Chapter 95
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 95
Chapter Title: 22. The Greedy Duchess. (4)
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...Something was definitely there. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have declared so openly that she was taking him away.
Viola the Mercenary Leader glanced briefly at Elizabeth, who was smiling with feigned elegance. Of course, she knew the sly intentions hidden behind that smile. They weren’t strangers who’d only known each other a day or two.
Of course, the Leader wasn’t some pushover who’d play along with the Duchess’s whims either.
“What’s that supposed to mean all of a sudden?”
“After meeting him, he’s easier to talk to than I expected, our tastes align well... I just really like him, you know?”
It was obvious that wasn’t the whole reason.
Viola the Mercenary Leader felt an inexplicable tightness in her chest, her limbs awkward and restless.
“...Yeah, a bit. Hearing someone say they’re just going to take one of my people like that.”
“Oh my, is that how it sounded? I thought he was just decent enough, didn’t realize he was that important.”
“Whether he’s important or not, it’s a matter of trust. ...And what about Rados the Mercenary Leader?”
“That guy? Well..., sister dear?”
As Viola the Mercenary Leader’s face hardened, the Duchess covered her mouth, giggling and waving it off.
“Just kidding, kidding. Don’t be so serious. ...Can’t sisters talk about stuff like this?”
Viola stared quietly at Elizabeth before tossing out a casual remark as if it were no big deal.
“......Fine, then do whatever you want. It’s up to each of us in the end.”
The Duchess, whom she’d known for so long, was never one to just watch prey she’d set her sights on slip away. She’d probe somehow. Blocking her might only make her more persistent, so leaving some room like this might be better.
Of course, the moment that thought crossed her mind, the Leader’s heart ached strangely.
......She believed steadfast Allen the Leader wouldn’t waver, but in the mercenary world, there were no absolutes. Honestly, who wouldn’t be tempted by a Top 10 powerhouse sub-leader tempting him to join?
On top of that, the Belver Duchess was breathtakingly beautiful even to another woman, exceptionally talented, and from an outstanding house to boot...
With those thoughts, Viola the Mercenary Leader felt a twinge of regret for giving her an opening. She’d meant it as consideration on her part, but lately, hadn’t she cut back even on the attention she’d been giving him? ...From his perspective, he might think she wasn’t that interested anymore.
...I’m just worried, that’s all...
Having lived as a mercenary for so long, Viola knew that too much attention from a Top 10 could be bad for both sides. This situation was proof. Lustful Elizabeth was trying to swallow Allen the Leader whole without lifting a finger.
But the words were already out. Viola decided to trust her judgment and push forward.
In truth, contrary to Viola the Mercenary Leader’s worries, Elizabeth the Sub-Leader found the man’s unexpectedly calm demeanor puzzling. It wasn’t the reaction she’d anticipated.
Was it pride? Bluff? Or was he just that mediocre...
......Not a pushover after all.
Considering Viola the Leader’s personality, it probably wasn’t pure bluff. She’d likely invested a lot in him, giving her firm belief he wouldn’t leave. ...With those shady rumors already spreading about them, maybe they were more than just business partners.
But reaching that thought made Elizabeth quite anxious. If Viola truly cherished him..., that would mean he was that special.
Honestly, if Viola had thrown a fit, Elizabeth would’ve shelved her greed for now. Dealing with that Dagon bastard came first, no need to stir up conflict.
Of course, given Viola’s personality, once she’d said she’d vote yes, she wouldn’t back out even if they fought...
But with permission to do as she pleased, the Duchess no longer needed to watch her step. She’d gobble him up without hesitation. No guarantee another chance like this would come.
“Let’s eat now. The food’s getting cold. Dig in.”
“Sure.”
And with that, the conversation ended.
They parted right after the meal, without even dessert tea.
The Belver Duchess dressed up ostentatiously from early morning and left Viola House under Rados the Mercenary Leader’s escort, as if on display. It was only natural that passersby showered the flower-like, elegant beauty with stares.
