Chapter 33

Chapter 33

Merchant (7)

#33

Even on a night when the full moon is bright the light of the Golden District does not fade.

Luxurious streetlights were lined up along the main street.

From the terrace of a restaurant that opened at night the laughter of upper-class citizens was being heard.

“Haha, working at the Steel Tower is also hard. How hard it is if the elevator breaks.”

“I hear Lady Silien will make a major announcement within this month, what is it?”

“Well. From what I briefly heard it seems a matter directly related to the capital···.”

Main facilities are the Steel Tower and the magic golem research institute.

Although the area is the narrowest, the strange neighborhood where the scale of moving assets matches the Steel District always boasted a quiet and leisurely atmosphere.

“Damn old man. Where the hell did you hide it?!”

Therefore the pedestrians were glancing at the middle-aged woman grumbling in an irritated voice as if looking at a strange animal.

Mostly even more so because they knew her identity.

The woman’s name is Chloe Zibits.

The current managing director of the White Silver Pine Merchant Group, and the black curtain who kidnapped Leodorn.

A manager in a suit was seeing her off.

“Hehe, Director Chloe. How was the service of our hotel?”

“Worst. Since you’ll be unemployed soon prepare to clear the desk.”

“Th-that···! Please have mercy!”

The manager knelt but Chloe ignored it.

Tired from interrogating Leodorn she was on the way out after taking a rest at a luxury hotel in the Golden District.

Her exclusive carriage was waiting in front of the hotel.

“Director Chloeee!”

“Ugh, noisy.”

However no matter how much she rested the fatigue did not unwind.

Precisely mental fatigue not the body.

Leodorn never said where he hid the Numerite, and despite hiring hundreds for search there was still no result.

Even the ones dispatched to Leodorn’s two companions and the Song of Iron forge had not even returned yet.

“Tomorrow is the general meeting···.”

She could not wait any longer.

Since she even hired the Iron Blood Twin Shadows she had to make him open his mouth unconditionally.

Although she spent an amount burdensome even for a managing director of White Silver Pine, that would be filled and more if she just finds the Numerite.

A carriage full of Numerite.

It was not an exaggeration to say the next merchant group head was already confirmed as herself.

“I have to make him open his mouth even by cutting somewhere.”

A cold smile rose at the corner of Chloe’s mouth.

Torture··· no, it seemed she had to dramatically raise the intensity of interrogation.

Where to cut? Arm? Leg? Since she’ll kill anyway it doesn’t matter if she cuts all right?

Just as she was moving her steps thinking such thoughts.

Tok.

One drop of hot liquid fell on Chloe’s cheek.

“Rain?”

Chloe frowned.

The sky was clear so she thought what rain is falling.

Irritatedly taking out a handkerchief and wiping her face she was horrified.

“Wh-what!?”

The handkerchief was dyed red.

Noticing the fact that it was someone’s blood was not that difficult.

It was the moment Chloe hurriedly raised her head.

Saaaaaaa!!!

A shower of fresh blood poured under the full moon.

“Kyaaaak!”

A hair-raising scream burst from Chloe’s mouth.

The white shirt was dyed in an instant.

The dance of blood drops turned the peaceful Golden District into a chaotic pandemonium.

Just as she was about to hurriedly board the carriage.

Boooom!!!

A giant shadow fell while crushing the carriage.

The specially designed roof was crushed flat.

Fortunately the horses and coachman were not crushed.

“Uaaaak!”

“Puhihing!”

The identity of the shadow was the corpse of a wolf so heavy it could not be contained in one glance.

The head was not visible where it flew.

Blood was gushing from the cut surface where white bone was revealed.

“Ah··· aaa···.”

Chloe sat down.

Even before the completely frozen her could request help.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Three other shadows fell while causing a roar.

One behind her, the remaining two on top of the wolf’s corpse.

Turning back Chloe froze in place.

“Hik.”

The head of a wolf so giant it seemed it would swallow even a bull in one bite was placed.

The light-extinguished pupils were staring at her.

“Gurruk.”

She could not endure any longer.

Chloe fainted while foaming at the mouth.

The shadow that landed on Zerban shouted.

“Bran! Are you okay?!”

It was Ilark.

The face of Bran who was tightly hugged was perfectly buried in a chest larger than his own head.

Bran hurriedly tapped.

“B-breath··· blocked···.”

“Huk.”

Ilark put Bran down.

Staggering like a newly born antelope Bran barely caught his posture and stood.

“Kuek! Kuek! Huu, I thought I was going to die.”

