“Haxks,” Professor Bayley said, gesturing toward the girl with coral pink hair and jade green eyes. “Allow me to introduce you to Lumielle Arabella Celeste Ainsworth—she is the princess of Lunarel.”
Daisuke’s eyes widened momentarily in surprise before narrowing, a blend of caution and disdain flickering in his gaze. Following the incident with Reginald, he couldn’t help but harbor a deep-seated aversion toward dignitaries.
I suppose that clears up Thalia’s awkward behavior. “What could the esteemed princess of the Arcanium kingdom possibly want with me?” he asked bitterly, refusing to either kneel or bow, particularly to someone who appeared only two years his senior.
Both the Guildmaster and the professor frowned disapprovingly, but before they could voice their discontent with Daisuke’s disrespectful demeanor, the princess raised her hand to silence them.
“The kingdom has let countless atrocities slip through its fingers over the years that it’s only natural that we would earn the scorn of the people.”
To everyone’s astonishment, the princess stood up and bowed deeply, a gesture of humility. “This is why I am in dire need of your help,” she confessed.
Daisuke raised a single eyebrow quizzically. “My help?”
Lumielle lifted her gaze, her eyes carrying the tranquility of a gentle breeze through a distant forest. “That’s right,” she confirmed. “According to the Guildmaster, there are two separate occasions where you’ve encountered and crippled the Mhaledictus.”
Two occasions? Daisuke thought inwardly, instinctively shifting his gaze toward the man. How did he…? As he been spying on me all this time? What’s his deal?
“Given your age, your achievements are nothing short of extraordinary,” the princess continued. “Your prowess in espionage and combat is evident. With your expertise and the intelligence you’ve gathered on the Mhaledictus, you would be a great help.”
Daisuke’s frown deepened, clearly disliking the idea of becoming a civil servant. “What exactly are you trying to achieve, and why should I be interested?”
Lumielle’s expression turned grave. “The Mhaledictus has infiltrated the capital and is already entrenching itself within the aristocracy.”
Daisuke’s eyes widened in alarm.
“My goal is to rally as many of the nobles as possible and purge the evil that has infiltrated my home,” she declared, her jade green eyes now a tempest where it had once been a gentle breeze.
“The Mhaledictus will inevitably learn of your actions and use the entirety of the kingdom’s power to eliminate you. Before that happens, wouldn’t it be wise for us to gather a formidable force and launch a preemptive strike?”
At the girl’s warning, Daisuke recalled all the threats he’d received about the Mhaledictus’s wrath. He wasn’t naïve enough to take that lightly. While he could attempt to run and hide if things got dangerous, the same couldn’t be said for April and the others.
If the Mhaledictus were anything like loan sharks, they would undoubtedly target his loved ones if they couldn’t get to him. And if the Guildmaster could spy on him, what was stopping the Mhaledictus from doing the same until he unwittingly led them back to Elmridge Village?
This partnership might just be my best shot at finally getting revenge against those bastards once and for all. With the kingdom’s vast resources behind us, I’m confident we could pull it off… at least, I hope so.
“Okay, fine.”
Everyone collectively breathed a sigh of relief.
“But first, there’s something I need to take care of first,” Daisuke added, his tone firm yet respectful.
The princess smoothed a stray strand of hair behind her ear, her expression thoughtful as she considered the request. “While I prefer to act swiftly before the Mhaledictus can solidify their hold on the government more than they have already, I understand this is sudden for you. Very well.”
Stolen story; please report.
“It’s settled then,” Daisuke affirmed coolly, striding purposefully toward the door.
“It’s crucial that we maintain the secrecy of our partnership and your identity,” Lumielle emphasized, unraveling a crimson ribbon from her hair. “Every day at noon for an hour, one of my attendants will be stationed in the guild’s library on the second floor. Look for her wearing this ribbon. Whisper the phrase ‘cutie patootie’ to her, and she’ll provide further instructions.”
Daisuke grimaced. “Please tell me that’s just an example phrase.”
The princess cleared her throat, a blush staining her cheeks. “I happen to find that phrase rather charming.”
Daisuke sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose in mild exasperation.
“Please be careful,” Lumielle advised in a hushed tone, as though wary of being overheard by unseen ears. “Rumors are already beginning to circulate.”
“Rumors?” Daisuke furrowed his brow.
