Chapter 95

Chapter 95

Investing Through the Status Window.

Episode 95: The Greedy Lady (5).

Elizabeth, who also got the approval vote for the expulsion of that rootless bastard, Dagon, from Gione Balak, one of the Top 10 Group Leaders, waited for two more days, but received no response from Group Leader Allen.

…It was incredibly absurd, but it was undeniable that the proposal was ultimately rejected.

“Haha.”

…Yes, it wouldn’t be fun if it were too easy. My sister must have put a lot of effort into it. It means this is not going to be that easy, right? It’s good that he’s not a trivial man. If he were a faithless bastard like a common thug, I would have been rather disappointed. Yes, this is better.

However, regrettably, the Lady currently had no more time to devote to that man. Her top priority was the expulsion of Dagon. It was a long expedition that required a trip to the Empire’s capital, so she couldn’t afford to waste too much time here. Having received affirmative votes from both Group Leader Viola and Gione, her business in Vermandois was now concluded.

It was time to leave.

Honestly, the Lady wanted to go to Group Leader Allen and tell him to see how long he could hold out, but that would make her seem uncultured, so she swallowed her pride and refrained from doing so.

Still, having comfortably stayed at the Viola House until now, she had to see her sister before leaving. As well as to give her thanks with dignity.

“…You’re leaving tomorrow?”

“Yes, it’s time to go. I’ve finished what I came for.”

Vice Group Leader Elizabeth felt a strange confidence and joy emanating from Group Leader Viola’s face… Of course, it could’ve just been her imagination.

The Lady smiled as if congratulating her counterpart on her success.

“…That’s right, Big Sis, you’ve won. Congratulations. That man… he held up well. He wasn’t just somewhat decent.”

“Is that so?”

Her calm tone and expression suggested she had expected as much. This further irked Lady Belver, but what could one do? The loser must shut up and shrink away.

“I owe you a lot for this time, Big Sis. Thank you. And thanks for the vote of approval. Come visit our house sometime. I’ll make sure you’re well received.”

“Sure… Take care on your way.”

The two women exchanged a light handshake.

…And the next day, the elegant platinum-haired mage left Vermandois early in the morning. Just like that, in a flash.

…Damn, she finally left.

Allen breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing that the Greedy Lady had left at dawn today.

Honestly, it was undeniable that the offer was attractive. And the promise of active support wasn’t a lie either… However, the problem was, even if it grew significantly, in the end, wouldn’t he just be her hunting dog?

And, it was natural for a hunting dog to be discarded of once it had served its purpose. Just like Group Leader Rados, who loyally jingled his balls, was planned to be.

A real partner? A coalition? An alliance? Such things didn’t apply to the Lady. It would be much better with Viola, even if the support was a bit lacking. At least she wasn’t the type of person to dismiss others so dismissively.

However, the problem was whether that damn greedy woman would step down gracefully like this. For now, due to the issue with Dagon, she had left without further clinging on, but surely, whenever they met again, she wouldn’t fall away so easily.

Ugh, this shitty gamer life!

I can’t fathom why the achievement [Aesthetic Sense] has to be in that woman’s sight, but still, now that it has come to this, I have no choice but to endure it… I’ll just have to try my best to avoid running into her.

Anyway.

Allen finally went to work at the roadside office after missing two days because of the Greedy Lady.

Seeing those ugly faces, he definitely felt like he was back to reality.

After he sent away a few morning applicants, a female employee working at the Viola-Mercenary Group’s office came by for a visit. It was a message from Viola, asking if he could stop by the office for a moment.

Allen left Kalisman in charge for a moment and headed to Viola’s office in the guild house with the female employee.

The diligent Group Leader Viola who didn’t shirk her duties, pushed aside her work for a moment when Allen entered.

“It’s been a while, Group Leader Viola.”

It was the first time since he had received the payment for completing the last mission—almost about ten days, probably.

“That it has… Come and sit down.”

Group Leader Viola is still maintaining a dignified demeanor, as always… Would she know that I was slightly swayed by the proposal of the elegant mage not long ago?

To be honest, when Vice Group Leader Elizabeth said she would give something ten times better than the current inn building we had… To be honest, I was quite tempted. That hesitation back then was because I was pondering it. Ten times, how much money was that?!

“How have you been in the meantime?”

