Episode 91

The group of mercenaries, having traveled a long distance from the east, arrived at the mercenary city of Vermandois after a month and a half.

The robust young man who alighted from the splendid carriage at the station was Rados Heim, the leader of the Rados-Mercenary Group. Known quite well even in the east as a mercenary leader, he courteously extended his hand towards the next person to alight.

“Thank you.”

A small hand, clad in white gloves, carefully grasped the man’s calloused hand and stepped down from the carriage. The woman with platinum blonde hair wearing a wide-brimmed hat was a rare beauty. She was so beautiful that she would not be outdone, even when compared to Viola, known for her beauty in Vermandois.

The passing mercenaries wondered who that woman was, and upon seeing the golden lion emblem, they recognized her identity.

“It’s the Top 10!”

Representing the East, one of the Top 10, the emblem of the Duke’s mercenary group was the golden lion. Then, this platinum-haired beauty must be the actual leader, Vice Group Leader Elizabeth Belver, of the Top 10.

She was nicknamed, the Elegant Mage. Especially known for her quick chanting and high accuracy. A prodigy dominating the East, she had been a member of the mercenary group since her early teens, already becoming a veteran with over ten years of experience.

Naturally, the arrival of such a renowned lady in Vermandois caused quite a stir. Due to her alliance, Group Leader Rados, who was with her, had the honor of escorting the lady personally. Especially for him, who adored and admired her, it seemed like he was proudly showing her off as his woman, which made him incredibly happy.

Anyway.

The two mercenary groups strutted down the main road with a dignified appearance. Their destination was none other than Viola House. Honestly, the only people in this place who could rival Vice Group Leader Elizabeth, were Viola and Gione, both also Group Leaders of the Top 10.

The main road was bustling with crowds of people who had come out upon hearing the rumors. Seizing the opportunity, the riverside vendors shouted themselves hoarse, hawking their wares.

Apparently, having heard the news already, Group Leader Viola had the main gate wide open in advance to welcome them. In particular, Viola and Elizabeth even shared a light hug as if to flaunt their close relationship.

“It’s been a while, Elize.”

“Indeed. It’s been well over a year, hasn’t it?”

That was the last scene the onlookers could see. As the group of mercenaries entered the private property of the Viola-Mercenary Group, the main gate shut with a thud.

Group Leader Viola led the man and woman to the reception room together. Even as they walked down the corridor, the two women warmly inquired about each other’s well-being.

The two had known each other since Viola was part of the Kalim-Mercenary Group. At that time, Elizabeth was still a teenage girl… However, Viola, who possessed the [Aesthetic Sense], saw that this young lady’s number was an impressive 368, realizing she was a talent bound for greatness. Honestly, it wasn’t without an intentional approach for the future, but they also got along quite well.

The number of Group Leader Rados was 291. Not too bad, but still not enough to catch Viola’s eye.

The three entered the reception room. Of course, since important conversations were to be had now, Group Leader Rados slipped into a small waiting room attached to the reception room.

The two women sat across from each other with a table between them. Group Leader Viola poured tea into a teacup with a trickle and extended it to her precious younger sister. Vice Group Leader Elizabeth lightly nodded her head and took the teacup, swallowing a sip.

“You’re still the same, Big Sis. You don’t change, even as you age, really.”

“You’ve become prettier too… It’s the right time. You could get married now.”

“Ugh, marriage, what about it? I’m utterly sick of men. It’s like they can’t live without bothering me.”

For the elegant lady’s wit, it was quite radical. However, Viola, who already knew this side of Elizabeth, was not very surprised. Honestly, dealing with rough and rowdy mercenaries made this seem almost cute.

“Isn’t it really hard if you miss the timing? There’s a perfect example right in front of you.”

“Big Sis didn’t get married because you couldn’t. You didn’t because you chose not to.”

“I want to get married, but I’m too self-conscious. I’m afraid of being called foolish.”

“Why care about that? If you want to, just do it.”

“…You’ll understand when you’re my age.”

“Heehee.”

The two women laughed softly. Then, they each took a sip of their tea, taking a moment to gather their thoughts… It was time to get to the main point.

“Anyway, what brings you here? You even brought a man with you… It doesn’t seem like you’re here to see me.”

“Why not? Of course, I came to see you, Big Sis.”

“Stop joking around.”

Elizabeth merely smiled faintly. Seeing that refined smile, Viola thought it shouldn’t be shown in front of men.

“I really came to see you, Big Sis.”

“…Me? Why?”

