Chapter 145

Chapter 145

Investing Through the Status Window.

Episode 145: Back To The East (2).

The Allen-Mercenary Group and the Holy Knights Order passed through the Iron Fortress, Kalstadt, and entered the Lüttenbake Gorge. Naturally, there was no way to pass through the canyon, teeming with all sorts of monsters, quietly, and there were two or three night raids along the way. However, neither the Allen-Mercenary Group nor the Holy Knights Order would be defeated by such lowly monsters.

In any case, having safely emerged from the canyon, they finally set foot on the eastern land. It took roughly half a month since leaving Vermandois to arrive here.

Considering the time spent, it was quite a forced march. Yet, there was no way the elite Holy Knights Order or the experienced Allen-Mercenary Group would complain over something like this.

The group took a well-deserved two-day rest in the first major city of the East, Raplause.

The streets of the East, having found peace after a long time, had noticeably fewer mercenaries. As everyone knows, they all left for other regions in search of work. The ones who remained were either mercenary groups hired to escort caravans or those still looking for jobs.

Allen, too, tried to find a caravan to escort on his way out, but due to the fierce competition and the plummeting value of services, he returned to the inn empty-handed. Honestly, rather than working hard for a pittance, it was better to travel comfortably.

Thus, Allen’s group left the city without a caravan two days later. As promised, the Group Leader set their course towards Mahvana, the Milk-Jug Mage’s hometown.

Certainly, the reputation of the Eastern scenery was well-deserved, and even viewing it from the roadside was delightful. The sheer mountain ranges, wide and green fields, and mild climate made it hard to believe this area had recently been engulfed in the chaos of war.

The group, having passed through several villages, finally arrived at the hometown of the Milk-Jug Mage, the mid-city of Mahvana.

Wooooow.

The towering, beautiful city, set against the backdrop of snow-capped mountain ranges and gently flowing rivers, drew admiration from the members. Even the usually unresponsive Itty Titty Swordsman had her eyes wide open this time. Allen was momentarily lost in old memories.

And in front of Mahvana’s checkpoint, the Milk-Jug Mage boldly thrust out her chest and spoke to the old captain.

“It’s me, Captain.”

“Miss!”

Thanks to Elena, the group received a warm welcome and passed through without delay. The Milk-Jug Mage’s face was filled with an unmistakable excitement as she returned to her hometown after several years.

The group passed through the outer gates and moved straight to the inner gates without stopping. Naturally, they also passed through with ease this time, without any hindrance.

Upon entering the inner city, she only took Allen and Quintus, the representatives of the group, while the others were sent to the guest accommodations. It was customary to first greet the city’s owner.

Count Herera, who heard the news of his daughter’s return after several years, came out to the entrance of his residence to welcome them.

“My daughter!”

“Father…!”

With more white hair scattered on his head than before, he warmly embraced his daughter, who now fully looked the part of a mercenary. Allen and Quintus also gave a nod and greeted the Count.

“It’s been a while. We’ve met before, haven’t we?”

“Have you been well, sir?”

“Indeed, I have.”

The Count shook hands firmly, not only with Allen but also with Quintus.

“Come on up, everyone.”

He led the three men and women to the reception room. Having met after several years, they had a mountain of conversations to share.

The four gathered around the circular table where tea was already prepared. The Count smiled contentedly at his daughter, who had matured while learning about the world.

…Now, she’s truly become an adult…

“I often hear rumors about the Allen-Mercenary Group. I heard you settled in Vermandois. You frequently interact with the Top 10 as well. Was it the Viola-Mercenary Group?”

“That’s right.”

“From the first time I saw you, I knew you would become something great. You were different right from the start.”

“Haha, you’re too kind.”

The atmosphere was harmonious. Allen didn’t want to spoil this good mood with grim stories. That could be discussed later, in a separate setting.

“Did this gentleman say he came from the Holy Kingdom?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“You must have had a tough journey from afar.”

Even at a glance, it was clear he wasn’t an ordinary figure, but the Count wasn’t someone without tact. He refrained from asking more and avoided lengthy conversations. It was obvious even to the Count that the entire mercenary group wouldn’t move for the hometown visit of just one member, even if she were his daughter.

