Chapter 54
Chapter 54
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 54
Chapter Title: The Assistant Interviews
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"Yedre, sir."
"Yes. What is it?"
"I... I realize it's presumptuous. Ah."
"You can continue. It's fine."
The knight from yesterday, the one I'd sharply rebuked with words.
She'd started to speak but made a face like she'd erred again. But now I knew.
She had been right.
"Yesterday, I was the fool. I didn't even realize it was advice... My apologies."
"No, no. It's just... the people outside are making a huge fuss, desperate to see you, sir."
"I see."
"Why not ask Gold to handle it? If it's a request from you, sir, he'd come right away."
She was still mad at me from last time. No way he'd come running.
Right now, the street outside was buzzing in real time.
All of them were people who'd shown up wanting to be my squire or assistant.
I'd thought scaring off the knights from the top ten families would send them packing, but the world wasn't that lenient.
No matter how prestigious the top ten families, you couldn't ignore or yell at people coming with goodwill and gifts instead of insults or provocations.
That would directly harm the family's reputation.
Plus, surprisingly, there were nobles among them.
"Aren't nobles affiliated with Prynar Academy?"
"I'm not sure about the exact admission criteria, but even heirs from major counties with vast territories can only get in if they're exceptional. They say you need that level of power to match a natural gem."
Well, damn. Impressive.
Makes sense why they're flocking here if that's the caliber.
"Some of them are being quite persistent. It's troublesome."
"Persistent? Are they threatening you?"
"I'm just a knight, but I'm from the Hart Clan—one that dominates commerce. They wouldn't dare."
I could hear the pride in her tone.
"But they plead desperately, beg for just one chance... putting on pressure. Our knights are used to serving under Gold, so we're not immune to this kind of thing... It's disconcerting."
She glanced at me as she said it.
Probably worried it might sound like she was disparaging me.
"N-not that there's anything wrong with you, sir... Gold is just so extraordinary and free-spirited."
"I understand."
Gold would be the ideal boss.
He'd give his people freedom but deal precisely and coldly with outsiders and external matters.
Generous to his own while shielding them from outside pressure.
Serving under someone like that would feel secure and at ease.
Until now, Gold had handled these nuisances himself, or they'd back off at the sight of the Hart heir's dignity.
So his knights would struggle against this subtle pressure.
Like someone claiming to be a baron's son, complaining about waiting hours, or a tycoon offering bribes.
"If you order us to block them, we'll do it thoroughly."
"No. This is disrupting other businesses too. I'll meet them myself and refuse directly."
Rena stood beside me, head bowed deeply, hands clasped neatly.
She must be anxious I might pick someone else as my squire.
I'm nothing special, but I couldn't leave someone who only trusted me hanging like this.
"They'll understand if I say I've already chosen my squire."
"I've told them that, but they won't accept it."
Irritation was building.
If I don't want them, what the hell is this about acceptance?
I wanted to storm out yelling, Get the fuck out!
But after the mess I'd caused recently, embarrassing Gold, it felt wrong to do that in a Hart Clan-protected mansion.
"Understood. Send them in one by one."
"Are you sure that's okay?"
I glanced at Rena, seeing her eyes filled with worry.
It's fine, Rena. I'll reject them all.
I smiled gently at her.
"Don't worry. It'll just be formal talk."
"Ah, no. Whatever choice you make, sir, I'll follow your will unconditionally."
Rena blushed, embarrassed at her anxiety showing, and bowed her head.
Cute kid.
Just trust your oppa, Rena.
What? Oppa? No conscience? How old are you?
Shut the fuck up.
At least I'm not a total geezer yet.
Probably.
"Rena."
"Yes, sir?"
"I'm absolutely taking you to Prynar Academy as my squire. No worries."
"Yes! I'll follow whatever choice you make, sir."
It was a repeat of our earlier exchange, but it felt good.
Good girl.
Alright, time to greet applicant number one.
With a signal to the knight, she brought in the first one.
An arrogant-looking old man.
"My research will shock the world."
He strode in, crossed his legs on the sofa, and spoke in a haughty voice matching his appearance.
"I'll specially join you as your assistant. Of course, for less than a year, and afterward, if you help me become a professor, I'll..."
