Chapter 118

Chapter 118

Investing Through the Status Window.

Episode 118: The Capital Of The Empire (2).

The Allen-Mercenary Group, which had been through hell for three months, boarded the carriage bound for the capital again, barely three days after returning, with no time to properly rest. Nevertheless, there was no sign of discontent on the members’ faces. After all, Group Leader Allen had made it clear that they were not going there for work, but for a trip… Though it was quite a long trip for an outing.

Most of the members had never even been near the capital of the Empire, let alone inside it, so this was a perfect opportunity to sightsee. Everyone seemed curious about what the capital, representing the Empire, looked like.

“It’s just another place where people live. It’s not much different from Vermandois… Except it’s not as chaotic as that place.”

At least in the capital, people didn’t have sex openly on the streets like they did in Vermandois.

However, the capital wasn’t devoid of entertainment districts. In fact, there was a very famous street… A place where various handsome men and beautiful women from across the continent sold flowers.

Furball Geese and the Newbie Kori seemed to be looking forward to it immensely. Honestly, Vermandois was just incredibly expensive, and the quality was terrible. Moreover, they weren’t particularly good-looking; most of them were mercenaries who decided to sell their bodies when things didn’t work out.

Additionally, the main office of the Mercenary Guild was located right in the capital, so many prominent mercenary groups from across the continent had settled near the capital. Naturally, this meant there were plenty of job opportunities.

Itty Titty Swordsman Natasha wanted to visit the capital anyway. Ordnung’s master had told her to seek out Sword Emperor Magnus if she ever went to the capital.

…Lately, I’ve been feeling stuck with no progress. This is a great opportunity…!

It wasn’t just anyone, but the Sword Emperor himself. Surely, he could provide excellent teachings.

Of course, Natasha wasn’t the only one feeling frustrated. The Milk-Jug Mage, Elena, was also dissatisfied with her lack of progress.

Her magic’s power was becoming slightly stronger, but that was it. The problem was still the terrible efficiency she hadn’t overcome. She would be exhausted after just a few spells, and honestly, how helpful was that…? Especially during the last demonic beast subjugation mission, she had practically done nothing. At best, she had managed a few spells.

Elena did not fail to notice that the center of the group’s attention had shifted from her to the other two women. Of course, she was still a necessary presence, but without further development, she couldn’t guarantee she would retain her position.

Still, she hoped that the magic guilds in the capital, which didn’t exist in Vermandois, would be of some help in various ways.

Allen, too, was filled with anticipation not just for meeting the Top 10, but also for recruiting new mercenaries.

Of course, the capital was as famous as Vermandois for the high price of mercenaries, but it was still an indispensable place for recruitment. Especially since one of the three greatest suckers, Group Leader Kasha, was there… Actually, Group Leader Kasha was more of a merchant than a benefactor, as he viewed mercenaries purely as commodities to be bought and sold.

In addition, Ordnung’s master had also suggested meeting the prophetess in the capital once…

…But how do they know each other…?

Prophetess Aloa.

Allen, who had invested a staggering 20,000 hours into [Guild Master], could never be unaware of her. She was the one who roughly narrated the game’s scenario. By checking how far the chapter had progressed through her, he could easily plan his current tasks and future plans.

Of course, given her nickname as the Prophetess, she was also incredibly famous across the continent. How she came to know Ordnung’s teacher, Allen honestly had no idea… No matter how obsessively he had played the game, there was no way he could know information that wasn’t provided at all. He didn’t have the talent to predict the future like Aloa.

Anyway, since he was told to meet her, at least the two of them weren’t complete strangers. Making connections with such famous individuals was a very important task in the mercenary business, so it was only right to agree if a meeting was arranged.

…However, the problem was the unpredictable nature of the Prophetess Aloa.

Even in the game, to hear her prophecy, you had to fulfill a random request. Sometimes, she would ask for money or items, other times for a game of rock-paper-scissors or a simple game. Of course, if it was something simple, it wasn’t too difficult, but, ah—there were times when she asked for legendary items. Like bringing an ice flower from the Northern Lands that never melts, or the glittering gemstone eyes of a jewel monster, things like that…

…Surely, she wouldn’t make such absurd demands here, right? Reality is different from the game.

Allen fervently hoped that this obstinate prophetess wouldn’t demand some absurd item.

…Ah, and of course, money too!

On their way to the imperial capital, the Viola-Mercenary Group and the Allen-Mercenary Group passed through two cities and four villages. A journey that lasted a whole month.

Indeed, befitting the heart of the empire, at some point, the population seemed to swell noticeably, and upon reaching the vicinity of the capital, a truly enormous crowd thronged about.

