Emperor’s Topaz

Topaz, the mercenary once called a hero.

Presumed dead, Topaz had been living in seclusion in the ‘Forest of Death’ for several years.

One day, an uninvited guest intruded upon the peaceful forest where no one dared to tread.

“My name is Karjen. May I ask your name, my benefactor?”

The strange mage, who called Topaz his benefactor, disrupted the peaceful daily life of the forest.

“Topaz, please protect me.”

Karjen extended his hand. It was a pale, beautiful hand.

“Please come with me. I will hire you.”

The man, who clearly couldn’t know who Topaz was, trembled his eyelids as if confessing a long-held desire. As if he were truly desperate.

Eventually, Topaz decided to accept Karjen’s request and leave the forest…

***

Topaz demanded, practically grabbing Karjen by the collar.

“Did you cast a spell on me?”

“I can lift someone like you even without magic.”

The tension dissipated thanks to the mage who, even in this situation, rambled on with trivial things, saying that even though his swordsmanship might be lacking, his basic physical strength was decent.

However, the dissipated tension shot right back up the moment Topaz realized that the direction Karjen was running was towards the balcony.

“You’re fine jumping from the 3rd floor? Your strength is that good?”

Topaz reached out with an incredulous look and groped Karjen’s shoulders and back. Judging by the wriggling back muscles, his body seemed more toned than expected…

“Of course not. Does that even have anything to do with strength in the first place?”

“Then put me down right now, you crazy bastard.”