Chapter 153: I Shall Escort You as My Guest
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 153: I Shall Escort You as My Guest
"We need more personnel in this sector! Move it!"
"Village 4 has a high elderly population. They're requesting reinforcements!"
Everyone sure is busy.
Now that the sun has risen after the Fierce Beast claimed a life, the command center is scrambling. They must have a fire under their asses now.
This was a request from the Shrine Maiden Clan—the very people who maintain the Barrier and produce materials for unique items—and yet, a casualty appeared on the very first day.
Until now, only livestock had been targeted, so people treated it like a common predator. Now that they've realized the gravity of the situation, they’re finally moving.
They should have been this diligent from the start. Why does someone always have to die before people snap out of it?
Since the Fierce Beast only hunts at night, we’re assigned to the night watch. During the day, the daytime shift escorts the villagers to the Shrine.
"Sorry. Someone died because I didn't do my job right."
The Thug apologized to me, sounding full of self-reproach.
"It’s not your fault."
"…?"
"Yeah, no need to blame yourself. We didn't even know what it was, so it would've been hard to stop."
The Thug is the one blaming himself, so why is everyone else comforting me?
Was I looking too serious while watching those idiots scramble now that someone’s dead?
"Yeon-woo, it’s okay. It’s not your fault."
Even Angelica grabbed my hand tightly, giving me a bittersweet smile.
Uh… wait. I think you guys are misunderstanding something. I’m not a saint—or a lunatic—capable of extreme empathy like Akito.
I came here to minimize the predetermined casualties, but unless it’s someone I actually know getting hurt, I don't feel much sadness or anger. It’s like reading about a death on the internet; you feel bad for a second, but you don't burst into tears.
I don't have a sense of duty to save the whole world, nor do I possess some Oscar-worthy level of empathy.
Maybe I would’ve been pissed if the Shrine Maidens had died. But I’m not going to fall into despair over someone whose face I’ve never even seen.
Beyond my teammates, who seem to have a massive misconception about me, only Bukgeuk-jwa and Akane remain calm.
Akane is still just fiddling with her thumbs, and Bukgeuk-jwa has a look on her face that says, 'Is this guy really the type to get sad over something like this?'
Why is Bukgeuk-jwa, who hasn't known me that long, more accurate than the others?
It felt a bit weird to correct them and say they were mistaken when someone had just died, so I just told them I was fine and stood up.
"Our job is done. Let’s go rest. Ah, Miss Mia?"
"Yes!"
The agent passing by rushed over as if addressing a superior the moment I called her.
Ever since Berengel kicked out one of his subordinates at dawn, the agents have been so cautious around me that it’s becoming a burden.
"We’re heading back to rest. Could you assign us one village to escort to the Shrine on our way?"
"Uh… the daytime shift usually handles that…"
"We’re going that way anyway, so we might as well. It’s better to move the residents to safety as quickly as possible."
"Wow… thank you so much!"
The agent suddenly gave a ninety-degree bow and left immediately, saying she’d find a nearby village and let me know.
"That’s our Yeon-woo."
"Hey, don't hog all the cool roles for yourself."
"Typical—so like you."
Ugh, don't nudge me and talk like you're all proud. This isn't a teen coming-of-age movie. I can't stand that cringey stuff.
It was just the equivalent of saying, "I'm going to the breakroom, anyone want coffee?" Why are they overreacting?
While I was scowling at the Comedy Duo, who were nudging me with their elbows and making gross faces, the agent returned with the village assignment.
Perhaps because these people have been indebted to and followed the Shrine Maiden Clan for generations, they were all very cooperative. By the time we arrived, they were already packed and ready to move.
The Fierce Beast Girl usually moves at night, so there wasn't much danger, but we stayed on high alert just in case until we reached the stairs leading to the Shrine.
"I heard you were on the night shift… shouldn't you be resting?"
"We were heading back anyway, so we came along."
"Ah… thank you so much for your kindness. Please, come inside."
The people here are way too emotional.
The Shrine Maiden thanked me with a moved expression and led the way. I could feel gazes on my back as I climbed the stairs without hesitation.
