Chapter 23
Chapter 23
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 23
Chapter Title: The Sponsorship Proposal
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It was an incredibly surprising statement.
What Eugene needed most right now was to enter a demon realm other than the Tiwin territory's dungeon.
He had to visit as many dungeons and labyrinths as possible, slay special monsters, and obtain red mana stones. Only then could he acquire their abilities and remove the tattoos covering his body.
‘If all the tattoos disappear, what will happen? Were the previous two times just coincidences?’
The memory that surfaced after consuming the red mana stone from the Cave Giant Spider was a clue that allowed him to track down his past.
Perhaps, if he kept consuming red mana stones, more memories would emerge.
In the end, to confirm that, Eugene needed to enter more demon realms.
But he wasn't foolish enough to bite at Prechella's words immediately.
"That means you want something from me."
"You're right. That's why I'm making you a proposal."
Feeling that she had finally taken a proper step forward, Prechella continued calmly.
"Until you receive formal knighting, the Feilin Merchant Group will sponsor you, Sir Eugene."
"Sponsor?"
"Yes. We'll provide maximum support not only during normal times but also when you participate in subjugations. In return, we'll handle all contracts with the families that own the demon realms. Of course, we'll discuss the contract terms and details with you in advance. We promise the best treatment."
"Hmm. This isn't something I can decide easily."
"Of course. We have no intention of rushing it."
In truth, she wanted to finalize the contract right then and there, but Prechella feigned a relaxed smile as she spoke.
"For now, focus on the second subjugation of the Tiwin family's dungeon. When you return to Maren, you can decide then."
"Understood. But I have one question."
"Yes. Ask anything."
"Why me? There are plenty of knights in Maren, not just me, and no shortage of outstanding ones."
Prechella tensed again at Eugene's calm gaze and low voice.
She couldn't explain it, but those vivid red eyes and deep, resonant voice seemed to hold some strange power.
Charisma?
An instinctive fear of knights?
Whatever it was, it reaffirmed for Prechella that Eugene was no ordinary man.
"The first reason is your skill, Sir Eugene. We've already confirmed your exploits from multiple mercenaries who entered the Tiwin family's territory with you. I apologize for that."
"It's fine. And?"
"Yes. We've also verified the results of the recent battle at the edge of Banggle Forest. From those two incidents, we're convinced your skills are exceptional. And the second reason..."
Prechella swallowed dryly without realizing it before continuing.
"This might be awkward to say, but our merchant group doesn't usually sponsor knights. They're such unique individuals. Unstable elements, you could say? We want stable relationships, but knights could bolt anywhere."
Prechella watched Eugene's reaction nervously.
She was fairly certain, but speaking ill of knights to their face might offend him.
"That's understandable. Knights do have a lot of hot-tempered and eccentric types."
But Eugene's response was unexpected. Prechella let out a relieved breath and continued quickly.
"Yes. However, we've judged that you're different from those knights, Sir Eugene. So, until you receive knighting, we'll sponsor you, and during that period..."
Prechella's explanation was lengthy, but the core seemed simple.
‘Isn't it pretty much the same as getting knighted by a noble?’
At least, what Eugene had to do for the Feilin Merchant Group and the support they provided him was nearly identical to the relationship between a noble and their knighted retainer.
He knew this for sure, having heard about knighting from Galpredic until his ears hurt.
The difference was that, being an equal contractual relationship rather than a hierarchical one, it could be terminated anytime depending on the situation.
‘Not bad.’
He'd need to look into it more, but the terms themselves seemed decent.
If knighted by a titled noble, the demon realms he could enter for subjugations might be limited.
In contrast, through the Feilin Merchant Group, he could access any dungeons or labyrinths connected to their branches without restrictions.
"What do you think?"
Receiving Prechella's expectant gaze, Eugene nodded.
"It's good. Let's proceed for now, and I'll sign the contract when I come back."
"Ah! Thank you..."
"But no fixed term contract. Per job instead. Let's try two or three times first, then talk again. How's that?"
"Well..."
Prechella barely swallowed her impulse to say she'd need to discuss it, and nodded as naturally as possible.
"That sounds like a great idea. Let's do that."
She had to close this deal herself somehow. She couldn't consult her grandfather or father.
Per job? She'd never considered it, but it should work out.
Securing three subjugations would tie this highly promising knight to the merchant group for the year.
"We'll discuss the details next time. Oh, right."
"Yes!"
Buoyed by a sense of accomplishment, Prechella leaned forward eagerly.
But the moment she met Eugene's crimson eyes, her joy vanished without a trace.
"Just in case. If you're thinking of playing games behind my back, better call it off now. I never let anyone who comes at me first or stabs me in the back get away with it. Age, race, gender—doesn't matter."
"O-of course. N-nothing like that will happen. I s-swear."
Right. She'd almost forgotten.
