A Disaster-Level Assassin Has Been Freed

Chapter 5: An Unexpected Offer (2)

‘What’s with that bastard?

How arrogant…….’

Fernando, the youngest member of the Carlson Mercenary Corps, was a Bronze Plate Mercenary.

Although he was a bit dense, his skill with throwing daggers from afar was useful enough for him to be safely accepted as a member.

Even he was relegated to doing chores here, so there was no need to elaborate on how formidable the average skill level of the mercenary corps was.

But now.

The odd-job worker had refused the recruitment offer extended directly by the leader of that Carlson Mercenary Corps.

An inexperienced brat with pale skin, who looked like he hadn't even done mercenary work let alone suffered any real hardship, had dared to ignore the Captain's goodwill.

‘How stupid can he be?’

It was so absurd it was infuriating.

Even his attitude when refusing was nonsensical.

An insolent tone and an incredibly arrogant gaze.

“Is this coercion? What a son of a bitch…….”

Fernando muttered lowly and drew his dagger.

It was to teach the brat who had lost all sense of fear some etiquette, but…….

For some reason, his feet wouldn't move.

His expression stiffened as he looked around.

“…….”

The atmosphere was strange.

The odd-job worker guy had ignorantly refused the goodwill offered by the strongest person in the current group.

Looking at the situation alone, scoffing laughter should have erupted from here and there.

Or perhaps anger like his own.

But no one did.

Fernando rolled his eyes.

Neither Vice-captain Nick nor the third strongest, Zepin, made any move…….

Having belatedly grasped the situation, he stealthily put the dagger back into his clothes.

A moment later.

The black-haired young man, who had been staring intently at Carlson, continued speaking.

“I’ve been feeling pretty good lately.”

“…….”

“Because everyone here asked for my opinion.”

It wasn't like that in the village.

Those who spoke, those who listened.

Those who gave orders, those who received them.

They were clearly divided.

That's why he liked it here.

Even superiors listened to subordinates, and even subordinates could speak their minds if they didn't like something.

If the difference of opinion couldn't be bridged in the end, no one would say anything even if they went their separate ways.

That was what Harang, Godok, understood of the outside world's ways, but…….

‘If that’s not the case, then there’s no reason to respect them, is there?’

As his thoughts organized, Harang’s eyes deepened.

That was all.

Unlike Carlson, he didn't make a displeased face or radiate his presence, so those surrounding them still viewed this odd-job worker as nothing more than a reckless pup.

Nevertheless, the reason no one moved was because of Carlson.

A face hardened like stone.

It wasn't to intimidate.

Watching the changed attitude of the veteran mercenary exchanging serious gazes with Harang, the mercenary corps members felt the atmosphere had become strange.

“I’ll say it one more time. I’m not particularly interested.”

“……May I ask why?”

“I just don’t like being tied down anywhere.”

“You seem to prefer a free life.”

“I guess so, probably.”

Carlson frowned.

Not confirming it, but saying ‘I guess so’?

However, he didn't press further on this.

Letting out a sigh, he stood up from his seat and said.

“Do as you please.”

Then he turned sharply and returned to his spot.

The Carlson Mercenary Corps members who had surrounded the area followed him.

Watching their backs, Matthew thought.

‘The mood isn’t great.

Well, they probably never expected to be rejected.’

Who would have thought they'd receive such a cold reply when they had approached amicably, thinking they were offering a great favor?

It was fortunate it ended here.

If it had been a bad-tempered fellow, a bigger argument would have broken out.

He turned his gaze towards Harang.

He was a strange guy.

No, that expression didn't suffice to describe him.

‘If it were me, I would have bowed down low.

No, even if I didn’t want to join, I wouldn’t have been able to speak like that…….’

His guts seemed five times bigger than his own.

Shaking his head slightly, Matthew once again rolled his eyes to survey the surroundings.

Jack, still frozen.

The newbie, whose thoughts were unreadable.

And Bianca, the daughter of the Barjean Merchant Guild Leader and the second-in-command of the guild, still standing in an awkward posture.

That's right.

Carlson's group had left, but she seemed to have remaining business and stayed put.

Perhaps because of that, quite a few people were still not moving and watching this side.

‘It’s burdensome…….’

He wanted to run away.

But making a conspicuous move now felt even more burdensome, so Matthew just hoped the current situation would end quickly and lowered his gaze appropriately.

