Chapter 98

It was a day off.

I took the three of them to the capital for shopping.

Without any particular purpose, we wandered around the shops in the capital. It was incredibly fun.

Everything I saw gave me brand new information.

For example, chili peppers. In Mevion, there was only one type of ingredient called chili pepper, but in this world, there were dozens of varieties of chili peppers. Each had a different origin, color, and shape. Of course, the taste was different too. Who grew them where and how they were shipped out. My interest never waned.

From a game perspective, it was just a simple ingredient item, but there was a massive market hidden behind it that I couldn't even imagine.

The coexistence of the game and reality. This seemingly mismatched fusion gave this world an indescribable depth.

"Second, I'm going to stop by the potion shop for a bit."

Sylvia entered a familiar potion specialty store. It seemed a bit more ornate than the last time we visited.

As I followed her in, the middle-aged man who appeared to be the owner rushed over with a surprised look on his face.

"Your Excellency! What a pleasant surprise. We are truly honored by your visit."

...Your Excellency?

"Master is a full ambassador. The proper title is 'Your Excellency.'"

As I wondered, Yuki gave me a hint. I see, that makes sense.

"Do you remember me?"

"Of course, sir. The prosperity of our store is entirely due to you. I was planning to visit and thank you at an appropriate time."

Did I do something? I suddenly remembered. When I first came to this world, I bought about 1 billion CL worth of potions using the 'Daily Quest Strategy.'

"Didn't it cause any trouble to buy so many of the same potion?"

"Absolutely not! You even told us in advance how many you would buy. I'm grateful, not troubled at all."

That's a relief. It seems my actions didn't cause any business difficulties.

"The alchemists must have had a tough time. After all, I was buying about a thousand a day."

"It was a happy problem. Now it's just a funny story."

He laughed heartily. What a refreshing middle-aged man.

"By the way, Your Excellency, what brings you here today? Could it be preparations for the title match?"

"Something like that. You figured it out well."

"Of course! I've heard about your excellent performance in the recent civil war. The staff and I were saying that you would surely win the title this winter."

"Is that so? Do the participants come here often?"

"Yes. Just a moment ago, the three people who are currently the talk of the capital visited."

The three people who are the talk of the capital? Who are they?

Even if I asked for their names, the owner wouldn't give me any hints, breaking his confidentiality.

"Thanks for the information. I appreciate it."

"You're welcome. Please continue to favor us."

After finishing our shopping, we left the store.

When I turned to Yuki, she started speaking without being asked.

"It must be the Ernte Ghostpiercer. Her disciples, the Mix sisters, are also participating in the Ghostpiercer tournament."

"You know a lot."

"Rather, it's surprising that Master doesn't know. The capital is abuzz with the arrival of the Ghostpiercer and two others."

"Are title holders that famous?"

"Not just famous, they are treated like kings of a country."

"Then what do you think would happen if I won the triple crown?"

"…To use Master's words, it would be a 'fucking' big deal."

"A 'fucking' big deal, huh?"

I'm looking forward to it.

Just then, Eko clung to my waist, saying, "I'm hungry."

The clock pointed to mealtime.

"Shall we eat then?"

"Yay!"

Eko climbed up my back and demanded a piggyback ride. I held her legs, and she swayed back and forth happily. She's so energetic.

"I noticed, Second, you're particularly lenient with Eko, aren't you?"

"Yes, I think so too."

How could I not be lenient with such a cute cat-eared girl?

"We're having lunch at the most luxurious restaurant in the capital, which Cubero reserved. That should cheer you up."

Their moods improved instantly. They seem to really like this kind of thing.

"Welcome, we've been expecting you."

When we arrived at the restaurant, Cubero was already waiting.

Led by Cubero, we entered the restaurant, which had an opulent interior rivaling the Firstest's mansion.

We sat at the best table, and as we chatted, a commotion of voices arguing came from the entrance.

"I'll go check it out."

Cubero, who was serving, left with a single word. He's a capable butler, no doubt. He's a credit to our household.

After a while, Cubero returned quickly.

"Ernte Ghostpiercer and her two disciples want to have lunch here, but it seems they don't have a reservation and are arguing with the restaurant staff. What would you like to do?"

"Ah, I see. Tell them it's fine with me. It's okay, right?"

Cubero probably reserved the place exclusively. However, it feels a bit unfair to monopolize this large restaurant just for us. This is a chance to show some generosity.

When I asked the others, they nodded in different ways. Sylvia, of course, Yuki with a grim face, and Eko with only food on her mind.

"I'll go tell them."

Cubero left with a flourish.

Immediately, the arguing voices stopped. It must have been resolved. Our butler is really useful. I'm proud of him.

...However, after waiting for five minutes, then ten, Cubero didn't return.

