The Spearmaster and the Black Cat

Chapter 77

"That's right . By the way, though you previously mentioned being affiliated to 【Belgart】, what's that about?" (Shuuya)

I felt like Melissa's blue eyes shone with a momentary light due to my words .

Lifting the corners of her mouth slowly, she moves her lips while revealing her unique smile .

"… 【Belgart】 is the name of a thieves guild . It's the organization I belong to . I'm still a member at the lower end though . " (Melissa)

Thieves guild? That's also different from a dark guild, I guess .

Other than such stuff, "courtesan" is that kind of trap*? (T/N: カラクリ (karakuri) is a "scheme/plot/trap/trick to win over allies" and it also describes mechanical dolls which move by strings)

I have a bit of a misunderstanding .

"If you speak of a thieves guild… what kind of guild is it?" (Shuuya)

Once Melissa heard my words, her thin eyebrows moved with a twitch and for an instant her beautiful face stiffened .

"Is it maybe the "first time" for you to stay in such an inn, Shuuya-san?" (Melissa)

Uh, that's certainly true .

But the part part she highlighted feels as if she's making fun of me .

Well, there's no point in lying .

It's my first time . Let's go with that .

"… It's just as you say . Until now it has been only cheap inns . As a matter of fact it's a virgin's first high-class lodging . " (Shuuya)

"I haven't put such sarcasm into the meaning of first time, but it's your first time after all, huh? Something like a guest, who uses this inn, not knowing about thieves guilds and 【Belgart】 is usually impossible . " (Melissa)

Impossible?

"So, what's a thieves guild?" (Shuuya)

"Yes, although the finer work details change from town to town, most of those are spy contracts with clients . In case of a high-ranking guest, there will be various accommodations so that our side receives the nomination . … In summary, it's basically a job of mainly trading, protecting, stealing and processing various information and spreading that information into society on purpose . There is a connection with governmental officials of the declaration field . Furthermore there is, spying, warring, power reconnaissance… I can't tell you beyond that . By the way, 【Belgart】 is the largest thieves guild here in 【Holkerbaum】 . " (Melissa)

Hee, they cover a lot of ground .

An assembly of information dealers? If you phrase it in modern terms, the media .

There's probably an implication of them being newspaper-like for nobles and merchants who use them here .

Even though it would be fine if they changed their name to information guild or such and didn't use the naming of thieves…

"… Got it . Does 【Belgart】 have influence in other cities as well?" (Shuuya)

"Yes . Although on a small scale, they are in each city of the 【Oseberia Kingdom】 . " (Melissa)

Even in other cities, eh?

… If I think about it now, Cherry, who was in the small bar in Hekatrail, might have been at the lower end of a thieves guild as well .

Since she was associate with Quiche, she gave me advice by teaching various information to me . She told me to not go to the store of a dark guild .

Though saying that, it's probable that she is related to a dark guild as well…

"… Any connections to dark guilds?" (Shuuya)

I ask bluntly .

Due to that question, Melissa immediately switched her expression from being composed to her business expression with a sharp look .

"There are . " (Melissa)

She won't give any names, will she?

"How many dark guilds exist in this city?" (Shuuya)

"Five . " (Melissa)

What I encountered was a quarrel between 【Owl's Fangs】 and 【Scales of Gaia】 .

There are three more, huh?

That not what you said before, but let's try asking my questions naively .

"Understood . I'm altering my question all of a sudden, but are thieves guilds actually "robbers" as the name suggests?" (Shuuya)

"They don't do it . In a remote past it was apparently widespread . But, if they did such things nowadays, they wouldn't obtain any information . However, although they won't go as far as robbery, there seems to be parts where intelligence is procured in a forceful manner that resembles robbery . But, I don't do such physical labour, or rather I can't do it . " (Melissa)

I see, was my way of talking a bit too blunt?

I'm able to feel a vague feeling of tension from Melissa's way of talking .

