Clovea was our party leader.

It was predictable for her to take the lead, considering that Melodia was prone to being short-tempered despite her kind nature, and still had some growing up to do, especially in the chest area.

It's widely recognized that large-chested ara-ara beauties often possess the qualities necessary for leadership.

Meanwhile, Milgard lacked patience, and he was too hot headed and often moved with his instincts.

And I certainly did not have enough experience and knowledge despite being the strongest member of this party.

However, even though Clovea was relatively young for an Elf—being about one hundred and forty years old—she had the most extensive experience in adventuring among us.

We made our way to a nearby alley, a shady place perfect for criminal activity. However, I was sure this woman did not have any harmful intentions, especially not after seeing what I am capable of in terms of combat.

I didn't get a clear look at what she looked like, but the way she walked revealed that she had been through many battles.

Her elegance and confidence exuded from her very presence. Her voice, gentle and yet resolute, resonated with unwavering certainty. Like an arrow from a bow.

“Thank you for following me here. I am sure all of you are suspicious of me for dragging you here into this shady alley, but I assure you I have no ill intentions. Particularly against someone who fought on equal terms with Saull-dono.”

Clovea stood listening with her arms crossed as Milgard rested his back against the wall, ever vigilant, while Melodia stood beside me, clutching her Ivory magic staff as she always did.

“So, this request of yours. Please tell us about it. And forgive us for being so cautious. We have bad experiences with people in masks and cloaks.” (Clovea)

The woman in grey robes respectfully bowed her head before she spoke with that gentle voice of hers.

I had a good feeling that she might be a member of the noble class.

Melodia's gaze held a sense of familiarity as she observed the woman before her, as if they had known each other for a lifetime.

(I guess I won’t ask her...)

“I understand. Me and my…Patron will conduct an important meeting tomorrow’s night, however this meeting has to be in secret due to its nature."

I heard the squeak of a rat darting away, causing a glass liquor bottle to topple over.

"My organization is currently under attack by certain individuals who bear ill intentions towards my Patron and our organization. I simply ask you to guard us as we conduct the meeting. And as mentioned before, I am willing to pay you one-hundred Gold Thalers.”

I could tell that was a lot of money.

Clovea listened to the woman carefully as she weighed the options in her mind before replying.

“I assume you're not going to share any information about your organization with us.” (Clovea)

“My Patron will do that once you meet her.”

(I am getting another quest line vibes.)

Clovea faced us to see what we would say on this.

“I am in.” (Melodia)

Melodia did not hesitate. She was still staring at the lady in the hood with a nostalgic expression.

"You do not have to ask me, if Melodia's in, I'm in too." (Milgard)

Clovea nodded with a faint smile.

“And you Ryuji? What do you say about this?” (Clovea)

There was no need to think about this.

I decided to act out of character and accept. If I were working alone, I would have declined since I don't have a clear understanding of what we're facing.

But if my friends are accepting, I could not let them go alone in this. These people are my first and only friends in this world after all.

“If you guys are in, then I have nothing to say. I am in too.” (Ryuji)

“Please tell us the details about the location. And due to the nature of this contract, I want you to pay us half the amount right now, we will receive the rest once we complete the mission. That is not up to debate.” (Clovea)

“Very well.”

The fat brown coin purse jingled as it was placed upon Clovea’s palm.

Fifty Gold Thalers.

As Clovea opened the purse, the glint of the coins shimmered through the reflection in her eyes, captivating my gaze.

The coins had holes in their center, just like the old five-yen coins back in my world.

Her pink lips curved into a delicate smile of contentment.

The Elf then offered a hand to the woman in robes. As they shook hands, I noticed the woman was wearing gauntlets. A very ornate looking one too.

I'm certain that Clovea noticed as well.

(A soldier? No, a Knight perhaps…)

“I look forward to working with you, Scavengers of Ivorystand. The entire Kingdom may depend on you.”

(This may be bigger than I've though.)

"P-" (Melodia)

Melodia was about to say something, however the woman in the hood immediately silenced her with a sharp tone. Her voice sliced through the tense atmosphere with a sharpness akin to that of a blade.

Stolen novel; please report.

"Melodia-dono."

Melodia looked down, biting down on her lip with frustrated expression, though it was only myself who noticed.

After that, Clovea was given a map. I presumed it was the rendezvous point.

(My first official quest in another world ended up being a cloak-and-dagger kind. How ironic for a Shinobi…)

----------------------------------------

As the sun set, we all found our way back to The Blazing Heart Inn.

It was funny watching Milgard’s mother give him a beating with her sandals. Though he was saved by the bell as his father walked in.

Even as a macho-man, he was not getting away from the wrath of a mother armed with a pair of sandals.

We also met with Milgard’s father, Ernest Tetsugo and he surprised me with his gentlemanly behavior.

I was expecting a powerful, robust man, but to my astonishment, he had a regular physique and was dressed in an extravagant manner that befitted a true aristocrat, despite being an ordinary person.

Watching him bow and hail us reverently completely shocked me, though Clovea and Melodia were not surprised at all as the trio had a strong friendship for years, therefore it was natural for them to know each other.

And I was on the edge of laughing as he totally charmed his wife with his behavior.

He was kneeling before Kledice as he kissed the top of her hand.

“Oh, my sweet Kledice! You are as fragile and elegant as a rose! My heart flutters each time I see you!” (Ernest)

“O-Oh my… Ernest, not in front of the kids…~” (Kledice)

Milgard nudged me with his elbow as we watched the love birds from a corner. He was blushing heavily as he cringed at the sight he saw probably every day.

