Chapter 34

Bab 2: Mawar Biru

Bagian 1

Lower Fire Bulan (Bulan ke-9) Hari ke-3, 8:02

Mengenakan baju besi pelat putih penuh, pedangnya di sisinya, Climb yang berperalatan lengkap melangkah ke Istana Valencia.

Istana Valencia secara kasar dibagi menjadi tiga sayap, dan dia baru saja memasuki salah satu dari mereka. Ini adalah yang terbesar dari ketiganya, tempat Keluarga Kerajaan tinggal.

Tidak seperti tempat tinggal Climb sebelumnya, Istana sangat terang, mengumpulkan cahaya dari luar dalam tampilan yang cemerlang yang tampaknya membuat interiornya berkilau.

Lorong-lorong yang dipoles bebas dari sampah; praktis tidak bernoda. Alasan mengapa armor plat penuh Climb tidak bersuara saat dia berjalan di atasnya adalah karena itu memiliki mithril dan orichalcum dalam konstruksinya, dan itu juga terpesona di atasnya.

Di sepanjang lorong yang bersih dan luas adalah para prajurit elit yang ditugaskan untuk menjaga tugas di istana. Mereka berdiri gemerlapan di baju besi piring penuh mereka – mereka adalah ksatria.

Ksatria Kekaisaran adalah rakyat biasa yang direkrut dan dilatih menjadi prajurit profesional. Sebaliknya, para ksatria Kerajaan biasanya adalah putra ketiga bangsawan darat atau orang lain yang tidak bisa mewarisi harta keluarga. Namun, Mahkota membayar mereka dengan sangat tinggi, sehingga hanya pendekar pedang kelas satu yang diterima menjadi anggota. Bahkan bangsawan pun tidak bisa menyelinap masuk melalui koneksi backdoor.

Cara terbaik untuk menggambarkan mereka adalah "penjaga pribadi Raja".

Kebetulan, posisi Gazef sebagai Prajurit-Kapten adalah karena banyak orang menentang kesatrianya, sehingga Raja membuat janji baru untuknya. Sejak itu, kelompok prajurit elit yang telah ia pilih dan latih secara pribadi dikenal sebagai Prajurit.

Climb mengangguk sedikit pada mereka. Hampir semua dari mereka mengembalikan gerakan itu. Hanya sedikit dari mereka yang melakukannya dengan enggan; sebagian besar tulus dalam kesopanan mereka. Mereka mungkin bangsawan, tetapi mereka juga orang-orang yang berjiwa bela diri yang disumpah kepada Raja. Prajurit yang luar biasa yang mengabdikan hidup mereka untuk Raja mereka layak dihargai.

Sebaliknya, Climb melewati sekelompok orang lain di lorong yang memandangnya dengan permusuhan terbuka.

Mereka adalah pelayan. Hampir semua dari mereka mengerutkan kening setiap kali mereka melihat Climb.

Tidak seperti pembantu rumah tangga biasa, para pelayan wanita dari Istana Kerajaan semua wanita bangsawan yang datang ke sini untuk mengangkat posisi mereka sendiri. Dengan demikian, sampai batas tertentu, mereka memiliki status lebih tinggi dari Climb. Secara khusus, pelayan yang secara pribadi melayani Keluarga Kerajaan adalah pewaris bangsawan kelas tinggi. Mereka dengan jelas menunjukkan kemarahan mereka karena harus membungkuk dan mengikis di hadapan seorang pria yang berada di bawah seorang petani biasa.

Memang benar bahwa Climb lebih rendah dari mereka, jadi tidak sulit untuk melihat mengapa mereka akan memberinya bau ketika Renner tidak melihat. Climb mengerti ini, dan dia tidak pernah marah pada mereka untuk itu.

Namun, pola pikir itu, dikombinasikan dengan ekspresi kosong Climb sendiri, membuat para pelayan berpikir dia mencemooh mereka dan itu hanya memperdalam kemarahan mereka kepadanya. Sementara itu, Climb tidak memperhatikan siklus setan itu. Atau lebih tepatnya, mungkin lebih baik untuk mengatakan bahwa jika dia benar-benar berhati-hati, dia harus dapat mengikat ujung yang longgar dengan cara yang lebih baik.

Meski begitu, Climb merasa lelah secara mental setelah berjalan melewati istana ini.

Ada anggota lain dari Keluarga Kerajaan di Istana selain Renner dan Ranpossa III.

—Baik ?!

Ketika Climb melihat salah satu dari bangsawan itu mendekat, dia segera pergi ke dinding, punggungnya tegak lurus, dan menekankan tangannya ke dadanya dengan hormat.

Dua orang mendekatinya. Yang di belakang adalah seorang lelaki tinggi kurus dengan rambut pirang yang disisir ke belakang.

Namanya adalah Marquis Raeven, salah satu dari Enam Bangsawan Besar Kerajaan.

Masalahnya adalah pria yang sedikit gemuk berjalan di depannya. Namanya adalah Zanack Valreon Igana Ryle Vaiself. Dia adalah putra kedua Raja, dan yang kedua di baris untuk tahta.

Zanack berhenti, dan wajahnya yang berlekuk-lekuk berkerut.

"Oh, jika itu bukan Climb. Apakah Anda akan melihat monster yang mulai? "

Hanya ada satu orang yang disebut Pangeran Zanack sebagai monster. Climb tahu bahwa apa yang akan dia lakukan mungkin akan menyinggung atasan sosial, tetapi dia tidak bisa membiarkannya meluncur.

"Yang mulia. Maafkan kekurangajaran saya, tetapi Lady Renner bukan monster. Orang yang lembut, penyayang, dan cantik seperti dirinya lebih seperti harta Kerajaan. "

Dia telah memecahkan masalah budak dan mengusulkan kebijakan yang mengutamakan orang biasa. Jika dia tidak memenuhi syarat sebagai harta, lalu apa? Memang, para bangsawan sering menghalangi undang-undang dan mencegah sebagian besar kebijakannya diimplementasikan, tetapi Climb masih tahu seberapa banyak dia memikirkan orang-orang.

Wanita lembut ini menangis di hadapan Climb setiap kali kebijakan populisnya ditolak. Apa hak yang dimiliki pria tak berguna (Zanack) untuk menceramahinya?

Kemarahan berkobar di hati Climb, dan ia ingin sekali memberi Zanack pukulan yang bagus.

Mereka mungkin hanya setengah berhubungan dengan darah, tetapi mereka masih dari garis keturunan yang sama, dan dia seharusnya tidak mengatakan hal-hal seperti itu. Namun, Climb tidak membiarkan amarahnya mengambil bentuk fisik.

Renner pernah berkata, “Saudaraku ingin memprovokasi kamu untuk memfitnahnya. Saya yakin dia mencoba mencari alasan untuk membawa Anda pergi dari saya. Panjat, Anda tidak harus menunjukkan kelemahan kepada saudara saya. "

Climb teringat kembali pada hari ketika dia bersumpah dengan sungguh-sungguh bahwa dia tidak akan pernah mengkhianati ekspresi sedih di wajah tuannya, dia yang telah ditinggalkan bahkan oleh keluarganya.

"Aku tidak pernah mengatakan Renner adalah monster. Itu hanya apa yang Anda pikirkan … lupakan saja, cukup dengan alasan klise. Namun, untuk berpikir Anda benar-benar menganggapnya harta. Ketika dia membuat proposal, apakah dia benar-benar berpikir itu akan diterima? Saya tidak bisa membantu tetapi berpikir bahwa dia menyarankan mereka bahkan ketika dia tahu mereka akan ditolak. "

Bagaimana bisa? Itu tidak mungkin. Pria ini hanya menebak-nebak liar dalam kecemburuannya yang mengerikan.

"Hambamu mengatakan bahwa itu tidak terjadi di sini."

"Huhuhuhu … Jadi kamu tidak menganggap wanita itu monster. Saya tidak tahu apakah Anda memiliki selera yang buruk atau apakah aktingnya terlalu bagus … Saya sarankan Anda sedikit meragukannya. "

"Bagaimana mungkin aku meragukannya? Renner-sama adalah harta Kerajaan. Tentang itu saya tidak ragu. "

Semua yang dia lakukan adalah benar. Climb bisa sampai pada kesimpulan itu karena dia telah mengawasi dari sampingnya.

“Sungguh sekarang, benarkah begitu? Sangat menarik. Lalu, bisakah Anda mengirim pesan kepada monster itu? … Beri tahu dia bahwa ‘sementara saya, sebagai kakak laki-lakinya, menganggap Anda sebagai alat politik, jika Anda bersedia membantu saya, saya dapat membebaskan Anda dari warisan Anda dan memberi Anda domain di daerah perbatasan’. "

Frustrasi melonjak dalam hati Climb.

"… Tentunya kamu bercanda. Saya hampir tidak percaya Anda benar-benar akan mengatakannya di tempat seperti ini, jadi saya akan berpura-pura tidak pernah mendengarnya. ”

"Huhuhuhu. Sayang sekali. Ayo pergi, Marquis Raeven. "

Pria yang diam itu mengangguk dari tempat dia tadi mengawasi Climb dan Zanack dari samping.

Climb tidak begitu mengerti Marquis Raeven. Dia tampaknya telah menarik garis yang jelas antara dirinya dan Climb, tetapi dia tidak memandang Climb seperti yang dilakukan para bangsawan lainnya. Renner juga tidak memberi Climb instruksi khusus tentang Raeven.

"Ah iya. Marquis Raeven setuju dengan saya bahwa wanita itu adalah monster. Tidak, itu lebih karena kita memiliki visi yang sama, maka aliansi kita. ”

"-Pangeranku."

"Biarkan aku mengatakannya, Marquis Raeven. Perhatikan kata-kataku, Climb. Jika Anda secara membaktikan kepadanya, saya tidak akan memberi tahu Anda semua ini. Namun … Saya merasa Anda telah ditipu oleh monster itu. Itulah sebabnya saya memberi tahu Anda, dengan itikad baik, tentang sifatnya yang mengerikan. "

"Pangeran saya, maafkan kekasaran saya, tetapi bisakah Anda memberi tahu saya dengan cara apa Renner-sama monster? Tidak ada yang lebih peduli pada negara dan orang-orang daripada dia. "

"… Itu karena semua yang dia lakukan adalah usaha sia-sia. Dia bergerak terlalu banyak untuk mendapatkan terlalu sedikit. Pada awalnya, saya pikir dia tidak kompeten dalam berurusan dengan orang lain. Kemudian, ketika mendiskusikan masalah ini dengan Marquis Raeven, saya menyadari bahwa dia mungkin sudah memperhitungkan hal itu. Setelah saya sadari, semuanya jatuh ke tempatnya. Jika itu benar-benar terjadi, maka dia akan menjadi seorang wanita yang, sementara mengunci istana, bisa memanipulasi para bangsawan seperti yang dia inginkan. Apa itu, jika bukan monster? ”

"Tentu saja kamu pasti salah. Renner-sama bukan orang seperti itu, ”Climb berkeras.

Air matanya benar-benar asli. Renner adalah wanita yang penuh kasih sayang. Climb tahu ini lebih baik daripada orang lain, mengingat dia telah menjemputnya.

Namun, kata-kata Climb tidak bisa menggerakkan Pangeran. Dia tersenyum pahit, dan kemudian meninggalkan Climb. Marquis Raeven mengikuti di belakangnya.

Climb bergumam pada dirinya sendiri di koridor yang sekarang sepi.