Compared to putting your life on the line, it's a different kind of tension, or rather…

"… Really? Got it . Sorry for asking you about boorish stuff . Melissa, I'm not familiar with such things . It might have been a bit too abrupt . " (Shuuya)

"No, not at all . It's my job, thus please don't mind it . I will explain it in the scope I can talk about it . " (Melissa)

As if interfering, the appetizer soup was brought in at that point .

The waiter puts spoons and plates on the table .

Thinly red-tinged beans and red vegetables similar to tomatoes were inside the plate .

Scooping up the red liquid with the spoon and carrying it to my mouth, I try drinking it .

It has an average temperature . It's a bit cold . A soup that's not hot .

The saltiness and sourness of citric acid like shredded dried plum gives the soup a smooth texture and increases the appetite .

A faint aroma similar to Japanese apricot gently stimulates the nostrils .

It's yummy and gives a refreshing feeling .

Although I'm bothered by the Japanese apricot, it appears as if beans or soya beans exist .

That means it's possible to make tofu or such .

The beginning of a record of different world tofu war is close, eh…?

I'm sipping the soup while thinking about such stupid things .

"… Shuuya-san, even if you don't sip that much at once, you can get a second serving . " (Melissa)

Melissa cautioned me with a smile .

"Oh, is that so? However, the deliciousness of this soup is…" (Shuuya)

I gulp it repeatedly down quickly .

"Fufufu, certainly, it's tasty . Is the faintly remaining after-taste the fragrance of the Sume Fruit, I wonder?" (Melissa)

Ohh, the ingredient that brought about this flavour isn't Japanese apricot but a fruit with the name Sume Fruit?

"Sume?" (Shuuya)

"Yes . It apparently can be harvested in an archipelago located in the east and divided by the sea of 【Zamalia Kingdom】 . Although it happened in the old days more than 100 years ago, a certain female adventurer discovered this fruit and officially announced that it can be used as food . She apparently taught the art of cooking sume to various places . And this taste conquered the cooking world of South Mahaheim for a period of time . Circulating from 【Zamalia Kingdom】 to the south of 【Oseberia Kingdom】, it has spread to every city nowadays . " (Melissa)

Such ingredients are used for the appetizer soup?

"Whoa, you are amazingly well-informed . As one would expect from a thieves guild?" (Shuuya)

"Fufu, if it's such things, I can offer you a lot* of teaching . " (Melissa) (T/N: ippai)

Melissa has an expression filled with pride .

"Haha, that's true . What I would like you to teach me is a lot . " (Shuuya)

"About what?" (Melissa)

Going by the flow of the conversation, teach me about "boobs . " (T/N: oppai)

I tried to say such weak, too lame old man pun, but I restrained myself .

"… For example, are there many beautiful women like you, Melissa, members of thieves guilds? Are there no men?" (Shuuya)

I say while staring into Melissa's blue eyes .

"Like me… you ask? I don't know, but there are many beautiful courtesans of thieves guilds which make use of being attached to high-class inns . There are also men . There are situations where a business man attends them if the guest is a woman . " (Melissa)

It feels like it will be an ikemen host in the case of a man?

It's an exchange of information, however it seems there are various troubles of men and women…

"I see . Understood . The rest is, ah right… Melissa, why are you working for a thieves guild?" (Shuuya)

"For money and a debt of gratitude . " (Melissa)

Money and debt of gratitude, she says . Well, is a collusion fine in those circumstances?

I wonder, shall I probe for her real intentions a bit?

"You said it's a trade of information, but can you sell my information for a lot money?" (Shuuya)

"… I wonder about that? Shuuya-san, you were never noticed much . I have obtained information at the level of the adventurer's guild, but…" (Melissa)

She looks at my face in order to investigate my situation .