The Duchess’s dog, Rados the Mercenary Leader, also puffed out his chest proudly. What a source of pride and honor this was.
“What a fine day today, Sub-Leader.”
“Isn’t it though.”
The pair followed the guide through the bustling main street before ducking into an alley at some point. As expected, Bermandua’s back alleys stank and were filthy.
Drunks sprawled asleep haphazardly, reeking of booze.
Beggars in grimy rags scavenging or pleading.
Prostitutes and pimps leaning naked against walls, puffing harsh smokes and chatting idly.
Thugs doubling as mercenaries, eyes bulging with predatory glares, waiting for a single misstep.
The duo encountered all sorts there. Of course, the riffraff paid no heed to the pair, who looked untouchable at a glance. They knew from experience that the seemingly defenseless types were often the most dangerous in these parts.
The guide weaved through alleys and stopped before a rundown building. This was the Allen Mercenary Corps’ hideout.
Honestly, Rados the Mercenary Leader wasn’t thrilled about meeting this Allen guy. ......Male instinct made it hard to stomach the woman he admired showing interest in another man.
...Let’s see what this punk’s about.
With such a high-profile guest at this shabby inn, the counter staff naturally rushed upstairs to fetch Allen the Leader.
Allen, who’d just finished eating and was heading to his streetside office, looked flustered by the Sub-Leader Duchess’s sudden visit.
“...Sub-Leader? What brings you here?”
“I have something to discuss... Shall we move somewhere else?”
“This way.”
Leaving the guide in the first-floor hall momentarily, the Duchess followed Allen’s light steps up to the third floor. That seemed to be the Mercenary Corps’ exclusive level.
“Rados the Leader, wait here a moment.”
Irritation flaring, Rados the Mercenary Leader leaned in and whispered to her. Loud enough for Allen to hear, of course.
“I’m deeply concerned about you being alone with a stranger. Who knows what indecent thing he might try...”
“Don’t worry. I can protect myself.”
She was famous for her rapid-fire magic spells. And the opponent was neither warrior nor mage—just a civilian. No matter how weak a mage might be up close, the Duchess wasn’t careless enough to fall to some nobody.
Of course, Rados knew that. He just hated her talking alone with this guy without him.
Thus, the two entered the meeting room. Naturally, this rundown inn had no separate parlor for guests. And the “meeting room” was just a small modified guest room to begin with... Coming from Viola House, the Duchess couldn’t help comparing.
She could’ve summoned Allen the Leader to Viola House directly, but that would seem insincere. Even for someone as self-assured as her, she put in minimal effort.
Elizabeth sat lightly on the chair Allen offered. No tea or anything—just a cup of lukewarm water plunked down.
She hadn’t come to sip tea anyway, so she had no intention of glaring over the poor hospitality. She’d ditched such expectations the moment she saw the shabby inn.
“Anyway, what brings you here so early?”
The Duchess smiled elegantly.
“I’m busy, so this was my only free time.”
“I see.”
“Once I shake off the travel fatigue, I have to head to the capital too.”
“My condolences.”
“Circumstances leave me no choice...”
Elizabeth glanced around the room and asked.
“Did Viola sister set this place up for you?”
“I arranged it myself.”
“...You did? ...Hmm.”
Seems she wasn’t lavishing support as expected. ...Well, given Viola the Leader’s personality, she wouldn’t provide flashy aid under the Alliance’s watchful eyes.
That gave Elizabeth more confidence. At least she was better at looking after her own than Viola sister.
The Duchess crossed her legs crisply. It was a habit that emerged when her true intentions surfaced.
“I won’t beat around the bush about why I’m here. ...Want to join me?”
“...Join you?”
“Come with me. As allies—more than that.”
The sudden alliance proposal. Seeing Allen’s slight fluster, Elizabeth smiled slyly like a fox.