“Renner-sama adalah orang yang paling baik hati di negara kita. Keberadaanku adalah bukti akan hal itu. Jika…"

Climb menelan kata-kata berikut, tetapi mengucapkannya dalam hatinya.

Jika Renner-sama memerintah Kerajaan, itu pasti akan menjadi bangsa besar yang mengutamakan rakyat.

Tentu saja, itu adalah mimpi yang mustahil mengingat realitas suksesi. Meski begitu, Climb tidak bisa meninggalkan ide itu.

Lower Fire Bulan (Bulan ke 9) Hari ke-3, 8:11

Tak lama setelah itu, Climb tiba di kamarnya yang paling sering dikunjungi di istana.

Setelah memeriksa beberapa kali untuk memastikan tidak ada orang di sekitarnya, ia mengulurkan tangan dan memutar gagang pintu.

Masuk tanpa mengetuk adalah tindakan yang sangat tidak sopan. Namun, pemilik ruangan ini telah memintanya untuk melakukannya. Nyonyanya telah menolak untuk mendengarkan protesnya, tidak peduli apa yang dia katakan.

Pada akhirnya, Climb menyerah. Tidak mungkin dia bisa menang ketika air mata wanita mengalir. Tetap saja, majikannya mengizinkan beberapa pengecualian untuk itu. Misalnya, tidak mungkin dia bisa menerobos masuk tanpa pemberitahuan jika Raja hadir.

Yang mengatakan, masuk tanpa mengetuk sangat menegangkan pada Climb. Orang yang melakukan itu harus dihukum. Wajar baginya untuk merasa stres ketika dia memikirkan hal itu ketika dia membuka pintu.

Ketika Climb hendak mendorongnya terbuka, dia mendengar suara diskusi yang panas melalui pintu yang setengah terbuka.

Ada dua suara, keduanya perempuan.

Salah satunya milik majikannya. Climb masih berdiri di luar pintu tetapi dia tidak memperhatikannya. Itu mungkin karena dia terlalu bersemangat dengan diskusi. Karena itu, Climb tidak ingin mengurangi semangatnya. Climb berdiri diam, mendengarkan diskusi di dalam ruangan. Dia merasa bersalah karena menguping, tetapi dia akan merasa lebih buruk jika dia memotong pembicaraan mereka.

“—Aku bilang, kan? Orang selalu fokus pada keuntungan langsung. ”

"Hm …"

"… Rencana rotasi tanaman yang kamu bicarakan, Renner … Aku tidak tahu bagaimana itu akan meningkatkan hasil … tapi berapa lama waktu yang dibutuhkan untuk menunjukkan hasil?"

"Sekitar enam tahun atau lebih."

"Dan berapa banyak uang yang akan hilang untuk menanam tanaman lain selama enam tahun ini?"

“Itu tergantung pada tanaman yang dipertanyakan. Namun, dengan asumsi hasil normal adalah 1, saya pikir hasilnya akan turun menjadi 0,8 … dengan kata lain, itu adalah 20% kehilangan pendapatan. Namun, setelah tahun keenam, hasil akan naik 0,3 selamanya. Saya yakin angkanya akan lebih tinggi jika kita menambahkan padang rumput untuk ternak ke dalam campuran. "

"… Itu terdengar sangat menggoda, tetapi bisakah petani benar-benar kehilangan 20% dari pendapatan mereka selama enam tahun penuh?"

"… Saya pikir kita bisa meminta negara memperpanjang pinjaman tanpa bunga untuk mengkompensasi kerugian 20% dan kemudian meminta pembayaran setelah hasilnya kembali normal … Jika hasilnya tidak naik, maka itu tidak harus menjadi dilunasi, atau mungkin ada cara lain. Yang penting adalah begitu hasil naik, pinjaman bisa dilunasi dalam empat tahun. "

"Itu mungkin sulit."

"Mengapa demikian?"

"Sudah kubilang, bukan? Orang lebih suka fokus pada keuntungan langsung, dan banyak orang menginginkan stabilitas. Banyak orang akan ragu bahkan jika Anda memberi tahu mereka bahwa mereka akan bisa mendapatkan 130% dari tanaman asli mereka dalam enam tahun. "

"Aku … tidak mengerti. Itu bekerja sangat baik di bidang tes … "

"Mungkin percobaan berjalan dengan baik, tetapi Anda masih tidak dapat menjamin bahwa itu akan berhasil."

"… Ya, memang benar bahwa kami tidak melihat setiap kondisi yang memungkinkan saat melakukan percobaan, sehingga kami tidak dapat memastikan hasilnya. Jika kita harus mempertimbangkan kualitas tanah dan cuaca juga, percobaannya akan menjadi terlalu besar …: "

"Itu merepotkan. Saya tidak tahu apakah kenaikan 30% itu merupakan angka minimum atau jumlah rata-rata. Apa pun itu, itu tidak terlalu meyakinkan. Anda perlu menjamin keuntungan, dan bahwa mereka tidak akan kalah dalam jangka pendek. "

"Bagaimana kalau mensubsidi kekurangan 20% untuk periode enam tahun?"

"Fraksi Mulia akan menyukainya, karena itu akan melemahkan kekuatan Raja."

"Tapi, jika kita bisa menjamin pengembalian besar setelah enam tahun, Kerajaan akan tumbuh lebih kuat juga, kan?"

"Itu juga berarti bahwa Fraksi Nobel lawan akan menjadi lebih kuat juga, sementara pihak Raja akan memiliki hasil 20% lebih rendah. Para bangsawan dari Fraksi Kerajaan tidak akan tahan untuk itu. "

"Lalu bagaimana dengan bertanya pada para pedagang …"

“Pedagang besar itu? Mereka memiliki politik mereka sendiri di antara mereka. Jika mereka membantu para Royal terlalu mudah, itu mungkin merusak hubungan mereka dengan para bangsawan. "

"Ada banyak masalah … Lakyus."

"… Dan mereka semua muncul karena kamu tidak pandai dalam perencanaan ke depan. Yah … saya mengerti sulit untuk mendapatkan proposal yang lulus ketika ada dua blok besar di negara ini … Bagaimana dengan hanya menerapkannya di bawah wilayah Crown? "

"Saudaraku tidak akan menyetujui."

"Ah, maksudmu para ret itu … para pria yang meninggalkan kebijaksanaan mereka di perut ibu mereka demi dirimu."

"… Tapi kita tidak punya ibu yang sama."

“Ahhhh, lalu mereka meninggalkannya di Raja! Namun, itu sangat buruk ketika bahkan Keluarga Kerajaan tidak bersatu … "

Ruangan itu menjadi sunyi, yang memberi tahu Climb bahwa diskusi telah selesai.

"Ah, kamu bisa masuk. Benarkah, Renner?"

"Hm?"

Hati Climb tersentak saat mendengar kata-kata itu. Dia terkejut bahwa dia merasakan kehadirannya, tetapi pada saat yang sama, dia agak mengharapkan itu.

Dia perlahan membuka pintu.

"-Maaf."

Pemandangan yang tak asing memenuhi mata Climb.

Ruangan itu mewah tapi tidak norak, dan ada dua gadis berambut pirang yang duduk di meja dekat jendela.

Keduanya adalah wanita muda cantik dengan gaun pelengkap.

Salah satunya adalah pemilik ruangan ini, Renner.

Yang lain duduk di seberangnya. Matanya hijau dan bibirnya merah muda, dan kesehatannya cerah. Sementara penampilannya kurang dari Renner, dia memancarkan pesona miliknya sendiri. Jika Renner bersinar seperti batu permata, maka dia bersinar dengan vitalitas.

Namanya Lakyus Alvein Dale Aindra.

Sulit dikatakan karena gaun merah muda belaka yang ia kenakan, tetapi wanita ini adalah pemimpin salah satu dari dua tim petualang adamantite-peringkat di Kerajaan, dan teman terdekat Lakyus.

Dia telah mengumpulkan banyak prestasi pada usia 19 tahun, dan fakta bahwa dia telah mencapai peringkat adamantite yang didambakan pastilah karena bakatnya yang luar biasa. Climb merasakan sensasi kecemburuan di lubuk jiwanya.

"Selamat pagi, Renner-sama, Aindra-sama."

"Selamat pagi, Climb."

"Pagi."

Setelah menyapa mereka, Climb dibuat untuk pindah ke lokasi yang ditunjuk – di belakang dan ke kanan untuk Renner – tetapi sebuah suara menghentikannya.

"Mendaki, tidak di sana. Sini."

Renner menunjuk kursi di sebelah kanannya.

Climb merasa ini sangat aneh. Ada lima kursi yang diatur di sekitar meja bundar. Itu normal. Namun, tiga cangkir teh telah dituangkan.

Satu di depan Renner, yang lain di depan Lakyus, dan satu lagi di depan kursi di samping Lakyus – bukan yang ditunjukkan Renner. Climb melihat sekeliling, tetapi dia tidak dapat menemukan jejak orang ketiga.

Climb terkejut, tetapi dia tetap melihat kursi itu.

Perintah Renner kepada Climb telah menyebabkan banyak ketegangan baginya, baik itu pada orang biasa yang berbagi meja dengan tuan mereka – anggota keluarga kerajaan – atau dalam menerobos ke sebuah ruangan tanpa diundang.

"Tapi…"

Climb tampak memohon bantuan kepada wanita lain. Dia berharap terhadap semua harapan bahwa dia akan menolak permintaan itu, tetapi harapan itu segera ditolaknya.

"Saya tidak keberatan."

"I-ini … Aindra-sama …"

"Sudah saya katakan sebelumnya, bukan? Panggil aku Lakyus. "

Lakyus memandang ke Renner.

"Climb's special."

"… Pelit."

Lakyus menambahkan apa yang terdengar seperti hati sampai akhir kalimatnya dengan nada manis-manis, yang dijawab Renner dengan nada keluhan pura-pura dan senyum.

Tentu saja, itu jika ikal bibir yang tidak cocok dengan matanya dihitung sebagai senyuman.

"Aindra-sama, tolong jangan menggodaku."

"Baik baik Baik. Anda benar-benar tongkat di lumpur, bukan, Climb? Anda harus belajar untuk tidak terjebak pada detail seperti dia. "

"Eh? Menggoda?"

Dihadapkan dengan ekspresi terkejut Renner, Lakyus membeku dengan cara yang sangat palsu sebelum menghembuskan napas dengan intensitas yang berlebihan.

"Tentu saja. Yah, Climb istimewa, tapi itu karena dia milikmu. "

Wajah Renner memerah, dan dia menepukkan kedua tangannya ke pipinya. Climb tidak tahu harus berbuat apa dan memalingkan muka dari Renner, lalu matanya membelalak.

Itu karena ada seseorang yang duduk di bayangan di sudut ruangan, memeluk lutut mereka sendiri. Dia adalah seorang wanita, yang mengenakan pakaian hitam pas-bentuk yang tampak benar-benar tidak sesuai dengan suasana ruangan.

"Apa-!"

Terkejut, Climb meraih pedang di pinggangnya dan menurunkan posisinya, bersiap untuk melindungi Renner.

Lakyus menghela nafas.

"Sekarang kamu pergi dan menakuti Climb dengan mengambil sikap itu."

Tidak ada kehati-hatian atau kesadaran akan bahaya dalam suara Lakyus yang dingin. Climb menyadari apa artinya itu dan membiarkan kekuatan mengering dari pundaknya.

"Dimengerti, bos."

Wanita yang duduk dalam kegelapan melompat berdiri dalam sekejap.

