Episode 90

The injured members of the Allen-Mercenary Group roughly treated the holes pierced by tentacles with potions and healing spells. Six were dead. Three of them came from one mercenary group. Of course, fortunately, no one from the Allen-Mercenary Group had died.

They searched the waterlogged ground mixed with corpses, carcasses, and excrement, hoping to find any survivors. However, as soon as the tentacles embedded in their bodies were torn out, it seemed everyone had died instantly, so no survivors were found. In fact, it was unreasonable to expect anyone to be alive.

Having finished their business, the group of mercenaries, not wanting to stay there any longer, hurriedly moved on. Fortunately, the torrential rain that had been pouring all day had stopped.

Allen also threw the relic, contaminated with dark mana, into the abyss. After all, it was an item that had served its purpose, and keeping it would only have harmful effects.

Thus, the mercenary group, after enduring hardships and forced marches, finally emerged from the wilderness. They crossed back over the ditch they had come from, and only after catching their breath did they see the state they were in.

“Pffft.”

Everyone was soaked to the bone with rainwater, shivering from the cold in their miserable state, making it impossible not to laugh. Only then did Allen manage to smile and offer words of encouragement and praise to his comrades for their hard work.

Vice Group Leader Palmer also clapped his hands and ordered a rest here. Shameless as they were, the men stripped down to their skin, exposing themselves as they wrung out their clothes. Most of the female mercenaries also bared their chests without hesitation.

Of course, they couldn’t light a campfire. The mercenaries had no choice but to sleep in their wet clothes. After all, they couldn’t very well sleep stark naked… Of course, there were indeed some extraordinary men who could.

“Drink a potion heartily. It will warm you up inside.”

The members quickly finished about half a bottle of the potion they had brought. With their stomachs warmed, the cold was somewhat alleviated.

However, the severe cold could not ultimately overcome the onslaught of drowsiness.

Allen yawned mightily from sleepiness, blinked several times, and then fell asleep just like that.

The group that woke up at dawn filled their stomachs in the cool cold. Fortunately, after yesterday’s downpour, the sky was clear and bright today.

While preparing to depart, Vice Group Leader Palmer quietly approached where the Allen-Mercenary Group was. It seemed he had something to discuss with Group Leader Allen, but surprisingly, his business was with the Itty Titty Swordsman.

“Thank you for yesterday.”

“No, I also received help.”

“…Here, this is, um, something to chew on when you’re bored on the way.”

The Vice Group Leader extended a small leather pouch. Natasha ended up taking it without thinking.

“Ah, that… thank you.”

“Haha.” Palmer, with a body that didn’t match his innocence, smiled naively and walked away. Furry Geese, who had been watching them with a mischievous smile nearby, came up to the Itty Titty Swordsman, chuckling as soon as Vice Group Leader Palmer left.

“Wow, you’ve already got a man wrapped around your finger, totally smitten.”

“Ah, what are you talking about now, you…?! It’s just a friendly gesture, damn it, I’m gonna kill you!!!”

When the Itty Titty Swordsman threatened with a fist and told him to stop talking nonsense, Furry went to find Group Leader Allen, claiming he was going to die.

“Group Leader…!”

“Ah, what are you even doing, seriously? I got it. I got it, you bastard.”

She looked at Geese, who was smirking, and seriously pondered how to deal with this bastard.

Anyway.

As soon as the preparations were complete, the group moved towards Vermandois again.

The group completed their mission cleanly, but they couldn’t shake off a somewhat uncomfortable feeling. Because of the strange emotions lingering lukewarmly in their hearts…

Especially the Itty Titty Swordsman, who could hardly take her eyes off Allen’s back throughout the walk.

‘…No. To have struggled even against those tentacles, is now the time to think about a man? …It’s training. Keep training even while walking…!’

However, she couldn’t stop thinking about the naked lower half of Group Leader Allen she had seen yesterday.

…Even if it was an illusion, to see such a monstrous thing attached to him, it was naturally unbelievable.

Due to all the carriages having left, the group of mercenaries had to walk all the way to Vermandois for an entire week. That, too, by marching forcefully with reduced sleep.

As soon as Allen arrived at the hideout, he really wanted to shower praise on his past self for investing money here. Otherwise, he would have had to wander around, checking if there were any rooms available.

“Everyone did well… Rest up. I feel like I’m going to die, so don’t look for me today.”

When the usually stoic Group Leader said such a thing, everyone chuckled softly.

Allen was the first to immerse himself in the hot water of the bathhouse. He let out an involuntary “Aaaaaaah…” sounding like an old man.

After thoroughly washing himself from head to toe, the Group Leader immediately fell asleep as soon as he lay in bed… And when he opened his eyes, it was the next morning.

Allen ordered a meal from the young staff member at the counter. He filled his stomach with a hot soup loaded with meat and bread, waiting for any of his teammates to come down. Whoever it was, he planned on taking them with him to the Viola House. Later, he would have to bring the large sum of money received as a fee, and honestly, he was a bit scared to do it alone.

