Chapter 77
Chapter 77
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 77
Chapter Title: Toward the Capital (2)
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After finishing the conversation, I headed back to my room.
Having wrapped things up with Cardron as well, I had no more business here.
I could just head straight to the capital.
As soon as I returned to my room, I summoned Allen and Iriel.
To discuss our schedule.
But the ones who came to my room weren't just the two of them—it was three.
"Hello. I'm glad you're doing well."
Cecilia smiled brightly at me.
I stared at her impassively.
"I didn't call for you."
At my words, Iriel answered in her place from beside her.
"Sister Cecilia wants to hang out with us too. It's the last night, right? Mr. Nederman said we'd party hard."
Judging by how they interacted, it was clear they'd grown close over the past month together.
But party what?
I said,
"I distinctly said we were planning the schedule."
Allen, catching my cold glare, let out a hearty laugh and puffed out his chest.
"Come on, Jenes. The destination's the capital anyway. We've already prepared the detailed itinerary, so don't worry and let's make this last night in Tainan a grand one."
"Right. Mr. Nederman said he brought an insane amount of booze. He said it's worth looking forward to. And Jenes, you love drinking, don't you?"
Iriel chimed in.
Yeah, that's right. I'm a heavy drinker.
And Nederman's known for it too.
The booze he said was worth anticipating really would be.
I clicked my tongue once and nodded readily, continuing.
"We're leaving early tomorrow morning. So drink to your heart's content."
"Yes!"
Allen and Iriel jumped around excitedly, and Cecilia laughed along with them.
They said they hadn't been able to rest properly until now, all to reach Expert Beginner level.
Seeing how thrilled they were, it seemed genuine.
The drinking party started at the restaurant.
With lavish food and expensive fine liquors covering the table, it felt like a paradise.
Nederman only showed up after the party had begun.
"Hey, don't enjoy it without me!"
He'd probably just finished talking with Cardron.
Once he joined, the atmosphere heated up in no time.
With three big talkers now that Nederman was here, it was utter chaos.
I stood by the window, quietly sipping my drink.
Nederman, who'd been chattering away excitedly, approached me.
His tongue was half-slurred—he must've gotten buzzed.
Not just him; everyone's noses were crooked from the booze.
Even Cecilia was letting loose, so what about Allen and Iriel?
It was a sight.
This place felt less like the Teynan Marquis House and more like a tavern in the marketplace.
"Whew, those kids are young, huh. They can really hold their liquor."
I ignored Nederman's remark and kept drinking. He asked,
"You're stopping by the capital first?"
"Yeah. That's where the original goal is."
According to the info from Cardron, we should head straight to the Small Sea.
All the leads pointed there.
But that was because he didn't know our journey's true purpose.
"What are you planning to do there? Pick up some scraps?"
"I'm going to kill Halent."
Pffft!
The guy, mid-sip, spat booze into the air like a thug. He hastily wiped his mouth with his sleeve and turned to me, eyes bulging so wide the whites showed.
"Crazy! Kill who? Is that even possible?"
"Not for you."
"...You asshole."
He slumped his tense shoulders and straightened up.
"Whether it's the lunatic saying he'll behead Halent or the idiot believing him—hell if I know who's crazier."
"Neither of us is."
"Exactly! There's no way I could be crazy."
Grinning, he raised his glass again and spoke.
"You don't need my help anyway, right?"
"Of course not."
"I figured. Still, you could've at least pretended to consider it."
"No need to consider."
"Then maybe I'll head to Porsen Port ahead of you."
"Do whatever."
The Crown Prince's survival was a big deal for the Winding Strait folks too.
He'd planned to go with us to Porsen.
But no need for him to tag along to the capital.
Killing Halent was my solo job anyway.
Better if he went ahead and sorted the intel—it'd make things smoother.
"It's not 'cause I hate doing dishes."
"Don't dodge. Just handle your job properly."
"Hah. What do you take me for? Think I'll hole up in some nice tavern?"
"Yeah. I'm sure of it."
Based on his track record, no doubt. I knew his reason for splitting off was to slack ahead.
I added,
"If you don't want to spend your life in a Porsen Port tavern, do your job right."
"Just checking—is this a death threat?"
"Yep."
"...Damn bastard. Can't you loosen up a bit? Learn from me. I could teach you. Being that sharp all the time ain't human."
"Wanna die right now?"
"As if. I plan to live long. Gotta party more with those drunkards over there."
Nederman smirked, waved, and hurried off.
Only then did I set down my sword-shaped flask.
The next day.
As soon as the sun rose, we left Tainan Castle with Cardron and Cecilia seeing us off.
We'd said everything yesterday, so it was just simple goodbyes.