From these stairs onward, only authorized personnel are allowed. Other mages have to hand over the residents to the waiting Shrine Maidens and leave.
I couldn't tell if the looks I was getting were out of jealousy or envy, but if it bothers you that much, get better and get invited yourselves.
We had to climb three separate sets of stairs to reach the lodging.
After the first set, the residents followed another Shrine Maiden down a side path. Even if they were being protected, they weren't allowed into the inner sanctum.
Then why did that Fierce Beast Girl come all the way inside to attack a Shrine Maiden?
As we continued up the stairs, the Shrine Maiden asked, "Would you like to bathe first? We have girls waiting to attend to you."
Recalling how good it felt to be attended to last time, my dick immediately gave a signal.
At the mention of "bath attendants," the eyes of the Comedy Duo and Bukgeuk-jwa lit up.
"We’ll take the bath, but send the attendants away. We have things to discuss while we wash."
"I see. Thank you once again for your hard work for our clan."
The Comedy Duo glared at me with bloodshot eyes at my refusal.
No, you bastards. How could I let you be attended to when you have such impure intentions? If you guys sexually harassed our Shrine Maiden girls, I’d feel bad for Teresa.
That’s when Bukgeuk-jwa raised her hand.
"I understand you want to have a meeting, but I can't exactly bathe with you, can I?"
"…Well, that’s true."
"Then I will accept the attendants. It would be rude to decline when they’ve prepared so much for us."
You make it sound plausible, but you’re clearly planning to harass them.
The Shrine Maiden beat me to it, saying, "As you wish," and before I could stop her, Bukgeuk-jwa quickly disappeared toward the baths with the women.
Akane didn't want to leave my side, but Bukgeuk-jwa grabbed her by the scruff of the neck and dragged her along.
Finally, freedom from the hell of her questions.
"Gaaah—I hate you so muuuch…"
"That was one of the items on my bucket list…"
Don't waste your bucket list on something like that.
Leaving the fuming Comedy Duo behind, I looked at the Thug. He was surprisingly calm.
"Wasn't it on your bucket list?"
"Huh? Not really. Bathing with a girl is something you do with a girlfriend… wait, is an attendant different?"
The Thug is good-looking and was popular in his circles, so he probably has plenty of experience.
Leaving the Comedy Duo to stare at the Thug with envy and jealousy, I turned around.
"Go rest first. Don't fall asleep right away, though. I have something I want to test in a bit."
"Where are you going?"
"To have a consultation with Lady Teresa."
"You don't mean…"
"If you say what you're thinking out loud, the Shrine Maidens will beat you up and kick you out."
At my words, Rio, who was clearly having lewd thoughts, shut his mouth and covered it with his hands.
Whatever you're imagining, I'm doing that after the job is done.
* * *
"Are you telling me to sleep in a filthy place like this? Me, of noble blood?"
Justina immediately voiced her complaints the moment she saw the provided lodging.
They had been given the village community center since the residents had moved out, but even this was considered special treatment because they were Yggdrasil students.
"If you don't like it, go sleep outside."
Ailee sneered as she walked inside.
As she said, if they didn't like it here, they’d have to sleep in the temporary tents set up outside. With communal toilets and terrible showers, being able to rest in the community center or a house provided by a resident was a huge privilege.
Seeing the people entering their tents with exhausted faces, Justina grimaced and reluctantly entered the hall.
"It’s like being at a pension. This is fun."
"There aren't separate rooms. Brother, you mustn't peek while we're changing."
"O-Of course I won't."
Chika, despite being the daughter of a tycoon, didn't mind and actually found it interesting, while Shiori teased Akito.
Except for Justina’s disgruntled expression, everyone maintained a friendly atmosphere. Just as they were discussing the inconvenience of having only one bathroom for so many people, there was a knock, and the door opened.
"Hello. Is Mr. Daihara Akito here?"
"Ah, yes… I’m Akito."
Faced with the chest of a Shrine Maiden who seemed two heads taller than him, Akito tried his best not to stare, focusing instead on her vivid orange hair.
