Chapter 50
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 50
Chapter Title: Suspicious Request (3)
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Thankfully, since the request site was quite a distance away, the clan lent us a carriage, sparing us the nightmare of marching on foot.
"Riding in a carriage really is comfortable, sis."
"Yeah... it's way better than walking like last time. Camping in the carriage is convenient too, and we can carry a lot more gear."
Since we might be staying there for a while, our group had packed far more supplies than on the previous expedition. With the carriage handling the load, we didn't have to worry much about baggage.
Suddenly remembering my question about the Eastern Alliance from before, I turned to Seo Yu-ju. It was the perfect timing since we were traveling by carriage anyway.
"Yu-ju, I just recalled that woman mentioning the Eastern Alliance last time... Do you know anything more about it?"
"...The Eastern Alliance?"
She looked like she hadn't expected me to ask about that.
"Yes. From what I know, it has various factions. I heard it's different from other countries..."
"Right. Yeah... There's no concept of a king in the Eastern Alliance. There are leaders of various sects, and they elect a representative among them to choose an alliance leader. Oh, and clans exist there too, of course."
The other party members, who had been chatting among themselves, grew curious at Seo Yu-ju's words and started listening quietly.
"...That's quite different from other countries' structures."
"It is. I don't know all the details, but surprisingly, I've heard the current state of the Eastern Alliance is a total mess."
"A total mess...?"
"Hmm... To put it bluntly, it's practically a lawless zone."
"...A lawless zone?"
"Yes. Endless disputes and wars, apparently. Even outlaws are involved, making the situation really bad."
'...I see why they called it a mess.'
"Ordinary citizens suffer, crime runs rampant, and without power, you're in for a horrible fate."
"...So basic livelihood protections aren't even in place?"
"Right. I've heard they have training facilities and trainees, but even those aren't properly protected."
"...So it's basically lost all function as a nation?"
"Pretty much."
"Whoa..."
'What the hell...'
The other party members looked equally dumbfounded after hearing the story.
"Whoa... How do you know all this, Yu-ju sis? You're amazing."
"Uh, huh? Oh... W-well, I visited the library a lot. And I asked various people about the continent's situation. Ahaha..."
"As expected of Yu-ju sis. Kyaa~"
"......."
We passed the time chatting like that until the carriage stopped and the coachman announced our arrival.
"My lords, we've arrived."
As we stepped out, a grand mansion came into view. Fitting for a margrave's residence, it was impressively majestic.
"Wow..."
While the group admired it, I gave the coachman a bit more than the agreed amount.
"Oh, goodness! Thank you, my lord! May blessings be upon you!"
"Haha... No need. Rest well at the inn. I'll count on you for the return trip too."
"Of course, my lord! Thank you!"
The priest of time had asked Kang Sung-jun to pass along funds to me, so I had plenty of money on hand. More than enough, really.
After sending off the coachman, we approached the mansion's main gate, where that crazy woman was waiting and came over.
"Welcome, everyone. I'll show you in."
Seo Yu-ju replied to her.
"Yes, please do."
'I need to put surveillance on her now.'
Invisible to others, a chimera was trailing behind me—the one I'd named Shadow Wraith, cloaked in shadows and sticking close.
This chimera normally hid in my shadow, but when I ordered it to surveil someone, it concealed itself in their shadow, followed them, and memorized conversations.
Thanks to the materials from Seo Yu-ju, I'd successfully removed its evil alignment, leaving it neutral—neither good nor evil.
'Surveil this woman. Report daily.'
At my command, it immediately slipped into her shadow and began following her.
'One worry down, at least.'
This way, if she tried anything shady, I'd know in advance.
I spoke to the woman.
"Mind if I ask something?"
"Oh, sure. Ask away if you're curious. Hehe."
'Hehe, my ass.'
"Is the margrave at the mansion?"
"Ah... No, he's away on business. So I'm taking you to the young lady."
"I see."
The mansion was vast, and after some walking under her guidance, she knocked on a door.
"Young lady. I've brought the guests."
A voice came from inside.
- Good work. Bring them in.
Click.
Inside the room sat a woman with long, wavy red hair.
'...Pretty, but she looks like a total bitch.'
I checked her status window.
Indulgence (Rare Grade) - If something catches your eye, you'll do anything to possess it. You don't give up easily on things you desire.