"Ah, kamu mungkin tidak mengenalnya, Climb. Dia anggota tim saya— "

"—Itu Tina-san," Renner membantu.

Dari apa yang diketahui Climb, tim petualang adamantite "Blue Rose" terdiri dari lima wanita; pemimpin dan kastor sihir ilahi Lakyus, prajurit Gagaran, kastor sihir misterius Evileye, dan kemudian para penyamun Tia dan Tina.

Climb telah melihat tiga yang pertama sebelumnya, tetapi bukan yang kedua.

Jadi dia pasti … Begitu. Reputasinya bukan untuk pertunjukan.

Mengingat anggota tubuhnya yang panjang dan pakaiannya yang ketat, dia melihat bagian dari seseorang yang ahli dalam teknik-teknik pencuri.

"…Maafkan aku. Senang bertemu dengan Anda, nama saya Climb. "

Climb membungkuk dalam-dalam pada Tina.

"Hah? Jangan khawatir tentang itu.

Dia melambai santai ke Climb, dan kemudian dia diam-diam berjalan menuju meja dengan rahmat cair binatang buas. Kemudian, dia duduk di kursi di samping Lakyus. Tampaknya teh dari tadi adalah miliknya.

Climb dengan hati-hati mengamati sekelilingnya untuk memeriksa perempuan lain yang tak terlihat. Hanya ada tiga cangkir teh di atas meja, jadi sepertinya tidak mungkin, tetapi dia tetap melakukannya.

Lakyus merasakan alasan di balik melongo Climb dan berkata:

"Tia tidak di sini. Gagaran dan Evileye sama-sama tidak suka kesempatan pengap … tapi tidak pengap, bukan? Saya mengenakan gaun yang tepat untuk berjaga-jaga, tetapi saya tidak mendesak mereka melakukan hal yang sama. "

Lakyus mungkin mengatakan itu, tetapi faktanya etiket mengharuskan seseorang untuk mengenakan pakaian formal di depan seorang putri. Tentu saja, Climb tidak berniat mengatakan itu di depan teman Renner – khususnya seorang wanita yang merupakan anggota budak-budak.

"Saya melihat. Tetap saja, itu adalah suatu kehormatan untuk berkenalan dengan Tina-sama yang terkenal itu. Saya harap saya memiliki kesempatan untuk mendapatkan manfaat dari bimbingan Anda di masa depan. "

"Bicara setelah kamu duduk, Climb."

Mengatakan demikian, Renner menuangkan secangkir teh segar. Teh yang mengalir dari benda ajaib yang dikenal sebagai Botol Hangat sangat panas, seolah-olah baru saja diseduh.

Botol Hangat dapat mempertahankan suhu dan komposisi isinya selama satu jam, dan itu adalah salah satu item sihir favorit Renner. Itu terlihat sering digunakan ketika menjamu tamu penting, meskipun tidak di waktu lain.

Climb tahu bahwa tidak ada yang memprotes ini dan mengundurkan diri. Jadi, dia duduk dan minum tehnya.

"Enak, Renner-sama."

Renner tersenyum, tetapi dengan jujur, Climb tidak bisa memastikan apakah itu baik atau tidak. Tetap saja, karena Renner berhasil, dia otomatis menganggapnya baik.

Tiba-tiba, suara datar, tanpa emosi berbicara.

“—Gadis itu seharusnya mengumpulkan intelijen hari ini. Kami bertiga seharusnya datang ke sini bersama-sama, tetapi pada akhirnya pemimpin Oni kami membagikan pekerjaan pada menit terakhir. Ini semua kesalahan pemimpin Oni kami. "

Tak perlu dikatakan, suara itu datang dari Tina. Senyum menakutkan muncul di wajah Lakyus ketika dia mendengar kata-kata "Oni". Climb mengalihkan pandangannya dan berkata:

"Aku mengerti … kuharap aku bisa melihatnya kapan-kapan."

“Climb, Tina-san dan Tia-san kembar. Bahkan gaya rambut mereka hampir identik. ”

"Jadi, begitu Anda melihat satu, Anda telah melihat yang lain."

Climb tidak berpikir masalah itu sesederhana itu, tetapi dia mengangguk mengerti.

Tetap saja, Tina menatap Climb tanpa malu-malu, membuatnya merasa tidak nyaman. Rencana awalnya hanya untuk menanggungnya, tetapi kemudian dia menyadari bahwa dia mungkin telah memperhatikan sesuatu tentang dirinya, jadi dia memutuskan untuk bertanya kepadanya:

"Apakah ada masalah?"

"Kamu terlalu besar."

"…Hah?"

Dia mendengar, tetapi dia tidak mengerti. Setelah melihat tanda tanya muncul di atas kepala Climb, Lakyus memotong dan meminta maaf:

"Tidak apa; hanya lelucon. Jangan mengingatnya, oke, naik? Tidak, jangan khawatir tentang itu. Benarkah."

"Iya…"

"… Ada apa, Lakyus?"

Climb mengatakan pada dirinya sendiri untuk tidak menjadi orang yang sibuk, tetapi Renner sepertinya tidak bisa menerima itu dan menyela. Lakyus memiliki ekspresi masam di wajahnya saat dia menatap Renner.

"Sungguh, setiap kali kita mulai berbicara tentang Climb …"

"Ah aku-"

"-Diam. Saya tidak membawa Tia karena dia mengisi kepala Renner dengan omong kosong. Jadi bisakah Anda memahaminya dan tidak mengoceh begitu banyak? "

"Ya, Oni Boss."

"… Lakyus. Tentang apa semua ini?"

Wajah Lakyus mulai berkedut begitu Renner mulai bertanya, dan ekspresinya berubah tertekan.

Dia menggeser garis pandangnya ke Climb saat dia akan masuk.

"Hm … Climb, sepertinya kamu benar-benar menyukai baju zirah ini."

"Iya. Baju besi ini sangat indah. Terima kasih banyak."

Ini tentang perubahan topik yang aneh, tapi Climb tidak ingin mempermalukan seorang tamu. Setelah pergi dengan itu, dia iseng membelai baju besi plat putih seputih salju yang telah diberikan majikannya kepadanya. Itu telah dibuat dengan jumlah besar mithril – dan beberapa orichalcum – dan lebih lanjut terpesona, membuatnya sangat ringan dan tangguh,

Blue Rose telah memasok mithril untuk konstruksinya tanpa biaya. Climb tidak bisa cukup berterima kasih pada mereka untuk itu, betapapun rendahnya dia membungkuk.

Saat dia akan melakukannya, Lakyus menghentikannya.

"Jangan khawatir tentang itu. Kami hanya memberi Anda bahan sisa dari membuat baju besi mithril kami. "

Sementara dia menyebut mereka sisa makanan, faktanya adalah mithril adalah bahan yang sangat mahal. Mungkin petualang peringkat mithril mungkin memiliki senjata mithril, sementara petualang peringkat orichalcum mungkin mampu membayar pembangunan setelan piring penuh mithril. Tapi hanya petualang peringkat adamantite yang bisa memberikan setelan jas kepada orang lain tanpa biaya.

"Selain itu, Renner bertanya padaku. Bagaimana saya bisa menolak? "

“—Kamu menolak untuk mengambil uangku. Saya punya uang saku yang dihemat … "

"… Tidak pantas bagi seorang putri untuk menghabiskan uang jajannya, bukan begitu?"

“Itu terpisah dari penghasilan domain saya. Saya hanya ingin menggunakan uang saya sendiri untuk membuat baju besi Climb. "

"Kupikir kau ingin menggunakan uangmu sendiri untuk membuat set piring penuh baru yang mengkilap untuk Climb—"

"… Jika kamu tahu, lalu mengapa kamu memberikannya padaku secara gratis? Lakyus, dasar boneka. ”

"Mengingat situasinya, apakah kamu benar-benar memanggilku boneka …"

Demikianlah Renner yang marah dan Lakyus yang cekikikan bolak-balik, dalam argumen yang nyaris tidak memenuhi syarat sebagai argumen.

Saat dia melihat wajah Climb ini menegang menjadi topeng tanpa emosi.

Fakta bahwa dia bisa menyaksikan pemandangan yang mengharukan seperti ini semua berkat diselamatkan oleh majikannya. Namun, dia tidak bisa membiarkan dirinya mengekspresikan perasaannya.

Menunjukkan rasa terima kasihnya adalah satu hal, tetapi di balik itu rasa terima kasih adalah emosi yang kuat yang tidak pernah bisa ditampilkan.

Itulah cintanya padanya.

Climb dengan paksa menghancurkan perasaan itu dan menyembunyikannya di dalam dirinya sendiri. Sebagai gantinya, dia mengulangi kalimat yang telah diulanginya beberapa kali sekarang.

"Terima kasih banyak, Renner-sama."

Ketika dia mendengar cara di mana dia dengan jelas membatasi pemisahan antara mereka berdua – itu adalah petunjuk bahwa tuan dan pelayan berada dalam keadaan yang berbeda – Renner tersenyum.

Hanya Climb – yang telah mengamatinya lebih lama dari orang lain, yang telah mengamatinya setiap hari – yang bisa mengatakan bahwa senyumnya diwarnai kesepian.

"Tidak apa-apa. Sekarang, saya pikir kita sudah jauh dari topik. Mari kita kembali ke diskusi sebelumnya. "

"Delapan Jari, katamu? Kami berbicara tentang bagaimana kami menyerang tiga desa penghasil narkoba dan membakar ladang mereka menjadi abu. Saya ragu mereka bisa pulih dari itu. "

Ketika dia mendengar nama itu, Climb mengernyit secara mental di bawah topeng besinya.

Eight Fingers adalah nama sindikat kriminal yang menggeliat dalam kegelapan Kerajaan. Nyonya tercintanya telah mengambil tindakan untuk menekan mereka.

Tidak sulit membayangkan nasib menyedihkan sebuah desa yang mengandalkan obat-obatan untuk bertahan hidup ketika ladang mereka terbakar. Namun, mereka adalah pengorbanan yang diperlukan untuk menghilangkan obat-obatan yang mengganggu Kerajaan.

Mungkin jika Renner memiliki kekuatan tertinggi, dia mungkin bisa melakukan hal lain. Namun, Renner tidak memiliki pendukung meskipun menjadi seorang putri. Yang bisa dia lakukan hanyalah melakukan kalkulus dingin menyelamatkan mereka yang bisa diselamatkan dan meninggalkan orang lain.

Di sisi lain, Renner mungkin bisa meminta anugerah ayahnya untuk menyerang mereka dengan wewenang atau kekuatan militer. Namun, Eight Fingers sangat terkait dengan para bangsawan, dan jika tersiar kabar, mereka mungkin membakar bukti kesalahan mereka.

Karena itu, Renner memutuskan untuk langsung mempekerjakan temannya, Lakyus.

Climb tahu ini adalah jalan yang sangat berisiko untuk diambil. Dalam keadaan normal, para petualang bekerja melalui Persekutuan dan mereka tidak diizinkan untuk menerima permintaan langsung dari klien. Itu merupakan pelanggaran aturan Persekutuan.

Memang, dia ingat bahwa Persekutuan tidak bisa menghukum petualang peringkat tertinggi (adamantite), juga tidak bisa mengusir mereka. Meski begitu, itu masih akan merusak reputasi mereka di dalam Persekutuan dan pasti akan menimbulkan dampak di masa depan. Namun, Blue Rose tetap menerima tugas itu karena mereka sangat mencintai negara mereka, dan karena Renner adalah teman mereka.