“S-sorry. Did it hurt a lot?”

“No. It’s fine.”

Bran shook his head.

No problem except almost getting burned on the face. Rather it might have acted as a buffer.

If Ilark had not snatched him in the air, by now he would not have avoided the appearance of a flat corpse.

“Thanks. Thanks to you I lived.”

“Haa··· I thought my liver would drop.”

Ilark sat down with a plop.

Because the tension that had reached the extreme unwound in an instant.

Looking around Bran asked her.

“No injured people right?”

“Probably. I didn’t know we would fall in the Golden District.”

Ilark raised an eyebrow.

The point they landed was the Golden District located at the northern end of the city.

Since it is the best wealthy village in Valkeros it almost made them worry, but it was truly a fortunate matter.

“Still. We won somehow.”

It felt like he had a long dream.

Even while lying on Zerban’s corpse it was hard to believe the fact that he defeated that Iron Blood Twin Shadows.

Meeting Bran’s eyes Ilark raised the corner of her mouth.

“Your cute face became a mess. What to do?”

“Have to wash. And you look like a torturer who just came out from work.”

Both of them the appearance was indescribable.

The faces with blood water stuck thickly looked like prisoners who just escaped from hell.

Just as they were cackling while facing each other.

“Ilark. Don’t obsess too much with the dragon’s blood.”

“Yes?”

“You don’t have to fly in the sky or anything. You are a sufficiently okay person just by yourself. Not a failure or anything.”

“H-how do you···!”

Ilark’s face heated up greatly.

Bran shamelessly pointed at his own ear.

“I accidentally heard Belan talking. My ears are bright.”

Of course information he knew from before that.

The desire for recognition and inferiority complex formed due to having a too amazing family.

He knew more about Ilark than she herself.

“For reference the eyes are also good. I can guarantee you can become a much greater existence than your father or older brother.”

“Me? Do you know who our old man is and saying that?”

“Of course. Fire Dragon Zarheim. The master of fire who destroyed five countries.”

“Six.”

“Is that important now? Whether seven or twenty my opinion doesn’t change.”

It was a statement based on fact not simple consolation.

He knew how high the potential of Ilark raised with a build matching her aptitude goes.

Among the brilliant playable characters the existence most fitting the epithet Destroyer is only her, Ilark Zarheim.

“So have confidence. I entrusted the request not to the daughter of Zarheim, but to you Ilark.”

“···Ha, I didn’t know a day would come when I receive advice from a human.”

Ilark let out a hollow laugh.

If usual it was a situation where she would have smashed the face right away.

It was the subject she hates most, and looking only at the content of the advice it was honestly clichéd.

But today somehow the mood was not bad.

You’re cool just as you are.

“Maybe so.”

Ilark let out a hollow laugh.

Raising her body she put her arm on Bran’s shoulder.

“Hey. If I use a weapon will I really become stronger?”

“I can bet all my assets.”

“Bold. But your entire assets don’t seem that much?”

“If insufficient I’ll make up with the body.”

“Ahaha, what’s that.”

Ilark burst into laughter.

The heavy dragon tail was swaying as if joyful.

It was around the time the rain of blood that was gradually subsiding completely stopped.

“Wh-what is that?”

“Hey. Isn’t that Ilark?”

“My god. That monster···?!”

People began to gather one by one.

Whether because it was a holiday there were quite a lot of people despite the late time.

It seemed he would no longer be able to live as a Nameless Hero at least in Valkeros.

Bran and Ilark exchanged gazes.

“Shall we go back gradually? The Kale guy will also worry.”

“Good.”

Ilark nodded.

When she lifted Zerban’s corpse with a flash exclamations burst from the surroundings.

She had to collect it unconditionally.

In a way that entire corpse was the hidden piece.

“My god. Director Chloe!”

“Completely fainted. Call people!”

It was then.

Just as the two were about to move their steps a urgent shout rang out from beside them.

Turning his head a middle-aged woman who fainted while foaming at the mouth was visible.

Including the hotel manager the pedestrians were surrounding her and murmuring.

On the collar of a coat that looked more expensive than Bran’s three years’ food expenses a badge symbolizing White Silver Pine was attached.

“Chloe?”

Bran’s eyes narrowed thinly.

It was clearly a name familiar to the ear.

The merchant who kidnapped Leodorn.

It seemed the process of uncovering the black curtain could be largely omitted.

****

The long night passed and the day brightened.

The sky of the Golden District where a rain of blood poured last night was shining in a cheerful blue without a single cloud.

“How is the body?”

