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“That little girl wants to register?”
“No way? Does she even know what this place is for?”
“Judging by her clothes, she seems to be a farm girl, right? But... her skin is too delicate and fair…”
“Hmm... but she’s really pretty... hehehe, it wouldn't be bad if she joined!”
“Right, right! I’ve been in Silvermoon Kingdom for so long, and I never noticed such a beautiful girl!”
“It seems, this bandit-elimination trip will be ‘delightful’!”
Mengdie pretended not to hear those comments, continuing to restrain the fury in her heart, and asked with a smile, “I want to register. What should I do?”
The clerk shuddered, overwhelmed by the beauty of the long-haired girl before him. After a moment of admiration, a sleazy smile crept onto his face.
“Hehehe, little sister wants to register?” He pulled out a form and placed it before Mengdie, “Just sign here.”
Mengdie noticed the sleazy smile on his lips, but still reached out for the pen. However, just as she gripped the pen, the clerk suddenly extended his rough left hand and grabbed Mengdie's right hand, which was holding the pen.
Mengdie was momentarily taken aback, a flash of displeasure in her eyes.
“Oh my, such smooth, tender hands…”
The clerk rubbed Mengdie's hand, displaying a lecherous expression of “pleasure.” Mengdie’s feeling of disgust rose again, but not wanting to cause trouble, she tried to pull her hand back... unsuccessfully.
“Please let go of my hand.”
The clerk chuckled, “Of course, little beauty. I will comply with your request. Come, let me feel your other hand. I can guide you ‘hand in hand’ on where to write.”
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
While speaking, the clerk became even more outrageous. His eyes fixed on Mengdie's chest under her peasant outfit, he extended his right hand, trembling as he reached out.
Mengdie abruptly shook off the clerk's hand and stepped back! She hadn’t expected such harassment simply for trying to become a mercenary! Pointing at the clerk’s nose, she scolded, “Show some respect! Don’t make such disgusting gestures towards me! I am a man!”
“Oh ho ho— I like tough girls like you! I’ve been a soldier for over a decade, and I’m thirty this year, still unmarried. How about it, little sister? Interested in becoming the mistress of the Punington family? If you want money, I can make sure you never have to worry about food or clothes again!”
The clerk's disgusting words not only infuriated Mengdie but also angered the mercenaries nearby. A delicate girl being harassed by a vile soldier; wasn't this a perfect opportunity for a hero to save the damsel? Many unmarried men immediately readied their weapons and magic, while even the married ones prepared to indulge in the fantasy of being a hero.
“I repeat, I’m here to register for the bandit hunt! Warn you, if you provoke me again, I’ll take one of your arms!” Mengdie issued her final ultimatum.
Unfortunately, the clerk paid no heed. Leaving the table, he smugly pulled out a pocket watch and tossed it to Mengdie, “Your tender hands aren’t meant for hunting bandits. How about joining me for the night instead? This watch is an heirloom worth hundreds of Sula. Just make me comfortable tonight, and it's yours!”
These shameless words infuriated Mengdie, her face turned red! However, others seemed to think her red face was due to embarrassment. As time passed, several younger mercenaries couldn't restrain themselves and charged forward with swords!
“Insolent scoundrel! How dare you say such things to a young lady in front of us!”
“Apologize to the lady right now!”
“Miss, don’t be afraid! Just stand behind me; no one can hurt you!”
Mengdie was momentarily baffled, wondering why these people were suddenly defending her. Three seconds later, she realized they were playing the hero. Her anger was like a volcano on the verge of eruption, ready to explode!
(Damn it, it’s all because I lost that necklace! If I could get that necklace back and turn into a man, I’d see if you’d still treat me this way!)
One swordsman, leading the charge, thrust his sword at the clerk’s thigh. Not wanting to kill on kingdom grounds, he just wanted to subdue the lecher. Unexpectedly, the clerk dodged back and slashed at the swordsman’s chest with a dagger! Though not fatal, the sight of the swordsman collapsing in a spray of blood shocked everyone present.
“Hmph! A bunch of lowlifes. Mercenaries are just unrefined; how could they compare to well-trained regular soldiers? You think I'm just a useless clerk after serving in the army for so many years? Let me tell you! I’m personally appointed by the supervisor to oversee you!”
The clerk’s movements weren’t very agile, appearing average to Mengdie, possibly weaker than the captain she’d previously encountered. But his influence seemed significant. At his command, the camp’s soldiers readied their spears, surrounding the young mercenaries who dared to confront him. A bloodbath seemed imminent!
Other mercenaries fell silent, some out of cowardice, fearing offending the powerful. Yet others simply didn’t care. There was competition among mercenary groups, and if these men chose to confront the state machinery, there was no need for others to intervene on their behalf.
The young mercenaries, surrounded by spears, looked tense. The injured one lay on the ground, biting his lip, pale-faced. The clerk, playing with his bloody dagger, walked smugly to Mengdie, wrapping an arm around her waist and sticking out his tongue, apparently intending to lick her face.
“Huff huff, such a sweet scent... How about it? My tent is right there, luxurious, isn’t it? How about joining me inside? Don’t worry, I'm very skilled. Even if it’s your first time, I can make you comfortable!”
Mengdie suppressed her rage, coldly eyeing him. She couldn’t abandon those young mercenaries who had stood up for her, despite her dislike for them. She gently broke free from the clerk’s embrace, pointing at the terrified young mercenaries, and demanded coldly, “Let them go.”
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