“I have a good eye for people. Not just talk—similar to Viola sister’s ability. ...And I see potential in you. With me, your talents will definitely bloom.”
“Ah..., I see.”
“Tempted? I’ll support you to the max. I can give you a place ten times better than this. ......My backer’s a ducal house. Proof enough?”
Elizabeth had no doubt Allen would accept outright.
Who could refuse a Top 10 Sub-Leader offering full support for an alliance? Any sane Leader would jump at it. It seemed as obvious as truth.
“Grow well, and the spot by my side is yours. ...Rados the Leader’s nothing compared to you.”
She whispered the cruel afterthought as if murmuring sweet nothings.
“Viola sister already approved. No need to feel burdened. ...I’m here. I’ll handle everything. So you don’t have to worry about a thing.”
It was a whisper of temptation. No one—man or woman—had ever resisted Elizabeth’s sweet allure.
Even if he was some astonishing 138, how could he refuse the path to glory laid before him?
She could make it happen. She had the power and will. ......In exchange, she’d take all of him. Everything.
Bark on command, lie down, die if ordered—exactly that.
Just imagining it sent ecstatic thrills through her. Controlling a fine man at her whim—what could be more exquisite?
“You just have to say..., yes.”
The Duchess had said her piece.
She smiled with overflowing joy, neatly folding her pretty hands gloved in white atop her knee.
Escorted by Allen the Leader to visit Viola the Leader—how thrilling that would be.
Taking the man her sister treasured like a jewel...
She harbored no ill will toward her. She just wanted the special treasure she’d coincidentally found. That was all.
Viola the Leader had said to do as she pleased, after all. She wouldn’t act petty over that.
...No, better hold off on bragging for now. The vote mattered most.
Viola had called Allen the Leader a 288. ...But the Duchess didn’t fully trust her sister’s words.
The Elizabeth she knew blindly trusted only the numbers she saw her whole life. She herself placed infinite faith in the divine gift from heaven. That’s why she was so obsessed with the man before her.
In that light, Viola sister’s special favoritism toward Allen the Leader couldn’t be explained by a mere 288. ...His fame was rising now, but it fell far short as a reason for such affection.
Answer me. Hurry. Say yes. Don’t keep me waiting. What’s there to think about? It’s me, Elizabeth. Top 10. Me. Even hesitating is an insult—!
After torturing the Duchess with suspense, Allen the Leader slowly opened his mouth.
“...Your offer is truly a once-in-a-lifetime honor, Sub-Leader.”
She smiled deeply, as if to say she knew it.
......But a reversal followed.
“However.”
And his smile faded gradually.
“I’m afraid I can’t accept. My deepest apologies.”
At last, Elizabeth’s smile vanished completely. She stared at Allen for a long moment.
“.........What did I just hear?”
“...I’m sorry.”
A slight twitch at the corners of her eyes and mouth.
Something utterly unimaginable. ...No, this was a disaster. A horrific one.
Stunned into silence for a bit, she forced another smile. But it wasn’t her usual elegant one.
“Why? ...I’m not lacking compared to Viola the Leader. No, I’m better. I’ll support you? ...Scared? I said I’d handle that too—!”
Allen the Leader merely bowed his head silently in heavy apology.
Elizabeth ground her molars. ......But she didn’t show her anger. That would make her look ugly.
“...You seem flustered. Think it over.”
The Duchess shot up from her seat, rudely flung the door open, and stormed out. She didn’t even spare a glance to see if Rados the Leader followed.
- Fine, then do whatever you want.
Viola’s words from last night’s dinner echoed relentlessly in Elizabeth’s mind. ...She’d had solid backing, it seemed.
...Fucking hell. Rejection? Ha. Who does he think he is? Unbelievable. ...Scared of sister? I said I’d fix it. Don’t trust me? ...Or are they really special? Like..., doing it...?
She panted raggedly.
...The elegant mage’s retreating figure, rejected and fleeing, was anything but elegant.