"Have you memorized all of the many adventurers?" (Shuuya)

"No, even for me all of them is impossible . However, the number of high-ranking adventurers, who are in this city, is low . All key classes are busy with the hunt for the large Arom Dragonflies of Demonic Steel . " (Melissa)

"I see . Since I'm not a high-ranking adventurer, it's unlikely for my information to be expensive . " (Shuuya)

"… That can't be said easily . It's impossible to reply in regards to "quality . "" (Melissa)

High rank sells expensively, but that can't be said unconditionally for lower ranks as well, eh?

Well, I don't know about things like the rules of thieves guilds, however it mainly depends on who buys it and whether interest appears .

"Who would buy the information of an adventurer for example?" (Shuuya)

"Other adventurers, adventurer clans, a country's institutions, nobles, all kinds of companies, dark guilds and such . " (Melissa)

Mmh~, adventurers will buy my information?

No, it's probably better to assess it as Melissa starting to sell my personal information as "seed . "

As for me, I don't want it to be sold too much .

Well, if it's somewhat profitable, there are ways of doing it, aren't there?

"Don't sell it . Though I might say so, you will still sell, I guess?" (Shuuya)

"True . The points I mentioned depend on the compensation . If you tell me that you'd like information, it will be business for me as well . " (Melissa)

Ooh, she has a confident attitude .

Her perceptive blue eyes with the thin, neat golden eyebrows have captured me .

"If I'm being told like that, I want to do something…" (Shuuya)

I also put strength into my eyes and made a cursed sword appear in my "left hand" on purpose .

"Hii—" (Melissa)

Melissa makes an expression of being completely frightened once the weapon materializes .

I looked at Melissa with my Magic Scanning Eyes .

Though she is able to sense mana, she can't use magic combat styles .

Bringing my face close to Melissa, I make my body deliberately stick close to her while feeling her sweet sighing .

— A nice smell .

Slipping off the reddish brown tunic from the nape of her neck, I stared at her dress and then into the cleavage of her breasts with its conspicuous injury .

My vampire blood gets excited, no, it's better to say that I as man got aroused, I guess?

"I'd like all information you possess, Melissa…" (Shuuya)

I begin to ask a question close to her ears with gentle persuasion while having an intense look .

Melissa's eyes seemed to be wet .

But, once she bites her lips looking mortified, she awkwardly slides away towards the other side of the chair using both her hands while her face is directed at me .

Did I intimidate her a bit too much?

Thus I removed my glare .

Revealing a smile, I strongly place the cursed sword on top of the table .

"Aau—" (Melissa)

Melissa screamed in a low, surprised voice with that sound .

"— Nya?" (Rollo)

Even Rollo got up after the loud sound .

Lifting and turning her face, she looked at Melissa and me .

Just right then, the main dish gets carried in .

The cursed sword was moved to the table's edge .

"Dear customer, thank you for waiting . Here's your Reeme's Roast originating from Hauzando, Kajizook Fruit Wine Stew, Real Lantaayu and Pesoto soup, cold ale beer . And here's the Helzeyka Roast, Quaritreme Bean Stew and cold ale . "

The dishes are lined up on the table .

"Please call a waiter in case of additional requests . "

"We understood . Thank you . " (Shuuya)

The waiter withdraws .

Even while the dishes were carried in, Melissa was only looking at me with frightened eyes…

"Melissa, won't you eat?" (Shuuya)

I urge her to eat with an unconcerned expression .

"Eh, y-yes . I will…" (Melissa)

Melissa eats after pulling herself together .

That's great . We will eat as well, I guess?

Let's give this to Rollo .

It's the Kajizook Fruit Wine Stew .

The soup's colour is red . Overall it has a reddish hue, but fish having white flesh surrounded by finely cut vegetables that seems to be like colourful bell pepper and long and narrow vegetables can be considered to be the main of the dish .

The red juice is melting into the white of the fish or it was tinged red somewhat .

"Rollo, I will give this fish dish to you . There's alcohol in it, but I guess it'll be okay . " (Shuuya)

If it was a normal cat, I would never give it to them, but it's alright as long as it's Rollo .

