Chapter 94

Chapter 94

Investing Through the Status Window.

Episode 94: The Greedy Lady (4).

…There was no doubt she had seen something. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have declared so blatantly that she would take him away.

Group Leader Viola briefly looked at Elizabeth, who was pretending to be refined with her smile. Of course, she knew all too well the sinister intentions hidden behind that smile. They weren’t acquaintances of just a day or two, after all.

Of course, the Group Leader wasn’t the kind of person to be easily played by the Lady’s whims either.

“What are you talking about all of a sudden?”

“After meeting, it seems we get along well, and our tastes match… You know, I really like him.”

It was clear that wasn’t the only reason.

Group Leader Viola felt unusually suffocated and uncomfortable in her chest.

“…It’s a bit much. Hearing you talk about taking my person away so casually.”

“Oh my, did it sound like that? Since you said he was just decent, I didn’t know he was that important.”

“Important or not, it’s a matter of trust… And, what about Group Leader Rados?”

“That man, well… should I give him to you?”

As the face of Group Leader Viola hardened, the Lady covered her mouth and laughed with a wave of her hand.

“I’m just kidding, just kidding. So serious… Can’t we even talk about stuff like this, being sisters?”

Viola looked at Elizabeth quietly and then nonchalantly remarked.

“…Alright, then do as you wish. After all, it’s up to each person’s heart.”

The Lady she had been observing for a long time was definitely not the type to just watch her prey without doing anything. She would try to poke around by any means. Perhaps, the more she would resist, the more persistently she might attack, so it might be better to keep a distance like this.

Of course, the moment she thought that, the Group Leader’s heart felt strangely tormented and ached.

…Although she believed that the upright Group Leader Allen wouldn’t do such a thing, there were no absolutes in the world of mercenaries. Honestly, if a vice group leader of such strength, with the power of the Top 10, were to coax someone, who wouldn’t be swayed?

Moreover, Lady Belver was so beautiful, that even a woman would be enchanted. Her abilities were exceptionally outstanding, and even her family lineage was impeccable…

Having thought that, Group Leader Viola slightly regretted giving her any chance at all. Moreover, while she intended it as consideration, hadn’t she reduced even the attention she used to give him to the bare minimum lately? From his perspective, he might think she wasn’t that interested in him.

…I’m just worried about him.

Having been a mercenary for a long time, Viola knew too well that too much attention from the Top 10 could actually be harmful to both parties. This case was no exception. Elizabeth, full of ulterior motives, was trying to swallow Group Leader Allen whole without any effort.

However, once words would be spoken, they couldn’t be taken back. Group Leader Viola trusted her judgment and decided to push forward.

Contrary to Group Leader Viola’s worries, Vice Group Leader Elizabeth found the other’s calm demeanor somewhat perplexing. It was different from the reaction she had expected.

She wondered if it was pride, pretense, or perhaps the person was just genuinely indifferent…

‘…She’s indeed not so easy to deal with.’

Considering Group Leader Viola’s personality, it couldn’t be just pretense. Perhaps, due to the considerable affection she had shown him over time, she firmly believed he wouldn’t leave her. Given the spread of such scandalous rumors between them, it was possible their relationship was more than just that of business partners.

However, as Elizabeth entertained such thoughts, she became quite anxious. If Group Leader Viola truly cherished him… it would mean he was someone special.

In fact, if Group Leader Viola had jumped up and down, Elizabeth was about to put aside her own greed for a moment. After all, her priority was to deal with that bastard Dagon first, so there was no need to unnecessarily cause discord with the other party.

Of course, given Viola’s personality, she had already said she would cast a vote in favor, so even if a dispute arose between them, it wouldn’t change…

Still, now that she had been given permission to do as she pleased, the Lady no longer needed to be so cautious. Then she should swallow it up without hesitation. There was no guarantee such an opportunity would come again.

“Let’s eat now. The food will get cold. Hurry up and eat.”

“Okay.”

That was the end of the conversation.

As soon as the meal was over, the two parted ways without even sharing tea for dessert.

Lady Belver adorned herself ostentatiously from the crack of dawn and left the Viola House, escorted by the Group Leader Rados. Being as beautiful and elegant as a flower, it was only natural for passersby’s gazes to pour over her.

The Lady’s dog, Group Leader Rados, too, held his head up proudly as if to show off. What a proud and glorious moment this was.

