Chapter 155
Chapter 155
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 155
Chapter Title: An Unexpected Partner
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“So you're asking me to find that damn ‘energy’ again?”
I shrugged and said.
It was a gesture that roughly asked, ‘Why should I?’
At that, Elysia narrowed her brow and began pacing around the training room.
Her pensive expression exuded a unique charm.
‘What’s this?’
I could read a strange awkwardness in Elysia's actions and expression.
Perhaps this level of acting would have been sufficient until now.
Most men would have been completely captivated by her appearance, a perfect blend of simplicity and elegance.
But I was different.
I had a keen eye for catching things that others would casually overlook.
‘Is this that foxy act only women are said to notice?’
The art of seduction woven into everyday actions.
I tried to clear my mind and regain my composure.
Even if lust was etched into my instincts, it wasn't something I couldn't overcome with reason.
Only by transcending it could one become a true connoisseur of life.
Of course, I had already reached that state in my past life.
As if she had finally made a decision, Elysia opened her mouth.
“I'll pay an additional fee. I'll triple the commission. Directly to you, without going through the assassination guild.”
It was a tempting offer.
It would probably be an enormous sum.
The Rantzverger’s fees were notoriously high.
‘If all of that came directly to me…’
Buying a luxurious villa in Everfilt wouldn't be out of the question.
But I shook my head with a firm expression.
“That method is procedurally problematic.”
This went against the assassination guild's regulations.
We were forbidden from taking personal requests.
While it might be fine if done secretly, a deal this big was bound to be discovered.
But Elysia wagged her finger and narrowed her eyes.
“I've already looked into it. They said it's fine, as long as it's not an assassination request.”
“Who said that?”
“Your family.”
“…”
I concealed my bewildered expression as my mind raced.
‘She’s meticulous.’
If they had gone so far as to figure out the guild's regulations, Everfilt must be serious about this.
I didn’t know how important that energy was, but one thing was certain.
I could never let them have it.
Why would I do a favor for my enemy?
Besides, what was the best way to shatter their objective?
‘Participate in the operation myself.’
Doing so would also allow me to learn the ins and outs of Everfilt's internal affairs.
For example, the reason they were so desperate to find this ‘energy’ or whatever it was.
I nodded slowly and looked Elysia straight in the eye.
“Alright. But is money the only condition?”
“Ahem! Ahem! Is there something else you desire?”
She then turned her slightly flushed face to the side and coughed awkwardly.
It seemed like she was expecting me to want something more.
‘Ah? Don’t tell me…’
A thought flashed through my mind, but I didn't voice it immediately.
Acting rashly could ruin the mood I had carefully built.
I approached Elysia with a gentle smile.
She immediately stopped her pacing.
“Why the sudden approach?”
“I have a question.”
One step, two steps.
I stopped just inches away and brought my lips to Elysia's ear.
I could feel her body tremble faintly.
In that very moment of heightened tension!
I exhaled a hot breath and murmured in a suggestive tone.
“Can't we have another round of this? It was quite fun.”
“…”
Looking at Elysia's crestfallen expression, I shrugged.
As if nothing had just happened.
‘Hehe! Her reaction is amusing.’
* * *
After finishing the test, we moved to the reception room.
I wanted to rest after all that physical exertion, but Elysia wouldn't let me.
She was eager to discuss the details of the request.
Since I at least needed to know what I was looking for, her actions weren't unreasonable.
The problem was that the details were dreadfully boring.
“What we're looking for is a kind of anomalous power. It fundamentally goes against the natural order, but it truly exists.”
“Yawn! Let's keep it short. I'm not interested in what it is… no, just give me the name.”
As I demanded this with a long yawn, Elysia shook her head.
Not in refusal, but in a ‘you’re hopeless’ kind of way.
“For now, we're calling it Latio.”
“Does that mean you possess at least one?”
“Wow! You're quick on the uptake.”
“Then isn't that enough? One should be fine. You're quite greedy.”
“Latio is a fragment. To reach a level where it can be activated, we need at least five types.”
“Activate what?”
“…I'll be skipping that question.”
She flatly refused to answer.
A cold chill seemed to emanate from her, so much so that I wondered if this was the same person who had been chattering excitedly just moments ago.
‘What’s this? Now I'm even more curious.’
Her rather strong reaction piqued my curiosity.
But I didn't press her with questions right away.
Information is best extracted through a natural approach.
I nonchalantly changed the subject.
“Alright. So where do I need to go?”
I didn't even bother asking what I had to do.
I just had to bring back this Latio thing, by any means necessary.
“I like how straightforward you are.”
Apparently pleased with my reaction, Elysia nodded emphatically.
Then she tapped a map spread out on the table with a pointer.
“This is the Island of the Dead?”
“Bingo.”
“Hey, is this woman cra—”
I was about to erupt in anger but bit my lip.