Moving to the other side of the table, I carried the Kajizook Fruit Wine Stew to in front of Rollo (Black Cat) .

"Nyanya~n . " (Rollo)

Once Rollo released a delightful voice, she started to eat greedily .

Not just the white flesh of the fish but she also properly ate the vegetables .

"Fufu, Rollo-chan . You are eating while looking as if it's delicious, aren't you?" (Melissa)

Seeing the appearance of a cat eating, Melissa laughed .

I wonder whether her previous unrest has already vanished?

"Aah, it might actually be quite tasty . It looks like she's eating it with twice the usual speed . " (Shuuya)

I start eating from the Reeme's Roast .

Is this the leg meat? I carried it to my mouth .

It's tender meat with a crunchy texture . Close to grilled chicken?

The salty spices do their work . A flavour that has become a habit .

Moreover, once I eat the meat by dipping it into the jelly-like, yellow-green sauce, this was delicious as well .

A sweet waft is blowing through my throat . It matched well with the taste of meat .

Hee, they have come up with something good .

Each time I discover a new dish, I become happy . It's a joyful time .

"This Reeme is delicious . " (Shuuya)

"Yes . It's originating from Hauzando . It's famous since Reeme, who were raised in the region of Oseberia's East with its differences in high and low altitudes, turn into delicious meat . " (Melissa)

"Hee…" (Shuuya)

Let's try tasting the Real Lantaayu and Pesoto soup next, too .

Its appearance is completely that of corn .

It appears that they are cultivating grain resembling maize .

Once I touch it with the spoon, it feels a bit sticky .

Scooping up the sticky liquid with the wooden spoon, I bring it to my mouth .

Its taste is similar to corn soup after all .

However, this one is delicious .

Different from expectations, it has a sensation that feels a bit rough at the beginning . But then sweetness spread on the tongue thickly .

Yummy . Yea, grains are inside as well, aren't they?

There's a feeling similar to nuts .

Heee, once you chew it, it turns into yet another flavour .

Above being twice as delicious with corn and nuts, it becomes three times as delicious .

It seems to be the seed of Pesoto of the nut family .

Usually, once you finish eating, you drink cold ale beer .

*gulp gulp*

It's the same goblet model from some time ago, but it's made out of porcelain .

Bluish-white porcelain that had a bear-like design engraved into it .

I drink it in one gulp with its cold contents and the taste having a refreshing flavour .

Different to before, has the carbonic acid been omitted? Was there none from the beginning? The taste had a deep flavour .

I thought that it's bitter due to putting saprophytic bacteria inside, but that's not so .

The kind of wheat might be different?

Once I looked at Melissa's meal, she was just at the point where she finished eating the roast meat which was sliced finely .

The bean dish has vanished to around a half .

"Melissa, it's delicious, isn't it? As expected, the meal here is nothing but high-level . " (Shuuya)

"That's true . It's appetizing for me, too . " (Melissa)

Well then, is it a suitable time? For the information business .

I attack Melissa's mind .

"By the way, Melissa, I intend to give you information, but… what can you tell me as compensation, I wonder?" (Shuuya)

"Eh?" (Melissa)

Going by Melissa's expression, she apparently understood the meaning of the words .

Or didn't she grasp it?

"A little while ago, you understood that I'm an adventurer implied by my appearance, didn't you? The items I'm wearing and my familiar cat . I suddenly took out a weapon and even as much as the type of weapon . It's personal raw information from the person himself . That will become quite the good information I believe, won't it?" (Shuuya)

It's just a sword that I made appear though .

"… Certainly, that's right . Rather than the information you can learn from the adventurer's guild, meeting with the person himself and being able to verify their face is a big plus after all . … Sharp outlines, features of a master of martial arts, a flat face and an expression like a tree which lost half its leaves . And, it's information that comes to life through the person himself . However, is it really the first time for you to visit a high-class inn, Shuuya-san? To stage a comeback and make sport of me…" (Melissa)

Half the leaves lost, she says . Is it because I have no beard?