“Feel free to rest here as much as you wish. I’ll make sure you’re well taken care of.”

“If you do so, I’d be most grateful.”

The three men and women talked about what had happened so far. Especially Elena, who, like a teenage girl, chattered incessantly to her father about her experiences.

From leaving the East and first arriving in Vermandois, to the larva monster’s dungeon, the necromancer of the West, the demon soldier’s clutches, the Siren’s Song, the gate of the Spirit World, the succubus’s minion, the fake gold…

Honestly, even Vice Group Leader Quintus, who was listening quietly, was quite surprised by the impressive and colorful history. He had heard that the Allen-Mercenary Group was a rising star, but upon hearing the detailed history, he felt that the rumors were rather underestimated.

As the not-so-short stories were exchanged, the day had already quietly set. A beautiful red sunset spread across the sky, and the Count stood up for dinner.

“I invite all the members to dine. I’d like to meet my daughter’s companions as well.”

Thus, after a short break before the meal, the group gathered in the dining room to enjoy a hearty dinner with the Count.

After finishing the meal, Group Leader Allen received a discreet summons from the Count and headed to his office.

“Have a seat.”

The two sat facing each other with a glass of strong whiskey in front of them. Unlike before, the atmosphere was serious.

“I don’t think the reason you came to the East is just because of my daughter… Is it something related to the Holy Kingdom? Feel free to speak. My lips are sealed, so don’t worry about it leaking out.”

Allen, bringing the strong drink to his tongue, opened his mouth with the tingling aroma.

“That’s correct. It is related to the Holy Kingdom.”

“What connection does the East have with the Holy Kingdom? I don’t understand.”

“It’s because of the heretics.”

“Heretics?”

Allen licked his lips with his tongue and began in earnest.

“The East was in chaos due to war until recently, wasn’t it?”

“That’s right. The northern part was quite a mess.”

“During war, a significant number of casualties is inevitable… and the heretics are after those corpses.”

“Corpses, huh…”

“We are currently tracking the heretics. Have there been any suspicious sightings around here?”

The Count rubbed his chin with his hand and shook his head slightly.

“Not really. We haven’t had any territorial battles since the battle at the Marlen Highlands. If the heretics are after corpses, they wouldn’t be interested in this place.”

“I see… Understood.”

“You seem to be chasing some troublesome foes yourself.”

“It can’t be helped. I’m not in the Top 10 yet, so can a mercenary be picky about work? I have to take on whatever comes.”

The Count chuckled at those words.

“Top 10, huh? You have quite the ambition.”

“One has to be at that level to be called a man, don’t you think?”

The Count thought that Group Leader Allen’s audacity was the same as ever, then and now.

But he couldn’t say it was baseless vanity. He was clearly proving his worth at present.

“So, where are you planning to go now?”

“I intend to go to the Duke’s territory.”

“Do you have connections?”

“I do have someone to meet.”

“Need any help? If you want, I could write a letter to His Grace the Duke for you. He’s an elder I occasionally meet, so he might offer some help.”

Of course, Allen had no reason to refuse. He planned to meet Vice Group Leader Elizabeth, but it was wise to consider the possibility of that plan going awry. He did have a letter from Group Leader Viola, but it’s best to have more cards up one’s sleeve.

“If you could help, I’d be grateful.”

The Count cleared his throat a few times with a “hmm, hmm.”

“…Well, it’s not like I’m asking you to take special care of my daughter or anything…”

Allen smiled kindly.

“Ah, yes… Don’t worry. Elena is a very competent member and is recognized both inside and outside. She’s even holding the position of Vice Group Leader.”

“Then, well, that’s a relief! I shouldn’t be concerned about it unnecessarily. She’ll handle things well on her own!”

No, you’re quite concerned, actually.

“It’s not just because she’s my daughter. She’s been smart and has always accomplished her tasks since she was little!”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“I knew she’d do well. Whoever takes her will be very fortunate! Don’t you think so too?”

“Of course.”

The Count gave a subtle glance. Naturally, the quick-witted Allen responded with a composed smile.

The Count’s voice grew louder as he exchanged words, and the alcohol took effect.

“Elena is so pure and innocent! She doesn’t know anything about men at all!”

…Sometimes, knowing nothing can be a blessing.