"Get out."
"What?"
"Do I need to say it twice?"
I let out my irritation, and he clamped his mouth shut, leaving with a polite demeanor opposite to his entrance.
As the old man left, the knight guarding the door entered. Calling her "knight lady" felt awkward anyway.
She hesitated.
She still remembered me snapping last time.
Or maybe she was anxious thinking she'd done something wrong.
"Not knowing your name makes it inconvenient."
She relaxed at that and smiled as she answered.
"I'm Irene."
"Thank you. Then, Irene, send in the next one."
Second applicant.
A high school girl-looking type with a bad attitude and worse personality. Turns out she was a noble.
"Prynar Academy~ I heard you can live off playing there forever~?"
Out.
Third.
A fat, wealthy-looking merchant.
"Take me, and I can support you to this extent."
I don't need money. Out.
Fourth, a burly guy who looked strong.
"I'm amazing at odd jobs~"
I tested him by having him brew tea and tidy up. It got messier.
The tea was discolored, so I tossed it.
Waste. Next.
Fifth, another scholar.
"With you and me, we can advance this research to the top! It's low-level now, but absorbing Prynar Academy's knowledge will..."
Blah blah blah.
Too wordy.
Better than the first scholar, but his arrogance bordered on hubris—same root.
Out.
Sixth. A sexy big sis in revealing clothes.
Her shoulders and cleavage were boldly exposed.
...Rude to say, but she looked like she was in that line of work.
"I'm a prostitute."
"......"
Spot on.
"Not all prostitutes are the same. I'm the best not just in Milf Village but the whole area."
"Well, a squire's duties are..."
"I don't know about the rest, but at night, I'll kill you for sure."
"......"
She leaned forward, hands on the table, gazing up seductively.
Honestly? Fucking sexy.
I almost fell for it.
"How about it? Don't you want to handle this body freely?"
"Yes. Get out."
"Oh. Too bad."
Out.
Honestly, telling her to leave was fucking hard.
It's been ages since I last had sex.
Not even jerked off.
So even this little stimulation made it hard to stay down.
She giggled at my straining, handed me a business card, and left—for if I changed my mind or wanted to visit.
Name: Merc. Location...
.....
No, crazy bastard. This is an interview.
Seventh was a sob story.
Nonstop complaints from start to finish.
"I'm really poor, no money for food, got dumped by my girlfriend. Take me to Prynar Academy, and I'll be grateful forever. Sob sob sob."
The sob story dragged on.
Out.
I gave him some pity money.
Kid. My merciful self might've considered it if he hadn't mentioned the girlfriend. He dug his own grave.
Of course, with my loyal Rena, it'd just be a thought.
...That loser had a girlfriend?
Tears seemed to well up.
I want a girlfriend too.
Someone like Asita is a pipe dream, but even average looks, devoted like El to her man, would be great.
If she thought only of me, I'd be devoted like a dog.
From the eighth, things changed.
Irene said the previous ones were already screened, but from now on were the "real" ones.
Meaning the prior weren't?
I glanced at Irene, wondering how bad they could be. She said the early ones were amateurs; now it'd be tiring.
Meaning these weren't idiots.
A bit curious, I told her to send them in.
Indeed, facing them, it showed.
The vibe was different.
Flashy, soft clothes, expensive jewelry galore.
A noblewoman, straight up.
Heavy makeup was a flaw, but she was pretty enough.
But she sat without being offered a seat—like the previous trash.
"Greetings, Outsider Yedre."
"Hello. So..."
"To cut to the chase, would you consider marrying my daughter?"
"......?"
Marriage at an interview?
"Outsiders lack legitimacy. Marrying into nobility wouldn't be bad for you."
I'm going as an instructor—why legitimacy?
Does it improve lectures?
"I'm not thinking of marriage."
"I see. A shame. Then, how about my son as your assistant? He's quite clever."
"Not a squire, but an assistant?"
"Yes. You weren't planning to take a noble as a squire, were you?"
I never planned to take anyone.
What a ridiculous statement.
If nobles are so great, why not stay one instead of squire-ing?
"You've heard—I already have my squire."
"I know. The stable owner's commoner daughter."