It's good if I shave it without considering dandyism and such .

"… Haha, it's really my first time . " (Shuuya)

"So, although it's about the compensation, what kind of information do you want to hear about?" (Melissa)

At that point my heart of mischief gushed out once again .

"Do you have a boyfriend, Melissa?" (Shuuya)

"Haa? I don't . " (Melissa)

"Hoo, even though you are a beauty . And then your three si—" (Shuuya)

"— Stop . Are you screwing around or being serious? Which is it, Shuuya-san?" (Melissa)

She doesn't allow me to finish speaking to the end .

She has a serious expression . She put it on along the conversation .

Her slender index finger is pointing at my face as if stabbing me .

Melissa-kun has narrowed her eyebrows and uses a strict look .

"… Sorry, sorry . That I like you are my true feelings, Melissa . Thus I wanted to ask you while messing around a bit . I will ask properly from now on, okay?" (Shuuya)

Melissa stares at me with scornful eyes after the strict look .

"So?" (Melissa)

Well then, after dropping the fooling around, unknown information…

First I have to obtain information about tomorrow's negotiation partner, don't I?

"… First, the name of the feudal lord here, his family structure, his hobbies, things he is bad with, his weaknesses, organizations he has connections with, etc . " (Shuuya)

"…" (Melissa)

Looking in my eyes, did she judge it as serious information?

Melissa switches suddenly from scornful eyes to cold eyes .

She revealed a slightly relentless expression .

"Yea? I'm asking you earnestly, you know? Is the compensation insufficient? If it's money, I will pay, but…" (Shuuya)

"… No, it's satisfactory . Well then, starting from the name, it's Earl Makfol zen Rakolazei . His nickname is Earl Oddball . With his mother having died from illness and his father having passed away 2 years ago, he has no family . Given that he still hasn't married yet, he is a considerably unusual unmarried man . " (Melissa)

Earl Oddball?

"An unmarried person as an oddball?" (Shuuya)

"His hobby is gathering jewels, gold, magic tools and such . He wastes money . In addition, he gathers capable people with strong physical prowess and employs them as lower retainers . Those employed subordinates are his pride?" (Melissa)

"How common . " (Shuuya)

"Isn't it? Things he is bad with are vegetables . His weakness is having been raised while being spoiled or wasting money regardless of expenses?" (Melissa)

Something like hating vegetables, is he a little child?

"Also, his relationship with nobility is very bad because of his entanglement in political disturbances . Having few closely related children too, he has dismantled the Baron Becker household, the Baron Nightray household and the Baronet Oralias household in order to absorb them . Compared to a normal Earl, the number of lower retainers is low as well . And he participated in the coup d'etat in Holkerbaum 3 years ago? Such are the rumours . There was apparently discord in the generation of the present feudal lord's father with the previous feudal lord's Livie household . However, it appears he has a special connection to the second prince . It seems he's also on good terms with a part of the navy . Furthermore, it's been whispered that a dark guild stands behind Earl Makfol . Currently that dark guild is even making 【Demonic Steel City Holkerbaum】 their own and that enhances the authenticity of that rumour . " (Melissa)

As expected of an information dealer and member of a thieves guild .

Melissa smoothly narrates the information .

Earl Makfol zen Rakolazei .

Nickname, Earl Oddball, huh? His hobby is gathering strong people and boasting with them as his subordinates… besides, he hates vegetables . A stereotypical rich boy type?

Moreover, the rumours of him having connections to a dark guild keep going?

"… The name of that dark guild?" (Shuuya)

Melissa shows a strained expression due to my question .

Or rather, it's an expression filled with fear .

And then she told the truth while being wary and checking that there's no one in the vicinity by turning her head left and right .

"— 【Owl's Fangs】 . " (Melissa)

【Owl's Fangs】, huh?