“It’s fine. I’m always only receiving favors from you guys.”

Hearing Bran’s question Leodorn smiled.

The face with the swelling not fully gone looked pitiful.

The left hand was in a cast, and he was supporting a cane with the right hand but still vitality was tinged in the voice.

“Are you really okay? Not even a day has passed since experiencing that.”

“I-I also think you’re overdoing it too much.”

Ilark asked worriedly.

Kale next to her also nodded.

They were seeing off Leodorn in front of the headquarters of the White Silver Pine Merchant Group located in the Golden District.

“If not overdoing it would be a lie but I have to do what needs to be done. If not for you guys I absolutely would not have been in this place. Sincerely thank you.”

Leodorn expressed gratitude.

It was a voice with sincerity tinged more than any time he had heard so far.

It was a serious injury that required at least several months of hospitalization, but having received intensive treatment from the best medical staff in Valkeros he succeeded in recovering to a level where movement and conversation were possible in a few hours.

‘Amazing. Should I have Kale properly learn healing techniques.’

What supported all of that was none other than the White Silver Pine Merchant Group.

The moment the news was revealed that the subject who made Leodorn into this appearance was Managing Director Chloe, the merchant group literally turned upside down.

“Money is good as expected. Honestly I thought you wouldn’t be able to get up for two months.”

“Hehe, since it’s a matter that occurred because they couldn’t manage people they have to take responsibility. Except Chloe and her close associates it’s still a somewhat okay organization.”

Chloe who opened her eyes at the police station admitted all charges.

The contract with the Iron Blood Twin Shadows found in Belan’s possession was decisive evidence.

Not limited only to Leodorn but the point of touching ordinary people too.

Considering the point of even calling in the infamous criminal Iron Blood Twin Shadows, it seemed she would have no matter of leaving prison in the future.

She might even receive a death sentence.

Confirming the clock Leodorn took a deep breath.

“It’s gradually time. I’ll go and come.”

“Ussya. I’ll also finish and come.”

Ilark supported him.

The escort work was not ended until the general meeting ends.

She was shouldering two wooden chests full of Numerite on both shoulders respectively.

“So where on earth did you hide the Numerite?”

“Hehe, I’ll leave that as a secret. When you have time try guessing once.”

“Hmm··· I really don’t know even knowing.”

He pointed out a few places he could guess but all were wrong answers.

No matter how much he played the game sometimes this kind of thing happens.

But that’s what makes it fun.

Bran waved his hand.

“Go and come Leodorn. It will go well.”

“I’ll repay the faith.”

Leodorn entered the building while supporting the cane.

Although a small physique and even limping on one leg his back looked as large as a giant.

The difference between a mere merchant and a great merchant.

『Delpa the Golden Merchant is greatly satisfied with your actions.』

『A faint Golden Blessing descends. Until the blessing is withdrawn fortune in wealth increases!』

The meeting result, well, obvious without looking.

****

Next morning.

“Ha, I knew it would be like this.”

Ilark burst into a hearty laugh.

In her hand sitting on the edge of the bed a newspaper announcing the news of Valkeros was gripped.

Even before unfolding the newspaper on the first page visible, a phrase as large as a gate was written.

[Leodorn Belmaire who returned to his hometown after over ten years. Returns as managing director of the White Silver Pine Merchant Group!]

The photo of Leodorn smiling awkwardly was stuck right above it.

Ilark poked Bran’s side with her elbow.

“How is it Bran. I said it would happen?!”

“Yeah.”

Bran raised an eyebrow.

Since it was an expected matter it was not particularly surprising.

Numerite is Numerite, but since it was revealed that all the rumors so far were fabricated there was no reason not to reinstate.

“Uncle who is sure in words and actions. I didn’t know I would sleep in a place like this.”

Looking around Bran muttered in a dumbfounded tone.

Leodorn’s pledge to repay the favor was carried out even before the reinstatement article rose.

The space that looked over a hundred pyeong at a glance was decorated with all kinds of luxurious furniture.

‘I’ve never stayed in such a good lodging even in reality.’

They were taking a rest in the suite room of a hotel located in the Golden District.

Beyond the full glass window the splendid scenery of the Golden District was overlooking at a glance.

It was something Leodorn who recovered the seized property at the same time as reinstatement lent saying use as you like.

No. Did he say this hotel is his from the beginning?

“By the way Ilark. It’s gradually hot so won’t you fall away a bit?”

“Aei, five more minutes. It’s cool so good.”

Saying that Ilark put her arm on Bran’s shoulder.

