Chapter 23

By entering into a contract with Beatrice, I was able to obtain the old Stollen family mansion, but since the real estate agent wouldn't say that I had to vacate, he only said on the surface, "I'm glad you liked it."

In truth, he probably thought that he would make more money if the tenants kept leaving due to the undead disturbances, but he must have also anticipated the risk that the anger of the departing tenants would eventually be directed at him.

I turned the mansion into a resort facility that guild members could reserve and use. Of course, I wouldn't be the one to entertain them; I hired someone to manage the mansion. If Beatrice materialized, she wouldn't be distinguishable from a human as long as she didn't show her demonic eyes—hence, she now wears a mask that only covers her golden eyes.

Because I didn't want to stand out, the mask became a big trend among the Silver Water Jug Inn's associates. Even Miralca, who is good at making friends, was told by Aileen that she would team up with Yuma to become the "Masked Rescuers" when Yuma left the capital to perform a purification ritual. I almost spat out my drink when I heard this. It goes without saying that when Miralca visited me later, she told me, "I don't want to hear that from the one who started wearing a mask first."

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After the "Masked Rescuers" made their debut, the rumors about them gradually spread. After all, they were a trio whose beauty could be discerned from their aura alone, despite wearing masks. The men who saw them, unaware that they were a demon lord slaying team, heatedly debated whether they were young or mature beauties, and how old "mature" was, based on their voices. Even the customers at our tavern talked about it.

"Really... why don't they invite me? It's mean to exclude me from the group when they're doing such noble work."

Through the knight's information network, Yuma's activities reached Cordy's ears easily. He had already concluded that the members of the Masked Rescuers were his former comrades based on the small, blonde mage, the well-built martial artist, and the petite cleric.

"We were comrades in the demon lord slaying team. I still think of myself as one, which is why I show my face at the tavern. Dick, are you listening? I'm seriously lodging a complaint."

"Yeah, I'm listening... but I'm just a drunk. Don't shout my name so loudly."

"Right, sorry. I just got carried away. But I'm not regretting it."

Cordy, for better or worse, is the epitome of honest and serious. However, he is also impulsive and can't stand to wait, which is why he comes straight here after finishing his knight duties.

I can understand his feelings—Cordy must know that, just as in the past during the demon lord slaying, I stay in the shadows while they shine.

I watched over them from a distance with a parental concern, but Miralca didn't alter the terrain with her annihilation magic, and Aileen didn't terrify people by transforming into a demon. They performed admirably as champions of justice. Yuma prepared thoroughly and only purified the undead that the village clerics couldn't handle.

Their work was so perfect that there was nothing for me to do on the first mission. Still, it was undeniably enjoyable just to watch. Their battles, regardless of the opponent's level, were graceful—effortless and beautiful, though I couldn't say that to their faces.

"Cordy would be recognized immediately if he used his light sword. It's a unique fighting style."

"Can't I participate with a regular sword? I can make time if I try, even if I'm busy."

"Alright, I'll ask for your help when I really need it. But don't chug your drinks like that."

"...If you say so, I'll wait for when I'm needed. Dick... no, you're a man of principle, so I trust you."

"If I need your help, it'll probably be a national crisis."

"Haha... given my position, I shouldn't hope for such a situation, right?"

Today, Cordy didn't order his usual ale but started with a strong drink. He was drinking a ten-year-old, smooth rum on the rocks. The ice was made from 'Ultimate Pure Ice Blocks' taken from the 'Ice Cave' in the north of the capital, formed by filtered groundwater freezing over time. It even had the bonus of granting ice resistance.

"...I have a rather impertinent question, but you, sir, have a rare appearance and must be very popular with women. Noble ladies must be eagerly awaiting your attendance at social gatherings. Why do you frequent this tavern?"

Velleine, who had been wondering about this, finally asked Cordy.

Cordy, looking at the ice cubes in his glass, smiled and answered.

"I don't have many friends, so meeting old friends is one of the few ways I can relax."

"But I've heard that you are well-respected by your colleagues and subordinates in the knight's order... or at your workplace."

"No one at my workplace sees me as an equal. I got to my current position in a way that's different from others. My subordinates see me not as a human but as a god, so I can't show them my human side."

"...You have a tough time, too. Well, drink up. I'll sober you up before you leave."

"No, I need to keep a bit of a buzz to sleep tonight. Besides, you need to touch the part where the alcohol is metabolized, right?"