Rasa terima kasih Climb terhadap Lakyus tumbuh ketika dia menyadari bahwa dia bersedia untuk berkorban demi kebaikan yang lebih besar.

***

Lakyus memutuskan bahwa mereka seharusnya tidak lagi membicarakan hal ini lagi. Dia membuka tas yang disajikan Tina kepadanya, dan mengambil sebuah gulungan.

Ini adalah dokumen yang bisa diuraikan oleh siapa pun di Blue Rose. Namun, Lakyus merasa bahwa orang terpintar yang dia kenal – Renner – mungkin bisa membuat kepala atau ekor itu.

“Kami menemukan gulungan ini ketika membakar desa-desa narkoba. Itu tampak seperti semacam perintah tertulis, jadi kami membawanya kembali … bisakah Anda memahaminya? "

Mereka membuka gulungan itu, dan melihat hamparan simbol. Mereka tidak terlihat seperti surat dari bahasa negara mana pun. Renner melirik mereka, dan dengan santai menjawab:

"… Itu sandi pengganti, bukan?"

Cipher pengganti adalah bentuk kode yang dibuat dengan mengganti huruf atau beberapa huruf untuk huruf atau simbol lain. Misalnya, "a" mungkin menjadi "△" dan "b" mungkin menjadi "□". Dengan demikian, simbol "△△ □□ △" berarti "aabba".

"Aku juga berpikir begitu. Saya mencoba bertukar simbol selama berjam-jam, tetapi saya tidak bisa memahaminya. Kami mengambil seorang tahanan pria yang kelihatannya dia yang bertanggung jawab karena kami curiga bahwa dia mungkin telah menghafal kunci sandi, dan kami berencana untuk menggunakan sihir mantra padanya untuk membuatnya memecahkan kode pesan untuk kami. Namun … Anda harus tahu bahwa ketika kastor yang sama menggunakan mantra yang sama pada subjek yang sama beberapa kali, Anda mendapatkan hasil yang lebih buruk. Karena itu, saya ingin memanfaatkan casting pertama kami. Jadi aku memutuskan untuk mendiskusikannya denganmu sebelum menggunakan mantranya. ”

"Aku mengerti … dan alasan mengapa ini ditinggalkan di sana adalah karena … sebuah jebakan? Atau sesuatu yang lebih? Jika itu masalahnya, mereka tidak akan menggunakan kode yang terlalu sulit untuk dihancurkan. Hm, saya tidak berpikir ini akan sangat sulit. "

Kata-kata Renner membuat mata Lakyus melebar. Dia tidak bisa tidak bertukar pandang dengan Tina, yang duduk di sampingnya.

Luar biasa. Tetapi pada saat yang sama, mereka berpikir, "Saya tahu dia bisa melakukannya."

"Biarkan aku berpikir … dalam bahasa Kerajaan, kata pertama dari dokumen apa pun adalah kata ganti maskulin, feminin, atau netral … beri aku waktu sebentar …"

Ketika dia bergumam pada dirinya sendiri, Renner bangkit dengan gulungan itu dan pergi untuk mengambil kertas dan pena.

Kemudian, dia mulai menulis blok teks di atas kertas.

“Ini adalah cipher pengganti sederhana dari satu karakter untuk satu simbol, jadi memecahnya mudah. Dan untungnya, mereka menggunakan bahasa Kerajaan. Jika mereka menggunakan literatur Kekaisaran atau sesuatu seperti itu sebagai sandi, itu hampir tidak bisa dipecahkan. Tapi ini … yah, begitu kamu tahu apa arti salah satu kata, kamu bisa mengisinya satu per satu. Siapa pun bisa memecahkan ini jika mereka mau bekerja keras. "

"Tidak, tidak … yah, kau membuatnya terdengar mudah. Tapi bukankah itu berarti Anda harus tahu puluhan ribu kata untuk memecahkan kode? "

“Yah, ini adalah referensi sastra yang dikodekan. Mereka biasanya tidak akan terlalu berbunga-bunga dan mereka juga tidak bisa menggunakan kata-kata yang terlalu rumit. Jadi mereka harus membuatnya cukup sederhana sehingga anak kecil pun dapat memahaminya. Itu mempersempit banyak hal. ”

Di dalam hatinya, Lakyus berkeringat dingin.

Temannya membuatnya terdengar sangat sederhana, tetapi itu tidak sesederhana seperti yang dia katakan.

Tetap saja, dia benar-benar harus mampu melakukannya … Aku hampir tidak percaya bahwa kejeniusan itu benar-benar ada.

Renner menepisnya setiap kali mereka bertemu atau berbicara, tetapi Lakyus belum pernah bertemu orang lain seperti Renner yang pantas disebut jenius.

Ketika Lakyus gemetar di dalam, Renner dengan ringan berkata, mengatakan, “Sudah selesai. Hanya banyak referensi buku, ”sebelum menyerahkan kertas kepadanya.

Ada banyak lokasi di dalam Kerajaan yang tertulis di atasnya, dan tujuh di antaranya berada di dalam Ibukota Kerajaan.

"Apakah gudang obat ini atau pangkalan penting lainnya?"

"Aku ragu mereka akan menaruh dokumen penting di area produksi biasa … ini mungkin umpan, kan?"

"Umpan? Seperti dalam perangkap? "

"Hm … kurasa tidak. Pikirkan seperti ini. Eight Fingers adalah satu organisasi, tetapi mereka lebih seperti delapan kelompok yang terpisah yang bekerja bersama, bukan? "

Lakyus mengangguk.

"Jadi ini harusnya informasi tentang tujuh kelompok lainnya … atau haruskah aku mengatakan perpecahan? Bagaimanapun, ini adalah cara untuk dengan sengaja membocorkan informasi pada semua orang selain divisi narkoba kepada musuh-musuh luar, untuk secara singkat mengambil panas dari diri mereka sendiri. "

“In other words, they already gathered information on the other divisions for this… I didn’t expect them to be totally united, but this is just ridiculous…”

As an adventurer, the notion of betraying one’s comrades frustrated her.

“While we were already going to do that, we’d better not act too hastily, or else it might turn out badly for us.”

After seeing her friend (Renner) nod, Lakyus asked again:

“So what should we do about that brothel? I’ve heard it’s a really vile place where one can experience anything they desire.”

Lakyus felt her anger build just by mentioning it.

Bastards. Those scum who can only think with their dicks ought to be killed!

When she recalled what she had learned about the brothel in question, she was no longer a noble heiress, but a bold adventuress, and the curses welled up from inside her heart. The meaning of the phrase “anything they desire” went without saying. It was certain that no few people — men and women both — had been murdered for entertainment.

In the past, when slavery had not yet been criminalized, there were quite a few such bordellos operating in the underworld. However, thanks to the friend before her, the slave trade was now illegal, and those establishments had faded like dust on the wind. This particular location might well be the last illegal brothel in the Kingdom.

For that reason, they would not shut down easily. One could imagine what sort of determined resistance awaited them. After all, it was a tainted paradise for those people with crude, unspeakable desires.

“Say, Renner. Since we can’t deal with them through the law, why not have us force our way in and expose their crimes? It’ll be okay as long as we find evidence, right? If the slave-trading division really is running that brothel, then breaking them will be a huge blow. Plus, depending on where the evidence points, we’ll be able to teach a painful lesson to the nobles who are in league with them.”

“You might be right, Lakyus. But if you do that, won’t it inconvenience your family… the Alvein family? I find it very hard to act because of that. The same thing goes for the other members of Blue Rose… but having Climb barge in there alone seems almost impossible…”

“Your servant deeply regrets his lack of strength.”

As she saw Climb bow in apology, Renner reached out a hand to take Climb’s own, and smiled.

“Forgive me, Climb. That wasn’t what I meant. It’s the only underworld brothel in the Royal Capital, so nobody could take it down by themselves. See, I trust you most of all, Climb. I know how hard you work for me. However, don’t do anything which might get yourself involved. This isn’t a request, but an order, okay? If anything happened to you…”

Even Lakyus, as a woman watching from the side, was moved by the tears of the ravishing beauty before her eyes. Then how about Climb?

He tried his best to put on an emotionless front, but he could not. Those flushed cheeks said everything for him.

Were a bard to give a title to this moving scene, said bard would surely name it “The Princess and Her Knight”. Yet, Lakyus felt a twinge of fear. She thought that it ought to be impossible, but if Renner were doing this on purpose, then she would be a vixen of truly unimaginable proportions—

Apa yang aku pikirkan? Why am I doubting my good friend? Besides, hasn’t everything that’s happened up till now proven that she’s not a petty little schemer? If I can’t even trust someone like her — someone with the title of “Golden”, who crusades for justice — then who can I trust?

Lakyus shook her head, and spoke. That was also to dispel the frightening notion in her head.

"Ah iya. Tina’s investigations have uncovered several leaders in the slave trades — several nobles with links to Cocco Doll. However, we haven’t verified their guilt yet, so it’s too early to take action right now.”

Renner and Climb reacted to one particular name among the list Lakyus recited.

“That man’s daughter is one of my personal maids.”

"Hm? Well, I don’t think she was sent there as a spy because they’re on guard against you… but still, I can’t be sure that she’s just a maid looking to promote herself.”

"Memang. Looks like we’ve policed the information quite well. Climb, you also have to keep that in mind.”

“Then, let’s discuss what to do about the locations we’ve learned from the coded orders. Renner, would you mind lending me Climb? I’d like him to tell Gagaran and the others that they may need to move out for an emergency.”

Bagian 2

Lower Fire Month (9th Month) 3rd Day 09:49

Climb walked along the main street of the Royal Capital. Climb blended perfectly into the mass of humanity, given that he had few distinguishing features about him.

He did not wear his distinctive suit of white armor. While he could use certain alchemical items to change its color, he was not that attached to it. Besides, there was no need to go around in full plate armor while walking on the streets.

As a result, he dressed lightly, wearing a chain shirt under his clothes. Only the longsword at his waist marked him as visibly different from the average citizen.

He looked like a patrolling soldier — a city guardsman — or a mercenary when outfitted in that way. Some people would avoid him, but they would not clear out of his path in the way they would for someone in heavy armor.

Anyone in such a panoply ought to be an adventurer. It was not so much that they needed the protection as the publicity.

Dressing in an eye-catching way was not a strange thing for adventurers, because it helped promote themselves. Some of them even favored unique and provocative fashions to make a strong impression on others. Thus, word would spread and their reputation would build. In other words, dressing oddly was something like a trademark of adventurers.

However, there was no need for high-end adventurers — like the members of Blue Rose, whom Climb was going to visit — to do so. At their level, they would make conversation just by walking along the street.

Soon, he saw an adventurer’s inn along the road. Said inn had a stable and a large yard for sword practice. Its beautiful exterior promised an equally exquisite interior, and the guest windows were fitted with pieces of clear glass.

This was the Royal Capital’s most expensive inn. It was a gathering place for adventurers who were confident of their skills and able to pay the onerous bills.

Climb opened the inn’s door, paying no heed to the guards which flanked it.

The drinks bar cum dining hall occupied an entire floor, but it was sparsely populated with adventurers, considering its size. This clearly showed the rarity of high-paid adventurers.

The clamor within the inn quieted for a moment as several curious gazes were thrown in Climb’s direction. He did not mind, and looked around the interior.

Most of the people in here were powerful-looking adventurers. Just about everyone here could defeat Climb with ease. Every visit to this place made Climb realise how tiny he was.

