Chapter 123
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 123
Chapter Title: Chapter 123
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 123
Chapter Title: 28. The Empire's Capital. (6)
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Two days passed in the blink of an eye. And then the promised day arrived abruptly.
As the sun began to set, Allen went to find Mercenary Leader Viola. She had already finished preparing to depart.
"Shall we go?"
"Yes."
No escorts were needed. After all, he was heading out with Mercenary Leader Viola, who could fly through the skies or crawl through the earth.
The two boarded the carriage amid farewells from their members. Once the carriage door closed, the coachman confirmed they were seated properly and set the horses in motion.
The plain, unadorned carriage raced vigorously along the splendid main avenue of the capital. True to its fame as a city where light never fades, the capital blazed with lamps everywhere. Even in the pitch-black evening, crowds thronged the streets. In the quiet atmosphere, Allen leisurely watched the people passing by through the carriage window.
Viola, who had been stealthily glancing at Allen's profile from across the way, cautiously spoke up.
"You don't need to be so tense. Things between us aren't that bad."
"...Ah, what a relief. I thought I was heading to my death."
Viola couldn't hold back a burst of laughter at Allen's lighthearted joke. He was a man whose occasional humor shone through even in his serious demeanor.
"Surely, I wouldn't drag Leader Allen into a death trap like that?"
"...If you're going too, then I'll go."
That unwavering, touching resolve, without a hint of hesitation.
No matter how icy her heart might be, she couldn't help but feel the burning emotion in his determination.
Ah.
Heat rushed to her face in an instant. Viola's usually poised expression faltered in a way that was unlike her.
"...I'm grateful for that sentiment."
"How could I ever forget the grace you've shown me all this time?"
"I don't think I've given you grace worth trading your life for."
"Well, that's a matter of perspective."
Allen smiled softly. Viola couldn't help but smile back. ...It was truly genuine, a smile rising purely from the heart, without a trace of pretense.
...They say a single word can repay a debt of a thousand nyang.
He felt like he could hear the ping-ping sound effects of her affinity skyrocketing. He wouldn't put in this much effort for just any leader, but she was one of the Top 10. The higher her affinity, the more benefits, no downsides.
The conversation lapsed again. But the carriage pressed on without pause.
Soon they reached the inner castle gate, underwent a brief inspection, and entered the inner grounds. The carriage stopped at a nearby station, where four other carriages had already arrived.
As the pair disembarked, a waiting guide stepped forward to lead them. Of course, even Top 10 couldn't enter the imperial palace without the Emperor's command, so they headed to a nearby annex.
An exclusion order must have already been issued for everyone except the Top 10 and their companions, for the area was deathly quiet—not a soul, not even a rat, in sight.
Allen scanned the eerily silent surroundings and trailed wordlessly after the guide alongside Mercenary Leader Viola.
After a long walk down a path paved with marble, they arrived at the annex. Though not the palace itself, its grandeur and splendor befitted the Empire's prestige.
The guide could approach only up to the entrance. He bowed deeply, gesturing for them to enter.
The two stepped inside. A carpet laid on the floor guided the path, making navigation easy.
They reached a deep chamber in the annex. Magic orbs brightly illuminated the corridor, where chairs were lined up on either side. Several figures sat there, radiating fierce auras in a silent battle of wills.
...Fuck, did I really need to come...
Allen felt a twinge of regret at the thought of enduring that brutal atmosphere alone for a while. ...Of course, he knew making an impression on the Top 10 wouldn't be easy, but he hadn't expected the intimidation contest to be this intense. These guys had probably come hoping to leave a better impression on the Top 10 Leaders too.
As Mercenary Leader Viola drew near, everyone in the chairs stood up. Unless they were Top 10 themselves, no one could dare remain seated to greet a Top 10 Leader.
She exchanged brief greetings with them all, then shared a final short exchange with Allen before entering the conference room.
"Wait here. ...It might take a while."
"Don't worry about me."
