Chapter 117

Chapter 117

Investing Through the Status Window.

Episode 117: The Capital Of The Empire (1).

Allen was bustling around the streets, searching for items to take to Vermandois and sell. Of course, the local specialties were nothing more than strange wooden dolls or small stone carvings. Most of the southern region survived on agriculture, so there were no popular luxury items like in the west. Although luxury goods from the west or central regions were scattered around the streets, their prices had already skyrocketed after passing through several cities.

When copper production was high, they made and sold souvenirs colored with it, but with copper production halted for several months, it was hard to find even a piece of copper, let alone souvenirs, on the streets.

In the end, Allen returned to the lodging empty-handed. As expected, the southern region, being a rural area, had little to offer other than grain trading… And it wasn’t like he could buy a large amount of grain without a dedicated merchant group and make a profitable return.

Indeed, the southern region wasn’t very interesting.

Until the war in the eastern region was roughly concluded and its manpower flocked to the south, the southern region was just a boring place where sex was the biggest entertainment… In fact, if it weren’t for the mission, he wouldn’t have even thought of coming here.

So Allen searched for a merchant group to travel with and hastily prepared to leave. The members, seemingly having no particular attachment to this place, eagerly agreed when the Group Leader mentioned they would be leaving soon.

When the departure date was set, the news brought Group Leader Charlotte to Allen. After experiencing this mission, her inner thoughts had changed significantly compared to before.

“You’ve worked hard all this time.”

“I just did the job I was paid for.”

A brief silence. Then it was Allen who continued.

“I heard you had a private meeting with Elena last time…”

“…Ah, yes…”

Allen spoke as if offering advice. It wasn’t forbidden, but it did go against propriety.

“Well, I know you, so I’ll let it slide… but it’s better to avoid such actions. If you get on someone’s bad side for no reason, it will be hard to survive in this field… in particular, you have to be very cautious with the Top 10.”

Charlotte looked at Allen quietly, then mumbled as if making an excuse.

“…I just asked out of curiosity. I had no other intentions.”

Allen laughed magnanimously.

“I know. I know that Group Leader Charlotte isn’t that kind of person… But not everyone knows you like I do.”

Having given his advice, he extended his hand.

“Well then… I look forward to seeing you again in a better light.”

“…Yes. I hope so too.”

And then a farewell handshake. That was it.

The Allen-Mercenary Group left Berge early in the morning two days later… After the carriage set off, Allen had a small regret that he didn’t at least see his mother’s face, but the city was already far behind.

Furball Geese, who was swaying slightly from side to side with the carriage’s vibrations, looked at Group Leader Allen staring endlessly at the city and chuckled mischievously.

“Leaving your lover behind, it seems you’re feeling uneasy.”

Allen chuckled.

“Lover? She’s just an acquaintance.”

“For just an acquaintance, you were quite passionate last night. I couldn’t sleep at all.”

Ahk!

Thinking they were the subject, the Milk-Jug Mage and Itty Titty Natasha pretended to be oblivious, despite being quite flustered inside… They must have been too loud.

Allen, who chuckled, merely gave a sly smile and glanced at Geese, saying nothing. The perceptive Geese didn’t push further.

The Group Leader looked out at the city from the carriage again… The hometown he didn’t know when he’d return to.

To calm his uneasy heart, Allen reached into his bag, fingered, and counted the gold coins in his pouch.

Well then… let’s eat well and go!

The Allen-Mercenary Group ran tirelessly for another month and arrived in Vermandois. Indeed, there’s no place like home, even if it’s just a place to lay their head.

Upon arrival, Allen first stopped by Viola House. Since the intermediary who had arranged the mission was Group Leader Viola, he had to report that the mission was successfully completed.

However, it seemed that Group Leader Pharos, who had left earlier, had already made the report, and Viola seemed to have a general idea of the outcome.

“You did well.”

“It’s all thanks to you, Group Leader.”

Allen intended to leave after a brief report, but Viola seemed to have something to say. He was curious about what strange events might have occurred during his absence… But fortunately, what she mentioned was something he already knew.

“The Dagon-Mercenary Group has been expelled from the Top 10.”

“…I see.”

In fact, this was something that mercenaries had roughly anticipated. Dagon’s atrocities were already widely known across the continent. Moreover, he even dabbled in drugs banned by the Empire, providing a justification for his expulsion, which was only a matter of time. And it was Vice Group Leader Elizabeth who ignited the fire.