"Is that 【Owl's Fangs】 throwing its weight around here?" (Shuuya)

"Yes . Far from freedom, you can say that 【Holkerbaum】 is currently under the control of this dark guild . Until 【Owl's Fangs】 came to this city, the veteran dark guild 【Scales of Gaia】 exerted its authority in 【Holkerbaum】 . Them having their turf stolen and being driven into a corner by 【Owl's Fangs】 is the current state of things . " (Melissa)

I see .

"Are there any other dark guilds besides those two?" (Shuuya)

"There are 【Gloves of Stone】, 【Remains of the Moon】 and 【Apostles of the Blood Mark】 . " (Melissa)

"Are those dark guilds opposing 【Owl's Fangs】?" (Shuuya)

"Yes . 【Gloves of Stone】 has fought with 【Owl's Fangs】 and is now in a state of being mostly annihilated . A small part of the port's neighbourhood is assumed to be the turf of 【Remains of the Moon】 . There's always strife unfolding in regards to that turf with 【Owl's Fangs】 and even though 【Remains of the Moon】 had its office destroyed, it seems they have rebuilt their office once again in the neighbourhood of the port after a little while . It's strange . It might be because the headquarters of 【Remains of the Moon】 is situated in 【Pelneet】?" (Melissa)

I don't understand even after hearing about such stuff, but there are various dark guilds .

Moreover, Melissa's expression changes and she speaks openly while looking reluctant .

"Next, the 【Apostles of the Blood Mark】 are… I don't want to talk about them overly much, but it's a gathering of evil adherents who believe in Totogudjus, the king of the ten-layered hell of the spirit world . For some reason the meetings of the evil adherents are carried out all over Holkerbaum and they are very active . Opening a meeting every night at the graveyard, they are offering a sacrifice, which had a blood mark carved in, to the god of the spirit world . It's detestable information . " (Melissa)

Melissa's face is scary .

She definitely hates 【Apostles of the Blood Mark】 .

Her unpleasant feelings have been transmitted terribly and without holding anything back .

Thus, let's change the topic a bit .

"Hoo, there are various of them . I heard valuable information . Thank you . " (Shuuya)

If Melissa's information network is correct, I can imagine for the thieves guild called 【Belgart】 to have quite the scale, but…

For a thieves guild it might be standard to possess information of that kind .

"No, not at all . " (Melissa)

Well, I'm grateful for getting to know the information about the feudal lord and about the dark guilds in this city .

Shall I also ask about 【Owl's Fangs】 and the situation with 【Scales of Gaia】 who have been driven into a corner?

The black-haired beauty I rescued, the name of that woman was Mia or what-its-called?

"【Scales of Gaia】 was the strongest power in this city in the past, right? Why was such guild superseded by 【Owl's Fangs】?" (Shuuya)

"It's what's called the difference in personnel, money, connections and organizational capability . " (Melissa)

"Then the difference is excessive . " (Shuuya)

Is 【Owl's Fangs】 a considerably large dark guild?

"Yes… 【Owl's Fangs】 is the leading power in South Mahaheim . Even their public face is a famous, big company . They are one huge maritime transportation company . Their sales route don't just include domestic routes but also extends to overseas… in reality, the amount of ships docking in this city is large as well . Their boss is said to be one of the Eight Lights . He has changed them completely from a small dark guild possessing a turf in only a single provincial town . " (Melissa)

Eight Lights, eh? The matters I talked about with the Marquess cross my mind .

Going by this name, it's a gathering of a group of bosses or large companies .

"The difference between enterprises and smaller companies?" (Shuuya)

"Sma, ller, com, panies?" (Melissa)

Melissa reacts to the Japanese .

As if natural, she has a questioning expression .

"No, that's something private . Please continue . " (Shuuya)

"… Yes . For example, though it's a battle in the early stages between Gaia and Owl, in the beginning Owl will just observe and after Gaia went down, it will be an overwhelming difference . " (Melissa)

"Only observe… is it magic?" (Shuuya)

Once I return a question, Melissa explains after unintentionally revealing a smile .