Mercenary Leader Viola smiled faintly, gave Allen's arm a light, encouraging pat, and slipped inside. The moment his solid backing vanished, hostile auras stabbed at his back like they were lying in wait.
These opportunistic bastards...
Each one specialized in martial arts or magic, so their killing intent was no joke. Of course, tempered by countless missions, Allen could now withstand it to a degree, but he wasn't fully immune.
Still, he couldn't show any weakness here. These hyena-like scum would only bite harder at any sign of frailty. Even if it meant taking a beating, he couldn't lose the battle of wills.
Allen swept a smiling gaze over the seated lot. Three men, one woman.
As expected of the Top 10's lackeys, their stats and traits were impressive. ...Well, they wouldn't bring no-names to a place like this.
With a gentle smile, he approached them and boldly extended his hand.
"I'm Allen, Leader of the Allen Mercenary Corps."
Only one accepted the greeting—the mercenary leader allied with Top 10 Leader Gione, a face Allen recognized from seeing a few times back in Vermandua. The rest just snorted disdainfully, as if shaking hands meant defeat.
What a bunch of prideful idiots.
Of course, Allen had too much pride to fawn over those ignoring him. He plopped into an empty chair and watched the fierce glaring contest with a mocking gaze.
...And shortly after, one more arrival.
Allen and the other four quickly rose as they saw the figure approaching elegantly, platinum hair fluttering, heels clicking sharply.
The Eastern Top 10 Vice-Leader, Lady Elizabeth Belver.
Ignoring everyone else, she clicked straight over to Allen and stopped right in front of him.
"You're already here?"
"I just arrived."
"How's the lodging? Comfortable enough? If it's inconvenient, you can come to our mansion."
"I'm doing fine. I'll gratefully accept the kind offer in spirit."
Elizabeth smiled faintly at Allen's deft deflections.
This guy's sly in his own way.
"Got it. See you later."
The Lady spared not even a glance for Leader Rados, whom she'd brought along, before whirling into the conference room. Naturally, with the attention meant for him redirected to Allen, Rados's jealousy and rage poured onto him.
"Why glare so scarily?"
Without a word, the man raked Allen up and down with a fierce gaze before taking a seat in an empty chair.
And amid the Top 10 Leaders arriving one after another..., at last, the big boss made his entrance.
Stats and traits so insane that the only word that came to mind was "crazy"—literally mad.
Allen grasped the man's identity the instant he saw the status window. In Guild Master, only one person had a window this monstrous.
Sword Emperor Magnus.
He was a mature middle-aged man, just like in the game screen. No arrogance or rudeness despite standing at the pinnacle of the martial way—a truly perfected soul.
Allen gave a light nod toward the approaching man. The others, too, quickly recognized the Sword Emperor and offered polite greetings.
Magnus passed Allen indifferently with a glance, then abruptly halted, turned, and stared him straight in the face.
"Could you be Leader Allen?"
"...Ah, yes, that's me."
"You live up to the rumors—a fine man indeed. I can tell at a glance."
The Sword Emperor extended his hand first for a shake. Allen grasped it respectfully and bowed deeper.
"It's an honor, Leader Magnus."
"...I'll be keeping an eye on you going forward."
Allen had no idea what prompted such words, but he responded with full enthusiasm and volume.
"I'll give it my all!"
"Good. ...See you later."
The Sword Emperor lightly patted Allen's arm a few times before slipping into the conference room.
Following Vice-Leader Elizabeth, now Leader Magnus's attention too—all on one man. The gazes and interest directed at Allen exploded in intensity.
Who the hell was this Allen guy to draw such fervent focus from Elizabeth and Magnus?
Honestly, even Allen found Magnus's reaction unexpected. Given that Natasha had recently mentioned meeting the Sword Emperor, it was probably connected somehow...
...Still, talk about stamping face time solid.
Allen swept a triumphant gaze over the lot pouring jealous stares his way.
...Kinda felt like that country bumpkin bragging, "Bet you don't have this back home."
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