He resisted the urge to fall into despair, and his eyes focused on a point within the inn.

In front of him — in the innermost depths of the inn — was a round table. He looked at the two people seated around it.

One of them was tiny, dressed in a long black robe which covered their entire body.

Their face could not be seen. It was not because the light was insufficient, but because they wore a strange, full-face mask set with a bloodstone. There was a narrow crack running along eye level, but that did not even reveal the color of the eyes underneath it.

Then, there was the other person.

If the first person was a midget, then this one would be a giant. Seeing this person brought the word “boulder” to mind. Indeed, that person had a stout and massive body, but that girth was not born of obesity.

That person’s arms reminded observers of logs, while the neck which held the head up seemed as wide around as a pair of a woman’s thighs. The head which sat upon that neck was squarish in shape. The heavyset chin — currently clenched closed — and the way that person’s eyes surveyed its surroundings reminded one of a carnivorous beast. The blonde hair upon that head was trimmed short for the sake of practicality.

That person’s chest bulged mightily under their clothes, as though on proud display. Said chest resembled nothing so much as thoroughly-honed pectoral muscles. Put more clearly, this was no longer a tender feminine bosom.

This was the adamantite-ranked adventurer team composed solely of females — Blue Rose.

The two of them were members of Blue Rose. One was the arcane magic caster Evileye, while the other was warrior Gagaran.

***

Climb approached them. One of the people he was looking for nodded, and then bellowed huskily:

“Yo, cherry boy!”

The gazes that had been slowly drifting away all focused on Climb once more, but nobody mocked him. Instead, they turned away once more, as though in sympathy for him.

They did this because they knew that even for mithril or orichalcum-ranked adventurers, showing the slightest bit of disrespect to Gagaran’s guest was not so much bravery, but foolhardiness.

Climb bore the insult and approached steadily.

No matter how many times he pleaded with her, Gagaran refused to address Climb by his proper name. That being the case, the best course of action he could take was to give up and pretend he did not care.

“Good to see you again, Gagaran-sa — san. And Evileye-sama.”

He arrived before the two of them and bowed.

“Oh, it’s been a while. What, come to sleep with me, have you?”

Gagaran jerked her chin, indicating that he should take a seat. There was an evil, savage grin upon that square face of hers.

Climb simply shook his head blankly.

Gagaran said the same thing every time, to the point where it had become something like a form of greeting. However, she was not joking in the slightest. If Climb answered “yes”, even in jest, she would immediately drag him into a singles’ room on the second floor. Climb would be helpless before her irresistible arm-strength.

Gagaran, who prided herself as a “cherry picker”, was such a person.

In contrast to Gagaran, Evileye faced stoically forward, her face unmoving. Perhaps she was eying Climb under her mask, but he could not be sure of that.

"Tidak, bukan itu. Aindra-sama bade me come.”

"Hm? Leader did?”

"Iya. I come with a message. ‘You might need to move out in a hurry. I’ll explain the details when you get backl’. However, Aindra-sama wishes the two of you to ready yourselves and prepare for action at any time.”

"Dimengerti. Still, you’ve gone to a lot of trouble for such a small thing.”

Gagaran’s face lit up with a broad smile, and Climb remembered that he had something else to tell her.

“Today I had the good fortune of sparring with Stronoff-sama. The move you taught me then — the big downward chop — met with Stronoff-sama’s approval.”

Gagaran had taught him that blow in the practice yard behind this inn. Her face split with a grin, as though she had been the one who had been praised.

“Oh, that move? Hehe, not bad, kid. Still…”

"Iya. I won’t be satisfied with just that. I will continue to practice and seek perfection.”

“You’ve got to keep training, of course. But you should also think about what to do if someone counters that move. Think of a move to continue from it.”

Was it coincidence, or merely a unity of opinions from a pair of first-rate warriors? What Gagaran had said was much like Gazef’s own feedback. A look of surprise came over Climb’s face at the similarity of their words. Gagaran seemed to have read his reaction the wrong way, and laughed, “Of course, you have to use that chopping move I taught you as as a finishing blow, otherwise it’s meaningless.”

Then she continued: “In truth, you need to pick a move from all the others out there that has universal applicability. However, you can’t do it.”

Gagaran’s words hinted at Climb’s lack of talent.

“Therefore, you need to develop a way to attack at least three times in combination. That combo must be one that keeps your foe from counterattacking, even if they manage to defend against it.”

Climb nodded.

“Of course, that won’t work when fighting many-armed monsters. But against humans, that ought to be enough. While you’ll be in trouble once your opponent sees through your attack patterns, it ought to be effective the first time you face any foe. Hammer them, hammer them and keep hammering them.”

“Understood,” Climb nodded heavily.

This morning, he had only managed to get one hit in on Gazef. On every other occasion, Gazef had seen through him immediately and he had been counterattacked in turn.

Then, could he lose confidence because of that? Tentu saja tidak.

Could he allow himself to fall into despair because of that? Tentu saja tidak.

It was the opposite.

It was precisely the opposite

A mere commoner like himself had been able to come that close to the strongest warrior in the Kingdom — no, the surrounding countries. Climb knew that Gazef had not begun to show his true power, but to Climb — who had been walking a pitch-black path with no light in sight — it was a tremendous dose of encouragement.

It was like telling him: Your efforts were not in vain.

As he thought about that, he fully understood what Gagaran was trying to say.

He was not confident that he could develop a good combination attack, but he was willing to try. A flame had been lit in the depths of his heart. He was determined to become stronger, so that he could draw out more of Gazef’s strength the next time he sparred with the Warrior Captain.

“…Right, I think you asked Evileye about something before, didn’t you? Something about learning magic?”

"Iya."

Climb glanced at Evileye. At that time, she had merely laughed at him from under her mask and the matter had been forgotten. Asking her the same thing now, when nothing had changed, would only yield the same answer.

Namun-

“Kid.”

A muffled voice reached his ears.

Her voice was quite surprising, even without removing the mask she wore. The mask she wore was not particularly thick, so it should have been easy to make out the qualities of her voice. However, there was no way to tell Evileye’s age or any emotional inflections from it. At the very most, he could conclude that she was female. It was an emotionless, even voice that sounded both old and young at the same time.

That was probably because Evileye’s mask was magical. But why did she have to conceal her voice?

“You have no talent. Work hard somewhere else.”

She did not allow him any room to respond, as though there was nothing else to be said.

Climb knew her meaning very well.

He was not talented in magic. No, that was not all.

No matter how hard he practiced his swordplay, how many times he bled and blistered and callused his hands, he could not reach the level he longed for. Low walls which a talented individual might soar over were like insurmountable barriers to Climb.

However, he could not give up on working hard to surpass that unbreachable limit. Since he had no talent, he had to hope that his unrelenting effort would help him improve in some way.

“You don’t seem happy with that.”

Having sensed the emotions under Climb’s iron mask, Evileye continued:

“Talent is an inborn ability… Some people say that talents are like buds before they blossom, and everyone has talent… hmph. To me, that’s just wishful thinking, something idiots use to comfort themselves. Even the leader of the Thirteen Heroes was the same way.”

The leader of the Thirteen Heroes. According to legend, he was just an ordinary person, weaker than anyone else. However, he continued swinging his sword even when injured, and he eventually became a hero who was stronger than anyone else. He was a mighty being who could grow without limit.

“He was talented, but it just hadn’t flowered yet. It’s different from your case. You’ve worked so hard, but that’s all the talent you’ve shown… Not everyone has talent, and the difference is blindingly obvious between the haves and have-nots. Therefore… I won’t tell you to give up, but you ought to know your limits.”

Evileye’s stern lecture was followed by a brief silence. In the end, Evileye broke it.

“Gazef Stronoff… he’s a good example. People like him would be considered talented. Climb… do you think you can make up the difference between the two of you with effort?”

He could not answer. His training today had made him realize that he was nowhere near that league.

“Alright, maybe he’s not such a good example… still, the only person I can think of whose swordsmanship approaches his was among the Thirteen Heroes. Gagaran here is good, but she can’t beat Gazef.”

“…Hey don’t compare him to me. Gazef’s a man with a foot into the realm of heroes, y’know?”

"Hmph. You’re a heroic woman too… although the woman part is in doubt.”

As soon as Evileye’s voice trailed off, Gagaran laughed and answered:

“Oi oi, Evileye. These heroes in question are monsters with unique abilities that have surpassed the realm of humanity, right?”

“…I do not deny that.”

“Then I’m still human. Just an ordinary person who can’t reach the realm of heroes.”

“Even so, you’re still talented. You’re not an untalented person like Climb. Climb, you shouldn’t be fixated on trying to grasp the stars.”

Climb knew — better than anyone else — that he lacked talent. Even so, hearing her repeat you have no talent, you have no talent was very depressing. That said, Climb had no intention of changing his life’s goal.

—This body exists for the Princess. For her, I will—

Perhaps she sensed a martyr’s resolve from Climb, but in the end, Evileye scoffed from behind her mask.

“…So you’re not giving up, even after I’ve said all that.”

"Iya."

“Foolishness. Utter foolishness.”

She shook her head forcefully, unable to understand him.

“Moving forward while clinging to an unreachable dream will set you on the way to destruction. Kamu tahu itu kan? I’ll tell you again — you need to know your limits.”

"Saya mengerti."

“You may understand, but you don’t care at all, do you? The word foolish does not even begin to describe men like you. You’re the type who dies early… and someone will weep for you when you do, am I wrong?”

“What’s this, Evileye? You’re bullying Climb because you care about him?”

Evileye rounded her shoulders as she heard Gagaran speak. Then, she turned to Gagaran and grabbed her by the lapels while shouting:

“Will you shut up, you beefcake bimbo?!”

“Hey, you know I’m right, right?”

Gagaran was content to let Evileye hang on to her while she replied nonchalantly. Evileye was speechless for a moment, and then she sank back into her chair.

Then, she turned the topic back towards Climb.

“Start by learning about magic. Once you know more, you’ll be able to understand how magic-using enemies think. You’ll be able to pick a more correct course of action that way.”

“Won’t learning all those spells be a bit much for him?”

"Tentu saja tidak. The fact is, there aren’t that many spells which magic casters use. Just focus on the commonly-used ones. If you can’t even do that, then you should just give up,” Evileye muttered.

“Besides, he’ll only need to study up to the 3rd tier. That shouldn’t be a problem.”

“…I say, Evileye. We all know spells go up to the 10th tier, but nobody can use magic of such a high level. Yet you know about it. Why’s that?”

"Hm …"

Evileye had a schoolmarmish look on her face as she fiddled around under her robe. Climb suddenly realised that the sounds around them seemed further away now. It was hard to describe, but it felt as though there was a thin film surrounding them.

“Don’t panic. I just used a pointless little item.”

Climb did not know that the activation of that item was a sign of how worried she was about being overheard. All he knew was that Evileye intended to answer Gagaran’s question in strict seriousness. Now that she had gone to that extent, he sat up straight in his chair.

“In ancient myths — little more than legends — there was mention of beings known as the Eight Greed Kings. They were known as people who had stolen the power of gods, and the tales speak of how they once ruled this world with that absolute power.”

Climb had heard the story of the Eight Greed Kings. While they were not too popular, given that they were only children’s tales, anyone with a little bit of knowledge would know of them.