Cursing here would only worsen the situation.
I realized it would be completely meaningless.
My cool-headed judgment, as expected.
But I couldn't take back the words I had already half-spoken.
Elysia frowned and glared at me.
“Cra—?”
“Cra-zily beautiful, is what I was about to say. Ha! Haha!”
I laughed awkwardly and made my excuse.
It was a cheap trick that shouldn't have worked, but surprisingly, her expression softened quickly.
‘What? Is my charm offensive already working this well?’
Seeing as she was accepting this kind of nonsense.
But I shook my head and regained my senses.
It hadn't even been a day since we met, what charm offensive?
Besides, this woman was trying to negotiate with me properly.
She was probably acting with careful calculation.
Letting my guard down would only lead to disaster.
“Telling me to go to the Island of the Dead is basically a death sentence, isn't it?”
“If it weren't this dangerous, we would have done it ourselves. That's why I offered to triple the fee.”
“Hah!”
I let out a hollow laugh and stared at the map.
You might ask, what's the big deal, just go and come back, right?
The name isn't that different from the Forest of the Dead, so why the fuss?
‘Because it's a ridiculously tough place.’
The Island of the Dead was where the demonic energy flowing from the Dark Continent was most concentrated.
From the moment you set foot there, it would be a series of hardships, with the threat of death at every turn.
Of course, it might not be *that* bad in reality, but its infamy was high enough for similar stories to circulate.
Moreover, you couldn't go with a large expedition.
If three or more people enter the island at the same time, they begin to perceive each other as enemies.
“Huh? Wait a minute. Only two people can enter the Island of the Dead… Does that mean I'm going with you?”
If it was with a beauty like her, being thrown into that living hell wouldn't be so bad.
In fact, it'd be great.
Love tends to blossom while overcoming adversity, after all.
Elysia smiled knowingly and nodded.
“I'll let you know who your partner is on the day of departure. It hasn't been decided yet.”
“Ah…”
“But I would like to tell you to look forward to it.”
At her words, I cheered inwardly.
What else could this mean?
‘It must mean she's going with me.’
A trip to a deserted island with a beautiful magic girl—no, a beautiful mage.
I suddenly grabbed Elysia's hand.
“Oh!”
“I look forward to working with you.”
Her face had turned as red as a ripe apple.
* * *
“Do you have a death wish?”
The next day, just before leaving for the Island of the Dead.
That was the first thing I said as I walked out the main gate of the Everfilt estate.
Honestly, I couldn't help but let out such harsh words.
Because my partner for the trip wasn't Elysia, but the mage with the sparkling eyes, Rhys Ganiol.
“…”
But the other party didn't respond.
It seemed he wasn't happy about it either but was just following orders.
“Hey, say something!”
“Hah! What were you imagining? How could a direct descendant of Everfilt go to such a dangerous place?”
When I yelled, Vice-Captain Rhys answered in a blunt tone.
But there was no way a bookworm mage could win a war of words with me.
“Then what about me?”
“Pardon?”
“Isn't someone else's child precious? Are only your own children precious?”
“You received a hefty commission, didn't you?”
“I'll give you half back, so switch him out right now. I want a bombshell beauty of a mage, not some greasy guy!”
“Ahem! Y-Your voice is too loud.”
As I flailed about and threw a tantrum, Rhys Ganiol broke out in a cold sweat.
He looked anxious, worried that someone might see us.
“Everyone is busy with mission schedules and evaluations, so they couldn't make time. So please, calm down.”
“…”
I stopped moving for a moment and looked up at the Vice-Captain.
But he just stared blankly, seemingly without any alternative plan.
Having no choice, I muttered a curse and slowly got up.
“Dammit, an adventure with some random guy. I'd rather go alone.”
“That won't do. What if you burn through the energy and bring back only the husk, like last time?”
“Oh? Are you trying to start an argument to the death over that?”
As I threatened him by lying down on the ground again, Rhys Ganiol frantically waved his hands.
He looked utterly horrified by my relentless tantrum attack.
“N-No! That was our fault for not explaining the objective clearly.”
“Hmph. I'm not particularly satisfied with that answer, but I'll let it slide this time.”
“Yes, yes.”
I clasped my hands behind my neck and nonchalantly started walking.
The Vice-Captain followed weakly with a troubled expression.
‘Haha! Playing me for a fool, eh…’
I recalled Elysia's attitude from yesterday and smiled bitterly.
She acted all innocent, but she was quite the sly one.
She smiled sweetly and acted like she would go with me, but as soon as the mission actually started, she bailed.
She was a woman who kept adding firewood to the flames of my vengeance.
‘I was planning to kill her gently, but that won't do. The pains of hell… no, I'll have to show her exactly what my charm is all about.’
And so, I set off for the Island of the Dead with Rhys Ganiol.