252,

Allen's hero Cyclone‧Theodore, in order to make the tactical strategies of the Allen Army perfect, even when faced with capture and interrogation, still adhered to his own glory as a hero.

Until his death, he did not succumb to the temptation of demons and did not reveal any information about King Allen, writing an indispensable achievement for the victory of the Allen Army.

"..."

After listening to Cabellus' explanation of "dead people," Cyclone responded with a smile.

Although theoretically correct, the actual situation seemed to have some discrepancies.

"See! They say he's a fake, do you think you can fool me, Cabellus!?"

Looking at Cyclone's silent smile, Mathews decisively concluded that Cyclone was not that hero.

Indeed, even the protagonist of the story himself appeared confused, making it difficult for outsiders to believe, but Cabellus burst into laughter.

"Hahaha~ Mathews, is it your first time meeting a poet?"

"Huh!?"

Mathews was initially confused, after all, the man in front of him, Cabellus, claimed to be the greatest poet of the present age.

And Mathews had a lingering question, aren't poets just to play with poetry, to pass down their literary talents? Even if a poet is skilled, they are only famous, how could they be called "great"?

Of course, the only thing Mathews couldn't understand right now was how Cabellus could laugh so heartily after being exposed.

"Ah! Stories, they always have some discrepancies with reality~ You can understand that incident because it really happened, but you must never fully believe in all the details within it."

"Tch!"

Mathews immediately rejected it, as he felt that Cabellus' words were contradictory.

But Cyclone understood a bit. Apart from being able to relate to it personally, he also believed that there were similar situations when it came to people's understanding of demons.

"I know you may not believe it, but I am certain that he is Allen's hero."

Suddenly becoming serious, Cabellus looked at Cyclone earnestly.

"Alright, alright, I won't argue with you anymore, it's meaningless, if you say he is, then he is."

"Cyclone, my buddy, dwarves are just stubborn like that."

It seemed that Cabellus also didn't want to continue this topic, reluctantly shifting the focus to the issue of race.

However, Cyclone felt that this was just avoiding the issue. Although he had no obligation to assert his identity, having his name and existence denied was unacceptable.

If he didn't even acknowledge his own value and existence, then what meaning would there be in living?

"Well, you can consider me as a fraud then."

So, in the end, Cyclone added a sentence.

"I am Cyclone‧Theodore~ Whether I am a hero or not... I don't know how to prove it to you, after all, I never considered myself one."

Cyclone smiled, perhaps this was the first time he spoke so sentimentally.

Even if the name of Allen's hero was not truly deserved, even if everything Cyclone gained during this time was obtained through deception, he was still himself, the young man named Cyclone‧Theodore.

"But I am Cyclone‧Theodore, this is the name my mother gave me."

After Cyclone's speech, the two of them fell silent for a few seconds.

"Oh, I see..." said Cabellus, after thinking for a moment, he took a step forward.

"Since you've introduced yourself with your last name, as a gentleman who has learned etiquette, I must do the same~"

"Only you would do something like this~" Mathews commented on the spot, but Cabellus continued undeterred.

"Even if those city dwellers have forgotten what etiquette is, I am a poet, and I will never forget!"

With one hand patting his chest, Cabellus said confidently,

"Cabellus Stephen."

Extending his hand, Cabellus wanted to shake hands and show goodwill to Cyclone.

This reaction was actually unexpected for Cyclone, he had just spoken on impulse.

But since Cabellus extended his hand, Cyclone, considering himself a gentleman, should respond with a handshake.

The two shook hands, and at the same time, Mathews stepped forward.

"Really..." he said, crossing his hands, and he also extended his hand.

"Mathews Elia."

"Hehehe~" Cabellus smirked as he saw Cyclone shake hands with Mathews.

"I knew it~ Dwarves are all tsundere~"

"Shut up!"

And so, as a result of a pair of tighty whities, a complex web of relationships began.

***