In summary, the beings known as the Eight Greed Kings appeared 500 years ago. Some said that they stood as tall as the heavens, some said they looked like Dragons, but in any case, the Eight Greed Kings devastated the nations in an instant, dominating the world with their power which could move mountains and part the seas. However, their desires ran deep, and they fought each other for their possessions, resulting in their mutual extinction.

This story was not popular for obvious reasons, but debate raged over whether or not it was merely a children’s fairytale. Climb personally felt that it had been greatly embellished. However, a small group of people among the adventurers believed that the Eight Greed Kings existed — and that they commanded powers beyond those of any in this modern age.

The proof of that was a city within the deserts far to the south. Rumors said that it was the capital built when the Eight Greed Kings conquered the continent.

As Climb lost himself in his thoughts, Evileye continued speaking:

“Apparently, the Eight Greed Kings possessed numberless powerful magic items, and the mightiest of them was called the (Nameless Spellbook)… at least, that’s what people call it. That’s the answer to everything.”

"Ah? So those spells are recorded in that book?”

"Memang. They say that the Eight Greed Kings of legend left that unimaginable powerful magic item behind, a book which records all the world’s spells. Also, they say that due to some kind of magic, even newly-developed spells appear within its pages as well.”

Climb knew of the Eight Greed Kings, but not of this tome. He had a rough idea of how valuable this item truly was, but he remained silent and listened.

“We know of the existence of 10th-tier spells because of this item. Of course, there aren’t many people who know of the (Nameless Spellbook) itself…”

Climb gulped.

“Will, will you be searching for that (Nameless Spellbook)?”

Climb only asked that question because he knew that they were top-class adventurers.

Evileye snorted, as though to say, Don’t be ridiculous.

"Hmph. They say that the book is defended by powerful magic and nobody can touch it but its rightful owner. Apparently, it’s worth as much as an entire world, which is a hint as to how dangerous it really is. I know my limits, so I don’t desire it. I’d rather not die in a stupid way like the Eight Greed Kings.”

“Your leader is said to wield one of the weapons belonging to a member of the Thirteen Heroes… does she feel the same way?”

“…That’s something else entirely. However, I only heard about it from someone who saw it before, I’m just unclear about the details. I think we’ve drifted off-topic, but that’s that. Do you get it now, Gagaran?”

After that, Evileye looked somewhat puzzled, which was quite rare for her, and then she said:

“Climb. Don’t forsake your humanity in the pursuit of power.”

“Forsaking humanity… you mean like the demons in stories?”

“That’s one way. There’s also becoming one of the undead, or a magical being.”

“Normal people can’t do that.”

“Which is true… but after you become undead, your mind often twists to go with it. When once you only acted to fulfil a passionate dream… the changes in the body are echoed in the soul, and you become a terrifying monster.”

The voice from under that mask was typically devoid of emotional inflection, but now it was tinged with a hint of regret. Gagaran noticed how Evileye was staring into the distance and deliberately spoke up in a bright voice.

“Well, the Princess would probably faint if she woke up and saw that Climb had become an Ogre.”

Evileye had probably sensed the good intentions behind Gagaran’s words. Her voice returned to its usual emotionless pitch.

“…Indeed, that’s a way too. Transmutation-type spells can briefly allow you to change into another species. I’ll be frank — they’re valid options for improving your physical attributes.”

“I think I’ll pass on that.”

“If you simply desire strength, then changing into another species is quite effective. After all, the human body is hardly exceptional, and the same abilities are more effective when one’s basic physical attributes are improved.”

That much was obvious. Between two evenly-skilled opponents, the one with the better physical attributes would have the advantage.

“The fact is that many of the Thirteen Heroes were nonhumans. By the way, they’re called the Thirteen Heroes, but there were more of them than that. However, only 13 of them made it into song and story… the battle against the Demon Gods was one that crossed all racial boundaries, and certain human-centric people didn’t want to let the other species shine too much in the heroic sagas.”

Evileye seemed to be making a dig at certain people. Then, her attitude changed, and she continued in a nostalgic tone.

“The Warrior-Captain of the Air Giants and his Axe of Cyclones, the Elf Royal Family who bore the special characteristics of the ancestral Elves, and the Black Knight who wielded the Four Swords of Darkness — the original owner of our leader’s Kilineyram — was also a human with demon’s blood.”

“The Four Swords of Darkness, huh…”

Black Knight, one of the Thirteen Heroes, was renowned for possessing four blades; the Evil Sword Hyumilis, the Demon Blade Kilineyram, the Sword of Decay Crocdabal, and the Deathsword Sfeiz. One of those blades was in the hands of Lakyus, the leader of Blue Rose.

“The Demon Blade Kilineyram, created by condensing infinite darkness, is said to be the mightiest of the four… I have a question, is it true that if it unleashes its full power, it could project enough dark energy to swallow a country whole?”

“What are you talking about?” Evileye asked in a confused tone.

“I once heard our leader muttering to herself when she was alone. She held her right arm and said, ‘only a woman who serves the gods like myself can suppress its demonic power with all my will’ or something like that.”

“I’ve never heard of anything like that before…” Evileye tilted her head in surprise. “Still, if the owner says that, it might be true.”

“Then is there really a Dark Lakyus, born from the dark side of her spirit?”

"Apa?"

“Nah, I just happened to hear her muttering to herself again. Don’t think she noticed me, so I decided to take a listen, and in the end she ended up saying, ‘If you get careless, this being of blackness born of the source of all darkness shall take over your body and release the Demon Blade’s power’ or something. Sounded pretty bad.”

“This… well, we can’t rule that out. Some cursed items can control their owners’ minds… things would be pretty dire if something like that happened to Lakyus.”

“I felt that she was trying to keep it a secret, but this is something big, right? So when I asked her straight up, she blushed and told me not to worry about it.”

“Hm. It must be pretty embarrassing for a priest — who should be the one removing curses — to end up falling victim to a curse herself. Perhaps she doesn’t want us to worry? Does she really intend to bear that burden by herself?”

“I didn’t see her act like that again after that… but think about it. Didn’t she start wearing all those meaningless armor rings on all her fingers after obtaining the Demon Blade?”

“I thought she put them on to be fashionable… do you mean they’re sealing-type magic items or touchstones of some sort?”

Climb could no longer pretend to be unmoved, and he frowned.

From what he had seen and heard, Lakyus might well be under the control of an evil magic item. He became even more worried as he thought about where he had just been..

“…Will Renner-sama be in danger?”

Evileye stopped Climb before he could rush out.

"Jangan khawatir. I doubt the situation will deteriorate. She won’t be taken over unawares, even if the power of darkness threatens to take her over. We’ll have to take the fact that she didn’t tell us as a sign that she’s confident of controlling it herself. I’m certain she has the mental strength for it. Still… I didn’t expect the sword to have that kind of power. Even I’ve never heard of that before.”

“Should we talk to Azuth for safety’s sake?”

“I’m not too happy about asking a rival for help, but… well, she is his niece, so we should let him know, at least.”

“Hm, then shouldn’t we do that right away? We still need to track him down too.”

"Mm. We should just prepare ourselves to back Lakyus up at any time.”

“After all, it takes an adamantite-ranked adventurer to stop another.”

“—Hm? Ahhh! That reminds me, Gagaran. I heard that a third adamantite-ranked adventurer team was formed in E-Rantel.”

"Apa? Benarkah? That’s the first time I’ve heard of it… did you find that out when you went to the Adventurer’s Guild this morning?”

“No… ah, yes. Maaf. I forgot to tell you. Their team seems to be black.”

“Black? I thought we’d have brown or green after blue and red.”

“Well, black is one of the colors of the Six Great Gods. Nothing strange about that. Who knows, the next one might be white.”

“I’m no fan of the Slaine Theocracy. Actually, didn’t we have a big fight with one of their special ops units?”

Climb sensed that he had overheard a pretty dangerous topic, but neither of them paid him any heed as they kept talking.

“Gagaran, you hate them? …Well, they did try to kill me once, but I understand how they’re thinking. Or rather, their sworn mission is to defend all of mankind. Isn’t that proper, from the perspective of humanity as a species?”

“Hah? So you mean it’s alright to massacre innocent demihumans and Elves for that goal?”

There was a clear look of disgust on Gagaran’s face, and the flames of anger burned in her eyes. Evileye bore her anger, and shrugged.

“There’s quite a few human nations around here, like the Kingdom, the Holy Kingdom, the Empire, and so on. But did you know, Gagaran? The further you are from here, the fewer human-led nations there are. All of them are countries composed of demihumans or species that are superior to mankind. Did you know that some of them even trade in humans as slaves? The reason why there aren’t any of those countries around here is because the Slaine Theocracy has been going around and exterminating any demihumans that pop their heads up.”

Gagaran’s anger went out as she heard Evileye’s words. Still, she was frowning as she replied:

“Well, demihumans were always physically superior to mankind anyway. If they banded together and developed culture, humanity wouldn’t be able to deal with them.”

“Basically, all humans should think highly of the Theocracy. It’s true that they’re ruthless, which is a demerit, but even so, nobody else has done more for mankind as a whole… of course, whether or not someone the few they abandoned could say the same thing is a different matter entirely. Besides, it’s quite likely that they were the ones who originated the Adventurer’s Guild.”

“Seriously?”

"Siapa tahu? There’s no telling if it’s true or not, but the possibility is very high. After all, the Adventurer’s Guild was founded after the battle with the Demon Gods, when humanity’s strength had been greatly diminished. I suspect they were preserving their power and wanted to aid the various nations without causing friction, and thus they set up that organization.”

Silence filled the table after the discussion ended. Unable to bear it, Climb spoke up:

“Forgive my interruption, Evileye-sama. You said that new adamantite-ranked adventurers had emerged; do you know their names?”

"Hm? Ah, right, I mentioned that. I think one of them is called… Momon. He’s their leader, a warrior called the Dark Hero. They haven’t picked a name for their team yet, but everyone calls them ‘Darkness’.”

"Saya melihat. How about the other members?”

“I heard her’s paired with someone called Nabe, an arcane magic caster known as the Beautiful Princess.”

"Hah? Just the two of them? What’s up with that? Are those idiots so confident in their abilities that… no, it’s because of those abilities that they’re adamantite-ranked. Are they hiding some kind of secret weapon? Itu saja? What accomplishments do they have to their name?”

Climb leaned in to listen as well. This was an adventurer team which had obtained the adamantite rank. They must have embarked on all manner of adventures which would set people’s hearts aflutter. He was burning with anticipation even before hearing a single word.

“All this was done within two months… first, they eliminated the thousands of undead which showed up in E-Rantel. Then, they exterminated the Northern Goblin Tribe Alliance, found rare herbs in the Great Forest of Tob, slew a Gigant Basilisk and eliminated a band of undead that had escaped from the Katze Plains. In addition, I hear they defeated an incredibly powerful Vampire…”

“A Gigant Basilisk…” Climb repeated in a breathless voice.

It was a huge monster that was almost ten meters long, like a cross between a lizard and a serpent. It had a petrifying gaze attack, its bodily fluids were a poison that could cause instant death, and its hard, thick skin rivalled mithril in toughness. It was a terrifying being, so being able to defeat a monster like that — which could destroy a town — was a perfectly sensible reason for being promoted to adamantite rank.

However, there was one problem with that —

“That’s… amazing. Still, did they really do it with just the two of them? Surely just two people, being a warrior and an arcane magic caster, wouldn’t be able to deal with a Gigant Basilisk, right? Doesn’t seem possible to me.”

—Indeed. It was almost impossible for just two people to do it, especially if they were a warrior and an arcane magic caster. How would they heal themselves? How could they resist its petrifying gaze, its toxic bodily fluids and its other special attacks?

