ODKO | Chapter 13

It wasn’t entirely fair to blame Rick Wyatt for not knowing about the Viper. After all, when Cayenne had first mentioned its name, even Jack hadn’t immediately recalled it.

That was how rare it was to encounter a named monster—unless you were part of the White Knights Order, stationed at the borders.

Jack’s gaze shifted to the map spread across the round table in the conference room. Enlarged to highlight the areas near the Capital City, the map displayed the results of their ongoing monster extermination efforts.

The region surrounding the Capital City—officially under Rick Wyatt’s command but practically managed by Squad Leader Jack Carlson—was cluttered with colorful markers, each representing a successful hunt.

Among them, a single black marker, symbolizing the Viper, stood out. Perched diagonally atop the pile like a medal, it was a testament to their achievement.

‘…It’s as if someone deliberately released monsters.’

The beautiful face of the Knight Commander—who had smiled and praised him—remained vivid in Jack’s mind.

No way…

Jack tried to dismiss the hypothesis forming in his head.

No matter how you look at it, that’s impossible.

Just then, the conference room door swung open.

At the sharp sound, everyone seated at the round table rose to their feet in unison.

Today marked the first meeting presided over by the Knight Commander. The only vacant seat at the round table was his. And the only person who could walk through that door was Cayenne Madison—the Commander of the renowned Repelz, a man they had only glimpsed from afar during his inauguration ceremony.

“The Repelz welcome the Commander.”

Following the lead of those beside him, Jack stood and turned his gaze to Cayenne as he entered.

Unlike before, when he had worn his comfortable combat attire, Cayenne was now impeccably dressed in his knight’s uniform, exuding an almost ethereal presence. His aura was undeniable, his appearance striking as always.

Though Jack had faced him before, for the others, it was as if they were seeing him for the first time.

Until now, they had only observed him from a distance—on stage at the inauguration ceremony. But up close, the young Knight Commander was something else entirely. He was a man of extraordinary beauty, impossibly refined compared to the rugged knights surrounding him.

Even if he were drenched in sweat, he seemed like he’d still smell of crisp cologne rather than steel and grime.

Amidst the silent astonishment of his fellow knights, Jack found himself smiling contentedly.

It’s no wonder they’re surprised.

But he was the only one who knew Cayenne’s secret—knew that beneath the uniform was a body honed to perfection, lean and sculpted in a way that made him even more beautiful.

The thought made his heart swell.

Jack chuckled to himself and shook his head, a hint of self-reproach flickering through his thoughts.

What a fool I am… to have ever doubted someone so perfect.

To even entertain the thought that Cayenne might have released the Viper and other monsters into the area…

What could a savior-like Commander—a man who seemed to have descended straight from the heavens—possibly lack to drive him to commit such a heinous act?

It was absurd.

Everything had been nothing more than a coincidence.

“Everyone, sit.”

The Omega Knight Commander—who was even more breathtaking when he smiled—unfortunately wore a neutral expression.

Entranced, Jack couldn’t take his eyes off Cayenne. Like the others, he sat down without thinking.

“This is the first time we’re meeting properly. But surely, there’s no one here who doesn’t know who I am, so I’ll skip the formal introductions.”

Even his voice was calm and composed. Jack was impressed.

“You must have been unsettled by the sudden orders, but thank you all for your hard work.”

“No, thanks to you, we’ve gained a lot of experience.”

Miles spoke up on behalf of the group. At his polite response, Cayenne lowered his gaze slightly and offered a small smile.

Even that simple gesture was dazzling.

Jack found himself smiling even more contentedly.

“We should have gathered like this sooner, but due to personal matters, I could only receive reports for a while. Fortunately, it seems the monsters causing trouble have been somewhat subdued. Once again, thank you for your efforts.

“Especially you, Jack Carlson?”

“Yes.”

“You must have been quite surprised by the appearance of the Viper, but your bravery in facing it alone was truly remarkable.”

”…?”

All eyes turned to Jack, burning with intensity. His own widened in surprise.

Cayenne’s words—spoken with a slight smile—made the chaotic battle with the Viper flash through his mind like a revolving lantern.

“Go, Jack Rabbit!”

“Well done.”

Anyone who had been there would know—he hadn’t acted on his own will. He was merely a puppet, moving under Cayenne’s commands.

But… can that really be called bravery?

“It’s an overstatement…”

Is he mocking me, or is he genuinely praising me?