“If you laugh, I’ll kill you…” (Milgard)

“P-Pffttt… Ghh…!” (Ryuji)

(I’m going to die…!)

Milgard whispered a curse as I was on the verge of laughter.

Kledice swept Ernest into her strong arms like a princess and carried him off with a flushed face, declaring that she wouldn't let him rest tonight.

“Ara-ara… It’s good to be young…” (Clovea)

“S-Shut up! I don’t want to hear that from you!” (Milgard)

I slammed my fist on the table as I dipped my face into the table as well. Unable to see Melodia sneakily stare at me with a pink blush drawn wide across her face. She probably had too much beer.

After enjoying our meals, we decided to check the map that was given to us. The meeting was going to be in a wooden cabin outside the city.

A perfect location for a shady meeting. However, I had my own share of shady work experience as I worked for politicians sometimes.

“It was a very long day for me. I'll excuse myself now.” (Ryuji)

“Good night Buraza!” (Milgard)

“I’m surprised how you are even standing right now after fighting Saull… You were amazing out there.” (Clovea)

The compliment made my cheeks flush. Clovea giggled as she found it amusing.

“G-Good night Ryuji. See you tomorrow. And thank you for what you did for me back there.” (Melodia)

She was also blushing. I guess she began warming up to me.

“Don’t mention it! I wasn’t going to let those Red Cloak jerks mess with you anyway.” (Ryuji)

“Mhm! Once again welcome to Ivorystand. We look forward to working with you.” (Melodia)

With a nod, I retreated to the room that was given to me. A cozy, humble place with a solitary bed and a table positioned by a window.

I have no recollection of how I ended up in bed and drifted off to sleep. Despite my exhaustion, the passionate sounds of Kledice and Ernest engaging in lovemaking failed to disturb me in the least.

It felt like ages since I slept on a bed ever since I came to this world.

…

….

…..

I dreamed about an exhilarating magical high school experience that I have never had, and likely will never have.

Someone was calling for me, however the voices were muffled.

Is it the drill haired arrogant female character that eventually falls for me?

No-no, it sounds like Clovea and Milgard.

“...Ryuji!”

“Buraza!”

“Where is Ryuji?!”

Then I heard the voice which woke me up. Her stoic, ice-cold tone was immediately recognizable to me.

It felt like my sleep was yanked away from me.

“Wake up, Tenacious One.” (???)

My eyes suddenly opened with a sharp gasp, only to see the dagger coming down on my chest.

(—Shit!)

I quickly reacted and grabbed the wrist that held the dagger inches away from my heart. I was in a very disadvantageous position, and my thrashing did not make it any better as my attacker tried to push the dagger into my chest with his weight behind.

With a gritted teeth, I instinctively headbutted the assassin, hearing a crunch as he stumbled away, giving me enough time to jump to my feet.

His black mask was drenched in blood as I broke his nose. He cast a piercing gaze in my direction, then awkwardly swung his blade.

It was sluggish. I felt insulted how a novice assassin like him managed to sneak up on me.

“Die!”

I deftly countered his attack, using my arm to block his and swiftly maneuvered my hip underneath his, effortlessly tossing him onto my bed with a masterful Judo throw.

[Shinobu-ryu Weapon Stealing.]

Then snatched the blade away from his hand with a slick wrist movement. His eyes widened as he understood it was game over for him.

I experienced the chilling sensation of the blade brushing against his eye socket, as the dagger plunged deep into his brain.

He was out as his legs twitched frantically. A reaction of his nerves being severed by his own blade most likely.

“RYUJI!!” (Milgard)

My door broke down as the 7ft tall red haired giant barged in only to see the assassin dead on my bed.

“I’m fine! How about the others?!” (Ryuji)

“They are attacking everyone!” (Milgard)

Milgard’s boulder-like fists were red, and I knew the blood wasn't his.

I had enough time to grab my kunai pouch and run to the corridor. This was the second floor of the inn.

Milgard spotted the assassin running towards me and himself. However, the assassin was halted in his tracks by an arrow which pierced through the door he was passing through, then nailing him into the wall from the side of his head.

It was Clovea's [Power Shot].

She came out of her room with her curved dagger in her hand before she threw the dagger and made the other assassin spin once in the air.

“Where’s Melodia?!” (Clovea)

I heard a familiar voice scream.

“Let’s go!” (Ryuji)

I ran to my right as fast as I could, then kicked down the door, only to see four men pinning Melodia down from her limbs, trying to tie her up.

Something black and warm within my stomach began to well up.

My hands blurred as I threw four kunais at once, each of them hitting true and deep.

“Melodia!” (Ryuji)

I ran to her side and knelt to the ground. I immediately looked for any injuries.

“She’s fine-” (Ryuji)

Melodia embraced me tightly, her voice wavering with soft whimpers.

"Ah-" (Ryuji)

I've never had a girl hug me before. She smelled so nice, making blood rush to my face.

Milgard and Clovea breathed a sigh of relief.

Then I heard the roar of a Lioness.

“ORRRRAAAAAAAAAAA!!” (Kledice)

Suddenly, there was a deafening crash, and a hole the size of a person materialized in the wooden wall directly behind me. It was at that exact moment that an assassin barged in, rudely interrupting the precious and delicate moment we were sharing.

He was still alive even though Kledice ragdolled him across. He tried to make a run for it, though Milgard was fast enough to pounce on him like a bear.

However, the assassin suddenly began twitching as bubbles came out of his mouth. I immediately understood what he did.

He swallowed a poisonous pill to avoid being captured. But he left behind a hint.

In fact, all the other assassins did.

A scorpion was tattooed on their tongues.

It appears that the individual who hired us owes us an answer.

—End of Chapter 7—