Chapter 17
Chapter 17
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 17
Chapter Title: Contract (4) - Village Chief
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1.
"Finally found you, you fucking bastards."
A group of thugs grinned as they blocked our path. Seeing people behind us too, it was clear they'd been hunting for us.
⚔ STATUS UPDATE ⚔ ⚡ Strength: 30 → 31 💨 Agility: 30 → 31 ✨ Mana: 10 → 12 Remaining Points fully allocated. Status window closed.
"Hmm."
The street was strangely quiet. There had been a villager or two when we'd come up from the market earlier, but now it was dead silent, like a ghost town.
Coincidence? Or intentional?
"What's going on?"
Before I could step forward, the maid spoke up. Without a word, they drew weapons from their clothes.
Not swords—long leather clubs, commonly called blackjacks.
Each gripped one and advanced toward us with leisurely confidence, no trace of haste.
'Good thing I brought my sword.'
The village's vibe had felt off, so I'd packed it on purpose. Best decision among my recent moves.
Seven in front, five behind. And I was our only fighter.
In situations like this, seizing the initiative is key. I drew my sword and kicked off the ground. Channeling mana, I crossed the air in an instant.
Slash!
The mana-infused blade sliced through a thug's chest. Blood sprayed as his upper body spilled onto the ground. Even to me, it was a brutal sight.
"F-Fuck!"
"Gaaahhh!"
If I'd aimed for the throat, no mana would've been needed—but then I wouldn't have seen a scene like that.
The thugs behind recoiled. Those soaked in blood clutched their faces in panic.
Thud!
I plunged through their group while they stared, pale-faced and dazed. Twisting my body, I swung in a wide arc.
Slice—
The blade grazed the ends of their necks. No great strength required.
"Grkkk—"
Blood gushed from the thugs' throats. They gurgled wetly before collapsing, convulsing in death throes.
"Eek!"
I shook the blood from my sword and turned. The remaining men jumped in terror, knuckles white on their weapons.
'It's over.'
Step by step—
Even as I approached, they didn't move—like their ankles were pinned.
"Hey. Just one question."
"Y-Yes?"
His voice trembled violently, slurring from fear.
"Who sent you?"
"P-Pardon?"
Slash!
"Eeeeeek!"
I beheaded the one who repeated himself. The guy next to him crumpled to the ground. The stench wrinkled my nose.
"Who sent you?"
"Th-The Village Chief! Th-The Village Chief ordered it!"
The man swallowed sobs, mumbling awkwardly. His comrades squeezed their eyes shut or sighed. Their reactions rang true.
"We've barely been in the village."
We'd gone straight from meeting the chief to run our errand. And he'd set this up in the meantime?
"W-Well, you see..."
As he hesitated, I raised my sword. He hunched low and blurted it out.
"I-I'll talk! I'll talk!!! Just spare me, please!"
"Spit it out."
"S-So. This isn't our first time doing this."
"Not the first?"
"Y-Yes. A few carriages have come through the village these past days. We ambushed them every time and robbed them blind!"
That figured. A planned crime after all. I'd thought it was just a gloomy village, but it had a sinister underbelly.
'Which means pretty much all the villagers are in on it.'
"Shouldn't we head back to the Young Lady first?"
The maid cut into my thoughts. I nodded.
"Yeah. Reporting back makes sense."
If it were just personal beef, maybe not—but this was the whole village conspiring to rob a noble. Best to leave it to her.
"I-I told you everything. You sparing me, right?"
The thug looked relieved. I swung without a word.
Slash!
His head fell with a grin still on it. The others gaped in shock.
"Wh-Why!"
"You said you'd let me live!"
"When did I?"
I'd only told him to talk fast—never promised mercy. That was just their wishful thinking.
"You bitch!"
The thugs charged, gnashing teeth, swinging with all they had.
'Slow.'
Slash!
I cut down the rest and shook off the blade. Blood splattered the ground.
"Let's move."
The maids stared at the bodies before nodding hurriedly. We headed up the hill to the Village Chief's house.
2.
"I-Is everything alright with the house?"
The Village Chief bowed low. Anne glanced around the interior and nodded.
"It smells a bit, but this is tolerable."
"Glad to hear it."
The old man bowed, grinding his teeth. Her comment on the smell bruised his pride.
'Those damn bitches. Just wait.'
For now, he played the kindly elder—but it was temporary. Once his thug crew killed the mercenary and dragged in the maid, they'd all jump the knight together.
'Worst case, take the maid hostage and threaten them.'
He peeked up at Amelia on his bed.
Shiny golden hair, snow-white skin. A voluptuous figure beneath. Nothing like the rough peasant wives—soft as could be.
Her armor hid details, but the knight beside her had a stunning face too.
'Those female mercenaries last time were delicious.'
How much better would a superior knight taste? His mouth watered.
'Just hold on...!'
"What are you doing?"
As the old man clenched his fists with ambition—
"Pardon?"
Anne's voice snapped from ahead. He looked up to her fierce glare.
"I asked what you're doing."
"Wh-What do you mean... Gaaah!"
She grabbed his hair roughly and yanked his face up.
Smack!
She backhanded him.
This wasn't some light slap. With a knight's strength and iron gauntlet? Devastating.
"Grhh..."
The chief rolled on the floor. One side of his face nearly caved in from the force.
"Wh-Why..."
Blood and teeth spilled as he gasped. It hurt like hell, but now wasn't the time.
"You ogled the Young Lady disrespectfully."
"P-Pardon? I-I didn't..."
"Are you calling me a liar?"
He bowed in terror as she approached.
"N-No! I'm truly sorry! Truly, truly sorry!"
He babbled desperately, genuinely fearing for his life.
"No next time. Watch yourself."
"Y-Yes...!"
As she sat back, he clenched his fist. Biting down hard—but missing teeth left his mouth empty.
'Fucking bitch, fucking bitch...! That goddamn whore!'
He vowed not to kill the knight easily—noble or no. Then he waited for his thugs.
"Get out."
"...Yes."
He staggered up, gripping the wall toward the door.
Knock knock—
His lips curled at the sound.
'They're here!'
He spun back to Anne.
"Didn't I tell you to get out? Why are you still here? Deaf?"
"...Fucking bitch."
"What?"
Her contemptuous face hardened. Piercing killing intent made him gulp.
Step by step—
As she closed in fast, he flung open the door and yelled.
"Quick, subdue this bitch!"
"What bullshit is that?"
A stranger's voice from behind as he pointed. He turned—to Hanson's face.
"Y-You..."
The chief's eyes shook wildly. Not the man he'd hoped for.
"Wh-Where are my men..."
"Your men?"
Hanson paused at the mutter, then smirked.
"All dead."
"What—"
—Slash!
His question ended short. His right arm flew off, shattering his thoughts.
"Gaaahhh—"
—Thud!
Anne's kick sent him tumbling outside. Blood sprayed, staining walls and ground.
"Hng... Hngg..."
Pain crushed his breath. In his daze, face in the dirt, he wondered how it all went wrong.