Week 2.5 (9)
Week 2.5 (9)
"Oh my, this place..."
"Yes, we're getting close now."
Basiliki glanced around with innocent eyes.
There was no direct transportation running straight to Ruelier, which was deep in the boonies even within The Union. So, after getting off at the nearest station, they had no choice but to proceed on foot.
By the time they reached the Territory, the sun had already set, and the outskirts of the already gloomy Territory boasted a ferocious atmosphere that could be likened to the gaping maw of a demon's cave.
As the Lord and the Client, there was no way he couldn't notice the vibe, but it seemed Basiliki the Demidius priestess couldn't care less—she simply maintained her serene demeanor.
"Hoo... Master-nim, should we maybe put some kind of decoration at the Territory entrance?"
Perhaps feeling the same way, Valerie whispered to Basiliki with a slightly embarrassed look, glancing her way.
The moment they left Ark City, he decided to drop the act. After all, since Basiliki had accepted the commission, there was no point in keeping up the pointless charade in front of her.
When she first encountered Valerie's free-spirited attitude after the loyal retainer performance, she seemed a bit surprised despite everything.
Even so, it looked like our relationship wasn't a topic she cared much about one way or the other.
"Doesn't seem like something a decoration could fix..."
"I felt it the first time too, but the entrance is just so barren. That's why all these dumb rumors spread."
Not that they were entirely baseless rumors, which was the problem. Leaving the grumbling Valerie behind for now, I approached Basiliki.
"From here on, we're within the Labyrinth's influence. Remember what I told you earlier?"
"Yes, of course. I can tell just from this unpleasant sensation clinging to my skin."
Her serene voice and gentle smile made the words spin in my head for a second.
Well, roughly speaking, it meant the air was perfect for fucking shitty bastards to live in.
I had Valerie stop for a moment, and she pulled out a torch, cloth, and oil from her backpack one by one.
From here on, they needed Embers. By now, he had some experience with this routine, so it didn't take long.
Crimson flames licked at the air as they blazed to life, and Valerie let out a deep sigh beside me.
"With this fire, we can be a little freer from the influence of madness... Basiliki-ssi?"
As I explained while stowing the remaining materials back in Valerie's backpack, I glanced sideways, noticing how unusually quiet it was.
Even without paying close attention, it was easy to see Basiliki's gaze fixed on the flame in my hand.
When I called her name, her eyes, which had seemed lost in thought, snapped back to attention.
"Yes, did you call me?"
She flashed that familiar serene smile and asked.
No, you looked spaced out... Instead of saying that, I awkwardly smiled it off and changed the subject.
"We need to pick up the pace from here. Let's hurry back to the manor. —Valerie-ssi?"
"Huh? What is it, Master-nim?"
I stretched out my arms toward Valerie, who turned to look. A question mark practically floated next to her face.
To her expression that seemed to say 'What do you want me to do about it?', I lowered my voice a bit and explained my intent.
"We can't get Basiliki-ssi to the Barracks to rest off the travel fatigue until we get back to the manor, right?"
"Hmm...? Well, yeah?"
Even after spelling it out like that, Valerie's expression didn't change a whit. Finally, I let out a massive sigh and continued.
"Of course, a Superhuman like Valerie-ssi and Basiliki-ssi here could get there way faster, but I'm just a normal human."
"Ugh, you're so frustrating. So what, what do you want?"
"Carry me."
When I made the demand with surprising boldness, I could see Valerie's face flood with bewilderment.
But I stood tall. After all, my physical limitations were obvious—I was the weak one here.
Even if she carried me like luggage, I had zero shame looking up at the sky.
The stunned Valerie asked again, as if doubting her ears.
"Huh, piggyback?"
"Yeah. —Well, the method doesn't really matter."
"Hehe, shall I carry you?"
"I appreciate the offer, but it might look a bit unseemly."
"...So getting carried by me isn't unseemly?"
