Chapter 71
The nobles who had visited the boutique had all departed, and even the Empress, who had come to commission a custom piece, had returned to the palace.
"Haaah..." Franche slumped, melting into her chair like a puddle of warm ice cream. She had certainly worked herself to the bone.
'Her workload will only decrease once Frida's staff is transferred over.' Well, that was a matter time would solve, so there was no need to fret over it now. I quietly approached her.
"You did well today, My Lady."
At the sound of my voice, Franche started and looked up.
"Oh? When did you get back?"
"Just now."
"Did your treatment go well?"
"Of course." I naturally took a seat right beside her.
"You seem incredibly busy. It will likely stay this way for the foreseeable future."
"I know. I just wish I had a moment to catch my breath." Franche let out a heavy sigh, shaking her head as her shoulders slumped.
"Once Exeed begins handling the administrative tasks, things will become much easier. You will only need to personally deal with the imperial family and high-ranking nobles."
In any business, the CEO only runs around during the initial stages. Eventually, they delegate the work to employees, part-timers, and managers. We were simply in the startup phase, making this grueling labor unavoidable for now.
"I hope they hurry up. Once we absorb Frida's workforce, we won't just monopolize the luxury goods market—we can start opening branch stores, too."
She was starting to develop a keen nose for money now that she had a taste of business.
"Indeed. Once we expand into the magic stone business, our master plan will be complete. By then, you will be free to do whatever your heart desires, My Lady."
The moment I finished speaking, a sudden chill swept through the room. A faint flow of mana rippled through the air, and a dark mist began to drift around Franche.
'Did I trigger her emotions again?' I hadn't expected her emotional shifts to manifest physically like this. Franche stared up at the ceiling, licking her lips thoughtfully.
"Hmm, what my heart desires... I've already decided on that. I want to live so successfully that the Descartes family bites their tongues in regret."
"And..." Franche paused, turning her gaze directly to me.
"To find a cure for your illness, no matter what it takes, so that you can stay by my side forever. Those two are my ultimate goals."
Well, that was a bit heavy. It was making it harder and harder for me to plan my escape in good conscience.
"...I see. Those are wonderful goals."
I had no choice but to play along. How could I possibly tell her that the moment this was all over, I planned to bolt and open a fried chicken joint...?
"So, I suppose I should focus on the business for now, right?"
"Yes, though Exeed must finish their task first."
Franche gave a soft smile, closing her eyes to rest. It was time to bring up the main topic.
"My Lady, there is something I must discuss with you."
"What is it?"
Franche, who had been slumped like a wet noodle from exhaustion, raised her head to look at me.
"I intend to go recruit some talent."
"Talent?"
"Yes."
"Do you mean a secretary?"
"No. An assistant for myself."
Franche bolted upright, her eyes widening in surprise.
"You need an assistant?"
"We need someone else to protect you besides me, My Lady."
"But I'm a fully-fledged mage now, aren't I?"
While she was now capable of defending herself, my actual reason for bringing him in lay elsewhere.
"My Lady, do you remember when I annihilated Zenbukoros?"
"Of course I do. It hasn't been that long. But why bring that up?"
"We need someone who can handle those kinds of dirty jobs for us."
Only then did Franche nod, letting out an understanding, "Ah."
"As your power grows and your influence expands, incidents like that will only become more frequent. We must prepare for them."
It was a secondary reason rather than my ultimate motive, but it wasn't a lie.
"How long do you think it will take?"
"A week at most. I should be back before then."
"That's a bit long. Are you traveling far?"
"No, it's just that the person in question is... a bit difficult."
"Just who on earth are you going to fetch?" Franche muttered curiously, but she granted her permission nonetheless. "Alright, I'll leave it to you then."
"Thank you, My Lady. Also, I would appreciate it if you could hire a secretary by the time I return."
"A secretary? Sure, I can do that. I actually already have someone in mind."
Someone in mind? I hoped she wasn't bringing in some weirdo. I asked cautiously, "May I ask who that might be?"
"Viscount Elban. He has outstanding administrative skills."
Viscount Elban? Since I had never heard of him, he was undoubtedly a minor extra. I wished I could investigate him thoroughly before he was hired, but...
'No, that's overprotective.'
She needed to be able to handle things on her own even when I wasn't around. For now, I just had to trust her.
"Then I shall take this as your official permission to depart."