“The Mhaledictus thugs are a common sight in Wonderelle, terrorizing the streets with their extortion and intimidation tactics,” Professor Bayley elaborated. “Their absence hasn’t gone unnoticed by the citizens.”
“The few thugs who were absent have returned and are now actively searching for clues,” cautioned the Guildmaster. “Stay vigilant.”
Daisuke pushed the door open. “Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind.”
***
Daisuke’s mouth fell open. Shock had been a constant theme for him over the past week, but this time, he didn’t mind since the reason was positive.
The sprawling butchery featured rows of tables showcasing hundreds of immaculate cuts of monstron meat, hides, and other materials, creating an ambiance reminiscent of an exotic exhibition.
“It took some time,” Cleave announced with a proud grin as he approached the nearest table, “but we managed to finish everything in just a day and a half. While we were working, several of our regular clients noticed the monsters, especially the rarer ones, and made offers to purchase both their meat and materials.
I’ve compiled notes comparing offers from the guild, as well as from local and traveling merchants, for each item. All you need to do is choose who to sell to. Additionally, I have recommendations for items that might be better suited for forging into equipment at the blacksmith.”
Daisuke stroked his chin thoughtfully. It’s refreshing to see that greed and capitalism hasn’t run rampant in this world yet. Still, I’m surprised Cleave is willing to potentially disadvantage the guild by listing competitors’ prices. Mmm… to establish good relations with all the merchants, I should probably distribute the sales fairly.
After an hour of fending off unpleasant flashbacks triggered by the monster materials, Daisuke meticulously sorted through them. He carefully decided what to sell and to whom, what to keep, and what to set aside for the forge. Finally, his task was complete.
“Ahh~”
Wallet-chan let out a heated sigh and struck an enticing pose, her lips parting in a sultry manner as she licked them. Daisuke had to shield his eyes from the dazzling rays emanating from her less-than-PG-friendly form. With flushed cheeks, she squeezed her thighs and tossed her flowing hair, causing her chest to sway in an dangerously seductive way. But instead of the expected “boing,” Daisuke heard the sound of coins clinking as the acquired gold filled his inventory.
DING!
[103,569 gold has been acquired.]
[Cheetaigen Mana Core has been acquired.]
[Phantoomian Wolf Mana Core has been acquired.]
[…]
[…]
…204,566 gold, Daisuke murmured to himself, astonished. And that doesn’t even include the pounds of mana crystals and mana cores I collected.
[Mana Crystals (66lb, 15oz)]
[Floor Guardian Mana Cores (15lb, 4oz)]
[Dungeon Boss Mana Cores (0)]
I never thought I’d see the day… not in this lifetime, he thought with a heavy heart, torn that this wealth hadn’t come sooner. Just several months ago, I was rummaging through trash and eating scraps. I begged for work and saved every coin I could… but I couldn’t save her in time.
But Brek and the others are still alive. Despite everything that’s happened between us, I’d feel terrible if I could help them and chose to walk away. Like Reeza, they were simply trying to survive and look out for each other.
“Thanks again, Cleave,” Daisuke said, scratching his cheek with a rueful smile. “I feel bad having you do all that work.”
The man rested his hands on his hips, tilted his head back, and erupted into laughter. When his hand slammed down on Daisuke’s shoulder, it felt like being struck by a piece of lumber.
Daisuke’s eyes briefly lingered on the man’s hand before meeting his jovial gaze. I suddenly don’t feel as sorry as before…
“There’s no need to feel that way,” Cleave reassured with a wide grin, his grip akin to sandpaper. “I love what I do, and you were generous enough to sell us many rare materials.
I haven’t had Venomscale monstron in a while,” he gushed excitedly. “The meat has small traces of psychedelic properties in it, so the boys and I are going to have a field day tonight. When you have it along with Etherberry wine—mmhmm!” he hugged himself with glee.
“Gee, sounds fun,” Daisuke smiled awkwardly.
“We’re going to reserve an entire wing of the brothel tonight,” he raved, his expression brimming with anticipation. “You should join us! And if you’re lucky,” he leaned in to whisper, “Thalia might agree to come along. What do you say?” He nudged with his massive elbow. “She’s a fine gyal!”
“Thanks,” Daisuke stepped away, allowing the man’s gorilla-like arm to fall from his shoulder. “But I’ve got plans.”
“Plans?” the man exclaimed in disbelief. “What could be more important than Venomscale, wine, and women? You really are no fun,” Cleave murmured with the petulance of a disappointed child.
Daisuke sighed.