“Today is indeed a beautiful day, Vice Group Leader.”

“Indeed.”

Following the guide, the two walked along the bustling main road and, at a certain point, turned into an alleyway. Naturally, the back alleys of Vermandois were smelly and dirty.

A drunkard was sprawled out and sleeping carelessly.

Beggars in shabby clothes were begging or asking for alms.

Prostitutes and gigolos were naked, leaning against the building walls, and lazily sucking on strong cigarettes.

Mercenaries and ruffians had their eyes fiercely open, as if they were saying, “Just try messing with me.”

The man and woman encountered all sorts of characters there. Of course, those guys turned their interest off as soon as they saw the two, who clearly looked like they shouldn’t be messed with. Rather, those who appeared defenseless here were known, through experience, to be the most dangerous kind.

The guide meandered through the alleyways and stopped in front of a shabby building. This was the hideout of the Allen-Mercenary Group.

Honestly, Group Leader Rados wasn’t too keen on meeting this Allen or whatever. It was an unavoidable male instinct to dislike it when the woman he admires shows interest in another man.

‘…Let’s see what kind of guy he is.’

Since a person of seemingly high status had visited this rundown inn, naturally, the counter staff hurried to call for Group Leader Allen.

Just after finishing his meal and about to head to the street office for work, Allen was caught off guard by the sudden visit of the Lady Vice Group Leader.

“…Vice Group Leader? What brings you here?”

“I have something to discuss… Shall we move to another spot?”

“Please, this way.”

Leaving the guide momentarily on the first floor, the Lady followed Allen with light steps up to the third floor. It seemed to be the floor exclusively used by the mercenary group.

“Group Leader Rados, please wait here for a moment.”

Then, feeling a surge of defiance, Group Leader Rados slightly leaned in and whispered to the Lady, though Allen could hear everything.

“I’m extremely worried about you being alone with an outsider male. Who knows what unsavory things he might do…?”

“Don’t worry about that. I can take care of myself.”

She was famous for her rapid-fire magic. And her opponent was neither a warrior nor a mage, but a mere mortal. No matter how weak a mage might be in close combat, the Lady would never be so vulnerable as to be defeated by such an ordinary person.

Of course, Rados knew this as well. It was just irksome to him that the Lady was having a private conversation with that man, excluding him.

Thus, the man and woman entered the conference room. Naturally, this shabby inn had no separate reception room to entertain guests. Moreover, the so-called conference room was nothing more than a small space, converted from a regular inn room… Having stayed at Viola House before coming here, it was inevitable for the Lady to make comparisons.

In truth, Elizabeth could have directly summoned Group Leader Allen to Viola House, but that would seem a bit insincere. Even if she was someone who reveled in her own excellence, she wasn’t one to forgo even the minimal effort.

Elizabeth lightly took a seat on the chair offered by Allen. Of course, there was no special tea prepared for her, just a lukewarm cup of water carelessly placed in front of her.

Since she hadn’t come here to enjoy tea anyway, the Lady had no intention of giving him a hard look for the lackluster hospitality. She had given up on such expectations the moment she saw this shabby inn building.

“By the way, what brings you here at this early hour?”

The Lady smiled gracefully.

“I’ve been a bit busy, and this was the only time I could make it.”

“Ah, I see.”

“I also need to go to the capital once I’ve recovered from the journey.”

“You must have a lot on your plate.”

“It can’t be helped, as there are matters that need to be addressed…”

Elizabeth scanned the room as she asked.

“Is this place supported by Big Sis Viola?”

“I arranged it myself.”

“…By yourself? Hmm.”

It seemed that the support wasn’t as generous as expected. Well, considering Group Leader Viola’s personality, she probably wouldn’t provide conspicuous conveniences due to the watchful eyes of the alliance.

Elizabeth became more convinced that, at least, she was confident that she could take care of her people better than Big Sis Viola.

The Lady swiftly crossed her legs. It was like a habit that surfaced whenever her true feelings were about to emerge.

“I won’t beat around the bush about the reason for my visit. Do you have any thoughts of joining me?”

“…Joining, you say?”

“Do you have any thoughts of being with me? As an ally, or even more.”

A sudden coalition proposal. At Allen’s slightly bewildered look, Elizabeth smiled slyly with her eyes like a fox.

“I have a bit of an eye for people. It’s not just a metaphor; I have a similar ability to Big Sis Viola. And I saw potential in you. If you’re with me, you’ll definitely be able to bloom your abilities.”

