Chapter 24

Even after the store closed, the woman who had come as a client remained, making sure not to be noticed by the other customers, and took another sip of the "Moistening Apricot Maiden Coconut Split." This helped her calm down completely, and her demeanor became noticeably softer.

"I apologize for not introducing myself earlier; my name is Kirsch August. I wish to apologize for my rudeness up until now."

The woman who called herself Kirsch had an estoc at her waist. It seemed she was skilled in martial arts, but from her appearance, her strength as an adventurer was probably just slightly over three thousand, equivalent to a B-rank adventurer.

Considering the average strength of guards serving noble families, she could be considered quite strong. Those with the power to make a living on their own, B-rank and above, often choose independence over being bound to a family.

"I'm sorry for visiting so close to closing time."

"No, you have work during the day, and leaving your post easily might raise suspicions."

"…Yes. As you might have guessed, I serve the Vinsbruck Duke's family… Normally, informing on them would be a betrayal of loyalty. However, in this case…"

After the store closed, Codi and I retreated to the kitchen and listened to the conversation.

"Is it okay? You have work tomorrow, right? This is our guild's problem, so you don't need to worry about it."

"What are you saying? If the duke is plotting something, there must be something I can do as the head of the knights. Don't worry, I'll respect your wishes and be useful as your right hand."

"The strongest piece should only move at the end, right?"

Codi just laughed, and my sarcasm didn't get through to him at all. Since his argument had some merit, I decided not to say anything more. Codi, still sipping the remaining rum, listened intently to the conversation between Verlene and the others at the counter.

"So… What kind of plot is Zebias Vinsbruck involved in?"

"Lord Zebias handed over the head of the family to his son, Jean. However, in reality, he still holds the power of the Vinsbruck family and has been working towards a certain goal… I found out about this."

Though I could only hear Kirsch's voice and not see her face, the tension was palpable. Despite this, Codi's calm demeanor was impressive. Given his strength, it was natural that he had little to fear.

"The Vinsbruck Duke's family is conspiring with the Republic of Berbeck, which borders our country to the west, to overthrow our nation."

"…In other words, they are planning a rebellion. Is that correct?"

"Yes… I am prepared for people to think I am spreading rumors. However, I have evidence. When the duke communicated with Berbeck, he used a messenger to deliver letters. Unfortunately, the messenger was attacked by bandits and the letter was stolen."

Whether this was bad luck or good luck, from the perspective of those who wish for peace in the Albein Kingdom, it should be seen as the latter.

I joined the demon king's slaying party because I didn't want a chaotic world. I could have lived doing what I liked without joining, but I wanted to change the situation where monsters constantly threatened human life. I just wanted to live a carefree life as I pleased.

"The bandits who stole the letter threatened the Vinsbruck Duke's family… Is that what happened?"

"Exactly. However, the letter was written in a code that only the Vinsbruck family could understand, so the bandits tortured the messenger to learn that he was the link between the Vinsbruck family and Berbeck. I was ordered by Lord Vinsbruck to lead a team to the place where the transaction would take place to buy back the letter… However…"

From the fact that it was a team, it was clear that there was no intention to let the bandits go. While I don't want to be overly suspicious, this is not a story that can be listened to with a calm mind.

"…You were ordered to not let the bandits escape, or to kill them all, right?"

"…The first order was just to retrieve the letter. However, the second order, which I was told to open just before the transaction, said… to kill the bandits…"

"Did you follow that order?"

Kirsch didn't answer immediately. But with a trembling voice, she said:

"…Threatening us is unforgivable. We engaged in battle with the bandits, but I couldn't bring myself to kill them all. Sensing something was wrong, I read the contents of the letter without breaking the seal using the 'X-ray' skill. I knew it was not allowed."

X-ray—a skill that allows one to see through thin paper, which can be learned at the thief guild if one wishes. In my case, I can do something similar without it.