I bowed with a polite smile, and Franche showed no signs of worry.
"Yes. I trust you'll do a good job and return safely."
She no longer suspected that I would break the slave brand and run away. It meant I had earned her complete trust. However, knowing that I would eventually shatter this trust left a bitter taste in my mouth.
"...I will be back soon."
In a tavern located in the eastern region of the Empire, named 'Bottoms Up,' a storyteller was said to always be present.
"Allow me to tell you today's tale."
I quietly sipped my beer, focusing on his voice. The other patrons, already half-drunk and mellow, listened intently to his words.
"In the eastern reaches of the Empire, where magic beasts run rampant, there lived a man."
Right off the bat, the introduction was incredibly boring.
"His epithet was the blood-soaked White Ghost!"
Even his title was childish. Well, I already knew that, but still.
"Some might ask, 'Isn't that a bit childish?'"
What the? It felt like he had read my mind. Feeling a sudden prick of guilt, I took another sip of beer and stole a glance at him.
"But anyone who has ever laid eyes on him would never dare deny that name! And why is that?"
Thump, crash!
He suddenly banged on a wooden barrel beneath him. Was that supposed to be a sound effect?
"Because wherever he walked, nothing but the stench of blood remained! Ah, and by the way, he is called the White Ghost because of his white hair!"
It was the exact same description from the game. His name was...
"The White Ghost, Keil! Also known as the Mercenary King!"
He was the 'Newbie Killer' I had been looking for.
The tavern patrons, thoroughly unimpressed by the painfully boring story, began to jeer.
"Hey, you bastard! That story again?!"
"Who doesn't know that one?!"
"Is that the only story you know?!"
"Do you seriously expect to get paid for this?!"
Instead of applause, a barrage of insults rained down on the storyteller. It seemed this wasn't the first time he had spun this yarn.
'Well, I'm definitely in the right place.'
I slid my chair back and stood up. After quickly settling the bill, I pulled a worn robe over my head.
"..."
I surveyed my surroundings. Compared to the Descartes Duchy or the Imperial Capital, this place was incredibly run-down. Being at the very edge of the eastern border where magic beasts roamed, it was probably difficult to maintain. Well, whatever.
'I should check out the mercenary guild first.'
I immediately made my way there.
"How long until the Wave of Calamity?"
"Not much longer."
"Any active requests right now?"
"Come on, how about a drink tonight instead?"
The place was filled with boisterous chatter, smelling of sweat and raw tension. I walked slowly toward the reception desk.
Step. Step.
With every stride I took, eyes began to lock onto me.
"Never seen that guy before..."
"A rookie?"
"Looks suspicious."
"Let me go test him."
Sensing that things were about to get annoying, I stopped and unleashed a wave of pure bloodlust.
Whoosh!
An icy chill instantly swept through the guild. Every single mercenary in the room flinched and froze in their tracks.
Silence. An indescribable, suffocating quiet settled over the room, thick with tension.
"Finally, some quiet."
I lowered my voice, trying to sound as cool as possible. You see this kind of thing in manga all the time, right?
Ahem.
Well, I accomplished what I wanted. I walked up to the reception desk.
"Excuse me."
"H-Hic!"
The receptionist let out a loud hiccup, her entire body trembling like a leaf. ...Did I overdo it?
"Are you... not taking requests?"
Feeling a bit guilty, I spoke as gently as possible. Despite my softer tone, the receptionist continued to shake.
"W-We don't have any work right now..."
"No, I came to commission a request."
"A commission...?"
"Yes. I am looking for someone."
Clack.
I placed a large gold coin on the counter. This should be more than enough. After all, a tavern meal here only cost fourteen silver coins.
"Just who are you looking for...?"
"The man known as the White Ghost, Keil."
"..."
No answer came. The silence was so absolute that I could practically hear the insects crawling on the floor.
"Did I say something I shouldn't have?"
"N-No, it's not that..."
"Then what is the problem?"
"Well..."
Thud.
Suddenly, a hand clamped down on my shoulder. It was far too large to belong to an ordinary human. Yes, it felt exactly like a bear's paw.
"You've got some nerve looking for the Mercenary King, you bastard—"
I grabbed the hand on my shoulder and twisted it.
Crash!
The man spun in the air about three times before slamming face-first into the guild floor.
"Huh...?"