"......"
"Squires don't have to be just one. Push a bit, and we'll pay accordingly."
"I refuse."
"Don't be like that. Rejection would disappoint us."
Disappoint.
A laugh escaped me.
"If."
"?"
"If you mess with me, fine, whatever."
"Pardon?"
"But touch that stable owner, and your family ends that day."
It took her seconds to process. Then her face flushed with rage.
"What...! How rude!"
She jolted up but flinched staring into my eyes.
"Rumors slow? Or desire blinding you?"
"......"
Prostia was secret, but the count's incident spread wide.
Just days ago.
Realizing, she twitched her mouth, admitted her mistake, urged me to think it over, and left.
After that, mostly nobles.
Varying degrees, but all flattery, pressure, or blunt talk.
Some priests too.
Priests were exhausting. Words didn't work.
God's guidance this, that... All men too.
Scram.
A pretty blonde goddess? That'd be fun.
Hours passed already.
Emotional labor tires you out.
But next is the last.
"Next, come in."
Last one felt different.
Previous reeked of politics and authority; this smelled of violence.
Average build, but killer vibe. Multiple murders.
"Hey there."
"Hello."
Greeting sucks already.
You're out.
"To cut to the chase."
Why so many "cut to the chase" guys?
"Your fault we're losing big."
"Losing?"
"Sors, right? We bought slaves knowing nothing."
"......"
What...? Weren't the Harts rooting them out?
What gave him the balls to come here?
Answer came quick.
"We ran legit, so not busted yet, but Harts poking everywhere—business folding. So, new connections. Take me as squire."
"Sorry, squire spot is..."
"Refuse, and I'll kill you."
"......"
"I know. You hesitate to kill. Strong maybe, but useless if you can't. Can't handle us—Guhk?!"
Snap to his philtrum.
Already pissed—perfect timing, fucker.
Grabbed his hair, slapped repeatedly; teeth flew.
"You bastard!"
He drew a knife from his bosom.
Twisted his wrist; he screamed, hand shaking.
Knew about the knife, asshole.
Snatched it, slashed his hand; he rolled screaming.
Grabbed kneeling guy's head, smashed into floor repeatedly. Soon, "Mercy!" pleas.
What the fuck was this idiot thinking coming here?
"You said businessman. President. That eyesight for business?"
"Ugh, ugh..."
"Why think I can't kill?"
Terror filled his face.
I grinned.
"You've just not seen me kill."
"......"
"Let's test."
"W-wait! My mistake... Spare my life...!"
"Nah? Fucker."
"Ughhh...!"
...Enough.
Signaled outside.
Bang!
Hart knights strode in, saluted me.
Coldly eyed the downed man.
"Daring to threaten a guest under Hart protection?"
"N-no... Th-that's..."
"A million of you couldn't touch Yedre, but threats are threats. We overlooked your group. Arrogant trash. Prison's your home now."
"S-sorry! Yedre, sir! Mercy—Gahk!"
Shut him up with a face punch; out cold.
What the hell was this moron...
They dragged him out.
Irene sent in somewhat titled or accomplished ones till now—how'd this guy slip in?
"Stress relieved?"
"Ah."
Realized from Irene's words.
She'd sent in someone cheap to beat, sensing my mood.
And watched from outside in case.
Wondered why she just watched...
Initially absurd, but stress actually lifted—grateful now.
"Thank you."
"No problem. Worried it'd be pointless meddling, but glad."
Irene sighed.
"Idiots like him presuming for squire—rumors haven't spread how great you are."
"Hm..."
Why the sudden praise vibe?
"Not even Prostia, Dragon Slayer title proper spread aside—they're too dumb. Solo wiping a count's knights shows you're not to be trifled with, but world's full of clueless fools."
"I see."
"Just entering Prynar Academy proves ability..."
Stunned by the praise storm.
Creeeak.
Door opened.
Wasn't it over?
But shut my mouth seeing who entered: Gold.
"Gold, sir!"
Irene saluted; Gold nodded.
"Want to talk with brother alone. Step out."
"Yes!"
Knights scurried out.
Gold glanced at me repeatedly.
Fuck.
Here it comes.
Gonna get chewed out bad?
