episode_0051

I stared blankly at the pouch of platinum coins the guildmaster had given me.

The Thief’s Ultimate, as if reading my thoughts, estimated the number based on its weight.

‘Exactly 500 platinum coins.’

A truly satisfying amount.

First and foremost, I had the desire to buy a house—but how on earth was I going to handle this?

‘Would around 100 platinum coins be enough?’

And.

This was the first time I’d ever held so much cash.

The pouch felt incredibly heavy.

Carefully scanning my surroundings, I returned to where my companions were.

‘Is there anywhere I can safely deposit this money?’

Carrying this much physical currency around made no sense. If absolutely necessary, I could stash it in my hidden space, but—

‘Still, I’ll have to spend platinum like water.’

A happy dilemma, but a dilemma nonetheless.

Was there no bank or something? Would it be safe to deposit the money there? Questions like that swirled in my mind.

‘Maybe I should’ve asked about that too.’

If push came to shove, I could always ask Vulcan, but—

I had another option.

I looked at the woman waiting for me.

Hair and eyes the color of twilight, reminiscent of the setting sun.

She was leaning against the wall, watching me.

“You’re finally back?” “Yeah.” “What did they say?” “They asked if I had a gift related to the soul.” “The soul…?”

Hermes’ expression flickered for a moment.

Was there something dangerous among the keywords related to the soul?

“And they gave me a reward for the Green Bone Horse incident.” “How much? The guildmaster wouldn’t be stingy.”

Instead of answering, I held up five fingers.

Hermes’ eyes widened.

“By any chance… in platinum?”

I nodded silently.

Hermes’ eyes grew even rounder.

“Fifty coins? That’s quite generous.” “…You need to add another zero.” “Huh?”

Hermes’ eyes turned perfectly round before she adopted a thoughtful expression.

“Are you looking for a place to deposit your money?” “Yeah, do you know somewhere?” “I do.”

At my question, Hermes answered.

Then, she casually linked arms with me, looking up as she spoke.

“But you’ll have to spend a little time with me. Is that okay?” “Of course.”

—

And so, arm in arm with Hermes, we arrived at the black market.

The same place where I’d once gone to uncover the truth behind the glasses—a shop that sold paper.

‘Qinghualou.’

A Chinese-style wooden building. In a world otherwise steeped in fantasy, seeing such architecture for the first time felt awkward.

“There’s a bank in a place like this?” “Well, not exactly a bank, but it serves a similar function.”

Looking around, the place was filled with people dressed in what could be called traditional Chinese clothing.

And then—

“Hmm.”

A woman watched us with a dissatisfied expression, chin resting on her hand.

Her appearance was different from before. A cheongsam embroidered with golden and red flowers, black stockings, and her hair tied into two buns.

‘So women like this really exist in reality.’

That thought crossed my mind as—

She stared at us.

“……” “You’ve seen her before, right?” “Yeah.” “Be careful. She deals in information.”

At Hermes’ words, I couldn’t help but make a dumbfounded expression.

“She deals in information?” “Yes, the faction she belongs to specializes in it. Ah, factions are like clans within the adventurer’s guild. Though, unlike the guild, their bonds are weaker—that’s their flaw. But why the dumbfounded look?”

Hermes looked at me questioningly.

Well, of course.

‘Wait, is she some kind of informant?’

She definitely didn’t seem ordinary.

If my instincts were right—

If I sensed strength from her, then she was likely just a step below Vulcan.

‘A temperamental woman hiding her true self.’

That was the impression I got from her right now.

“…Anyway, you have sharp senses, don’t you?”

Hermes muttered under her breath. My sharp senses were thanks to the Thief’s Ultimate.

“My, my, you’ve come arm in arm this time.”

The temperamental woman smiled as she spoke, while Hermes simply grinned back.

“Hmm.”

The woman narrowed her eyes at Hermes’ behavior, watching us closely.

Her gaze turned toward me.

Blue eyes—clear like a lake.

‘Temperamental, but…’

It didn’t suit her.

“Come to think of it, congratulations. I heard the guildmaster has taken an interest in you?” “……”

The information really travels fast. It’s already reached her ears.

“Fufu, no need to be so surprised. As the Mistress of Haomu, it’s only natural for me to know such things.” “Mistress of Haomu?”

I knew of it.

One of the Nine Schools and Thirteen Houses—Haomu.

‘…Wait, is Haomu part of the Nine Schools?’

I had no interest in martial arts novels, so I wasn’t sure.

“It’s one of the renowned families of the East.”

The Mistress of Haomu laughed lightly.

Renowned families—I knew of those.

The countless great families that supported the Empire.

I’d heard the Kingdom had them too.

“Their families are anything but ordinary. No offense, but even most nobles would pale in comparison to their influence.” “The Nine Schools and Thirteen Houses, and their rivals, the Ten Hegemons Alliance—Haomu is one of them.”

The woman spoke as she snapped her fan shut, smiling.

“And I am the young mistress who oversees Haomu.” “…Young?”

With that kind of strength, calling herself “young” was a stretch.

The thought crossed my mind—most people who downplay their age do so because they don’t want to admit they’re old.

“What’s with that doubt? Are you implying this young lady is past her prime…?” “A woman in her thirties calling herself twenty-something.” “……”

The Mistress of Haomu wore a hollow expression before glaring sharply at Hermes.