Pleasure Dependence (Rare Grade) - You depend on pleasure.
Clean Freak (Common Grade) - Obsessed with cleanliness. You despise filth.
"Cough, cough...!"
I choked while swallowing saliva upon seeing her status window.
"Yun-seong, are you okay?"
"Cough... Y-yes, I'm fine. Just choked..."
'What the hell is this trash? And harlot? Pleasure dependence?'
I'd assumed the maid was the weirdo and the young lady normal, but even the margrave's daughter was a freak. I couldn't wrap my head around this absurdity.
'The margrave totally failed at parenting.'
The woman stood, greeting us.
"Oh dear, are you alright? Nice to meet you. I'm Tiera."
I put on a friendly face and greeted her.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Lee Yun-seong of Eternity Clan."
"...You're even more handsome in person than in the photo."
'Wait, does this bitch...?'
Her titles and traits suddenly stood out. Was her interest in me what I thought?
'Crazy bitch...!'
"Haha... Thank you. I'm flattered."
"Just stating the facts."
Seo Yu-ju noticed her attitude toward me and spoke up, sensing something off.
"Ahem... Nice to meet you, Lady Tiera. I'm Seo Yu-ju, the party leader."
"Ah... Nice to meet you too."
A different tone from how she treated me. Utterly disinterested.
After greeting the party members one by one, she addressed us all.
"Please, have a seat on the sofas. Sharis?"
"Yes, milady."
"Bring some tea."
"Right away."
Soon Sharis brought tea, and idle chatter began as we sipped. It felt more like a social gathering than a job.
"Hmm... The pamphlet says you're incredibly smart... Handsome and intelligent—impressive."
"...No, it's all exaggerated. Anyone could have thought of it."
I wasn't actually that smart. It was promotion material, so some hype was natural.
"Oh, so humble too."
"Not humble. You're truly beautiful, milady. I was stunned by your looks the moment I saw you."
"Eek... You're embarrassing me."
'Embarrassing my ass... It's just polite flattery, bitch.'
Seo Yu-ju and Kang I-seo next to me were stunning beauties themselves.
Praising her looks was pure lip service. She lapped it up like an idiot.
"Hehe... I heard you've been on the continent less than half a year, yet you cleared a rare-grade dungeon. Amazing."
"Haha... Only possible thanks to the clan and party members."
Ignoring the others entirely to talk only to me—what a sight.
Glancing at the party, no one looked pleased.
'Of course... She's so blatant.'
Practically screaming, 'I'm into this guy.' The others couldn't be happy.
We weren't here to sightsee; we had a job.
Kang I-seo seemed to be suppressing disgust, while Seo Yu-ju clenched her fist under the table.
Hyun-jin and the others wore incredulous expressions. Even Ho-won looked baffled.
Tired of the pointless talk, Seo Yu-ju cut in about the request.
"Um... Lady Tiera. We were called for a request. Could we hear the details?"
Interrupted, Tiera looked annoyed briefly but composed herself.
'...She has some judgment, at least.'
"Ah... The request? Nothing major. Undead have been spotted occasionally in a nearby forest... I'd like you to investigate."
"The forest?"
"Yes. Locals say ghouls appeared deep inside."
"Ghouls... No other undead reported?"
"Not that I know. Just ghouls."
"Understood. Can we start investigating now?"
"Oh, you could rest a day first..."
"No need. Better to get started promptly."
"Alright. Guards at the entrance will guide you. Supplies are prepared; follow their lead."
"Got it. Then..."
The party members bid her farewell and headed out.
As I followed, she called to me.
"Ah, wait. Lee Yun-seong doesn't need to go."
"...Pardon?"
'What?'
The party halted, staring at her.
"You have separate work helping me. The rest can handle the investigation."
'What?'
"What do you..."
Before I could speak, Seo Yu-ju asked, barely maintaining composure.
"What... do you mean? Separate work for Yun-seong...?"
"Hehe... Personal matters. Anyway, stay at the mansion, Lee Yun-seong."
'What the fuck is this crazy shit?!'
I had to stick with the party. Who knew what could happen to them investigating or me alone? Her behavior screamed she wanted to devour me.
Desperately, I replied.
"Haha... Lady Tiera. But my party might face danger during the investigation, so I should..."
"Don't worry. I'll send guards to support them."
'Fuck...'
I seriously wanted to blow up this mansion.