extravagant decor, adorned with various gems and magical items.

The interior was far more magnificent than what could be seen from the outside, as if the exterior had only hinted at the true luxury within.

However, even the brilliance of the jewels paled in comparison to the noble aura of the veiled woman seated within.

With a wry smile, Ihan bowed his head inside the carriage, which was spacious enough to comfortably fit five people lying down.

"It’s been a while, your highness."

"Hmph, how heartless. How could you, a supposed friend, be out of touch for so long?"

"Life’s been busy."

"Nonsense. If you had accepted my sponsorship, you would have had more than enough free time."

"Haha."

Snap.