Not sure if she was joking, but Basiliki unexpectedly offered—still, asking someone he just met today for a piggyback felt off.
Valerie shot me a cold glare, but in the end, after my calm persuasion, she hoisted me onto her back with a face that screamed 'Is this really happening?' and dashed toward the manor.
The ride? Pretty damn comfortable.
*
The moment they arrived at the manor, they headed straight for the study.
They needed to inform the butler about hiring the new mercenary, after all.
It was just unfortunate that the person in question was passed out drunk on the sofa as usual.
Without a second's hesitation, I walked up and kicked the sofa hard.
Euhik! She let out a hilarious squeal as she tumbled off onto the floor.
"Time to get up, yeah?"
"Oof... Hic, Master-nim...? You're back early."
She rubbed her bleary eyes and propped up her upper body from between the table and sofa. The butler's blonde hair was even more of a disaster today.
"And, umm... you've brought a guest."
Her hazy gaze scanned the group before locking onto the unfamiliar face.
Even under that gaze, which wasn't exactly welcoming, Basiliki smiled and greeted her.
"I'm Basiliki Theodora."
"Whoa, hic, you actually brought her...? And a spirit, no less..."
She giggled in disbelief, then rummaged on the floor for her liquor bottle again.
"I figured this one would be impossible... but you surprise me yet again. Hehe."
Then she started chugging from the bottle once more.
Ugh, just watching made my stomach churn.
It was right after the incident with Ray that he'd sworn off alcohol entirely.
"It's late, so I'll guide you to the Barracks right away. And, uh... I told you already, right? No claiming you didn't hear it later—"
"—Well done."
"...Pardon?"
Just as he was about to unusually nag her out of frustration at how to handle this woman, the butler smirked and said it.
He was momentarily speechless, never expecting to hear that from her.
"What... Basiliki, Theodora-ssi...? I'll show you to the manor and Barracks. Follow me... hic."
She was even volunteering to do exactly what he'd planned.
What the hell? Some change of heart?
He was a bit flustered, but not enough to stop her.
While he stood there confused, the staggering butler hauled herself up and stretched lightly.
Her disheveled butler uniform rode up from all the rolling around, flashing a glimpse of skin underneath.
She was the type to lounge around in just a camisole and panties whenever she could, so it didn't stir any lewd thoughts.
No matter how close she was to his ideal type looks-wise, with behavior like that? Nah.
"Th-that lady will guide you. ...She looks kinda unreliable, though."
"Yes, as you say."
Whether Basiliki harbored no prejudices despite the butler's state or not, she readily followed behind.
As he watched the two slowly exit the study with a twinge of unease, Valerie poked his side.
"Well then, Master-nim. I'll head back to the Barracks too."
"Ah, yeah. Thanks for your hard work, Valerie-ssi."
Things got a bit hectic at the end, but it had wrapped up well enough.
They'd returned earlier than planned and scored an unexpected win, so calling it a success was no stretch.
He thanked Valerie sincerely.
But apparently it embarrassed her, 'cause she started nitpicking again.
"Y'know, if you think about it, this was overtime, right? Master-nim, remember this—I expect full compensation."
"Uh, w-well, is it...?"
Well, while Ray and Kali rested in the Territory, Valerie had trekked quite a distance following him, so it wasn't entirely wrong... but if she was gonna play it that way, he had his own retort.
"But didn't you enjoy yourself plenty already?"
She instantly caught on to what he meant and her face turned beet red.
No way she could deny not enjoying it—he remembered that day's antics crystal clear.
Her Desire stat, which had plummeted to zero and fully recovered, backed it up.
Running out of words, she started pounding his arm.
She was controlling her strength somewhat, so it wasn't gonna kill him, but it still fucking hurt.
"Ow! Ow! W-wait a sec! What's with the sudden attack?"
"Master-nim, please just shut up and take it. I'm dying of embarrassment here."
No lie there—Valerie's face was red enough to burst any second.