It feels like wearing a heating pad. The tail the source of the heat was tightly wrapped around his waist.

The brow of Kale who was offering a prayer in the living room narrowed.

“Uuuuum···.”

It was hard to concentrate on the prayer.

After the battle with the Iron Blood Twin Shadows it felt that the distance between the two had somehow become closer.

They were briefly separated while defeating Zerban. Surely something happened during that time?

“Haha··· it wouldn’t be.”

Kale soon shook his head.

Surely Miss Ilark would not feel that kind of emotion toward Bran.

The physique is one thing but first the race is different.

Originally humans should value harmony.

Dragons with dragons. Humans with humans. How beautiful a harmony this is.

Ilark said.

“So, what work are you going to make me do?”

“Work to make me do?”

“Yes. You said to help you guys once when Leodorn’s matter ends.”

“Ah.”

As expected he had made that contract.

Usually cases of voluntarily saying are rare, truly a solid friend.

Bran nodded.

“For now waiting for Bilmoris’s contact is first. In the meantime you also rest comfortably.”

“Aha. That blind blacksmith. Will he be able to handle the byproducts of the ancient beast well?”

“If not that person no one can. At least in this city.”

It was an answer full of conviction.

Bran knew that this is the most useful method of using the new hidden piece.

He also has to receive the separately requested weapon.

‘I raised the specs more than expected. Is this the time to use the word a blessing in disguise.’

Looking back he gained quite a lot while proceeding with this rescue drama.

Equipment, a large amount of stats, practical experience with the Iron Blood Twin Shadows and a solid backing called Leodorn.

Thanks to catching the Beastification Zerban he could even obtain a hidden item that will be useful later.

A well-done matter.

Since the incident that pushes Valkeros into destruction was at a point where it would not be strange whenever it occurs.

Although not intended fortune in wealth also opened a bit.

Turning one page of the newspaper Ilark frowned.

“Eh? Really?”

“Why?”

“No, look at this. Isn’t it that woman the day before yesterday?”

Ilark thrust the newspaper.

It was the article right after Leodorn’s reinstatement.

[Former managing director of White Silver Pine Chloe Zibits, mysterious death in the process of being moved to the city prison!]

Under the phrase as large as a gate the face of a familiar middle-aged person was inserted.

The cause of death was not written.

Bran’s eyes narrowed thinly.

“···Died?”

He was a human who deserved to die but the feeling was unusual.

It feels too cleanly died. Whose doing is it?

Becoming unnecessarily uneasy Bran raised his body.

“Five minutes passed. Move so I can go to the bathroom.”

“Ten more minutes.”

“Just shit here?”

“That’s also fine.”

Ilark smiled with her eyes.

The expression subtly expecting broke Kale’s patience.

Just as he who stood up abruptly was about to say a word to that gloomy dragon.

Knock knock knock!

A cheerful knock sound rang out from outside the door.

“Who is it?”

“Is it Lord Bran? This is the Valkeros post office, could you open the door for a moment?”

For a moment silence descended.

Bran and Kale looked at each other at the same time.

It was a line matching when the Bilmoris attack incident occurred.

The only different point was that Mr. changed to Lord. Even the number of knocks was the same.

When no answer returned the postman continued.

“If not Lord Bran Lord Kale or Lord Ilark is also fine. If even one of the three is here please come out and receive.”

“···All of us?”

The three’s eyes opened round.

In the end unable to overcome curiosity Bran opened the front door.

A boy dressed much more formally than an ordinary postman was standing outside the door.

“Ah, Lord Bran?”

“Yes.”

Fortunately unlike last time he was holding the letter out in advance.

A letter envelope revealing a subtle luxury like the boy’s attire stood out.

“I should say this first. Sincerely congratulations.”

“Congratulations?”

“Yes. It is a matter that should be congratulated.”

On the wax sealing the envelope a familiar pattern was stamped.

Swoosh! The letter unfolded like a fan and increased to three.

“The lord wishes to meet the three who devoted themselves for Valkeros. It is an invitation to the Steel Tower!”

The boy smiled widely.

The eyes of Kale and Ilark who had been quietly eavesdropping on the conversation opened round.

“S-Steel Tower?!”

“What. Really?”

Invitation to the Steel Tower.

It was the highest honor adventurers and mercenaries active in Valkeros can enjoy, but Bran’s expression was not that bright.

The words Silien the executive of the Abyss had said were lingering in his ears.

Soon we will invite you guys at the Steel Tower.

‘So, at that time let’s slowly converse again.’

In the end what was to come had come.