Chapter 103: Exposed Identity

“Alright, I can tell you some things, but I hope you don’t spread them around.” Lanser, now unburdened, leaned back directly on the sofa.

“Uh~ where do you want to start?” Lanser suddenly realized he didn’t know where to begin and asked.

“Your name and true identity.” Although Asuna knew Lanser’s identity from Kirito and it was recorded in the school files, her intuition told her there was more to the story.

“Lanser—Lanser is my real name.” He took some food from his backpack and placed it on the table, gesturing for them to join.

“And your identity?”

“A knight, a knight of Great Britain. Though I have no official title, I did earn knighthood under His Majesty’s sword.” As he spoke, Lanser couldn’t help but recall the questions he had asked under the moonlight and his own answers.

“His Majesty?” Asuna was puzzled but said no more. Lanser’s expression revealed everything—the relationship between him and that king was far from ordinary. What puzzled her was that the queen was already quite old now, and from Lanser’s usual demeanor, everything seemed normal—

Unconsciously, Asuna had shaped Lanser into someone else, but fortunately, she hadn’t voiced it; otherwise, he might have spat blood on the wall.

“Alright, it looks like you’re not lying about this, but I need you to explain why Kayaba asked for your help.” The atmosphere in the room instantly grew tense, while Liz and Silica stared intently at Lanser, eager to hear his explanation.

“Very well.” Lanser leaned back on the sofa, clasping his hands together. “Actually, this matter is not easy for me to explain.” After sipping his tea, he looked at Asuna. “You can’t even hold weapons in front of them, so only I have the ability to stand against them. But even if you could fight, what would you rely on? In Kayaba’s game, the rules were completely nullified—no equipment, no skills. Tell me, under such circumstances, could you confidently face unknown enemies?” Lanser knew his words were harsh, but it was for their own good. Almost every protagonist, male or female, liked to meddle; he truly didn’t want them to go, so naturally, he had to be stern to stop them.

“...” The three fell silent after Lanser’s words. He quietly sipped his tea, knowing they needed time.

“Proof?”

“What proof?”

“Proof that you’re stronger than us.” Asuna stared unblinking into Lanser’s eyes, as if trying to see something within. Lanser showed no fear, only a bitter smile. He knew Asuna’s nature was very strong-willed, but not to this extent. She should understand why he didn’t want them to go, but still refused to admit it. He could explode with power just like when confronting Kayaba, but doing so would leave a bad impression on these girls.

“Hey, what’s going on?” A voice suddenly entered Lanser’s ears as he was troubled. Naturally, he replied, “Can’t you see I’m struggling here?”

No sooner had he spoken than he sensed trouble. As expected—when he looked over, the girls stared at him without moving, and the battle-hardened Lanser felt a chill down his spine.

“Who… are you talking to?” As the leader, Asuna asked, while Lanser saw curiosity shining in the other two’s eyes.

“I really am an idiot.” Lanser helplessly covered his face.

“Come out, Vlad.” Lanser slumped on the sofa like a puddle of mud.

“Hey, hey, aren’t we practically equals? Don’t boss me around.” Vlad appeared beside Lanser, then, heedless of the three girls’ gazes, sat next to him and said, “As compensation, give me a bottle of red wine.”

“You just said all that for wine?” Lanser found every heroic spirit quite amusing. He casually pulled a bottle of red wine from his backpack and tossed it to him, along with two glasses.

“...” The three girls were stunned into silence. Magic didn’t exist in the game; it was a world of swords only. Yet such a sudden appearance was impossible through mere items. They were instantly confused.

“Not bad~” Vlad said to Lanser, squinting slightly after sipping the wine.

“Alright, ladies, snap out of it.” Lanser ignored the wine extortion attempt and waved to the three girls.

“Oh—oh—oh.” The three stared fixedly at Vlad, who, eyes closed tasting the wine, felt uncomfortable all over. He helplessly looked at them and said, “Could you three beautiful ladies not do this?” Their faces flushed instantly.

“Hey, what are you doing?” Lanser saw through it, but since Vlad was obviously joking, he stopped him with words instead of action.

“What’s going on?” The three quickly regained composure after blushing and looked at Vlad in surprise.

Lanser sighed helplessly. “Once he introduces himself, you’ll understand what just happened.”

“Ladies,” Vlad bowed with noble grace, “I am Vlad the Third. You may call me Lord Vlad or—” He suddenly opened his mouth wide, revealing pronounced fangs, “Count Dracula.”

The three screamed and immediately drew their weapons.

“Vlad, they’re my friends. Your joke went too far.” Lanser patted Vlad’s back helplessly.

“Haha, it seems my other name still works.” Though laughing, Lanser sensed Vlad’s sadness. His true name had been forgotten, but this legendary one was widely known. As a heroic spirit, it must be heartbreaking.

“Get used to it. At least they still recognize your other name. I, on the other hand, never even had my name recorded in history.” Lanser comforted him.

“That’s true.” Although unspoken, Vlad’s mood visibly improved after hearing Lanser.

“My name? History?”

“Oh no!” That was Lanser’s first thought. “Lanser, who exactly are you? And if this guy’s telling the truth, why do you know a vampire?”

“You don’t know his identity?” An interjection came as Lanser was pondering how to handle the situation.

“Vlad—”

“He’s a more infamous executioner than me.” Vlad had already revealed Lanser’s identity.