Jack was momentarily confused. His voice involuntarily shrank.

What is this…?

His chest suddenly pounded fiercely. He clutched at it instinctively, startled by the overwhelming sensation.

Cayenne’s languid smile shimmered in his vision, mesmerizing and unreadable. As their eyes met, a strange feeling washed over him—like stepping into a swamp he hadn’t realized was there.

“His Majesty the Emperor is very pleased with the news. So, by His Majesty’s special order, all members of the Repelz will receive a reward leave.”

“Leave, you say?”

“Yes!”

Rick Wyatt—who had contributed the least—was, ironically, the most excited. He clenched his fists in victory while the others at the round table lit up with joy.

Everyone except Jack Carlson, whose gut twisted with an inexplicable sense of foreboding.

“Everyone will receive a fortnight of leave, with only the minimum personnel required to maintain the system. The allocation of personnel and redistribution of duties will be handled by the Vice Commander, and each department should adjust accordingly and submit for approval.”

“Understood.”

Even Miles, who hadn’t had a proper break in ages, responded with a rare note of excitement in his voice.

Cayenne’s gaze swept over the table before settling on Jack—the only one who had yet to smile.

“Jack Carlson?”

“Yes.”

Jack, who hadn’t taken his eyes off Cayenne since he entered, responded immediately to the unexpected call.

“Your position is changed to my personal secretary, effective today. Pack your belongings and report to the Commander’s office tomorrow.”

“Yes. …Yes??”

“The Commander’s secretary, you mean?”

Jack, Rick Wyatt, and Miles all spoke at nearly the same time.

Jack was bewildered by the sudden change in position. Rick Wyatt was shocked at losing a valuable worker. And Miles—he was simply intrigued.

Miles tilted his head.

Within the knights, the position of the Commander’s personal secretary was akin to a chief attendant. It was rare—almost unheard of—for a commoner to be appointed. Though Cayenne had casually referred to it as a position change, it was, in reality, a dramatic promotion—one that skipped multiple ranks.

Leaning lazily against the table, Cayenne locked eyes with Jack.

“I’ve been away at the borders for a long time, so I’m unfamiliar with the inner workings of the Capital. I need a personal secretary.”

“If that’s the case, surely there are more suitable candidates. I could compile a shortlist—”

“If you can handle a Viper alone, your skills are sufficient. That’s enough.”

Miles raised an eyebrow. Cayenne’s tone was firm—his decision final.

Jack, caught in the middle of a conversation about his fate, between the Commander and the Vice Commander, kept his mouth shut like a mute who had swallowed honey.

“There might be rumors.”

Miles’ voice carried a note of caution. Jack wasn’t offended. He understood Miles’ concern.

Cayenne Madison, despite the rumors of being a troublemaker, was a Madison—a family second only to the royal bloodline.

There were plenty of nobles and high-ranking knights eager to curry favor with him, desperate for any connection to the Madison family. The position of the Commander’s secretary was highly desirable, and if Jack—a commoner—took it, it was inevitable that both he and Cayenne would be caught in the crossfire of speculation and gossip.

“Rumors?”

Even Jack, who wasn’t a noble, understood Miles’ point. But instead of concern, Cayenne’s smooth lips curled into an amused, twisted smile.

“Who would dare question someone who caught a Viper alone?”

The room fell eerily silent.

The air turned ice-cold.

Even though Cayenne was clearly defending him, Jack shivered—as if he were the one being targeted by that chilling tone.

“If someone more capable wants the position, let them come forward.”

Cayenne’s gaze swept over the room, his voice carrying an undeniable weight.

“To be the personal secretary of Cayenne Madison, you need to display this level of ability—regardless of background or rank. Don’t you think?”

He tapped a slender finger against the map on the table, right over the section marked with the highest concentration of monster exterminations.

Jack’s assigned area.

The group, as if on cue, collectively shut their mouths and nodded.

No one had the guts to argue against Cayenne’s cold, commanding aura.

And more importantly, no one had the logic to refute the evidence laid out before them.

Jack swallowed, rolling his eyes upward in thought.

It’s a promotion. That’s supposed to be a good thing, right?

Having someone like Cayenne personally take care of a lowly commoner knight like me should be something to be grateful for, shouldn’t it?

And yet—

That unsettling feeling in his chest refused to disappear.

Because Cayenne’s unwavering insistence on choosing him had led Jack to a realization—one he had desperately been trying to ignore.

Could it be that the impossible… was actually true?