Chapter 119
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 119
Chapter Title: 28. The Imperial Capital. (2)
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After three months of grueling labor, the Allen Mercenary Corps boarded a carriage bound for the capital just three days later, without even a proper chance to shake off their bone-deep fatigue. Still, there wasn't a hint of complaint on the members' faces. After all, Leader Allen had hammered it home that this wasn't work—it was an outing. ...Though for an outing, it was a hell of a long way.
Most of the crew had never even been near the imperial capital, let alone set foot in it, so this was the perfect chance to sightsee. Everyone was buzzing with curiosity about what the empire's grand capital looked like.
"It's all the same—just places where people live. Won't be much different from Vermandua. ...Just not as sleazy."
The capital didn't have people openly banging in the streets like they did in Vermandua.
That said, the capital wasn't without its pleasure districts. Far from it—there was one particularly famous strip. A flower garden blooming with beautiful men and women of every variety from across the continent.
Hairy beast Gis and the baby-faced rookie Coris were practically drooling in anticipation. Honestly, Vermandua was just overpriced garbage when it came to quality. No standouts among the pretty boys or girls—just failed mercenaries peddling their junk.
On top of that, the Mercenary Guild headquarters was right there in the capital, so plenty of top-tier corps from across the continent had set up shop nearby. Naturally, that meant jobs galore.
Gum-chewing swordswoman Natasha had been itching to swing by the capital anyway. Her old one-eyed mentor had told her to look up Sword Emperor Magnus if she ever made it there.
...Perfect timing. She'd hit a wall lately, no progress in sight...!
And it wasn't just any old swordmaster—it was the Sword Emperor himself. She was bound to pick up some killer advice.
Of course, Natasha wasn't the only one frustrated. Redhead mage Elena was deeply dissatisfied with her own stagnation too.
Her spells were getting a tad more powerful, sure—but that was it. The real issue was that godawful mana efficiency she still hadn't cracked. Four or five casts and she'd be wiped out. How much good was that, really...? Especially on that last beast-subjugation gig, where she'd barely contributed anything beyond a few spells.
Elena was well aware that at some point, the group's center of gravity had shifted from her to the other two women. She was still essential, of course, but without further growth, she couldn't guarantee holding onto her spot forever.
At least the capital had a proper Magic Guild—something Vermandua lacked—so she hoped to get some real help there.
Allen, meanwhile, was pumped not just about meeting a Top Ten but also recruiting some talent.
Sure, the capital was notorious for sky-high mercenary rates, just like Vermandua. But you couldn't skip it when headhunting. Especially with Kasha the Leader there—one of the "Three Fools Who Give Too Freely." ...Though honestly, Kasha was less fool and more cutthroat merchant, treating mercs like merchandise to buy and sell.
Plus, One-Eye's mentor had told him to meet the capital's prophet...
...How the hell did those two even know each other...?
Prophet Aloa—
Someone Allen, who'd sunk twenty hours into [Guild Master], could never overlook. She was the one who recited the game's scenario outline. Checking chapter progress through her made planning current moves and future steps a breeze.
Her "prophet" moniker made her continent-famous too, of course. How she'd crossed paths with One-Eye's mentor? Even Allen wondered. ...No matter how obsessively he'd grinded the game, unprovided info was off-limits. He wasn't a prophet like Aloa.
Anyway, if the guy said meet her, they weren't strangers. Networking with big shots was crucial for the merc business, so if she could set it up, he'd jump at it.
...The catch? Prophet Aloa's unpredictable personality.
In the game, getting a prophecy meant fulfilling a random demand. Sometimes cash or items, sometimes rock-paper-scissors or a quick game. Easy stuff, mostly. But every now and then—bam—a legendary item request. Like "fetch the Unmelting Ice Flower of the North" or "bring the Jeweled Beast's gleaming gemstone eye"...
...No way she'd pull that nonsense here, right? Game's not reality.
Allen desperately hoped this tantrum-throwing prophet wouldn't demand some absurd item.
