While I was inspecting some magical artifacts, Eddie slipped in behind me. He pouted and grumbled under his breath.
"All this stuff's just a waste now, isn't it? Isn't the Great Mage War supposed to happen? I trusted your word, and now I'm left sucking my thumb."
"It's barely been a month. If you can't even wait that long, how do you expect to make money? Ever heard of holding on?"
"What kind of name is 'holding on'?"
"Just wait. You'll be rolling in money soon."
Honestly, I had expected the Great Mage War to break out during the substitute mission order. I thought they'd try to drag me into it, just like they did with the Gutra family back in the day.
'Maybe the Black Dragon acted as a wild card.'
But it didn't matter.
The 'Dead Front' was a major plotline in the game's scenario, so it was bound to happen eventually. Even if it was delayed, the outcome wouldn't change.
"Ugh."
Eddie let out an exaggerated sigh, clearly meant for me to hear. I'm sure it was because of that nuisance he's been butting heads with.
I didn't expect things to be so rocky from the start.
Sure enough, when I didn't react, he sidled up closer and started whining.
"You're not planning to let that pain-in-the-neck stick around here, are you? Please tell me you're not."
"Sorry. I didn't have much of a choice."
"What about taking him to the mansion? Hire him as a servant and make him scrub the floors or something."
"He's a provisional investigator, remember? He might come in handy someday."
"I'll probably die of old age before that happens. You're being way too optimistic."
"There's a saying: if you can't avoid it, enjoy it. So just enjoy it."
"I'd rather just kill him."
I guess there's not a single thing he likes about the guy.
Well, I'm not much different.
'I should give him a task to handle.'
From what I've observed, Eddie really despises the so-called "parasite" types—people who do nothing but eat and waste resources.
Having clawed his way up from the slums to become the king of the backstreets, he's the polar opposite of such freeloaders.
"Got any menial tasks to throw his way?"
"What kind of task? You mean for that nuisance?"
"Just give him something you don't want to do. He's got to earn his keep."
"Wait. Does that mean I'm above him?"
"Obviously. Why even ask? You're the one running this place."
"Oh?! Is that so?"
Eddie's mood lifted instantly as he flashed a triumphant smile. He was already relishing the thought of tormenting the guy.
Looking at him, Eddie really does have a simple side.
"Why not give him to me instead?"
Rockto, who had been quietly listening, chimed in. He rubbed his shoulders and back, wearing an awkward smile.
"I'm getting old, and my body feels heavier these days. I noticed he's got some strength, so he'd make a good assistant for me."
Come to think of it, Rockto didn't have a proper assistant. The Zatma Mercenaries helped out occasionally, but they weren't full-time.
I turned to Eddie.
"What do you think? Helping the old man might be just the thing."
"Promise me you'll work him to the bone. Make sure he can't even straighten his back."
"Hoho, do you think blacksmithing is that easy?"
Rockto's benevolent smile seemed different today. I caught a glint of something unusual in his eyes.
"Alright. Just the thought of hearing him groan is already making me happy."
A provisional investigator turned blacksmith's apprentice? It was hard to imagine, but it might be the best thing for Nunes. After all, what else would he do on the first floor but start fights?
"Heheh. I'll go fetch him right now."
Eddie's footsteps were light as he hurried downstairs.
Two Days Later
The Desion Mercenaries arrived in Neka.
Whether it was because of their heavy luggage or to save time, they came through a group gate. Even though gates to Neka were more expensive, Vivian had agreed without hesitation.
"So, you've decided to set up your headquarters here?"
"How's it look? I think it's perfect."
"You must've spent a fortune buying up the entire block."
"Hoho, a merchant never skimps on investment costs."
"Calling yourself a merchant now, huh?"
"You're the one who said it, remember? That I'm just a merchant. It stung, but it's true."
Vivian had established their headquarters about 50 meters away from my informant's office. Just like in Madoran, she'd bought and demolished all the surrounding buildings.
In Neka, where buildings were crammed together, this open space was now the only one of its kind.
'She's definitely drawing attention.'
Whether it was because of Desion's reputation or the sudden clearing of the area, a massive crowd had gathered to witness the mercenaries' arrival. Most of them looked excited, welcoming Desion with open arms.
After all, who wouldn't be thrilled to have a powerhouse like Desion move into their city? Neka was already lagging behind other cities, and Desion's presence would only widen that gap.
"Wait! Everyone, stop!"
Just then, a middle-aged man pushed through the crowd, panting heavily. He was dressed in fine clothing and had about five attendants with him. The emblem on his chest made it clear who he was.
'The mayor of Madoran? What's he doing here? And who's that behind him?'
Behind the mayor, a group of knights approached in formation. The familiar emblem on their raised flags gave them away. Vivian seemed to recognize them, her expression shifting subtly as she walked toward them.