"I am Rina, an attendant to Lady Teresa. It is an honor to meet the renowned and promising Mr. Akito."
"The honor is mine. But what brings you here…?"
Akito was cautious, remembering his rudeness from the day before, but Rina gave him a bright smile.
"Lady Teresa has sent me to fulfill her promise. If you are not too tired, would you care to have a brief conversation with her?"
"Yes, that’s fine. But… am I the only one invited?"
Akito asked, glancing at his teammates.
What kind of clan was the Shrine Maiden Clan?
Though stories were often exaggerated due to their reclusiveness, a Shrine Maiden inviting a man usually meant he was recognized as a potential "seed provider."
Even government agents weren't allowed in unless the clan approved of them, so an invitation to enter was enough to make the girls who liked Akito wary.
Reading their emotions, Rina smiled gently and shook her head.
"Everyone here is a distinguished guest. Please, come to the Shrine. We have already prepared lodgings for all of you."
Justina, who had hated the previous accommodations, jumped up the moment she heard Rina’s words. The group headed toward the mysterious stronghold of the Shrine Maiden Clan.
Contrary to Justina’s complaints, the village community center hadn't actually been bad. However, once they arrived at the Shrine and saw the buildings nestled within nature, the memory of the community center felt pathetic in comparison.
Aside from a few buildings, it wasn't particularly flashy, but the restrained beauty and the vivid red of the roofs were harmonious. Chika marveled at the traditional architecture, so different from modern buildings.
"Hey, can I try on one of those shrine maiden outfits?"
"I am sorry. They are not for rent or sale."
Emma asked with sparkling eyes as she saw the maidens in the streets, but Rina gently declined.
"I bet Akito would totally lose it if I wore that. Right? Aren't you interested, Akito?"
"Don't be rude. Show some respect."
"Yeah, yeah~ Stop nagging, Mama."
When Kurumi snapped at her, Emma snorted sarcastically.
Asking if Akito would find her hot in the clan’s sacred attire right in front of Rina was definitely rude. Akito looked worried, but fortunately, Rina didn't seem to mind as she guided the group.
"Hmph. Diana certainly knows how to treat guests. It’s commendable."
"Everything has been prepared, so there should be nothing lacking for our guests. Please, come inside."
The moment she saw the lodging with its beautifully landscaped garden, Justina walked in with an air of arrogance. Akito looked worried again.
"I shall escort Mr. Akito to Lady Teresa."
"Thank you. And please, don't take what my friends said to heart; they didn't mean any harm. I apologize on their behalf."
"There is no need to apologize. It is heartening to see such strong camaraderie."
Rina didn't blame anyone and led Akito to Teresa.
Teresa, who was sitting in a pavilion in the middle of a large pond drinking tea, welcomed Akito warmly the moment she saw him.
"Thank you for helping the clan. Things were so hectic yesterday that we couldn't even talk properly, right? Please, sit."
Shrine maidens brought out tea, and the two talked for a long time.
While there were no clues regarding his father’s whereabouts, hearing stories about his father’s past was a pleasant experience for Akito.
Though she possessed looks that could seduce any man, the more Akito spoke with Teresa, the more he was captivated by her composure, nobility, and wisdom.
He received plenty of love from girls his age, but he had little experience with mature women. Her movements—voluptuous yet gentle, somehow erotic yet restrained—held a charm Akito wasn't used to.
Akito was destined to sleep with many adult women in the future, but for now, in Teresa’s eyes, he was just a fresh-faced youth.
‘He’s as impressive as Yeon-woo said. I can see why women fall for this boy. But…’
Their first meeting hadn't been great, but with his kind and pure personality, the mana flowing faintly through his body, and his natural charisma, Akito was a very attractive man.
However, Teresa, already head-over-heels for Yeon-woo, had no interest in him.
As she looked forward to the mission ending so Yeon-woo could hold her roughly again, Teresa’s thighs tightened.
Feeling her aura grow somehow more erotic, the innocent young man, lacking experience with mature women, felt his heart race, completely entranced by Teresa’s charm.