......Oh, and money too!
···
On the month-long journey to the imperial capital, the Viola and Allen Mercenary Corps passed two cities and four villages.
True to its heartland status, the population had spiked at some point, and by the capital outskirts, it was a seething mass of humanity.
The capital sprawled with thriving districts even beyond the outer walls. Like wall-less Vermandua.
"Whoa, holy—."
First-timers gawked at the sheer scale and crowds, curses mingling with awe. A sight worthy of the empire's heart!
The two corps drew stares too, naturally. The procession of Top Ten heavies demanded attention.
- It's the Viola Mercenary Corps!
Word of Top Ten Leader Dagon's ousting had long reached the capital, so everyone knew why Leader Viola had marched here.
The Top Ten gatherings fascinated not just commoners but high society too. Imperial law barred nobles from private armies beyond limited guards, making Top Ten mercs prime assets. No way they'd miss this rare spectacle.
Throw in rival corps gunning for Top Ten spots, plus merchant caravans hawking to them all, and the capital ballooned way beyond its usual bustle.
Amid the chaos, Allen felt Viola's influence firsthand. As an officially recognized Top Ten armband, the Viola Mercenary Corps skipped the noble-like lines and breezed through the outer gates. Otherwise, they'd be queued all day.
Even after the gates, they rode on. Destination: a court baron's estate with ties to Leader Viola.
Upon arrival, the baron was at the palace, so his son greeted them instead.
The road-weary mercs were ushered to lodgings. Leader Allen soaked in hot water to melt away his fatigue. ...He emerged refreshed, only to hear a guest was already waiting.
......A guest? Out of nowhere?
Wondering, Allen headed to the drawing room—and there she was: an elegant mage sipping tea in an elegant pose, all elegance.
"Oh, long time no see."
Sub-Leader Elizabeth flashed a wide, toothy grin at Allen. He felt a twinge of unease but returned a polite smile and greeting anyway.
"I trust you've been well, Sub-Leader."
"Rough trip all the way here, right? And catering to strict Sister Viola's whims too."
"Haha. Actually, she showed me great consideration."
Elizabeth smirked oddly and chin-nodded at the seat opposite. Sit, it said. A nobody like Allen couldn't defy a Top Ten sub-leader and duke's daughter.
"......Never dreamed you'd actually bring that guy. I warned you. ...That confident, huh? ...Feels off."
The lady was smiling, but it wasn't a smile.
As the air thickened, fresh-from-the-bath Leader Viola entered, fluffy and sweet-scented.
"Oh, Sister. Long time."
"......Allen, Leader. Mind giving us the room?"
"Whyy? What's wrong with me staying?"
"This isn't his place."
"What's so grand about it?"
But Leader Viola held firm.
"Leader Allen."
"Ah, yes. Then I'll leave you two to chat."
As Leader Allen rose, Sub-Leader Elizabeth's smile dimmed slightly.
Well, well—good doggie.
She sneered inwardly, but some indefinable emotion bubbled up anyway.
With Leader Allen gone, only the two women remained.
Elizabeth donned her radiant mask again.
"I really never thought you'd bring that man, Sister."
"No reason not to."
"......True."
Viola smiled faintly, as if to say: crave all you want, it's pointless.
"Anyway..., we're not here to talk men, right?"
Elizabeth let out an exaggerated "hoho" laugh.
"No need to dance around between us sisters, yeah? ...Straight to it: back Pesial Mercenary Corps. In return, I'll owe you one next time. Deal?"
Simple terms, massive weight.
A trade for a Top Ten slot.
Leader Viola didn't care who claimed the spot anyway. Cashing in a favor from Elizabeth was pure profit.
"......Deal."
"Knew you'd be quick on the uptake, Sister. ...Ugh, hate this. All because of one guy, and now we're awkward..."
"Don't mention Leader Allen in front of me."
"...Tch, so picky."
Duchess Velver slipped on her gloves and stood.
"Business done. Bye."
...And the two women parted ways.