Episode 17

Mountains in the landscape, standing as if they were sharply cut. Below them, a meadow so stunningly beautiful it could make one’s eyes hurt, and a river, never drying up, flowing with melted snow.

A scenic view that would inevitably draw admiration from anyone who sees it. Standing against this backdrop, was the mid-sized city of Mahvana.

After leaving the southern trading city of Reubala, Allen’s mercenary group had traveled for a full fifteen days to arrive at this beautiful city. Even Allen, who was not easily amazed, could not help but marvel at this landscape. The members of the group who had never been to Mahvana reacted no differently than their leader.

However, this beautiful city, like the other cities in the eastern region, had a cruel and ugly history. There was a record that the beautiful Romelon River had been dyed with blood for three days and nights….

The Herera family, sought by the Allen-Mercenary Group, was the ruling family of this beautiful city. Of course, the city’s rulers had changed several times throughout its long history, but no new ruler had emerged for two hundred years since the Herera family took over. This meant that the family’s roots were deeply embedded in this land.

And it was this very owner who wanted war, and its effects were not limited to the family but were spreading throughout the entire city.

…In the beautiful mid-sized city of Mahvana, there was definitely a clear sense of war looming over it.

The Allen Mercenary Group underwent thorough identity checks at the checkpoint. Given the situation, it was impossible to be as lax as usual.

“Damn, almost had to strip down to our dicks.”

With his thick and burly figure, Levo clicked his tongue as he observed the checkpoint staff checking too meticulously. One of the two female mercenaries, Snub-nosed Mary, was furiously complaining about how one of the staff touched her butt.

“I wouldn’t mind being touched by our leader as much as he wanted at allㅡ.”

As Mary flirted in such a manner, a dickhead part-timer, irresistible to women, stepped forward. He was tall like a pole and slim, but surprisingly strong.

“How about me?”

“You’re damn ugly.”

“You’re ugly too, bitch.”

“My pussy is damn pretty though.”

“Have to see it to know.”

“Show your dick instead.”

Then, the loyal old dog, Kalisman, warned the two.

“Hey, shut up and follow.”

“Hmph, retard.”

“Fucker.”

The mercenary group walked straight towards the Count’s castle, which stood sharply in the middle of the city. Naturally, they were stopped again at the main gate. Allen stepped forward and revealed his identity.

“I’m the leader of the Allen-Mercenary Group, Allen Dewise Pomwell. We came after seeing the announcement for recruiting mercenaries.”

There had been a few precedents like this, so they passed through more easily than expected. Of course, the inside of the main gate was very strict, clearly prepared for any emergency.

“Please wait a moment. A message will come from inside soon.”

As the captain of the guard said, a person soon came out from the Count’s castle. The middle-aged man treated them much better than expected.

“I will guide you from here.”

The man led them into the Count’s castle, and he led the group leader Allen somewhere, separate from the mercenaries. After all, if they were just going to sign a simple contract, there was no need to bring all the members along.

“Where are we going?”

“I will take you to His Excellency.”

This was somewhat unexpected for Allen as well. He didn’t think the Count himself would get involved in just a mercenary contract. Usually, a delegate would handle such matters.

“His Excellency has much interest in such matters, it seems?”

“Given the nature of the matter, he is handling it personally this time.”

“…I see. Understood.”

Soon, they arrived in front of a door engraved with a splendid dragon. It was the Count’s office. The two knights standing motionless on either side of the door were intimidating.

“The leader of the Allen-Mercenary Group has arrived, Your Excellency.”

“- Come in.”

The man took a step back with a slight bow. Allen directly opened the door and entered the Count’s office.

Sitting at the desk and reviewing documents was the Count, a man of large build. More fitting of a mercenary than a noble.

The Count was a born warrior. He could easily be a mercenary right now without any issues. Even though he seemed quite aged, he didn’t have [Frail] at all. …Honestly, Allen wanted to recruit the Count into his mercenary group.

“I am Allen Dewise Pomwell, the youngest son of Baron Pomwell of Berge.”

“Pleased to meet you. I am Count Herera the First.”

Initially, they exchanged light greetings.

“You’re too handsome to be leading a mercenary group.”

“Ha ha, you flatter me.”