Of course, the power of Dagon, who was one of the Top 10 Group Leaders, could not be ignored, but it was insufficient to face Vice Group Leader Elizabeth, who also had the backing of a ducal family. Furthermore, being expelled from the Top 10 meant that quite a few mercenary groups would withdraw from the Dagon-Mercenary Group alliance. After all, most of the alliance members were probably unprincipled bastards who had only joined to pick up the crumbs.

To be honest, anyone could see that the defeat of the Dagon-Mercenary Group was as clear as day. And the fact that that bastard Dagon would flee with his tail between his legs like a frightened dog was the inevitable conclusion of this situation… Frankly, it was an extremely anticlimactic ending, but from Dagon’s perspective, it was the wisest choice. Pride was something you could only wield if you were alive.

Anyway, with the Dagon-Mercenary Group ousted from the Top 10, the next important issue was who would take their place in the Top 10.

It was obvious to anyone that this Top 10, which came with immense prestige and privileges, wouldn’t be decided by a simple game of rock-paper-scissors. It required not only fierce competition but also a majority vote of approval from the current Top 10 group leaders.

Of course, for those who had no stake in who made it to the Top 10, it was just an entertaining spectacle. After all, this wasn’t an event that happened frequently.

“The Kalim-Mercenary Group was a strong candidate, but they declined on their own.”

Of course, it was an honorable position, but with Group Leader Kalisman on the verge of retirement, there was no need to spend his final years drenched in blood. It was a scenario Allen had already anticipated.

Originally, the next strong candidate was the Bakuya-Mercenary Group, but the Group Leader was mysteriously assassinated, causing them to step down from the candidacy.

In the end, the next Top 10 candidates were either the Fessial-Mercenary Group or the Stephanie-Mercenary Group. Since nothing was set in stone, Allen couldn’t be certain.

“Then, it will be one among Bakuya, Fessial, or Stephanie.”

It was a very accurate prediction, and Group Leader Viola was a bit surprised. Indeed, among the Top 10, those three names were the most prominent.

“…You know well.”

“I just thought those three were the most suitable.”

As expected, he seemed well-informed about the situation. Although Group Leader Viola did not express it, she was very pleased inwardly. This must be how parents feel when they watch their children grow well.

“By the way… I heard you performed excellently on this mission…”

“Oh… well, I wouldn’t say excellent… haha.”

“Group Leader Pharos is not someone who exaggerates about such things. I heard you overwhelmed the demonic beast.”

“I was a bit lucky.”

Group Leader Viola showed a rare, clear smile.

“Still, I want to thank you for saving my face, since I personally brokered it.”

“It’s proof of your excellent judgment, Group Leader.”

“So, does that mean I chose you?”

“Um… that’s how it turned out?”

The two laughed lightly.

Laughter ceased, and a brief silence ensued. Group Leader Viola seemed to be on the verge of saying something. Allen read this and waited patiently.

“…So, I was wondering if you might consider going to the capital with me?”

Allen was quite surprised by the sudden and unexpected suggestion. The capital?

“The capital, you say?”

“Oh, if you’re busy, there’s no need to force yourself. I just thought I’d ask. You just arrived, and it wouldn’t be easy to leave again…”

He thought of the reason and asked.

“Is it because of the Top 10?”

“Yes.”

There was nothing else that came to mind regarding Viola’s trip to the capital. Deciding the Top 10 was a very important matter.

Allen didn’t need to think for long.

It was a gathering of the ten strongest group leaders. Even if it meant spending all the money one had, attending was the right choice. To become one of the ten strongest later, it was essential to get acquainted with them in advance. …Who would cast a vote for someone they didn’t know at all, claiming to become one of the Top 10?

“With Allen Group Leader’s insight, I thought I might get some help.”

Regardless of personal feelings, Group Leader Allen had the discernment to immediately identify the top three strong candidates circulating secretly among the many mercenary groups. Therefore, the decision was made in hopes of getting various good opinions if taken to the capital.

“With Group Leader Viola saying this, how could I refuse? I don’t know how much help I can be, but I’ll gladly follow.”

Ah.

Viola barely managed to suppress the surge of ecstatic passion rising within her. If there were no fear of losing a precious treasure, the universal truth was that everyone would want to boast about it.

Allen read Viola’s delighted heart and smiled deeply.

With this free advertisement, he was determined to achieve the greatest effect.