Chapter 170

Chapter 170

Investing Through the Status Window.

Episode 170: The Doll (3).

In the meeting room, where a cool river breeze gently blew, Allen tapped his palm with the conductor’s baton and surveyed the members before speaking.

“We’re heading West.”

The ripple of that single statement spread throughout the group. There were various reactions, yet not one of them complained or refused.

If Group Leader Allen told them to go, they would go. The steadfast trust and faith in the Group Leader were already ingrained in the members.

“What business do we have there?”

Furball Geese asked, picking at the meat stuck in his teeth from lunch with his fingernail.

“We’re going to take down a doll.”

“A doll?”

“It’s said to be a doll that’s possessed by an evil spirit.”

At this, the Northern Musclehead Pergamond snorted.

“These Westerners, really. They can’t even handle a single doll. Tsk. Even my three-year-old nephew would be stronger than a doll!”

Of course, if it were just a mere doll, that would be true.

“The doll is an object from the destroyed Magic Tower. It’s something very wicked.”

“But still, isn’t it just a doll?”

“It’d be a mistake to underestimate it. No matter how lax the West is, would they really struggle that much against just a doll? I suspect it was an experiment of the mages.”

When the Magic Tower was mentioned again, Geese scratched the back of his head with the hand he used to pick his teeth earlier, looking displeased.

“Ah, damn it, those Magic Tower bastards really left a mess!”

Of course, mercenaries were the kind of folks who made a living cleaning up the messes others leave behind, so it wouldn’t be too peaceful either.

“It’s been a while since we’ve been to the West. Everyone knows the West is the place for entertainment, right? Once we complete the mission safely, I’ll let you enjoy to your heart’s content, so let’s give it our all.”

“Yay.”

“Our employer wants to depart as soon as possible, so be ready to leave within two days. Finish up what you’re doing, and get your equipment in order. It’ll be a long journey, so make sure you’re well-prepared. And you three… This will be your first expedition, right? We don’t run things too tightly, so don’t worry too much. Just stick to the essentials, and you’ll have as much freedom as possible. Got it?”

The men and women trio, for whom this was their first expedition with the Allen-Mercenary Group, nodded at the Group Leader’s words. Especially the youngest, who was suffering from hair loss, showed a face mixed with tension and anticipation, as it was his first time going on such a distant expedition.

The Newbie Kori, like a newly assigned private, puffed up his chin and boasted to Kancho that he should just follow him.

“Yes, senior!”

“This kid.”

Anyway, the meeting ended like that, and the members disbanded to prepare for the expedition.

Viola found herself sighing more often these days.

The business was thriving, the mercenary group was doing well—everything seemed smooth… yet there was this inexplicable emptiness.

“Sigh…”

Staring endlessly at the sunset river, she let out a long sigh and propped her chin. Watching her quietly was Vice Group Leader Palmer. Soon, his eyebrows twisted asymmetrically.

In the reddish glow of the sunset, her face clearly showed unhidden tenderness, longing, and a sense of frustration.

Understanding the cause, the Vice Group Leader smiled meaningfully.

“I wonder when our Big Sis will finally get married.”

When Palmer muttered to himself loudly enough for everyone to hear, Viola’s brow slightly furrowed.

“Why are you bringing that up all of a sudden?”

“You haven’t made any progress yet, have you? Have you at least held hands?”

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

“What do you mean, ‘what’? I’m talking about Allen, Group Leader Allen!”

She was momentarily at a loss for words and just glared at him up and down before turning her gaze sharply back out the window.

“I’m really going crazy with frustration! I never imagined our Big Sis would be so clueless! I thought you never got a boyfriend because of work!”

“What are you talking about?! Allen and I are… just business partners, okay?”

“The business relationship is nonsense. I can see the affection dripping from your eyes… Do you think I’ve known you for just a day or two? I know exactly what you’re thinking just by looking at your face! Why bother lying to me?”

“…It’s not like that.”

“Don’t you feel that things can’t go on like this anymore? You have to push forward first! At this rate, you’ll really die as an old virgin!”

“This rascal, there’s nothing you won’t say!”

“Sis, I’m not joking. This is something you need to approach seriously now. You’ll really miss your chance at this rate—no, seriously. Honestly, Group Leader Allen is a decent person, even from my perspective. He’s just like you, neat and tidy; how great is that?”

As Vice Group Leader Palmer spoke seriously, Group Leader Viola was at a loss for words.

…Honestly, it would be a lie to say she didn’t have any such feelings. In fact, she often imagined being with him. Having three or four children, one after another.

“Ah, when a man and woman meet, they can develop feelings! Group Leader Allen is handsome, isn’t he? And young, capable! Yeah, age! Well… there’s a bit of a gap. But you’re still pretty, and you’re in the Top 10! That’s the most important!”

Viola, who was clueless about romance, felt tempted by Palmer’s words.

“How much did that Dagon guy follow you around? Even if his personality is trash, he has an eye for people. I’m telling you, you don’t stand out at all, even among the young ones!”

Group Leader Viola rolled her eyes around with a nonchalant expression and very carefully opened her mouth.

“Really?”

“Ah, of course, I’m serious! And if you wait too long, having kids won’t be easy either. Are you planning to live alone forever, sis? Then Allen Group Leader is really, really your last chance. What’s the point of regretting after the carriage has left when it’s already gone? And there are already people lining up to get on it!”

“…Of course, if I could, it would be nice, but it’s not something that happens just because you suddenly decide…”

“Ah, you’re really frustrating, sis!”

Palmer pounded his chest with his fist. She was so straightforward about other things, yet somehow so frustrating when it came to romance!