“Well, it’s always the same. Meeting with mercenaries, turning them all down…”

Heh. Group Leader Viola let out a slight laugh before quickly changing her expression.

“…How was it with Vice Group Leader Elizabeth? I’m not trying to pry, so don’t feel pressured. Just say what you want to say. It’s okay not to say anything if you don’t want to.”

Of course, even if he found the Greedy Lady somewhat annoying, she was one of the Top 10. It would be in his best interest to soften his language as much as possible.

“It was a beneficial meeting. We had various conversations… Ah, should I talk about that too?”

“No, you don’t have to. It’s a private matter… I was just a bit curious. Since she’s a friend I know… I was also worried it might have been a bit too much for you.”

“It wasn’t like that.”

Then, the conversation briefly halted. Viola, with her hands lightly clasped together on the desk, flicked her two index fingers and then started speaking again.

“…I heard that Vice Group Leader Elizabeth made you an offer.”

“Ah, yes. That happened.”

“It must have been a tempting offer… Why did you refuse?”

So, that was what she was curious about.

Allen showed an attractive smile.

Having rejected the Vice Group Leader Lady and chosen to side with Group Leader Viola, it was only natural to say something pleasant… Who knows? Maybe some benefits would trickle down.

“Of course, I had to refuse… I have Group Leader Viola.”

Her expression, which had been calm throughout, slightly widened in surprise before returning to normal. However, she couldn’t completely hide the joy that slowly surfaced on her face.

“…I see. I haven’t even been taking good care of you lately…”

“You’re always standing behind me, aren’t you? That alone is enough strength for me.”

Of course, that’s a lie. How could that be any strength?

…But it was somewhat touching, wasn’t it? It makes you want to take care of me, right?

This time, it was evident that she liked him more than before.

As expected, instead of saying anything, Group Leader Viola pulled something out of her desk drawer and slid it towards Allen. A sealed envelope with her seal on it. Just as he thought, some crumbs had fallen. This was probably why one should speak up.

“These days, you’re running an inn, right? Then you’ll need quite a bit of food, so this is a contract that allows you to receive regular supplies from a merchant in the mid-sized city, Malziel. It includes transferring a portion of our supply to you.”

This time, Allen was slightly surprised. He hadn’t expected it to be about food supplies… For crumbs, it was quite significant.

As the cost of food entering Vermandois was so expensive, I was in the midst of looking for a cheaper supplier, so this was just perfect. Moreover, if it’s a merchant group favored by one of the Top 10, it must be a trustworthy place.

“No, what, all this…?!”

“I haven’t been able to take much care of you lately. Since Group Leader Allen trusts and follows me, I should do at least this much.”

This might be considered a reward for not falling for Vice Group Leader Elizabeth’s offer, which was commendable.

“Thank you. I was just in need of a trustworthy supplier, and Group Leader has clearly solved it for me.”

“Well, I’m glad then.”

The atmosphere was not just warm, but slightly heated.

“Then, I’ll be going back now.”

“Yes, take care.”

The feeling of slight regret about the tenfold increase in the inn’s building fading, Allen left the room with a light bow, his mood improving once again.

And as soon as he disappeared, a long sigh burst forth.

Group Leader Viola leaned heavily on the desk with both hands, recalling what he had said earlier.

Of course, I had to refuse… I have Group Leader Viola.

You’re always standing behind me, aren’t you? That alone is enough strength for me.

…How could he speak so beautifully?

Her heart pounded.

An uncontrollable smile spread softly across the Group Leader’s face.

She believed that he would not abandon their relationship… After all, he was the one who had given her such a precious necklace. Surely, he wouldn’t be swayed by a moment’s temptation.

…Did I come off too harsh today? Could I have spoken more softly?

Yet, driven by the compulsion to treat all mercenary groups within the alliance equally, she found it somewhat difficult to act unusually towards him alone. Not that her personality was particularly friendly to begin with… In fact, the contract she had offered earlier was quite a radical move on her part.

What if… that person… suddenly misunderstands… and like… proposes to me… and like… what should I do then…?

Just imagining it made her cheeks lift in a smile, and she couldn’t keep her hands and feet still.

Viola, the leader, flopped down and shivered a few times before abruptly sitting up again.

“Ugh, how embarrassing…!”

…Of course, she had no idea that there was another woman who talked of a building ten times the size of the inn.

…Perhaps it was better for her not to know.