The capital had several thriving districts even outside its outer walls. It was like a wall-less Vermandois.

“Wow, holy sh–”

Those visiting the capital for the first time couldn’t help but burst out with expletive-laden admiration at the sheer scale and crowd. Truly a sight befitting the empire’s capital!

Of course, the two mercenary groups also drew a flood of attention from the people. As members of the continent-dominating Top 10, it was only natural.

-It’s the Viola-Mercenary Group!

Of course, the news of the expulsion of Dagon, the Group Leader of the Top 10, had already spread throughout the capital long ago, so everyone seemed to know why Group Leader Viola had made her way here.

In fact, the gathering of the Top 10 was a significant point of interest not only for the people but also for the noble society. Under the imperial law, which limited the number of guards, the existence of the Top 10 was a very attractive asset for the nobles. So, they couldn’t afford to miss such a rare opportunity.

On top of that, mercenary groups targeting the Top 10 flocked in, and merchants who came to do business with those nobles and mercenary groups also gathered, making the capital much larger than usual.

In such a complex situation, Allen could clearly feel the influence of Viola, one of the Top 10 group leaders. As befits a mercenary group specially recognized by the empire, the Viola-Mercenary Group was able to easily pass through the outer gate of the capital ahead of the long line, much like the nobles of the empire. Otherwise, they would have had to stand in line all day.

Of course, they continued to ride for quite a while, even after passing through the outer gate. Their destination was the mansion of a palace count who had some connections with Group Leader Viola.

When the two mercenary groups arrived, the palace count was at the Imperial Palace, so his son came out to greet them instead.

The mercenaries, weary from their long journey, were soon guided to their quarters. Group Leader Allen also soaked in hot water for the first time in a while to relieve his accumulated fatigue… He was leisurely enjoying the bath when he heard that a guest had already arrived and was waiting for him.

…A guest all of a sudden?

Allen, curious, went out to the drawing room, and there she was, the elegant mage sipping her tea with grace.

“Oh my, it’s been a while.”

Vice Group Leader Elizabeth greeted Allen with a sly smile that showed her pearly whites. Although he felt a bit uneasy, he masked it with a kind smile and returned the greeting.

“Have you been well, Vice Group Leader?”

“It must have been tough getting here, right? You also had to deal with Viola’s strict temper.”

“Haha. On the contrary, she was very considerate of me.”

Elizabeth, with a peculiar smile, gestured with her chin to the seat opposite her, indicating for him to sit there. Of course, Allen, who had nothing but his pride, couldn’t possibly defy the order of the Vice Group Leader and daughter of a duke.

“…I never thought she would actually bring you here. I had a hunch, though… Does that mean she is that confident? This feels a bit strange.”

Clearly, the princess was smiling, but it wasn’t a genuine smile.

As the atmosphere grew increasingly peculiar, Group Leader Viola, freshly bathed and glowing, entered the drawing room.

“Oh my, Big Sis. It’s been a while.”

“…Group Leader Allen, could you leave for a moment?”

“Why? What’s wrong with him being here?”

“This isn’t a place for him to be involved.”

“What could be so important?”

However, Group Leader Viola stood her ground until the end.

“Group Leader Allen.”

“Ah, yes. Well then, please have a good conversation.”

As Group Leader Allen stood up, the smile on Vice Group Leader Elizabeth’s face slightly faded.

Well, what a loyal dog.

Though she thought it mockingly, an unknown emotion bubbled up within her.

Group Leader Allen left, and only the two women remained in the drawing room.

Elizabeth put on her bright, smiling mask again.

“I really didn’t think you’d bring that man.”

“There was no reason not to bring him.”

“…That’s right.”

Viola smiled faintly. As if saying, no matter how much you desire him, it would be pointless.

“But… we didn’t meet to talk about men, did we?”

Elizabeth then laughed loudly and exaggeratedly.

“There’s no need to beat around the bush between us, right? Let’s get straight to the point. Support the Fessial-Mercenary Group. Then, next time, I’ll do you a favor. How about it?”

It was a simple matter, but its weight was tremendous.

A deal on the seat of the Top 10.

Anyway, Viola didn’t care much about who joined the Top 10. In that case, getting a favor from Elizabeth was definitely beneficial.

“…Alright.”

“As expected, I like how quick you are with calculations, sis… Ah, I hate this. Just because of one man, the two of us have become so uncomfortable with each other…”

“Don’t talk about Allen in front of me.”

“…Tch, so strict.”

Lady Belver put on the gloves she had taken off and stood up again.

“Then, we’re done here. Goodbye.”

…And the two women parted ways.