"… No, that's not it . At that time 【Owl's Fangs】 had tied a secret agreement with 【Bloody Long Ears of the White Whale】? Curel of the Rebellious Sword, who is a leader of 【Bloody Long Ears】, attacked 【Scales of Gaia】 the other day . " (Melissa)

So that's the reason .

Curel of the Rebellious Sword, going by his name, he seems to be a strong person .

"… Hoo, a powerful-sounding name . " (Shuuya)

— Bloody Long Ears, are they a group of elves!?

A long time ago I received contact from a fellow considered to be a member of the same group in 【Fortress City Hekatrail】 .

Since then I haven't met them, but…

I don't have the spare time to care about such kind of conflict occurring, do I?

"… Yes, as a result of him having done in the head of 【Scales of Gaia】, Lanzel Aftotol, the leader Totoka Charaway, who was said to be the brains of the same guild, was done in as well . After that the leaders of 【Owl's Fangs】, who took the position of being spectators, participated in the battle, too, and it became a large offensive . Unable to endure, 【Scales of Gaia】 collapsed . They lost their influence in 【Holkerbaum】 immediately . Nowadays the novice daughter Mia Aftotol, who succeeded the will of her father, is the head of 【Scales of Gaia】 and there are only the leaders Victor Oladom and Deyuma Izemyul . " (Melissa)

Only the novice daughter Mia and two leaders, is it?

"Around how many times per week do they fight?" (Shuuya)

"As both parties fight in the back alleys, quarrels occur every day . " (Melissa)

Every day… it is .

Are disputes taking place like the other day?

"I see . Also, I wonder how much is the difference in the ratio of war potential and the scale of the turf protected by 【Scales of Gaia】?" (Shuuya)

Melissa start to speak after showing behaviour of thinking for a bit .

"Let's see . One way or another 【Scales of Gaia】 is in a state of protecting a small turf… but, just now the information, that Oze of the Blue Silver and Jane of the Two Whips, who are leaders of 【Owl's Fangs】, have come to this city, got in . It's been said that only the soldiers, who are in the surroundings of the leaders, are exceeding 100 . … In exchange to that, 【Scales of Gaia】 is in a situation where it's unknown whether they have 30 or not, thus… even if you consider the difference in the leaders' abilities, the ratio of war potential is approximately 8 : 2?" (Melissa)

The soldiers of 【Owl's Fangs】, which I destroyed today, are just an extremely little part?

From now on it might also happen that we kill each other .

Shall I also try asking about information regarding 【Bloody Long Ears of the White Whale】 which I ignored more or less?

"What's your impression and what kind of scale has the dark guild called 【Bloody Long Ears of the White Whale】?" (Shuuya)

Melissa lowers her eyebrows .

"Even if I'm asked what impression, let's see… in the dark society of South Mahaheim they possess war potential of the strongest class . It's said that their leader, who is their boss, is one of the "Eight Lights . "" (Melissa)

Once again, is the "Eight Lights" an alliance organization of dark guilds' heads?

"Their parent organization are the special forces of the ancient elves' 【Ancient Befaritz Empire】 and they are called by the nickname survivors of 【White Whale】 . That Empire has perished close to 500 ~ 800 years ago, but the lifespan of elves is long after all . " (Melissa)

Survivors of the Ancient Befaritz Empire, is it?

That means that the members of the leadership class of Bloody Long Ears are all older than 500 years…?

"The headquarters of this 【Bloody Long Ears of the White Whale】 is said to be located in 【Violent Tower City Senapua】 . Moreover, they are boasting of having the biggest influence in 【Fortress City Hekatrail】 and 【Royal Capital Gromheim】 of 【Oseberia Kingdom】 . " (Melissa)

Hee, however, my stomach is already full with stories about dark guilds . (T/N: Mine too)

Next another matter, about Rollo… let's pass on that, shall we?

If I told her that I'm searching for information about the Orb of Wisdom and Genju's Sake Drop, which are treasured divine relics, it will turn into a business .