"Ah! Sorry, I can’t really say it was just the two of them. I hear they subdued the Wise King of the Forest by force and made it their minion.”

“…The Wise King of the Forest? What manner of beast is that?”

Climb recalled the name from various heroic sagas and similar stories. However, it would be terribly rude to interrupt right now.

“I don’t know the details either, but apparently it was a magical beast which inhabited the Great Forest of Tob since times of old. It possesses matchless might. My colleagues once… yes, I don’t think they encountered it when they went to the Great Forest 200 years ago.”

Evileye shrugged as she mentioned the figure of 200.

Such a number would not be anything out of the ordinary for Forest Elves, but given her attitude, Climb could only conclude that it was a jest of some sort.

“Oho. Then, how credible are these stories? They’ve probably been spiced up or something, right?”

It was always like that. Sometimes a tale was accidentally exaggerated in the telling, or corpses were so badly dismembered that one could not get an accurate body count, and sometimes adventurers just wanted to brag for fame. Thus, these stories often ended up embellished.

In contrast, Evileye erected a finger and wagged it with a “tch tch tch”.

“Well, these stories seem pretty factual. The E-Rantel incident in particular, where that man threw his greatsword and slew an undead Giant, then carved his way through a thousands-strong horde of undead. These reports came from the surviving guardsmen and their accounts all tally up. Thus, I doubt there was any exaggeration of his exploits. They eliminated the masterminds behind the undead horde and the corpses have been verified, and they destroyed a pair of Skeletal Dragons before that.”

Gagaran was speechless, and Climb asked her:

“Even you would have trouble with them too, am I right, Gagaran-san?”

“If it was just several thousand Zombies or Skeletons, it’d be fine. I could smash my way through those. Even the two Skeletal Dragons might be doable. But I can’t say the same for the masterminds behind the incident. I’ve no confidence of being able to deal with them if I didn’t know their abilities.”

“There are unofficial opinions which state that they were from Zuranon.”

“Really, Evileye? Ah… if it was their Disciples, then I’d be out of luck. It’d be really hard to beat them after fighting so deep into hostile territory. Make one little mistake, get poisoned or paralyzed, and the show’s over for you. How did the two of them heal themselves? Potions, maybe? Who knows, that Momon warrior might be able to use divine magic like our leader. Or perhaps that Beautiful Princess girl could use it.”

“We can’t rule that out,” Evileye nodded in agreement.

“Still, a Gigant Basilisk… Yeah, I’ve got nothing. Enemies like that are too much for warriors… for any close range fighters, actually. I’ve got the power of Gaze Bane on my side, but it’d be really risky without backup.”

“Heard that, Climb? In other words, Gagaran can’t do it by herself. In other words, it’d all be up to that Nabe woman. Maybe you could do the same if you were paired with her… could you?”

“Ah, it’d be easy if she was as strong as Evileye. If it were you, you could take care of it yourself with long-ranged combat, even without getting serious, am I right?”

“As if I’m that great. I’d have to show my true power.”

“Well, with you around, the only thing I’d have to handle would be the Skeletal Dragons… no, that’d mean I was just relying on your strength. If I were grouped with an orichalcum-ranked magic caster and we split up… yeah, not going to happen.”

Climb found this very surprising.

Was Evileye really such a powerful magic caster? Under normal circumstances, adventurer teams ought to be made up of members of equal strength, and they ought to be able to adventure together. Why was there such a big discrepancy here?

“I doubt that would be the case. I know your strength very well, Gagaran-san. I’m certain you won’t lose to those people.”

“Uhyo~ that’s high praise. Alright, wanna do it?”

“I’ll have to refuse.”

“That’s why you’re a cherry boy. You know, they say that it’s a shame for a man not to eat what’s been laid out in front of him. There’s no point in staying cherry forever, you know. What’ll you do when you finally get it on with the woman you like? Do you want her to say you suck in bed? Do you get off on that sort of thing? Are you a masochist or something?”

Gagaran did not wait for Climb to reply. After that, she sighed with exaggerated loudness.

“Fine, fine, I won’t force you. I’m good to go whenever, so if you want a quickie with me, just let me know… still, that Beautiful Princess nickname is pretty embarrassing. Does she live up to it?”

“I’ve heard that Nabe person is really beautiful. According to the rumors—”

Here Climb thought he sensed Evileye glancing at him; a hunch that proved to be true moments later.

“—She’s as beautiful as the Kingdom’s Golden Princess.”

Gagaran flashed a knowing look at Climb, like he was a bad boy. Climb guessed what she was going to say, and stole a march on her.

“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. To me, nobody is more beautiful than Renner-sama.”

“Ah, that’s true.”

Her tone clearly stated, what a shame.

“Hm, I guess we’ve wasted too much time on idle chatter. Sorry for making you listen to our babbling. After this, we’ll do as Lakyus says and get ready.

Gagaran and Evileye rose, and so did Climb.

“Sorry, Climb. I really wanted to have some fun with you, but I don’t have the time.”

“Please, don’t worry about it, Gagaran-san. And thank you for your words of wisdom, Evileye-sama.”

Gagaran carefully studied Climb, and then laughed tiredly.

“Mm, alright, then. You should be going back right away, so we’ll leave our leader to you. Good seeing you around, cherry boy… oh, that’s right. You need to make sure you’re properly equipped. That thing on your belt isn’t your usual weapon, right?”

"Iya. This is a spare.”

“Something might come up. Armor’s one thing, but you’d best keep your sword by your side. It’s a basic self-defense principle for adventurers, especially warriors. Do you have the item I gave you?”

“The bells? They’re here.”

Climb patted the pouch on his waist.

"Benar-benar sekarang. Itu bagus. Remember, we’re warriors; all we can do is swing our weapons. Sometimes, situations occur that can’t be dealt with using weapons. That’s when you use magic items to help you out with those. You need to obtain as many magic items as possible and keep them on you, got that? Also, make sure you have at least three healing potions on you, alright? They’ve helped me out more than once.

Climb had owned three such bottles, but he only had two on him right now.

“I understand,” he replied.

“..Well, aren’t we being nice to someone today.”

“Come on, give me a break, Evileye… sorry I delayed you. I just wanted to say, don’t slack on the preparations and be careful.”

"Saya mengerti."

Climb bowed deeply to Gagaran.

Part 3

Lower Fire Month (9th Month) 3rd Day 6:00

Nine men and women sat around a circular table.

The heads of Eight Fingers’ eight divisions were there, but they did not look at each other. Either they studied the documents in their hands or spoke to the minions awaiting orders behind them.

It did not feel like they were from the same organization at all. Things were not yet at a hair-trigger stage, but their wariness against potential enemies was obvious enough. However, that much was only to be expected. They might be in the same organization and worked with each other, but the fact was that they mainly cut into each other’s profits with the occasional bout of what might be considered cooperation.

The drugs division was the prime example, handling all aspects of production, processing and trafficking by themselves. The smuggling and other divisions would not raise a finger to help them. Even if they did not openly oppose each other, it was common enough for them to try and trip each other up behind the scenes.

These activities — which did no good to the organization — stemmed from the fact that they had once been disparate crime rings which had banded together.

The reason why these viceroys of vice gathered on specific days for Eight Fingers division head meetings was because not doing so would be disadvantageous to them.

That was to say, not taking part in these meetings could be taken as a sign of treachery, and absent parties would thus be marked for elimination. Therefore, even those people who did not commonly come to the Royal Capital would do so just for these meetings.

Even those people who typically spent their days hiding in a safehouse would essentially come here to expose themselves. Those who were so afraid of assassination that they surrounded themselves in guards would do the same. There was a limited number of people allowed at each meeting, and so each of the participants brought two of their finest men from their own divisions, in addition to themselves.

—However, one person stood as an exception to this.

“Since we’re all here, let’s begin the regular meeting.”

As that male voice spoke, the gathered people returned to their seats and their chairs creaked.

The speaker was the host of this event, the coordinator of Eight Fingers. This man — who looked to be in his 50s — wore a holy symbol of the Water God on a necklace and had a compassionate face. He did not look at all like a denizen of the underworld.

“There are several matters which need discussion, and the first of them is — Hilma.”

“Present.”

The person who answered was a fair-skinned woman.

Said skin was so pale she almost looked sickly, and her clothes were also white.

She held a pipe which emitted purple fumes in one hand. A serpentine tattoo snaked up that hand toward her shoulder. Her lipstick was the same purple as her eyeshadow. In her diaphanous clothing, she was the very picture of a high-class prostitute, complete with the dissipated air which hung about her.

“Huwah~” she yawned in an exaggerated manner. “Couldn’t we have started the meeting earlier?”

“…I heard your drug plantations were attacked by someone?”

“Yes, they hit the villages we were using for production. Cost me quite a sum. We may need to cut back on the drug supply.”

“Any idea who might be behind this?”

"Tidak. None at all… however, as a result, it’s not difficult to think of who might have done it.”

“Which color?”

That question was enough for everyone present to understand.

“No clue. I just learned the village was attacked. Didn’t have time to find out more.”

"Apakah begitu. Then, everyone, that’s how it is. Please raise your hands if you know anything.”

Tidak ada jawaban. Either nobody knew, or nobody wanted to share what they knew.

“Then, next on—”

“—Oi.”

It was a low voice. It was a male voice, and it concealed incredible power within its depths.

All eyes turned to the source of that voice. The speaker was a bald man whose face was half-covered by an animal tattoo. However, every part of him was immense. His muscular frame was evident even through his clothes, and his cold eyes were those of a warrior.

All the other division heads had brought guards along, but only he had nobody behind him. That was only sensible. What point was there in bringing a group of useless people along?

The man stared at Hilma, head of the drugs division. No, he was probably not staring; just that his razor-thin pupils appeared to be doing so.

The guard behind her lost his cool for a moment and his breathing turned chaotic. It was a reaction born of knowing exactly how overmatched he was in fighting strength.

After all, this man was a monster. He would have no problem slaughtering everyone in this room.

“Why not hire me? Do you think the mooks on your payroll can protect anything?”

His name was Zero. He was the manager of the Security Division, which handled everything from simple bodyguarding to escorting nobles. He was famous for his battle prowess, which far exceeded that of any other member of Eight Fingers. And the response to his proposal was—

"Tidak perlu untuk itu."

—Was a firm rejection.

"Tidak perlu untuk itu. Besides, I can’t reveal the location of my bases to others.”

That was the end of it.. Zero closed his eyes, as though he had lost interest. Doing this made him resemble a boulder.

“Itu bagus sekali. I’ll accept your proposal on her behalf.”

The speaker was a slender man. He looked limp and weak, in stark contrast to Zero.

“Zero, I want to hire your people.”

“Oh, what’s this, Coccodol. Can you afford it?”

If one considered Hilma’s business — the drug trade — to be booming, then this man’s field — the slave trade — was declining by the day. That was because the Golden Princess had made slavery illegal, and as a result he had to go underground with his business.

“That’s fine, Zero. And if possible, I’d like to hire someone on the level of the Six Arms, the best of the best.”

"Oh."

Zero opened his eyes again, as though his interest was reignited.

He was not the only one who was surprised. Just about everyone present was thinking the same thought.

The name of Six Arms came from the brother to the god of thieves, who had six arms. That name referred to the strongest fighters of the Security Division.

Of course, their top man was Zero, but the other five had prowess rivalling his. Rumor had it that one of them could cleave though space, another could control illusions, and that one of them was even a powerful undead being known as an Elder Lich.

