16. The Incredible Effect of the Map from Theo of the Red Evil Mercenaries
The map Theo from the Red Evil Mercenaries had given them proved incredibly effective! Thanks to it, Ian—the silver-rank adventurer—cut what should have been a week's journey down to just three days! From Redbin, the border city of the Durumil Kingdom, to Soboro County, it was a considerable distance that would normally require nonstop travel by carriage for a full week. But the map from Theo was different. While ordinary maps showed a winding detour, this one marked a straight shot from Redbin directly to Soboro County. Of course, it wasn't a path just anyone—ordinary folk or travelers—could use freely, but Ian didn't pay it much mind. There didn't seem to be anyone policing it anyway, and they were in a hurry. If we get caught, we get caught, he figured, and barreled through. Thanks to that, they arrived in Soboro County remarkably fast.
"Whoa, we really made it quick, huh? Right, Bella?"
"Yeah, that map was a huge help. Isn't that right, Bella?"
"Indeed. Traversing in three days what should take a week is quite swift. Wouldn't you agree... beast girl?"
"Argh, fuck! Fine, I get it. Cut it out already. You've said that shit thirty times now. You know that? My ears are gonna blister, damn it?!"
Since the map had come from Theo under the pretext of a commission fee, they took turns slyly ribbing Bella—who had initially opposed taking the job because there wasn't time—about a dozen times each. From Bella's perspective, she couldn't have known Theo had such a map, so she felt wronged, sure. But in the end, the world judged by results. No mercy for the teasing.
Finally, unable to endure the relentless one-liners from everyone taking turns, Bella exploded with pent-up frustration.
"What about me?! Got it? You got it?! Is that my fault?!"
"No, who said it was your fault? We're just saying we got here fast."
"Shut up, you bastard! You're the worst! Even if I don't expect it from them, you should be on my side, you goddamn jerk! I called you husband, husband, and you side with outsiders! Huh?! You rotten prick! How was I supposed to know that runt had a map...!"
"Runt?!! You just called this body a runt, you beast bitch?!"
At that, Dina's eyes flashed at the word "runt," and she lunged at Bella. Startled by the sudden attack, Bella shoved Dina's forehead away with her long arm.
"Ugh, what the hell's your problem? When did I ever say that to you?!"
Dina, who was much shorter than Bella, could only flail her short arms and legs in front of her, fuming but no match for her...
But Dina was Dina, after all.
"Hah...! Don't push this body's forehead! What if it doesn't grow taller?!"
"No, you've already grown as tall as you're gonna get. If Ian absorbs a blessing..."
"Y-You wench! First calling this body a runt, and now insulting me further!"
"No, fuck. When did I?!"
As if to prove why she was called the Fist King, Dina swatted away Bella's pushing arm in an instant and closed in swiftly.
"Eek...! You two, stop horsing around—the carriage is shaking!"
And so began their tussle. It was such a daily sight now that no one batted an eye.
"Haha... what a mess."
Amid the brief commotion, they arrived in Piberts, the capital of Soboro Territory.
Upon entering Piberts, they decided to gather information first. Rescuing Karlson was the goal, but they couldn't just storm the lord's castle willy-nilly. Their skills were more than sufficient—Ian aside, the rest of the party were platinum-rank powerhouses, among the continent's elite. No mere county's guards or knights could stop them, let alone at a kingdom scale.
But... doing so would likely put them wanted in the Durumil Kingdom. Sure, Soboro County was in a civil war over succession, and they had a reason—rescuing their own—but they weren't official mercenaries or even Durumil citizens. What nation would stand by while foreigners harassed their nobles and toppled a territory...?
So their first priority: locate the Red Evil Mercenaries, Bella's subordinates, and Behena, the countess heir of the Soboro family who had hired them.
"First things first, track down the Red Evil Mercenaries?"
"Yeah, we need to find them to get the full picture. The letter only had the bare basics..."
"Hmm, what should we do? Split up and scout? Ah, and Ian, stick with Dina just in case."
"Sure, sounds good."
"Eh? This one has to tag along with the mochi lump?!"
"Yes, Dina, you move with Ian. And finish eating before you talk, with all that food in your mouth."
"Mmph... Got it."
Dina nodded, her cheeks puffed out like a chipmunk's with food—adorably so. Now, where to...
As Ian pondered, Bella stood from the table first.
"Then I'll head out."
"Already? Where to?"
"Mercenary guild. Saw it on the way in. Bound to know a guy or two there."
"Nice. Solid plan."
"See you later."
Cheong-ah rose next.
"I'll go too, then, darling."
"You too, Cheong-ah? Where are you headed?"
"Market and shopping district. Even in a succession war, it's like a conflict—checking supply flows should give clues."
"Makes sense."
"Ah, and darling, here."
Cheong-ah handed him a small leather pouch.
"Huh? What's this?"
"Money. Not a ton... paid for Dina's food and added a few gold and silver coins."
"Oh, thanks."
Peeking inside, about five gold and ten silver.
"Don't buy magic tools, okay?"
"Y-Yeah..."
"See you later, darling."
With that, Cheong-ah followed Bella out. Bella to the mercenary guild, Cheong-ah to the market. Where should they go?
After waiting for Dina to polish off the table's food, Ian paid for it with Cheong-ah's money.
"Bill, please. How much?"
"Five silver coins."
Wait, what? Did Ian mishear?
"How much again?"
"Five silver coins."
"...Holy shit."
Ian stared blankly at Dina. Tilting her head innocently under his gaze, she asked,
"What's wrong, Yeonja?"
"...Nothing. Our Dina eats like a champ, huh? So plump and cute—love it."
He just dazedly patted her head. Where did all that food go in such a tiny body? It hadn't bugged him while eating, but the price was staggering.
"Hehe... Really? This body could eat more, you know?"
"N-No, we've got stuff to do. I'll buy more later. Deal?"
"Very well. A promise, Yeonja?"
"...Yeah, promise."
No mukbang concept in this world? She'd dominate if there was.
After paying the shocking bill, Ian casually asked around.
"Hey, any word on a mercenary group that came through recently?"
"Sorry, sir. I don't know about that."
...Nothing? Fair enough, if they weren't paying attention.
"Well, then..."
Before he could ask more, the owner cut him off.
"I don't know anything, no matter what. Pay up and leave. Now."
"...Pardon? Oh, sure. Got it."
Thus, Ian and Dina were all but kicked out with "I know nothing."
Five silver for food, and this treatment?
"Damn, that stings."
Mood soured, but what could he do?
"Tch..."
Never coming back here.
Anyway, need to find someone who knows about the Red Evil Mercenaries. Where to...
As he mulled, Dina spoke up.
"Yeonja, this way!"
"Huh? Where—? Whoa, Dina, don't yank."
"Follow without worry—this body has a brilliant idea!"
Dina grabbed his collar and dragged him. Passersby snickered at the sight of the tiny girl towing the much larger man.
Argh, shit...
Face burning red, head down, he trailed her until she stopped.
"Here, Yeonja. We'll get info here for sure!"
"Dina, this is..."
The place Dina had led him to was...
"A back alley!"
...Not again?