Fine from Clarit, but hate from Gold.
"Yedre, brother."
"Yes, Gold."
"May I sit?"
Surprisingly cautious tone and content.
"Please sit."
I fumbled to offer; he thanked and sat, still glancing.
I'm the one who should be nervous.
Alright. Decided.
Apologize first, bow deep. Won't get yelled at much.
"Gold."
"Sorry, brother."
"!"
No way.
Gold bowed!
"My oversight let you have an unpleasant experience. I'll repay this... Forgive me?"
I fucked up—why's he like this?
If to burden me, mission accomplished.
"Raise your head, Gold."
But he wouldn't.
Fine, match him.
"I'm the one at fault originally. Sorry."
Feeling my bow, he fumbled up, pulling me upright.
"You forgive then?"
"Forgive what? Fault's mine from start."
"Really!"
Gold back to near-normal.
He hesitated back.
"Wasn't empty words. Whatever in my power, just ask, brother."
"Yes. Got it."
My fault, what to ask?
But he'd persist if negative, so agreed.
Awkward chit-chat after; Gold rose.
Our friendship deepened.
...Friendship.
Wonder what those guys are up to.
Then Gold, as if remembering:
"Oh, Blan asked if he could meet you today. If yes, Guild? Knights'll prep carriage."
Blan wants me?
"Not far. I'll go myself."
"Right. I'll have carriage ready."
"......"
Cautious Gold closed door, waving till end.
After he left, I sighed in relief.
Good. Reconciled successfully.
Biggest worry last few days—gone.
? Biggest worry ain't your meat suit?
......Forgot.
No immediate issue, so doesn't hit home...
Ended up taking carriage to Adventurer's Guild.
Worrying body now pointless—no fix. Enjoy what I can.
Chat with Blan, booze up—mood lift.
Arrived, stepped off.
Felt eyes, ignored, entered.
"Hey! Drinks on me!"
Far table. Bently, drunk with buddies, yelled spotting me.
Did that fucker leave money with me...?
...He protected Rena's family well—tip.
Generous cash and tip to staff: serve as requested within amount. Then sought Blan.
Blan eye-catching, found quick.
Thought boozing with Bently, but Blan stood by pillar, uncharacteristically dark.
Walked to him.
"Blan."
"Oh, uh, hey bro."
Realized me, finally smiled.
"Heard you wanted to see me."
Blan mumbled ambiguously, then cautious:
"Uh... Eaten, bro?"
"Not yet."
"Yeah? Kinda sudden, but wanna eat at my place?"
"Your house?"
"Yeah. Daughter's been nagging to see you."
Eh? Daughter wants me?
That's why?
What kid-friendly thing did I do?
Prostia aside, rumors make me sound shitty.
"I'm fine with it, but..."
"Great! Let's go!"
Tried sending carriage back; knights insisted or they'd get in trouble—rode us anyway.
To Blan's, near Guild as expected for a bigwig.
Two-story house... Not grand, but livable fun.
Blan was capable.
"Come in."
"Sure."
Door open, kid rushed, hugged Blan's leg.
Pigtails girl.
Blan's daughter.
"Yonsek. Greet first."
Relaxed, frail voice.
Looked up: beauty.
Eyes widened.
Near El/Clarit level, mature charm.
Slit eyes—smiling or squinting?—added allure.
Plain clothes hid, but breasts too big for my hands.
Gentle fox-faced beauty.
.....
Rude, bastard.
She's Blan's wife.
Rating looks? Idiot.
Reflected, bowed.
"First time. Yedre."
"Ufufu. Likewise. Heard much from husband. I'm... Hm?"
Intro cut, hand to cheek, head tilt staring.
Wondered why; Blan introduced.
"Whatya think? Wife Cléya. Pretty, right?"
"Yes. Stunning beauty..."
Ting!
Simulation sound.
No, wait. This is wrong.
⚡ SKILL ACTIVATED ⚡ Cléya Milphr Race: Human Favor: 70+ (Views positively; could become lust target with right moves) 'Oh my, just like husband said—such a handsome man.'
She has an unspeakable circumstance. Exploit it right, and you might spend a fantastic night with her.
.....
Someone turn off this crazy skill.