If Gazef Stronoff or adamantite-ranked adventurers could be considered the mightiest warriors in polite society, then Six Arms were the greatest killers of the underworld. Hiring somebody like that could only mean one thing.

“Gotten ourselves into big trouble, haven’t we? Have no fear. My strongest subordinates will protect your assets.”

“Do forgive the inconvenience. There’s been problems with a woman who was supposed to be eliminated. Perhaps this might be an overreaction, but if that place goes down, I’ll be in a hell of a fix. Ah yes, we’ll discuss the fees later.”

"Tentu saja."

“Can you send your man over right after the meeting ends? There’s something I’d like him to do right away.”

"Mengerti. I brought someone along; I’ll lend him to you.”

“…Then, onto the next topic. Regarding the newly-minted adamantite-ranked adventurer Momon of Darkness… does anyone know about him, or have they made any overtures towards him?”

Istirahat

The sound of valuable metals clinking against each other rang forth.

After ensuring that the up-ended purse was empty, Ainz began sorting out the shiny coins scattered on the table.

He placed ten silver or gold coins into each stack, and then he counted them up.

After totalling the stacks of coins several times, Ainz looked inside the purse.

It was empty, as expected. After verifying that fact, Ainz cast it aside, and then grabbed his head.

“Not enough… there’s not enough money at all…”

His illusory human face twisted in depression. Of course, the money before him was a sizable sum. An ordinary citizen could labor for decades and not accumulate this amount. However, to the master of the Great Tomb of Nazarick and its only source of income, it was little more than pocket change, a fact that made him terribly uneasy.

Ainz’s mental state would be forcibly stabilized once it was disrupted beyond a certain threshold. Therefore, he should have been automatically calmed down once the shock of having insufficient money kicked in and assaulted his psyche. However, the sum of old coins he possessed gave him some emotional leeway, and so the emotional cutoff did not trigger. Instead, he burned in the slow fires of anxiety.

Ainz shook his head, and divided the gold coins before him into several piles.

“First, this is additional funding for Sebas.”

The pile of money before him dwindled in an instant, and Ainz’s face twitched.

“Then there’s this pile… funds for rebuilding and financial aid for the Lizardman Village, in accordance with Cocytus’ wishes, and then…”

It was less than before, but the pile of money shifted, leaving only a few gold pieces behind.

“…This money is going towards the Lizardman Village’s expenses, so if I buy from the Adventurer’s Guild, I can use my reputation as an adamantite-ranked adventurer to open doors for me. That should make things… cheaper… so perhaps this will do?”

He recovered several coins from Cocytus’ pile.

After counting and recounting the remaining coins, Ainz muttered quietly to himself.

“…Maybe I should get a merchant to sponsor me or something… It’d be a good way to set up a regular income stream outside of adventuring.”

There were only three adamantite-ranked adventurer teams in the Kingdom, including Ainz’s own. Therefore, sometimes merchants would make requests of them by name. These jobs were both easy and profitable for Ainz, and he could easily stand to take a few. However, he had not done so until now.

That was because Ainz wanted to avoid giving merchants or adventurers the impression that his Momon persona was a money-grubber, or perhaps one who would do anything for money.

Ainz intended to build a public image of an adventurer who was loved by all, and then transfer that glory to Ainz Ooal Gown. Thus, he had to be mindful of what other people thought of him.

“Still… I’m penniless. Shouldn’t have stayed in such an expensive inn…”

Ainz looked around the opulent room.

This was the best inn in all of E-Rantel, and this was its best room. Naturally, the prices for this room were equally staggering However, this superior room meant nothing to Ainz, who did not need to sleep. How he longed to spend the money somewhere else.

The same went for his meals. However splendid the dishes which the inn prepared for him, it was all meaningless to Ainz, who could not eat them. It would be wiser to cancel the meals and save the money.

However, Ainz knew exactly why he could not do that.

Ainz… no, Momon was the sole adamantite-ranked adventurer in this city. A big name like himself could not possibly live in a flophouse where he had to take care of everything himself.

Living standards were an easy way of benchmarking people. An adamantite-ranked adventurer had to lead a lifestyle consistent with an adamantite-ranked adventurer, such as the inn where he stayed and what he wore.

Clothes did make the man, after all.

Thus, Ainz could not lower himself to stay in cheap lodgings. It was the same even though he understood that this was a waste of money.

“If they think I’m really this valuable, then the Guild ought to book me a room… hah… although, they’d probably do it if I asked…”

That said, he did not want to owe people favors. To date, whenever the guild made urgent requests of him, he would move into action immediately to make them feel indebted to him. Once he had accumulated enough leverage, he would then start calling in his markers. If he allowed people to pay off their debts with such small things, his plan would be ruined.

“Ah… there’s no money. Whatever shall I do… More requests, perhaps? But there haven’t been any good-paying jobs recently. And if I take too many on, the other adventurers will start to hate me…”

While he wanted Ainz Ooal Gown to become an eternal legend, obviously he did not want that name to become infamous. Ainz made the semblance of a sigh, them memorized that amount of spending cash he had from the pile.

“Speaking of money, what about the Guardians’ salary?”

Ainz went “Hmm” and leaned back against his chair, looking at the ceiling.

The Guardians insisted on not drawing a salary, saying that their greatest joy in life was to serve the Supreme Beings, so they would not dare think of taking payment for it.

However, Ainz felt that he should not rely too much on their goodwill. One needed to reward work done in an appropriate fashion.

While the Guardians had all indicated that loyalty to the Supreme Beings was the best reward, that statement did not sit easy with Ainz.

Perhaps that was the conceit of a man who drew his pay by showing up for work, but he felt that labor ought to be compensated.

For all he knew, instituting a salary system might lead to the fall and corruption of these pure and naive children. Even so, he felt that it held merit as an experiment.

“The question now is how I should pay them.”

Ainz’s eyes went from the ceiling to the diminished pile of gold coins on the table.

“If we consider the Guardians’ salary to be equivalent to that of a department head in a high-end company, that means they’d draw 15 million yen per year… Shalltear, Cocytus, Aura, Mare Demiurge and Albedo ought to be getting more, right? Which means I’ll have to multiply that by six. Ah, It can’t be helped. I can’t make that much money.”

Ainz grabbed his head in contemplation, and then his eyes shot open.

“Got it! I just need to pay them with something else! Maybe I could issue Nazarick-only bills — like play money, perhaps — and then fix their value at 100’000 apiece. That would do it!”

But after shouting that, Ainz’s face twisted again.

How would he make everyone use these bills?

All the facilities in the Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick were free of charge. Even if he did print those bills, he had no idea where to begin using them.

“What if they were used to buy items from this world?”

After comparing the goods of this world to those of Nazarick, he could not help but wonder who would even want to buy things from the outside world.

“These facilities have been free until now, but if I start charging for them, I’d be putting the cart before the horse… what should I do?”

After pondering for a while more, Ainz hit on another bright idea.

“Got it! I’ll ask the Guardians to think of something. All I need to do is ask them what they’d be willing to spend money on. That ought to do it!”

Just as Ainz was muttering, “What a great idea” to himself, his face turned sour again.

“Still…”

I’m talking to myself more and more, Ainz thought.

While all this had still been a game, he knew he had been talking to himself a lot because there was nobody else around. However, now that the NPCs had gained sapience, will and self-direction, he was still talking to himself. Why was that?

Was it because it had become a habit? Or was it because—

“Because I’m still alone, huh…”

Ainz laughed in loneliness.

Of course, he was surrounded by sapient NPCs, so it was hard to say that he was truly alone. However, he still felt that way. Perhaps he was busy erasing the personality of Suzuki Satoru in order to play the role of Ainz Ooal Gown, the coordinator of the 41 Supreme Beings, whom the Guardians wanted.

Ainz sighed, and as he looked back at the coins on his desk, he heard a knocking on the door.

After a short while, the door opened. Once he had verified that it was the person he had expected — Narberal Gamma — Ainz put on a face.

Right now, the corner of Ainz’s mouth was curled up, as though he were looking down on her.

The low-level illusion which AInz was using reflected his thoughts, so it might occasionally display an expression which did not fit the ruler of the Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick. Therefore, whenever someone else was around, and particularly in front of Narberal, he typically put on an expression which made him seem like a stern and dignified ruler. He had practiced it before the mirror many times, honing that expression to perfection.

“What is it, Nabe?”

His voice was the same faked one he always had.

“Yes, Momon sa—n.”

“There’s the old habit again. Whenever I remind you, you change for a while, so I guess I should give up on that, huh. Ahhh, no need to bow. I’m not angry, and the fact that you show respect to me… well, that’s fine too. The Guildmaster and the others seem to have gotten the wrong impression, so it’s fine. Now then, what are you here for?”

"Iya. It concerns the ore which you ordered the merchants to find, Momon-san.”

I didn’t give any orders, it was just business, Ainz grumbled inside his heart. That said, the stern expression on his face remained unmoved.

“Really now… Which location are we talking about? Have they gathered samples from all eight places?”

“My deepest apologies, but I did not ask that much.”

“…Never mind, then. We have money. Even if we don’t know where they came from, we should be able to buy them all up.”

Ainz grandly swept the coins on the desk into a pouch and tossed it to Narberal. He watched as she decorously picked up the pouch of money.

"Dimengerti. However, may I be permitted a question?”

“Why I’m purchasing ore from various locations?”

Narberal nodded, and Ainz explained.

“I intend to throw them into the Exchange Box. Simply put, I wish to see if the money I get from the ores changes with the location.

The Exchange Box should not be affected by such things. For instance, even an exquisitely-carved statue would only count the same as an unworked lump of the same material when fed into the Exchange Box. That being the case, what if the composition — the intrinsic quality of the material varied? That was why he had purchased all those ores.

“Nabe, you know that I managed to fix a price by throwing grain into the box.”

I had to throw in quite a pile of grain before getting one measly coin, Ainz grumbled in his heart.

If that were the case, all he had to do was commence mass production. Thus, he had considered breaking ground on grain farms outside Nazarick, manned by undead or golems in order to tend large farms. Of course, actually executing that plan presented a mountain of problems in its own right.

"Dimengerti. Then I shall make the purchases immediately.”

"Mm. However, be careful. We can’t guarantee nobody will make a move on you. If anything happens… You understand, right?”

“I will use the Shadow Demon as a meatshield. I will not think about obtaining information and prioritize safety by retreating with all due haste. I will then teleport to Aura-sama’s fake Nazarick to deceive the foe.”

"Baik sekali. Pay attention to safety and do not travel in secluded areas or take routes which make you vulnerable to attack. Also, do not beat people half to death if they bother you or try and chat you up. In all honesty, I was quite surprised when that man wept and begged me to save him and said he was only trying to flirt with you. Also, you are not to project your murderous intentions everywhere.Crushing pickpockets’ hands might be acceptable, but do not do it all the time. Also, do not, under any circumstances, refer to humans as insects. Simply put, keep your injurious impulses in check after all, we are Momon and Nabe, the highest-ranking adventurers known as ‘Darkness’.”

Once he saw Narberal indicate that she understood, Ainz felt that there was nothing else to remind her about, and nodded.

“…Mm. That should be it. Go then, Nabe.”

Still holding the pouch, Narberal bowed before leaving the room. As Ainz watched her leave, he sighed deeply, despite his lack of lungs.

“…To think I have to make expenditures while I’m low on cash. What a pain.”