“Ah… Is that so?”

“Aren’t you tempted? I’ll support you as much as I can. I can offer you a place ten times better than this. Behind me is a ducal family. Isn’t that proof enough?”

Elizabeth had no doubt that Allen would accept unconditionally.

Anyone could see that the attractive Vice Group Leader of one of the Top 10 promising full support was suggesting an alliance, and any sane group leader would naturally accept the offer. It seemed almost like an undeniable truth.

“And if things go well, my side will be yours. Compared to you, Group Leader Rados is just too insignificant.”

The cruel words were whispered as softly as if whispering love.

“Big Sis Viola also gave her permission. So, you don’t have to feel too pressured. I’m here. I’ll take care of everything. So, you don’t have to worry about anything.”

It was a whisper of temptation. No one had ever resisted Elizabeth’s sweet whispers. Whether they were women or men…

Even though the other party was the astonishing figure of 138, how could one refuse the path to success laid out before them?

Elizabeth could do that. She had both the capability and the will to do so. In return, she intended to have all of him. Literally, all of him.

To bark if told to bark, to lie down if told to lie down, to die if told to die—exactly that kind of thing.

Even the thought of it was exhilarating and thrilling. How elegant it was to be able to control such a fine man at will…

“You just need to say you understand.”

The Lady had said all there was to say.

She placed her pretty hands, clad in white gloves, neatly atop her knees, her face beaming with joy.

How thrilling would it be to seek out Group Leader Viola with Group Leader Allen as her escort?

‘To take the man treasured by my sister as my own…’

Of course, she had no ill will towards her. She simply wanted the special treasure she had found by chance, belonging to her sister, for herself. That was all.

Surely, since Group Leader Viola had given her permission to do as she pleased, she wouldn’t be petty over just that.

‘…No, still, let’s avoid boasting for now. The approval votes are important at the moment.’

Viola had said that Group Leader Allen was 288. However, the Lady did not fully trust her sister’s words.

The Viola that Elizabeth had seen was a woman who had blindly believed in the numbers she saw all her life. After all, doesn’t the Lady herself place infinite trust in the divine power bestowed by heaven? That’s why she clings so desperately to the man before her.

In that regard, the special favor Big Sis Viola gave to Group Leader Allen couldn’t be explained by the number 288… Even though his fame was currently soaring, it was far from enough to be the reason for the favoritism.

‘Answer me. Hurry. Say you will. Don’t keep me waiting. Hurry. Is there really something to ponder? It’s me, Elizabeth. One of the Top 10. I am one of the Top 10. Even your hesitation is rude!’

After the time spent tormenting the Lady, Group Leader Allen slowly opened his mouth.

“…Vice Group Leader’s proposal is truly an unparalleled honor.”

The Lady smiled deeply, as if she knew it would be so.

…However, there was a contrast in Allen’s following words.

“However.”

And the smile gradually faded.

“I’m afraid I cannot accept the proposal. My deepest apologies.”

Eventually, Elizabeth’s smile completely disappeared. She stared blankly at Allen for a long time.

“…What did I just hear?”

“…I’m sorry.”

A slight twitch appeared at the corners of the Lady’s eyes and mouth.

It was something she truly hadn’t imagined. No, this was an accident. A terrible accident.

Stunned into silence for a moment, she smiled again. But this time, it wasn’t the same elegant smile as before.

“Why? I’m not lacking compared to Group Leader Viola. No, rather, I’m better. I said I would support you, right? Are you scared? I said I would take care of that too!”

Group Leader Allen simply gave a silent, heavy nod.

Elizabeth clenched her teeth. But she didn’t show her anger. Because that would look ugly.

“…I think it’s because you were flustered, but think about it carefully.”

The Lady abruptly stood up, rudely flung the door open, and swiftly left the room. She didn’t even have the time to care whether Group Leader Rados was following her or not.

Alright, then do as you wish.

The words Viola had said during dinner last night kept repeating in Elizabeth’s head. She must have been quite confident.

…This really pisses me off. A rejection? Ha. Who does he think he is, to dare…? It’s absurd. …Or is it because he’s scared of Big Sis? I said I would take care of it, didn’t I? Am I not trustworthy? Or are they really in a special relationship? Like… even having sex…?

She gasped for breath roughly.

…The elegant mage’s figure, returning after being rejected, was not so elegant.