Even the always confident and noble Viola couldn’t ignore her subordinate’s hint when it came to this romance business.

“It seems to me that Group Leader Allen has some interest in you, sis. You’re usually so quick to catch on, so why are you so oblivious about this? At this rate, you’ll end up like a dog chasing a chicken.”

“Really, does it look that way? Does he seem a bit interested in me…?”

“Oh dear, without me, sis, you would never have even mentioned the word ‘marriage’ your entire life!”

The Vice Group Leader looked at Group Leader Viola with a determined expression.

“Alright, fine. As you said, if you come on too strong, it might be overwhelming for him. So, let’s take it step by step. Got it?”

“…How?”

“I’m not asking for much. Just hold hands. Just holding hands!”

Expecting a kiss or caress from the naive Viola from the start was too much.

Somehow, it seemed like he needed to hold her hand first to make any progress, whether it worked or not.

“Try approaching him more assertively. You, the great Viola, shouldn’t be scared by something like this, okay?!”

“Yeah, okay…!”

Palmer solemnly declared, lightly tapping the table with his fist like a rock.

“I won’t let my sister die an old virgin!”

…Palmer, who made such a declaration, actually never had a lover himself.

On that very evening when Palmer made his solemn declaration.

There was an unexpected visit from Allen to the Viola House. Viola, who was handling some minor affairs in her bedroom, hurried to the reception room upon hearing he had arrived.

“Ah, I’m sorry for coming without notice. I don’t think I’ll have time tomorrow…”

“No, it’s okay.”

She couldn’t bring herself to say “between us” and swallowed the words inside.

Viola’s heart pounded unusually hard, and her gaze wandered uncontrollably when she saw Allen. It reminded her of the conversation with Palmer after dinner earlier. She never expected to meet Allen so suddenly. She wasn’t even mentally prepared yet.

“Can we sit for a moment?”

“Ah, yes.”

Allen sat in the chair Viola offered. Soon, tea was served, and teacups were placed in front of both of them.

“So, what’s the matter…?”

“Ah, I’m leaving soon. In two days, to the West.”

“…What?”

“A request has come in. You know the rumors circulating in the West, right? About the possessed doll. I’ll be heading to the West because of that.”

Ah…

Viola’s chest felt inexplicably heavy for a moment. If he left for the West, they wouldn’t meet again for at least three or four months.

Honestly, it wasn’t unusual for a mercenary to go on an expedition, but even Viola was slightly surprised by the frequency of his expeditions. It had only been two or three months since he returned from the Southern expedition!

“I… see…”

However, that was all she could say. If his reputation had grown to the point where he was sought after even in the West, it was a very good sign!

“I’m personally quite saddened that I haven’t been able to spend much time with the Group Leader.”

Viola was momentarily confused about whether that was said out of politeness or genuine sentiment. In the past, she would have dismissed it casually, but since Palmer mentioned that Allen seemed to have some interest in her, she couldn’t easily ignore it. The anticipation that perhaps Group Leader Allen felt the same way she did.

There was a brief moment of silence.

She took a sip of tea, wetting her lips.

The time they had known each other had already surpassed four years. Of course, most of that time was spent apart, but it was not insufficient for love to mature.

Viola had to admit it now. Her feelings for him had shifted from an interest in the talent known as 522 to an affection for him as a man.

“Shall we… get some fresh air?”

“Yes.”

The two stepped out onto the terrace.

The surface of the water, gently rippling and flowing, sparkled beautifully as it reflected the brightly lit streets.

A beautiful night scene.

They stood side by side at the railing, quietly taking it all in.

“Group Leader Allen, you’re doing well. Just keep going like that. Then, one day, you’ll become one of the Top 10.”

“It’s largely thanks to Group Leader Viola. I always seem to be receiving your help.”

“It’s your achievements that have led you this far. It’s really impressive, even from my perspective. Someday, you will stand on equal footing with me. I’m sure of it.”

Group Leader Viola gave a faint smile. Unlike before, she now knew how to smile softly, how to have gentle emotions, and how to speak gently.

“Well done, so far. Of course, I believe you’ll continue to do well. Even in the West, do well and come back.”

His smile towards her grew deeper.

“Understood, Group Leader.”

Their tender gazes met.

The emotions that had grown over the years, as they spent time together, were far from the kind of impulsive feelings swept up by mere atmosphere.

Only then did Viola finally realize.

That she needed this man.

Lover? Marriage? It wasn’t just about fulfilling a social relationship.

For reasons unknown, he could fill the void that always felt empty.

Perhaps… destiny.

Had she not seen the number 522, their relationship might never have come to fruition.

All of this was perhaps the design of the universe.

Group Leader Viola gathered her courage.

She slowly moved her hand towards his, which rested on the railing.

And then, her hand gently overlapped his.

His gaze briefly went to their overlapping hands and then back to her.

Simultaneously, his smile deepened.

Now she wanted to confirm.

Truly, if his heart was…

…the same as hers.

“I… li…”

While she could easily slice through a monster’s head, the words “I like you” seemed to get stuck in her throat and wouldn’t come out easily.

He watched her mumbling for a while, then finally chuckled and pushed his face forward.

And…

Their lips…

Met.

….Ah…

The Vice Group Leader had only intended for them to hold hands, but they ended up kissing.

It was truly an indescribable pleasure.

Undoubtedly, she had never felt such an ecstatic sensation before.

She closed her eyes and surrendered her body to his slow and deep kiss.

I like you.

Even without words, the feeling was conveyed to each other.

The cool night air lovingly caressed their heated bodies.