A few days later, we parted ways with Nederman too.
"See you at Porsen Port! Don't cry without me!"
As always, he spouted nonsense as he left.
Now just the three of us again, we galloped full speed toward the capital.
* * *
"Whew, a city after so long."
Allen whistled at the bustling crowds.
We'd arrived at Perpen, a city a week from the capital.
Not hugely prosperous, but close to the capital, so lots of travelers.
"What're they all looking at?"
Iriel said, glancing around.
Everyone passing by held a flyer.
Cheeky Allen grabbed one and asked,
"What's that?"
"Oh, the Governor-General's Office is offering good jobs. You can get one over there."
He kindly pointed that way.
No interest in jobs, but coincidentally, it matched our direction.
Soon, we faced a crowd swarming around people.
On a small stage.
A mild-mannered man and a friendly woman smiled wide, handing out flyers.
"Come on, head to a precious job opportunity. Not often you get this. Invest just a few years, and you can feed your family. See the seal? It's from the Governor-General's Office. Guaranteed work."
"Give me one here too!"
"Here!"
They slipped flyers into hands reaching out.
Like selling giveaway items.
"That's what the guy meant?"
Iriel picked up a dropped paper.
Same flyer as the ones people held.
Footprints on it, but readable.
They huddled, read it, and their eyes went wide.
"Eh? For real?"
"The Governor-General's Office does this?"
"Yeah."
Allen narrowed his eyes, rubbing his chin.
Iriel handed me the flyer.
"Take a look."
+
Seeking people to work like family.
Endure just a few years, and secure precious farmland.
Open to all genders.
Age limit: 35 or under
Pay: 5 gold per month
Upon acceptance, advance pay for 3 months—no income gap worries!
Details via consultation.
Beginners welcome; easy work, full lodging and meals provided.
We hope for many applicants.
-Francia Governor-General's Office-
+
Short, but enticing.
Aside from age, no strings; 5 gold monthly.
A 4-person family's monthly living cost was about 3 gold, so 5 was huge.
In Francia's current state, even 3 was hard to earn.
Leaving home was the catch, but most citizens could earn more than now.
"This smells fish—"
"Um..."
A stranger's voice cut Allen's mutter, drawing our eyes.
A woman with green hair tied up shyly eyed Allen.
Allen, flustered, stammered.
"Me?"
"Excuse me, but... have you ever lived in Bereten Village in the southern Atsuris region?"
"Huh?"
Allen blinked in confusion; the blushing woman waved her hands frantically.
"Ah, sorry. I mistook you for someone I know. My apologies."
"W-wait."
Allen grabbed the fleeing woman, continuing.
"Bereten is my hometown... but who are you?"
At his words, she gasped, covered her mouth, then slapped his shoulder excitedly.
"It is you, brother Allen! It's me! Daisy!"
"What! Daisy? You're that crybaby Daisy?!"
"Yes! It's me!"
Allen gaped at her beaming face, eyes like saucers.
"No way, why are you here?"
"Our whole family lives here now. We came up during the war ages ago. Can't believe it's finally happening!"
"Last saw you when I was 17... 13 years? Uncle and aunt okay?"
"Yes! Everyone's fine."
"What about Als?"
"Brother's not here now. If we'd met a bit earlier, you could've seen him."
Allen genuinely stomped in regret. From the talk, they'd been close as kids.
"What're you doing for dinner tonight?"
"Nothing special."
"Come to our house! I'll treat you to a meal!"
"For real?"
Allen glanced at me and Iriel. Going alone felt awkward; three mouths might burden her family.
Catching on, Daisy quickly added,
"Bring your companions! After 13 years, we can afford one meal!"
Allen looked to me again.
His eyes sparkled with plea.
I nodded silently.
He scratched his head and grinned wide.
"Alright then?"
After she kindly gave directions and left, Iriel pounced on Allen like a predator.
"Brother Allen, what's that?! Who is she? Old friend? She's super pretty!"
"She's Als's little sister—the guy I was closest to. Too pretty now; didn't recognize her."
"13 years is plenty for a girl to become a lady!"
"Yeah. Meeting a hometown friend here of all places..."
"That's all?"
Iriel smirked, poking his side; Allen flushed, insisting it was just sibling-like fondness from childhood.
Watching them tussle, love at first sight was obvious.
"Just excited to see her after so long."
"Fine, I'll believe you for now."
I spoke to the bickering pair.
"Enough. Let's find lodging. Gotta unpack before dinner."
"Ah, yes!"
Allen barked energetically and marched off.
Giggling at his back, Iriel asked me,
"But is that flyer legit?"
I still held it.
"No way."
Flames sparked from my fingertips.
I burned it to ash with my inner energy in one go.