“How many members are there in total?”

“Nine, including myself.”

“Who is the captain?”

“Kalisman Rowner.”

It was an unfamiliar name. Meaning that they were not a famous mercenary group.

However, the situation now required gathering as many allies as possible.

“As you know, there’s been a bit of a dispute. And neither side is willing to back down.”

The Count tapped his fingers on the desk.

“How much do you want?”

And so, the negotiation began.

However, Allen couldn’t dare to boldly Counter-ask the Count. He had to judge a reasonable amount himself.

“I want seven hundred gold coins.”

Seven hundred—.

That was the usual hiring fee for a mid-level mercenary group. But no matter how one looked at it, Allen’s group didn’t seem to be at that level.

“That’s too much.”

Allen also expected such a reaction. However, one must consider the current situation is somewhat special.

“It’s a war. The tide of war could change for 700 gold coins. In that case, I don’t think it’s a large amount.”

Of course, 700 gold coins was not a small fortune, but they were not the only mercenary group involved. Moreover, the expenses include not only the hiring fees but also provisions and other additional costs. …It’s not for no reason that families with little capital often go bankrupt after just one war.

“That’s still a lot. I was thinking of 500.”

“That’s absolutely impossible. We have come here risking our lives from the southern regions. It’s too little for the value of our lives.”

“Haha, this fella.”

The Count, who was almost a warrior, was not good at bargaining. Instead, the pressure he exerted was extraordinary.

“550.”

“I’ll take six hundred and fifty. I can’t go any lower than that.”

“Fine, six hundred. I’ve shown great generosity.”

“That won’t do.”

The Count slammed his fist on the desk.

“How dare you—!”

…So this is why they fight….

Allen realized the reason for war right here.

“I apologize. But I have staked my men’s lives on this. If you do not wish it, I will withdraw.”

“You bastard…!”

However, Allen did not back down an inch. The Count, who had thought of him only as a slender lord, saw that he was much tougher than expected and his expression changed slightly.

“…So, you do have the guts to make demands.”

“I apologize for offending your temper.”

Yet, his mouth was still remarkably sharp. Enough to soothe the Count’s anger.

“Alright. Six hundred and fifty. I’ll give you what you want. Are we done?”

“I will not forget your grace, Your Excellency.”

“It’s not out of kindness, but loyalty bought with money. Especially looking at you. I believe it’s worth the money if you have such guts.”

“You have an excellent eye for talent.”

“Good. Let’s write the contract now.”

The hiring fee was six hundred and fifty gold coins.

Honestly, it wasn’t an amount that would satisfy Allen. From receiving thousands of gold coins in Guild Master, it suddenly shrank to less than a quarter of that amount, how could such an amount catch his eye?

‘…It can’t be helped. Still, it’s a lot for the first time.’

Of course, if you subtract the mercenary hiring fee, there wouldn’t be much left for him, but it’s not just about the money. The more he excels in battle, the more his reputation will grow.

After the negotiation, Allen left the Count’s office.

And on the way back, he happened upon a woman. A beauty with black hair and a chest considerably large for her height, who only reached his shoulders—. Their eyes met as she too approached him. When he silently nodded in greeting, she did the same.

Stats focused on [Intelligence] and [Magic].

Especially, the extraordinary [Magic] stat proved that she was a sorceress. It was really raㅡre to see a sorceress not affiliated with a Magic Tower.

‘…Who was she again…?’

“Ahㅡ.”

Allen realized the identity of the woman after a while. With so many characters in Guild Master, it took some time to dredge up a deeply buried memory from one corner.

Nickname, the Wizard of Mahvana—a named character famous for reasons other than her profession. After all, busty wizards are rather rare in Guild Master.

She often appeared in concept plays that exclusively recruited female members. Thanks to her explosive midriff and haughty demeanor, which didn’t match her petite stature.

He also remembered seeing a screenshot in the community where she was posing in a micro bikini that barely covered her nipples and groin. Moreover, she occasionally appeared in doujinshis… In fact, he had been indebted to her a few times.

‘To think I would see that woman in real life—.’

Upon meeting someone he actually knew, Allen felt a shiver run down his spine with some kind of certainty.

Anyway,

Ji-hoo from South Korea

was really screwed.