After a few busy guests came down, the most diligent member of the team descended the stairs with steady steps.

As expected, it was the training fanatic, Itty Titty Swordsman.

Natasha exclaimed, “Oh!” and quickly recognized Group Leader Allen sitting in a corner of the hall.

“Aren’t you going to sleep more?”

“I’ve rested enough.”

“…Hmm. Eat.”

And so, a plate full of food was placed in front of her.

“There’s somewhere I have to go… You don’t have anything urgent to do, right?”

“Ah, yes.”

“I need a companion. Let me ask you a favor.”

“A favor? Of course I should do it.”

Natasha quickly emptied her bowl. The two of them left the building and walked through the morning streets.

Even as she walked, she occasionally glanced at her side… Thinking of the two of them walking side by side made her inexplicably happy, and her heart flutter.

‘-Elena’s chest… do you often sneak a peek?’

‘-No need to be too envious… I like you more, after all.’

Even though it was an illusion, the Itty Titty Swordsman felt that the wise Group Leader Allen would probably say something like that.

‘Femininity is not about the chest, but about that noble attitude and heart!’

Feeling pleased for a moment, she realized her own disgrace. It was good to have overcome breasts with willpower, but she went too far… Illusions were just illusions, after all.

The two walked along the riverbank, admiring the beautiful river scenery adorned by the morning sun. Browsing the items laid out by the street vendors was quite enjoyable, too.

And so, walking and looking at this and that, they arrived at Viola House. True to the diligent personality of the owner, the inside of the building was already bustling.

Allen, now a distinguished guest on the list, could pass through the main gate without special permission. Thus, he and Natasha easily went through the main gate and entered the mansion.

Allen left Natasha in the entrance hall for a moment and went into the drawing room alone. After all, he was there only to receive the commission fee and leave, so it wouldn’t take long.

He was waiting in the living room when Group Leader Viola quickly entered. Seeing a leather pouch in her hand, it seemed the negotiation for the commission with the Marquisate had smoothly concluded.

“Thank you for your hard work, Group Leader Allen.”

“Haha, what hard work? It was Vice Group Leader Palmer who had a tough time.”

“The Vice Group Leader highly praised the Allen-Mercenary Group. In particular, he said that member Natasha had shown a remarkable performance…”

“Oh, not at all.”

Allen’s gaze landed on Group Leader Viola’s neck and cleavage… because the necklace he had gifted her last time caught his eye.

Honestly, he hadn’t expected Group Leader Viola to continue wearing that necklace, which was nothing more than a cheap trinket to her… Indeed, true to Viola’s character, her ambition for talent was remarkable.

‘…She’s really putting in the effort to get a hold of me.’

Allen was well aware that she greatly desired him. If not, why would a person of the Top 10 devote such care to a mere nobody?

Of course, he liked receiving the protection of the Top 10, but that didn’t mean he was willing to give up everything, liver and gallbladder included. Just because the protection was nice didn’t mean he could let himself be completely devoured. Even if she had a liking for him, she wouldn’t want him to become greater than herself.

‘…Still, as a subordinate, I should at least let out a flattering fart.’

“The necklace… it seems you like it.”

“…What? …Ah, yes…”

Viola’s gaze wavered ever so slightly. A strange joy touched the corners of her mouth, as if she was pleased to be recognized.

“Here.”

“Ah, thank you.”

“It’s 800 gold coins.”

It was quite a large amount. Allen had been expecting around 700.

‘Truly a wealthy city…! Their spending is no joke.’

“The Vice Group Leader actively engaged in the negotiations. Given it’s related to demons, it’s only right to receive that much.”

“You’re right.”

Feeling the heavy weight on his palm, Allen experienced a mental orgasm. All the hard work felt like it was washed away in an instant.

“Well then, I’ll be taking my leave now.”

“…May I come to visit you sometime?”

“Ah, yes, of course. Please do come anytime. If it’s Group Leader Viola, we must welcome you grandly.”

Pleased, Allen was flattered, and a faint smile appeared on the noble face of Group Leader Viola.

The two men and women exchanged farewells and parted ways. As Allen headed to the entrance hall, he saw Natasha and Vice Group Leader Palmer having a conversation… No, to be precise, it was a scene where the bulky man was unilaterally speaking to the Itty Titty Swordsman. From their demeanor, Allen could sense there was some mutual liking between them.

After greeting the Vice Group Leader, Allen left Viola-House with Natasha.

“The Vice Group Leader seems to have a liking for you?”

“…What?! No way. That’s impossible. It’s just a sense of camaraderie as fellow martial artists, camaraderie.”

The naive Itty Titty Swordsman was so convinced.

“You must never think that way. You got it? For me, there’s only passion for swordsmanship…!”

To anyone looking, it appeared as if her life was devoted to the sword.

(I imagine a fantasy. I think of your penis. I can’t believe it could be that big. I want to check your penis… )

…Unfortunately, Allen found it completely unconvincing.