Then, as if waiting, Harang opened his mouth.

“Do you have anything else to say?”

“Huh? Ah, yes.”

“Please sit.”

“Ah, yes…… Well, I don’t have much to say, really.”

Bianca sat down.

Her face still showed lingering surprise, but perhaps she wasn't the Vice-guild leader for nothing, as her words came out smoothly.

“First, I apologize. That’s right. We merely make suggestions, and whether to accept them or not depends on your thoughts, Mr. Harang, but we pushed too hard.”

“That person did, but I didn’t particularly get that feeling from you.”

“……Haha, if that’s the case, then I’m relieved. Anyway, I understand your thoughts, Mr. Harang. May I take it that you feel burdened by formally belonging somewhere for a long time?”

“I guess so?”

Harang consistently gave vague answers.

This time, Bianca wasn't flustered either.

Nodding as if she expected it, she offered another suggestion with a smile.

“Then how about this? The current contract was to accompany the Barjean Merchant Guild as a trainee worker until Kuchen Village, right?”

“Yes.”

“How about changing ‘until Kuchen Village’ to ‘until the Commercial City Marzen’?”

“Commercial city?”

“Yes. Kuchen is quite a large village, but it pales in comparison to a city. Aren't you planning to continue wandering around after parting ways with us anyway?”

“Hmm.”

He wasn't sure.

Just as accompanying the merchant guild wasn't something he had planned or decided, nothing about Harang’s future was set in stone.

Refusing Carlson’s offer wasn't the result of deep thought either.

However…….

‘A city.’

A city.

A place much larger than a village, where far more people lived.

He knew the dictionary definition, but he had never experienced it himself.

Much like how he only indirectly understood the concept of ‘the sea’.

Therefore, it was tempting.

Closing his eyes gently, he let his imagination run wild.

“In that case, it would be better to travel together until the city. To travel alone, you need a map, spare clothes, and many other things to prepare. To get all those things, a city is better than a village, after all.”

It didn't register in his ears.

“Besides, you also need money. Honestly, working as a worker for just a few days isn’t enough to buy the things I just mentioned. But if you accompany us to Marzen, your funds will become a bit more plentiful, right? Ah! In addition to that, how about changing your position too? From worker to guard. Seeing you, it seems you handle a sword quite well…….”

None of Bianca’s words entered his ears.

To Harang, how important preparations were for wandering the continent alone, or how much money those preparations required, was utterly unimportant.

A wider world.

More and more diverse people.

And through this, experiences completely different from what he had encountered so far!

Having thought this far, he snapped his eyes open and looked back at Bianca.

“Let’s do that.”

“Pardon?”

“Let’s go to Marzen together.”

“……Ah, let’s do that. You won’t regret that choice.”

Was it because he accepted too easily, unlike before?

Bianca hesitated for a moment, but she quickly recovered her smiling face and laid out the minor details related to the contract.

It didn't take long.

Because Harang nodded obediently without raising any particular objections.

Thus, the suddenly convened meeting concluded.

Carlson, Bianca, Harang, and the onlookers all returned to their respective places.

Only Matthew and Jack remained.

The two sat there blankly for a long time, unable to tell if what just happened was a dream or reality, until…….

“What are you doing over there! How long are you going to stay like that! Not working?”

“Ah!”

“Yes!”

Only after hearing the stern order from a guild employee did they hurriedly get up and start working.

However, the questions in their minds still lingered, confusing them.

‘What on earth did they see in that guy…….’

‘Carlson and the Guild making such offers?’

For the two Wooden Plate Mercenaries, it was a mystery that remained unsolved no matter how much they pondered.

* * *

“It’s the sword.”

“Pardon?”

“It’s the sword that man had. Since trust hasn't been built yet, I said I'd hold onto it for a while and brought it here. The young man agreed too. Anyway, what do you think of it?”

“……It’s good. The quality of the steel is decent, and the balance is good too. It lacks any particular decoration, but I think any skilled swordsman would like it.”

“Indeed. In addition to that…….”

Pointing not at the blade but at the hilt, the Merchant Guild Leader, Barjean, spoke.

“……The hilt part is worn down.”

“…….”

“Do you still not understand? He is someone who has wielded a sword fine enough for anyone to covet for so long that the hilt has become smooth. How could such a person be ordinary?”