Thinking something might have happened, I was about to get up when Cubero returned with a formally dressed middle-aged man, who seemed to be the restaurant manager.

"What's going on?"

When I asked, the manager spoke hesitantly.

"Please forgive me... Would you consider greeting the Ghostpiercer and her party?"

"Huh?"

A greeting?

"Second, there's no need for a greeting."

Cubero, with an angry face. The manager was sweating profusely.

"...I understand. They are asserting that the Ghostpiercer is of higher status than the ambassador."

Yuki said quietly.

"Completely ridiculous. There's no hierarchy. It's disgusting to be used for such a performance. Let's leave the restaurant."

"Yuki is right. The Ghostpiercer should be the one to greet Second."

The two were furious. The manager just bowed his head. Sylvia and Eko looked at me, confused.

...Hmm.

"I wanted to have lunch here today. But now there's an interruption. Should we run away?"

The manager is caught between the ambassador and the Ghostpiercer. It's a tough situation. There's nothing I can do. I'll have to talk to the parties involved.

"No matter what happens, no matter what anyone says, I'm having lunch here today. I won't let anyone interfere. I'm on your side, sir. Who cares about the Ghostpiercer? If they say anything unreasonable, tell them off. I'll back you up. Don't let them get away with their power."

"Quite a bold statement."

While I was talking to the manager, a woman's voice came from behind.

I turned slowly, and there stood a beautiful elf.

Pointed ears, a slender figure, a strikingly beautiful face, emerald green long hair, and sharp, slanted eyes. She looked like a tough character.

"You're an ambassador? I don't know which small country you're from, but this is the Ghostpiercer. Shouldn't you be the one to greet her?"

"..."

I stopped Cubero, who was about to step forward.

...I can tell from her posture and demeanor. This woman is very strong.

"Besides, what's this? Using the best seat without even greeting the Ghostpiercer. It's only polite to greet her, give up your seat, and leave quickly. Unbelievable. That's what being shameless means."

Her argument was refreshingly absurd. But the problem is that she genuinely believes this is the norm.

Is this Ernte? If so, it's disappointing. Has being adored as a title holder made her this arrogant?

"You must be Dee Mix."

"Yes. Who are you? What's a dark elf doing here?"

"I'm called Fox."

"Fox?"

"A fox that can only bark, borrowing the tiger's might, is still just a beast."

"...You've got some nerve, lady."

Yuki challenged her head-on. The elf woman, called Dee Mix, took out a bow from her inventory in less than 0.5 seconds.

What, are they going to fight here? I thought, just as a wave of killing intent came from Dee. Wow, she's serious.

"Idiot"

"Kyaa!"

Suddenly, a fist hit the back of Dee's head.

A sage-like old man with a white beard down to his chest appeared behind her.

"My disciple was rude."

"Master! There's no need to bow!"

"I'm making you bow, you idiot!"

"Kyaa!"

She was hit again and forced to bow.

Who is this old man? I was about to ask when I realized. This must be Ernte Ghostpiercer.

"I don't mind. As long as we can have lunch here. But you should educate your disciples better."

"Hehe, that's a sore spot."

"You, what kind of tone is that! I'm several times older than you! And you should properly educate your slaves! Or do you not educate sex slaves?"

Does she think being older automatically makes her superior? Setting aside whether the Ghostpiercer is superior, can her disciples really act so arrogantly? And the dark elf discrimination... It's a full house.

"Sister, you should stop. Master is angry."

"But they're being rude! Jay, you think so too, right?"

"But, Master..."

From beside Ernte, a short-haired elf woman who looked like Dee came out. She must be Jay, Dee's sister.

"Enough, enough. Let's stop the sister talk. Just saying."

The Mix sisters stumbled at the unexpected pun.

The playful Ernte cleared his throat and turned to us with a serious face.

"I apologize for the trouble. Let me pay for the meal as an apology. How about we share a table as a sign of reconciliation?"

"Why should we share a table with such people!"

"Shut up!"

"Ugh!"

Ernte's iron fist flew, and Dee fell silent with tears in her eyes.

...Sharing a meal in this situation? What is this old man thinking?

I was confused and observed Ernte's face. He had a kind, smiling expression. He's a mysterious old man.

Sylvia and Eko were still confused. Yuki and Cubero were angry. Considering a "peaceful day off," sharing a meal was not an option.

But I was intrigued. I wanted to see what kind of person a title holder in this world is.

"Alright. I haven't reconciled yet, though."

I glared at the old man with a hint of hostility. Ernte smiled and said,

"Excellent. Let's have lunch then."

---

"Let me introduce myself again. I am Ernte Ghostpiercer. These two are Dee and Jay, my disciples."

"I see. I'm Second. In order, Sylvia, Eko, Yuki. We're a team called Firstest."

"Hmm, a team. And this one?"