This handsome man was still a knight who valued honor and pride above all, one who preferred speaking with spear and sword over words to defend it.
* * *
After receiving a provisional contract from Prechella, Eugene went straight to Partek. He read the entire contract aloud to Partek, who was illiterate.
"What do you think?"
"Hmm. The terms seem quite good. But this is a first for me too. My advice: consult people knowledgeable in these matters."
"People like that exist?"
"Yes. Reliable ones."
Partek then introduced Eugene to three people.
A former scribe from a large mercenary company, a retired merchant, and a legal advisor from the mercenary guild. The last was Trevic, the guild master himself.
"...So, the contract proposed by the Feilin Merchant Group to you, Sir Eugene, has no legal issues. Assuming valid reasons, you can terminate it anytime you wish, and overall, the terms look favorable."
Eugene nodded at Trevic's explanation.
‘Same opinion as the other two.’
"But even if it's good for me, isn't the Feilin Merchant Group taking a loss?"
"Not at all. No matter how many subjugations you contract for, the monster byproducts you receive as payment can be sold by the merchant group. Even last time's haul would yield them substantial profit."
"Hmm."
"Above all, the benefit to the Feilin Merchant Group is that contracting with a proven knight like you allows them to show off to merchant groups based in other cities."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Knights confident in their skills seek knighting from nobles, not ties with merchant groups. So merchant groups mostly contract mercenaries. Contracting with you is a chance for them to boast their capabilities."
"It's a bit complicated."
"Haha! No need to overthink it. In my view, it's a good deal for both sides."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. It's common for knights before knighting to maintain their livelihood—or rather, their honor and combat prowess—through various ties with merchant groups. Knights don't have much income, after all."
"That's true."
Eugene nodded naturally.
He had free armor and warhorse, but knighthood was truly a money-devouring monster.
Knights sought knighting from titled nobles for more than just honor and glory; stable income was surely a key reason, Eugene was convinced.
"Thanks for the advice. It helped a lot."
Trevic grinned and shook his head at Eugene's words.
"No problem. It's the least for Maren's hero. So, heading back to Tiwin territory right away?"
"Yes."
Eugene nodded and stood.
Then Trevic spoke again, as if remembering something.
"Oh, right. Due to the Roamers and orcs in the Brandish Mountains, word is some lords are gathering mercenaries lately. Be careful on your way, Sir Eugene; trouble might arise."
"Got it. Thanks for the heads-up."
"No trouble at all. Safe travels."
Eugene and Partek left the guild master's office, and as the door closed, Trevic muttered softly.
"A fine knight indeed. If I were ten years younger, I might've followed Partek out myself."
It wasn't about skill. It had been ages since he'd seen a sane, reasonable knight.
* * *
Eugene and the three mercenaries set off again for Tiwin territory.
Leading a large wagon pulled by a packhorse, the group's appearance had changed dramatically from their trip to Maren.
Mounted on Silion in plate armor, Eugene looked every bit the valiant, imposing knight.
The mercenaries had also invested their dungeon earnings generously in gear.
Partek wore a plate coat reinforced with iron plates inside leather, chainmail chausses on his legs, and carried a shield and mace on his back.
All new purchases; they'd sold most of their old gear, including the worn hauberk.
Glad and Raban had bought chain mail to bolster defense and upgraded their main weapons too.
"Wow! Now that they're geared up like that, they look the part! Sir Eugene and his ragtag—no, loyal retainers! The legend of the Blood Count starts now!"
With Mirian, the spirit of desire, buzzing excitedly around the group, Eugene and the mercenaries marched diligently.
* * *
Five days later.
Eugene's party arrived at Marcus Mountain without incident.
Most crossing Marcus Mountain, the tail end of the Brandish Mountains, used the path from the foothills along the ridge.
But even at the end, it was infamous for occasional orc appearances, and rumors had spread recently of goblin packs and orc warriors near Maren.
Thus, the village at the mountain's base bustled with people seeking fellow travelers to cross together.
"K-knight."
"A real knight. Those with him must be mercenaries."
As soon as Eugene's group appeared, gazes converged, and whispers erupted everywhere.
"Wow... look at that armor."
"Plate armor. That must cost a fortune."
"And the horse? Check out that barding."
Eugene drew the most attention.
Outside great nobles' service, knights owning plate armor like his were exceedingly rare.
Moreover, the black horse, armor, and robe all together drew eyes.
But people only glanced, none daring to approach.
Not just Eugene—even the mercenaries exuded an intimidating air.
"Sir Knight. If I may beg a moment of your time?"
A middle-aged man in a wide-brimmed hat tilted askew approached Silion and bowed politely.
"What's the matter?"
"Yes, Sir Knight. I'm Delduan, a peddler. No other matter—I won't be stingy with compensation if you'll cross Marcus Mountain with my group?"
As merchant Delduan spoke, all eyes turned to him and Eugene.
(To be continued)