However, unlike the adventurer guild, learning skills at the thief guild is punishable. Most members of the thief guild are criminals, and the instructors are no exception, often having committed major thefts in the past.

Kirsch served the Vinsbruck family to the point where she was assigned the dirty job of eliminating the bandits who had threatened them.

The actions of the bandits should be punished, but the fact that the Vinsbruck family was communicating with a neighboring country cannot be overlooked. Kirsch came to this guild as an informant, aware of the danger to her own life.

"Is the Republic of Berbeck trying to seize territory from this country, in collaboration with the duke's family?"

"…Yes. The reason Lord Jean rushed into marriage with Princess Manalina was to claim legitimacy as a ruler by marrying someone of royal blood."

Using Berbeck's power to usurp the throne. Jean Vinsbruck had planned this far, forcing Manalina into marriage.

If the engagement hadn't been broken, Berbeck might have already invaded by now. The thought is unsettling. Perhaps humans are as terrifying as, or even more terrifying than, monsters, both in the past and present.

"…Dick. It's been a while since I've seen you make that face."

"That face? …Well, there's no point in hiding it. This story is making me feel like I'm going to get drunk and sick."

"I feel the same. It's been a while since I felt my blood boil. It seems I can't forget my days as a hero when I come to you."

"Didn't you say it's inappropriate to be happy about the country being in trouble?"

"You did say that. But if a crisis can be prevented, no one will even realize it was a crisis. Isn't that your style, Dick?"

In terms of being inconspicuous, that's the best way. If a problem is solved without anyone even realizing it existed, it's not a problem at all.

In this case, the citizens wouldn't even know that a war was almost about to break out, and the Vinsbruck family would be stripped of their title for unknown reasons, changing the balance of power among the three major dukes. It depends on how the king handles it.

"I'd like to learn that approach… but my 'Light Sword' is too conspicuous, isn't it?"

"Indeed. But it's the right person for the right job. The possibility of relying on you this time is quite high."

"You never say you'll definitely rely on me. Well, I'll look forward to it."

"Sorry. To put it bluntly, you are definitely the last piece. You shouldn't be moved easily."

Codi's glass was empty, but he wouldn't drink any more. I offered him a different drink, as he might be hesitant to use magic to sober up. The "Moistening Apricot" is effective for men as well, promising a good night's sleep.

"…Isn't this something women drink?"

"The effects are the same. It's just more effective for women, but it works for men too. I've tried it myself."

"That's reassuring. If I give it to Miralca and the others… No, calming down too much might not be good."

I made a "Moistening Apricot" mixed with soda water and gave it to Codi. Meanwhile, Verlene and Kirsch's conversation was reaching a critical point.

"So, the letter you read with X-ray was to inform Berbeck that the marriage with the princess would not happen?"

"Yes. Berbeck, already prepared to secretly invade our country by Lord Zebias, was ready. The border between our country and Berbeck is fortified with castles and walls in the southern plains, but the northern part is a rugged mountain range, which serves as a natural barrier, so it is not well-guarded."

"…You mean to tell Berbeck about a secret route through the mountains to bring in their army. If that happens, by the time Albein realizes they are being invaded, it could lead to a battle for the capital."

Verlene, having experienced war as the demon king, immediately understood the danger of the situation.

"The defense of that mountain range is the responsibility of the Vinsbruck family… Using that position to collude with the enemy is…"

"Such a selfish idea. Kirsch, it's good that you came to this guild. If you had consulted another guild, the duke's family might have found out, and you would have been arrested."

"…Yes. My subordinates are keeping quiet about letting some of the bandits escape, but how long can that last? Lord Zebias is very strict about his subordinates' failures. If this is discovered, I will be exiled or…"

Kirsch, who had been speaking bravely, was at a loss for words. It's understandable, given the danger to her life that brought her here for help.

"I know it's wrong to betray the family I served for my own safety. But…"

"If Lord Zebias' plot succeeds, the citizens of the capital will suffer. Your resolve is admirable. Those who point fingers at you as a traitor will not be tolerated by the 'Silver Water Jug.'"