Several guesses flitted through her mind between those brief words… Surely, she didn’t come to introduce her man for such an absurd reason. Honestly, compared to her brother, her man was utterly unimpressive. Of course, Vice Group Leader Elizabeth would not be unaware of that.

“Could it be… it’s not because of that man, is it?”

“Ah, no way. I just brought him because I needed someone to do some work. I can’t be bothered with all those menial tasks.”

Elizabeth smiled without a hint of guilt, using the hopeful man for her own purposes. In that regard, the elegant mage was far more cruel than Group Leader Viola… She was someone who could act pretentiously as much as needed if pretense was necessary.

“So, do you have a man you’re seeing these days?”

At that moment, Group Leader Viola’s heart skipped a beat. It was because she thought of Group Leader Allen.

Of course, there wasn’t any special emotional connection between them yet… For now, they were just getting to know each other.

“…No, not really.”

“Is that so? What about Group Leader Dagon?”

When the name of the man she detested suddenly came up, Group Leader Viola’s brows furrowed.

“I have nothing to do with that person… Why do you ask when you already know?”

“So, you’re saying those feelings are still the same?”

Elizabeth was clearly smiling faintly, but her eyes were extremely cold. As if she were thinking about an enemy… Viola was certain there was something there.

“Stop beating around the bush and tell me.”

The Vice Group Leader sat up straight, crossed her legs with a swish, and gently placed her gloved hands on her knees.

“That fucking bastard dared to sell drugs even in the Duchy… He crossed the line by a long shot, didn’t he?”

Her tone was calm, but beneath it, anger was boiling like magma.

“This time, even the mages swept through everything, even developing drugs. Truly insane.”

Vice Group Leader Elizabeth glared at Group Leader Viola with burning eyes.

“That rootless son of a bitch, how dare he not know his place?”

“…So what are you going to do?”

“First, I’ll expel him from the Top 10. Just the thought of being on the same level as that scum disgusts me.”

“He wouldn’t care much about being expelled from the Top 10, would he?”

Then Elizabeth snickered. As if to say, expelling him from the Top 10 was just the beginning.

“Of course, I don’t plan to end it there. As soon as he is expelled from the Top 10, I will banish the Dagon-Mercenary Group from our Duchy, no, from the Eastern region, forever. Of course, if he tries to enter and gets caught, he won’t escape severe punishment.”

Group Leader Viola swallowed her saliva. In truth, calling it banishment was no different from declaring war.

Of course, all of this was the karma of Group Leader Dagon. How many evil deeds had that guy accumulated over time?

“Still, I don’t plan to break the rules just because I’m angry. That’s why I came all this way to find you, Big Sis. Unlike that guy, I have principles. So, I’ll start by stripping him of his privileges by getting him expelled from the Top 10… I’ve already secured one vote of approval. Of course, who it is remains a strict secret.”

Group Leader Viola moistened her dry lips with tea.

“Big Sis, you agree, of course?”

Elizabeth’s expression held a firm conviction that it was only natural.

“…I agree.”

Of course, having read the other’s true intentions, Elize smirked like a fox.

“Don’t worry. I have no intention of dragging Big Sis into this. This is purely a matter of the East’s revenge. If anything, involving Big Sis would only complicate matters.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

“…Still, I wanted to hear you say you’d help. You really can’t do lip service, can you?”

“That’s just how I am.”

“I know. That’s why I like you. There is no need to overthink things… I’m satisfied just having your approval.”

Elizabeth uncrossed her legs. With that, the chilly atmosphere dissolved, and the Vice Group Leader returned to her graceful, mage-like demeanor.

“By the way… who is the man?”

“…What?”

“Tsk, pretending not to know again.”

The Vice Group Leader made a slight chin gesture as if she had already noticed everything.

“Your necklace… For a person who hated anything touching her body.”

No matter what anyone said, Viola’s essence was that of a mercenary. She, who wielded a sword, absolutely detested necklaces, earrings, rings, and such. Because they interfered with her movements… At least, that was the case until the last time they met.

Ah.

Viola wasn’t even thinking about the necklace at that moment. She didn’t know what excuse to make.

“It’s obviously a gift from a man… Don’t even think about deceiving me. I have an incredible eye for men.”

“…It’s not like that. This is just… out of kindness…”

Elizabeth laughed deeply. However, she did not mention it any further.

After finishing the conversation, the Vice Group Leader walked towards the waiting room and knocked on the door, prompting Group Leader Rados waiting inside, to jump out quickly.

“Can we stay here for a few days?”

“Stay as long as you want.”

The Vice Group Leader approached Viola and nudged her arm lightly with her elbow, whispering.

“Let’s reaffirm our friendship after a long time, Big Sis…”