“Ah…….”

Hearing her father's words, the Vice-guild leader, Bianca, let out an exclamation as if she finally understood.

She had just thought it was strange.

Why did her father rate that man so highly?

Of course, she knew he wasn't ordinary.

He had disabled the guild's perimeter twice, after all.

But, even so, her judgment was that it wasn't enough for the Vice-guild leader herself to get involved.

Wasn't it just exploiting a moment when mercenaries of similar rank were slacking off?

That's why she had felt uncomfortable throughout the conversation with him.

It was because she felt his attitude was far too arrogant for the abilities he possessed.

But listening to Barjean's explanation, she finally understood.

Looking at his daughter, whose face finally brightened, the Merchant Guild Leader continued.

“His actions are unpredictable, making him difficult to handle, but it’s a waste to just let him go now that he’s within our grasp. There’s quite some time until Marzen, so let’s build a connection in the meantime. Create a reason for him to stay with us in the city too, and do some investigation in the meantime.”

“I understand.”

“He might be the disciple of a renowned swordsman, so if we’re lucky, we might even establish a connection that far.”

Finishing his words, Barjean handed the sword to his daughter.

“Since his position changed from worker to guard, you should return it to its owner.”

“I will do so.”

“I hope we encounter a suitable monster tomorrow or the day after. It would be even better to see his skills directly…… or perhaps not? Did you say Carlson’s side is also aiming for him?”

“Yes. It seems things have completely soured, but…….”

“You never know. That young man is just the type Carlson goes crazy for.”

“……Ah.”

Bianca looked momentarily bewildered, then spoke as if she belatedly understood.

That was right.

Carlson, the leader of the Silver Plate Mercenary Guild, was most famous for his twin swords, but he was also famous for his unique sexual preferences.

Recalling Harang’s appearance, she slowly nodded her head.

He wasn't bad looking.

His skin was smooth too.

“Anyway, it’s a bit like that. He works well, but…… never mind. You may leave.”

With those words, the Merchant Guild Leader closed his eyes.

Bianca respectfully bowed and carefully exited the tent.

“Haa.”

Then, she let out a deep sigh as if the ground would collapse.

She felt lost.

She wasn't particularly bad with words, but conversations with Harang were unpredictable.

As her father said, he was an unpredictable person.

She could grasp that much even from just a brief conversation.

And she was supposed to build rapport with such a man?

‘And that strange atmosphere when he had the staring contest with Carlson…… it bothers me subtly.’

Her head was complicated.

She felt it would be better to pore over complex accounting documents instead.

‘First, let’s return the sword.’

After pondering for a moment, Bianca nodded.

That's right.

There was no need to rush.

It would take at least ten days to reach the Commercial City Marzen.

It wouldn't be too late to get to know him gradually and make plans slowly, so there was no need to worry prematurely.

Having organized her thoughts, she began searching for Harang, wandering among the mercenaries.

“Hello, Mr. Kent.”

“Ah, hello Ms. Vice-guild leader!”

“You’re working hard. Ah, by any chance, do you know where Mr. Harang might be?”

Bianca asked with a smiling face.

Although he was merely a guild worker handling menial tasks, she showed absolutely no attitude of disregard.

It was her father’s teaching.

The saying that treating subordinates more kindly never resulted in loss was something she had come to understand lately, so there was no awkwardness in her tone.

Like this, Bianca went back and forth, continuously searching for Harang.

‘……Why isn’t he here?’

Despite investing considerable time, she gained nothing.

It was strange.

Even if it accommodated many people, it was still just a campsite.

Unless he was deliberately hiding, it meant she couldn't possibly fail to find him.

“S-Sorry! I don’t know!”

“Well, he was with us earlier, but now I’m not sure…….”

She also asked the newbie mercenaries he usually hung out with.

But it was the same.

They too didn't know Harang's location, and cracks began to appear in Bianca’s expression, which had been armed with a bright smile.

This bastard, is he doing this on purpose?

Is he up a tree somewhere trying to mess with her?

Maybe, he already left the merchant guild?

‘But alone in the middle of the night like this?

No, didn't he first appear at night too…….’

Her mind was filled with chaotic thoughts.

It was then.

At the voice that rang out, hot as if burned by fire, Bianca’s expression hardened stiffly.

“Monster!”