“W-What nonsense! There’s no way this young lady is that old.” “Oh, don’t worry, Mr. Yuseong. I’m a fresh-faced twenty-year-old.” “Anyway, the reason we’re here is?” “I’d like to make a card. Like an ID.” “…Hmm.”

Blue eyes turned toward me, moving up and down as if sizing me up.

“Well, fine. For someone like you, it’s better for us to owe you a favor.” “I’ll buy the ID.” “What money could adventurers fresh out of the cradle possibly have… Ah, you got money from the guildmaster. Well, alright.”

The Mistress of Haomu led us inside.

Inside, there were informants disguised as customers—and one actual customer.

We were taken to a private room.

“Let’s see…”

The Mistress rummaged through a drawer before placing something on the desk.

Thud.

“Here, take it. I had it made in advance, just in case.” “You’re quite eager to owe me, aren’t you?” “Well, if I want to earn the favor of someone akin to the Sword King’s disciple, this much is necessary, no?”

She smiled, her blue eyes glinting.

Just being known as Vulcan’s disciple made people this friendly?

‘…I knew the old man was something, but…’

Seeing someone of her stature show such favor made it feel real.

“But really, what’s the deal with that kid over there?”

Blue eyes turned toward me.

That kid? Not very fitting for someone who introduced herself as a “young lady.”

“…?” “Sorry, I did some digging, but nothing came up about you. That orange-haired girl earned the infamous title of ‘friend-killer,’ but a man of your caliber should have some rumors at least.” “You’re investigating me…?” “Apologies, but it’s unavoidable. Our presence in [The Cradle] is conditional on gathering such information.”

The Mistress smiled, but her gaze was cold—as if she saw me as a heretic.

“The Divine Spear of the East, the movements of the legendary phantom thief from long ago—you resemble them, yet your path is different. Sometimes you move like a seasoned ranger, other times you wield a sword like a master. And above all, your position as something akin to the Sword King’s disciple is suspicious.”

Her eyes demanded: Who are you?

Then, she bowed her head slightly.

“My apologies. I didn’t mean to pry this much.” “…Well, it happens.” “But one thing is certain.” “What’s that?” “You weren’t born in that distant continent… the one where the Demon King is reviving.” “How do you know that?”

At my question, her eyes curved into crescents as she placed a long finger over her lips.

“Sorry, but revealing a young lady’s secrets is impolite.” “Then is your age really twen—” “Shall we stop there?”

She smiled, but her eyes were icy.

But I was genuinely curious.

“…As an apology, I’ll grant you access to one piece of high-grade information.” “…You’re really trying to win me over, huh?”

Hermes narrowed her eyes at the Mistress.

The Mistress smiled back.

“What else can I do? You’re the man who’s leveling up at an unprecedented rate, drawing the attention of both the Sword King and the guildmaster.” “……” “If you want to keep him close, you’d better treat him well. It’s not just me—imperial agents, people from the East, even beastmen, some elves, orcs, and dwarves are already whispering about him.”

…So my reputation had spread this far.

Was this really okay?

“Is that because of old man Vulcan?” “…That’s part of it. It’s more… comprehensive, I’d say.” “I appreciate the favor.” “My, since you’re so grateful, why not become a regular here?” “As long as you don’t stab me in the back.” “…What a frightening thing to say. As the Mistress of Haomu, I’ll handle things properly, but as one of the Ten Hegemons—a massive faction—all I can say is that I’ll do my best.”

She smiled and extended her hand for a handshake.

Even now, I could feel her strength. Compared to Vulcan, she was similar, but the sheer scale of her power felt slightly inferior.

As I gauged her, I clasped her outstretched hand.

“Pleasure doing business.” “Likewise.” “Ah, about depositing the money—” “…I’ll transfer it immediately, sir. Just use this card.” “Then, for now, just 100 platinum coins—” “…Oh my, oh my, a VIP, are we?”

The Mistress smiled brightly before straightening her clothes and bringing out tea from somewhere.

“VIPs receive all sorts of benefits, you see—” “…Just give me the card.”

Hermes would handle the rest.

—

“Heard the rumors?” “Which one?” “Word is a Saintess has appeared nearby.”

Brucan spoke cheerfully as he tore into his meat.

“A Saintess?”

But I was puzzled.

Heroes.

Weren’t they supposed to be chosen from candidates who competed among themselves?

‘Has one already been decided?’

At my confusion, Brucan nodded.

“Humans have always produced at least one hero per generation. We orcs and those hairy northerners usually wield weapons, while the pointy-eared ones favor bows. But humans—they always produce a Saintess or a Saint.” “Is that so?” “You really have no interest in these things, do you? A fine warrior, but one of a warrior’s virtues is keeping track of rumors about the strong.” “Why?” “So you can fight them, of course.”

What was I expecting from this muscle-brain?

Still, he wasn’t wrong.

Know thy enemy and know thyself, and you shall never be defeated—wasn’t there an old saying like that?

Right now, I didn’t know if she’d be an enemy or not.

But—

‘Rozenta said she was a Saintess candidate.’

Which meant the chances of her becoming an enemy were high.

So.

‘Maybe I should go see this Saintess.’

Everyone was passed out today, and tomorrow we were hitting the tavern—so my schedule was free.

I set off to find the Saintess.