I cannot afford to easily spill the information of my important objectives .

Thus, shall I ask her about that?

"… I see . I understand re~ally well . The last is about the underground auction . How can I participate there?" (Shuuya)

"… Just who are you, Shuuya-san…?" (Melissa)

Melissa faces me with cold, piercing eyes .

"As humble adventurer, I care about you, Melissa-tan…" (Shuuya)

"— Geez, it's fine . Besides, the -tan at the end, what's that? tan, it is . You can just call me normally as Melissa . " (Melissa)

"— So, can you please tell me?" (Shuuya)

Even though I revealed a smile of fooling around, I gave weight to my words and tried asking .

"Haa… yes, I will explain . It's said that you need connections with important slave traders, huge dark guilds and large companies to participate in the underground auction . The capital starts with at the very least 50 platinum coins . " (Melissa)

If it's the money, I have it .

Ah, what degree is the Luxor Company, I wonder?

The other day I've been told to come for greetings . Will that turn into a connection?

"… Does it take that much money? By the way, what degree of company is the Luxor Company?" (Shuuya)

"Luxor Company? Umm, if I remember correctly… it's a mid-scale company owning land transportation and slave companies . At the very least they aren't a large company . " (Melissa)

My connections are no more than at this level…

Ah, I remembered my conversation with the dwarf Zaga .

Once the items of the ancient dragon were bought by leaders of large companies… however, he probably has already travelled to 【Pelneet】 . Impossible, eh?

"… I see . Melissa, do you have connections?" (Shuuya)

"There's no way for me to have them…" (Melissa)

Just now, for an instant, her speech became unadorned . I don't particularly mind her causal speech though .

"Connections, huh? If I request the thieves guild 【Belgart】, can you make such connections?" (Shuuya)

"… It might be possible if it's boss . " (Melissa)

"It's possible? Mmh~ I actually wanted to decide after asking and just listening . I'm sorry Melissa, but I'd like to meet with your boss . " (Shuuya)

Due to my words, Melissa makes a pondering face .

"For the moment it will be after I have reported, but… is that alright?" (Melissa)

"It's fine . I understand . " (Shuuya)

"Acknowledged . Around tomorrow night, do you have the fee though?" (Melissa)

"It's okay . It's free of charge for me . " (Shuuya)

"Huh? You are really a rich person . So, anything else?" (Melissa)

"There's nothing else I'd like to ask . " (Shuuya)

"Really? Thank you very much for this time . Well then, I will go back . " (Melissa)

Melissa quickly stands up and leaves from the other side of the round table .

"— That's quick . Spending tonight together is impossible?" (Shuuya)

I challenged her with a pickup line on the way .

"It's impossible . But, I'm happy about your feelings . " (Melissa)

Tsk, I was rejected easily .

I'm funny .

Well, it's only natural if I do such things?

"… Got it . Please take care of me again once there's something . " (Shuuya)

"Yes . Well then . " (Melissa)

Melissa goes back with blushing cheeks .

She turned back once and looked at me, but she left after immediately turning on her heels .

At that point Rollo climbs on my lap .

"Are you comforting me for being rejected? What's up?" (Shuuya)

"Nnn . " (Rollo)

Rollo looks at me with her round and cute red eyes and makes a small voice with her throat .

It held the impression of "Reflect on it" since she was pushing her paw against my arm .

Because she can't actually convey feelings through her feelers, it might be different though .

However, for an instant I ended up remembering the Monkey Performances which were often a tourist attraction in my previous life .

Rollo curls up her body and starts sleeping on my lap .

"Haha, next you are sleeping? Are you satisfied after eating well? But . " (Shuuya)

It's evil as she just started sleeping, but… we have to go back to our room .

Grabbing the scruff of the neck of Rollo with her drowsy eyes, I put her on my shoulder against her will .

Rollo dives inside my back hood with slow motions .

Once I return to my room, I will lay down, huh…?