At that moment, I finally realized who they were.
--------------------------
The Drang Family.
Originally, they would have secured an exclusive contract with Desion. Their intentions for coming to Neka were clear. They must have even directly charged the gate with mana.
"It's been a while, Lord Rup Drang."
Vivian gave a slight nod.
Rup, the eldest son of the Drang family, stood with a cold, rigid expression, starkly contrasting Vivian's subtle smile.
"I didn't expect to be stabbed in the back like this. Mercenaries truly are an untrustworthy lot."
"You seem quite upset. It's unlike the Rup I know."
"We clearly had an agreement with your family. Are promises to mercenaries utterly meaningless?"
"Watch your words. While it's true we reviewed the contract with the Drangs, we never gave a definitive answer. Or is my memory different from yours?"
"We discussed specific terms and reached a mutual understanding. Can you still claim you've done nothing wrong?"
Rup was a knight in his mid-thirties. In the future, the Drangs would rise to become the second most prominent knightly family, all thanks to Rup's capabilities. He was a man of great ambition, greed, and considerable skill.
"A contract isn't valid until it's sealed. We merely had a few conversations. I'm baffled by your reaction."
"It sounds like you're mocking the Drangs."
"What merchant doesn't haggle?"
"You insolent wretch!"
Rup's curse electrified the atmosphere. Spectators stepped back, wary of the escalating tension, while the mercenaries and knights eyed each other intently. The air was thick with the possibility of an imminent clash.
"At least now I see your true colors. I almost made a deal with someone so petty. It's true—you can fathom the depths of water, but never the depths of a person's heart."
"Are you provoking me now?"
"You started it."
"Do you not see the knights behind me? One word from me, and you and your pathetic underlings will lose your heads."
"Ha, how little you think of Desion. One word from me, and you'd be on your knees."
"You dare!"
Clang! Clang!
Whoosh!
Rup drew his sword, and the knights followed suit. The mercenaries prepared to retaliate, but Vivian raised her hand to stop them. Even in this tense moment, she remained composed.
"A fine knight's sword should be heavy, but the Drangs' swords seem rather light."
"One more word, and I'll cut out your tongue!"
"One word."
"You—!"
Thud!
In an instant, Rup lunged forward. I quickly summoned lightning and stepped between them.
"!?"
Crackle!
The barrier of lightning halted Rup's blade. Even with my mana fully concentrated, it nearly broke through. Above Rup's head, a sword of wind materialized.
"Tch!"
I probably didn't need to intervene. Vivian, with her vast combat experience, could have easily countered such a move.
Rup glared at me and Vivian, his killing intent palpable.
"So, you must be Jade Arahan…"
"If you've figured that out, why not sheathe your sword? Do you really want to start a fight in Arahan's city?"
"Step aside. I'm just righting a wrong."
"Judging right and wrong isn't your role. Drawing your sword in Neka alone gives us ample justification. Do you want the Drangs to end up like the Billy family?"
"...?!"
For a moment, Rup's eyebrow twitched. It was a fleeting emotion, but I caught it. The backing of the Arahan family truly is unparalleled. Even simple threats like this work wonders.
"Apologize now. If you don't, we'll make today's incident official."
"Damn it!"
Rup swallowed hard. Though the Drangs would one day rise to prominence, they were just another family for now. Their defenses were too weak to withstand the Arahan's might. In the end, he had only one choice.
"...My apologies. I let my emotions get the better of me."
After a moment of hesitation, Rup finally relented, and his knights sheathed their swords in unison. Despite their current standing, their discipline was impressive—a sign they were ready to soar.
"…Let me formally introduce myself. I'm Rup, the eldest son of the Drang family."
"Jade, the Seventh Lord of Arahan."
"I hope the leading family of the Empire will overlook my earlier mistake."
"Consider it done."
Rup's expression was a mix of relief and dissatisfaction—like a predator that had let its prey slip away. He calmed himself and abruptly asked:
"I didn't expect you to take Desion. Was this also part of Arahan's plans?"
"No, it was solely my decision."
"...Did you know we were in negotiations?"
"Of course."
"Ha! Why are you interfering? Arahan and the Drangs have no quarrel."
"Interfering? Hardly."
"If not, then why—?"
"I made the deal because I needed it. Is that a problem?"
My calm voice only seemed to fuel Rup's anger, his face flushing red.
"Desion was in talks with us first. You should have sought our approval. Isn't that common courtesy?"
"Ridiculous. The first to claim something owns it—that's the natural order. Are you seriously demanding priority?"
"...."
Rup's expression turned icy. He must have been seething inside, unable to vent his frustration.
As Rup fell silent, the mayor of Madoran, who had been watching cautiously, stepped in.
"I'm Lamad. I've been the mayor of Madoran for seven years now."
Lamad adjusted his clothes and cleared his throat, breaking the tension.