Alcohol is metabolized in the liver, so that's where I need to touch. It's a medical procedure, and there's no problem between men, but—thinking about it, Cordy has never had an injury on his abdomen or other areas that require removing clothes, so I've never used recovery magic on those parts.

Some people, even men, don't want their bodies seen, so Cordy is probably one of them. I don't think less of him for not wanting to bathe together.

"Why do you hesitate so much? Your magic is perfect for avoiding hangovers..."

"I know how much I can drink without it affecting me the next morning. One more glass is my limit."

Cordy smiled and finished his rum, then ordered another. I've never seen him overdrink, so I can trust his judgment.

If I join him for this one, it'll be close to closing time. Just as I was about to order my last drink, the doorbell rang, and a customer in a coat entered.

In the noisy atmosphere of the tavern, Velleine and I switched gears. The customer was the one in the blue coat we dealt with on Wednesday.

A strong-eyed, assertive woman—she walked up to the counter and glared at Velleine.

"Give me a 'Milk.' If you don't have it, then 'something special to this tavern'..."

"Madam, this is a place for gentlemen and ladies."

"...Does this guild refuse orders from customers? I want 'Milk.' If not, I'll order 'something special to this tavern.'"

She was irritated—no, extremely anxious. Despite being very beautiful, her attitude was off-putting. It was a waste, but that wasn't the main concern right now.

The request she was about to bring was probably not ordinary. Based on my experience, it felt like it would be one of the most unusual jobs the guild has ever taken.

"Shall I blend a 'special house blend' for you?"

"Yes, do that. Make it 'original for me'... is this okay?"

"Yes. You are recognized as an important guest of our guild."

The woman removed her hood and sat two seats away from Cordy. Seeing her profile, Cordy seemed to recognize something.

To avoid being overheard, Cordy picked up the coaster his rum glass was on and used the water droplets to write: 'She is a noble's servant.'

"This guild is said to take any job. I know it's a long shot, but I'm asking anyway... I can't handle this on my own. This shouldn't be happening..."

"Hey, calm down. You seem really anxious."

I approached the customer early and made eye contact with Velleine to signal the order. Cordy, sensing the atmosphere, moved away from the counter slightly.

I slid the drink I had prepared on the coaster to the requester.

"...What's the meaning of this?"

"It's a welcome drink for your first visit. Treat me as a regular."

"Hmph... a drunk like you. It's a pity for a young person to be drinking so late."

"Madam, this is our last order. If you wish to continue the conversation after closing time, we would appreciate it if you could have a drink."

The customer seemed reluctant to accept a favor from a stranger but, after sending a sharp glance my way, she shrugged. She seemed to have a habit of dramatic behavior.

For me, it didn't matter if she had a difficult personality—she just needed to calm down while I listened to her.

"This yellow thing... is it an apricot? I didn't expect to find fresh fruit in a backstreet tavern."

The blend I provided was a combination of ingredients known for their calming effects.

First, the 'Moist Apricot,' a fruit from the eastern wetlands of Albein, which is said to calm an angry woman for three days and make her as gentle as a mother. It's rare but perfect for such a situation. The fruit-infused alcohol also has high efficacy.

I mixed it equally with 100% pure 'Maiden Coconut' juice. The result was something for her to enjoy.

"...Hmm... it's not as tart as I expected. It slides down smoothly and seeps into my body..."

"How do you feel?"

She didn't answer Velleine's question, staring at the glass for a while before blushing and finishing the rest in one gulp.

Soon, her tense eyes gradually softened. I had confirmed the immediate effect several times before.

"...I retract all my rude remarks. Please hear me out... this is not a problem that a large guild can solve. If left unchecked, or if a mistake is made, this country will be in crisis."

Seeing her suddenly polite tone, Cordy was surprised and looked at me, but I pretended not to notice and took a swig of ale.

"Please, can you stop a certain person's scheme? I need your help to save this country."

"...Who is this person? If it's difficult to say out loud..."

The female requester wrote a name on the order sheet with a quill and showed it only to Velleine.

Velleine, without drawing attention, moved her lips slightly. But I could read her subtle movements accurately.

The name was 'Zebias Vinsbrouct.'

Jean Vinsbrouct, who lost the duel to the first princess Manalina and had his engagement broken, was his son. I didn't expect to hear this name again in such a context.