If Kirsch knew Verlene's true identity, how would she feel about these righteous words—coming from a former demon king who feels a sense of justice about a vassal betraying their king?

However, being called a group of righteous people makes me feel a bit itchy. Codi was laughing at me.

Verlene left the counter and came to the kitchen where we were. I nodded, and Verlene smiled happily before returning to the front.

Whether to accept this request or not—there's no need to hesitate.

If they only came for trade, it wouldn't be much of a problem, but if they come close to the capital, it's a different story.

I just want to live a peaceful life. Drinking every day, doing a decent amount of work, talking and laughing with my friends—that's all I need.

What do I need to do for that?

It's simple—continue as usual. As Codi said, prevent the crisis before it happens—or let someone in a position where being conspicuous isn't a problem take the spotlight while I work in the shadows.

"…Finally, you're willing to rely on my strength?"

"Yes. You can't join the 'Masked Savior' yet, but I'll share my soul. Come to the store again tomorrow."

"I promise. Once you understand, I'll leave the rest to you. I'm not good with complicated talks."

Codi is like this—when it comes to fighting bad guys, his enthusiasm is extraordinary, but he's not good at considering the underlying reasons. He dislikes anything that isn't straightforward.

After seeing Codi out the back door, I listened to the rest of the conversation. Verlene was negotiating the contract and payment with Kirsch.

"Considering the scale of the request, it would be difficult for you to prepare the reward personally… However, we will calculate the benefits to the guild after the request is completed. The guild exists because it is recognized by the Albein Kingdom. The reward is significant in terms of maintaining that recognition."

"But… This is not a problem that a single guild should bear, but one that the entire country should…"

"The success rate of our guild's requests, except for special cases where we cannot meet the client's expectations, is always one hundred percent. This is consistent regardless of the scale of the request. I regret that I cannot show you our track record, but I will assert that we are the only ones who can complete this request. We have sufficient reason to accept it. I believe these conditions are sufficient to form a contract."

Kirsch listened to Verlene's words.

It's natural to wonder if our guild can really complete the request—whether such a guild even exists. Even if you come here with a desperate hope, you can't have confidence.

In that case, I'll show you the results.

I'll solve the problem Kirsch brought before it becomes a public issue, just as I've done before.

As the conversation about the request continued, Kirsch became tense again, and the tense atmosphere persisted… but then:

"…I want to repay you with everything I can. I know that no matter how many times I am reborn and dedicate my life, it will never be enough as a reward."

"Life is not a cheap thing. I won't say it is the most valuable, but if you personally want to pay a reward, Kirsch, your pride in that choice will be enough as a reward."

"……Ugh… Ugh…"

I thought she was saying something grand, but honestly, I felt like I was being shown the size of her heart.

I can't say such impressive things like Verlene. That's why I entrusted her with the role of the shop owner—but if she shows such dignity, it's hard to tell who the guild master is.

Kirsch cried for a while, then wiped her tears with the handkerchief Verlene offered and looked up.

From the kitchen, her face looked clear. Even though we hadn't decided whether to accept the request, it didn't matter; she must have felt lighter after crying.

"…Please, I beg of you. Save this country and stop the Vinsbruck family's recklessness."

"Understood, ma'am."

Kirsch signed the contract. Now the 'Silver Water Jug' could start moving tomorrow.

Several problems emerged from her story. I decided to prioritize and solve them.

The secret route across the border that Vinsbruck knows. First, I need to seal that hole—prevent Berbeck from invading easily and delay the enemy's advance.

At the same time, I need to investigate whether Zebias and Jean's plot is everything Kirsch knows.

Some of the tasks are too heavy for the guild members. I will have to rely on them.

In the end, I might have to move myself, but ideally, I want to resolve everything without leaving this tavern—thinking this, I watched Kirsch leave through the back door from a hidden spot, without being noticed.