"Cubero. My servant."

"You're all quite skilled."

"You can tell, old man?"

"Old man? Watch your mouth!"

"Jay, control Dee."

"Yes, Master."

"Hey, Jay!"

Dee snaps at everything. Glancing at her, her sister Jay doesn't look too pleased either. They must respect Ernte a lot.

The old man must be very strong. I felt a surge of excitement.

"By the way, how old are you three? I'm 17. Sylvia is 17, Eko is 16, Yuki is 19, and Cubero is 24, right?"

As I asked, Cubero's eyes sparkled with gratitude. What's that about?

"Ho ho, you're young. I'm 403 this year. Dee is 100. Jay is 81. Still younglings."

400... Seriously? This isn't just an old man. And 100 years old? 81 is supposed to be 81, right? These stunning beauties and cute girls are actually old ladies!

"I'm still 99! And the first elf to become a Ghostpiercer at a young age. Remember that."

"Are you going to defeat me?"

"...I'll repay Master's kindness this winter."

"Is that so? I'll look forward to it."

Elves consider 100 years to be adulthood, Yuki whispered.

But this woman, who is a repository of discrimination, is a title match participant... It's a test of character.

"Our Sylvia is also participating in the Ghostpiercer tournament. I look forward to it."

"Hmm"

"..."

The moment I said that casually, the atmosphere changed.

Ernte scrutinized Sylvia as if evaluating her.

Then, Dee—

"Ha!"

"Idiot"

A curse flew out of my mouth.

From a normal posture, Dee immediately drew her bow and fired a "Infantry Archery" skill.

Only I reacted among the five of us.

I activated "Infantry Shield" with the soup plate in my left hand and parried the arrow.

...Close call. If I had been 0.0 seconds slower, the plate would have been pierced. I'm grateful for my lightning-fast reflexes, which haven't declined since my active days as a world champion.

"Hmm. So you're participating in the Ghostpiercer tournament? When you could only blink at my Infantry Archery? Hilarious. If you weren't protected by your friends, you would have been pierced through the chest. Don't underestimate archery. Your participation will lower the dignity of the Ghostpiercer. Please withdraw."

After the sneak attack, she said whatever she wanted. She was completely taking the high ground.

Dignity. Dignity... Indeed, it was a good quick shot. The transition from a non-threatening stance was impeccable. However, this is not the time for such things during a meal.

"..."

Sylvia lowered her head silently. She must have had her own thoughts. But there's no need to be discouraged. You haven't even practiced sparring. Being told you lost a race after being told to start without even being in position is no big deal, right?

"...You, now"

The old man also looked at me with a dazed expression, muttering something. But there's something he should do first, right? Isn't it because he doesn't properly supervise his disciples that they act so recklessly?

"Ha, it's too much. Really too much."

I sighed.

I was angry. I wanted to teach her a lesson.

"What? Did I say something wrong?"

I sent a cold stare, but Dee showed no remorse.

I see. Indeed, you didn't say anything wrong, in your own mind. Then I'll do what I think is right.

"Come, Anko. Angolmois."

I stood up and activated "Demon Summoning" and "Spirit Summoning" simultaneously.

Boiling darkness and shimmering light enveloped my sides.

"What...!"

Dee immediately drew her bow and prepared a skill. Probably "Gold General Archery."

"Oh, oh, oh."

Anko narrowed her already narrow eyes and laughed, placing a finger on her lips.

"Poor little girl, daring to bare your fangs at my Second."

Angolmois laughed, contrary to her words.

Dee took a step back but still confidently aimed her bow at us.

"Don't underestimate me."

"Dee, no!"

Ernte tried to stop her, but it was a bit too late.

The moment I took a step forward, Dee activated "Gold General Archery." It's a skill that knocks back enemies within a certain range.

"Transformation."

I used the invincibility of "Transformation" to nullify "Gold General Archery" and even blew Dee away.

With Anko, Angolmois, and transformation, it was a full course.

"Angolmois, wind."

"As you wish."

"Anko, dark magic."

"Yes, Master."

I forced Dee to crawl and reduced her HP to 1.

...It must be unimaginable terror. To be reduced to 1 HP while unable to move.

"Junior, don't threaten like that. Poor thing. She's trembling like a little slime."

"Senior, you seem to be enjoying it."

The two, who had been at odds, seemed to be getting along a bit. Maybe finding a common enemy brings people together.

"I'm sorry. Please forgive Dee."

"My sister was terribly rude. I apologize."

Ernte and Jay, looking flustered, apologized to me.

It's too late... It's too late to apologize after my strength is revealed. It's unfair. I don't feel any sincerity.

"I can't let this slide. This is attempted murder. And the target is a knight of the Third Knight Order and an embassy staff member. Do you understand the implications?"

The three turned pale.

That's why