I looked down at the nameless giant. "Don't touch my shoulder so carelessly."
The giant's eyes perfectly mirrored his current emotions: utter confusion and sheer terror.
I turned back to the receptionist. "Where is Keil?"
Slash!
A sword flashed through the air, slicing through a magic beast's neck as if it were soft tofu. With a wet splatter, blood sprayed in every direction.
"Phew."
Keil didn't stop, continuing to swing his blade.
Whoosh!
A brilliant white light erupted as his swift swordplay tore through the air.
"Once I get back, I'm going to cool off with some meat and a cold beer."
Red puddles stained the ground all around him. Crimson droplets dripped from the tip of his sword, and the metallic, fishy stench of magic beast blood filled his nose.
"The request is done, so I should head back."
Swish.
He flicked his sword, shaking off the viscous blood. Ready to return, Keil was about to channel his Aura and sprint back, but...
"Are you Keil?"
A voice echoed from behind him.
"...!"
Keil quickly leaped back to create distance, dropping into a defensive stance. He hadn't sensed a single trace of anyone's presence.
"White hair and a face like a pretty boy... Yes, you must be Keil."
The stranger's footsteps made no sound, and their presence was completely masked. A worn robe shrouded their face, making it impossible to identify them. A suspicious vibe radiated from the figure.
"If you managed to sneak up on me, you're no ordinary bastard."
Scritch.
Keil dragged his foot along the dirt, ready to spring into action at any moment. He gripped his hilt tightly, his eyes narrowing.
"Where did you come from? Why are you looking for me?"
Step. Step.
The man approached slowly. The distance between them was shrinking. Keil couldn't allow him to get any closer.
"If you don't answer by the time I count to three, I will strike."
"Three, two, one..."
Whoosh!
The man appeared right in front of him at a speed that defied the human eye. Keil swung his sword reflexively.
"Hup!"
Whoosh!
A massive gust of wind erupted from the swing, shaking the tree branches and sending leaves scattering into the air.
"You shouldn't just swing your sword blindly like that."
Keil pushed his senses to their absolute limit and swung again. It was a diagonal slash infused with the maximum amount of refined Aura.
However...
"What?!"
Clang!
The sword shattered. And incredibly easily, at that.
"What in the world...!"
To shatter a sword coated in dense Aura with a bare hand? It made absolutely no sense. Keil fell into deep confusion.
'Who on earth is this?'
The Imperial Knight Commander? Marquis Freiden? Judging by his appearance, it was neither of them. Unable to gauge his opponent's identity, Keil's pupils trembled.
"I have come to take you with me, Keil."
"...What? No, more importantly, who are you?"
"Jin Barenberg."
Keil's eyes went wide. Why was that infamous monster here? Countless questions flooded his mind, but now was not the time to ponder them.
"What do you want with me?"
"There is someone you must serve."
He had tracked him all this way just to say that? Keil let out a scoff, finding it utterly absurd.
"Someone I must serve? Don't make me laugh. The Mercenary King does not serve under anyone."
Jin furrowed his brow, tilting his head in confusion. "What? But you'll do anything if you're paid enough."
Keil's brow twitched violently.
"...Are you looking down on me as some sort of prostitute?"
"Huh? No, that's not what I meant."
"Ha, ridiculous. To treat me like a common whore."
"Wait, didn't you do literally anything as long as you got paid...?"
Dash!
Keil instantly leaped backward to create distance.
Whoosh!
A dark crimson Aura flared up, enveloping Keil's body.
"To insult me like this... I cannot let this slide. Jin Barenberg. I have heard the rumors. I've always been curious to see just how strong you really are."
Keil smirked, beckoning with his hand. It was an open provocation, inviting Jin to make the first move.
"I am Keil, born at the edge of the East, a man who lives by the sword. I bear the epithet of the White Ghost."
Though he had flinched momentarily upon hearing the name Jin Barenberg, Keil could not tolerate the insult. No matter how strong his opponent was, a man had to defend his honor.
"A mercenary proves himself through strength. Convince me with your blade. Only then will I listen to what you have to say."
Sigh.
Jin grimaced deeply, letting out a heavy sigh. His face was the very picture of sheer annoyance.
"Ugh, the game settings clearly said he'd do anything for money. This is getting tedious."
The moment Jin finished speaking...
"...!"
Keil's vision went pitch black.