Chapter 55

With Gilbert's exile and the second squad's pacification, the movement to remove Roland from the "Golden Eagle" had subsided.

The dungeon management was proceeding smoothly, and Roland was listening to Clarice's report in the guild master's office.

"The management of the 'Dungeon of the Netherworld' is going well. We should be able to mine the target amounts of Chimaera feathers, iron ore, and silver ore."

"How about the second squad?"

"There are no issues. They occasionally get into arguments with the first squad, but they calm down when I say I'll tell Roland."

"I see."

Roland had hinted that he would add color to the next budget based on the results of the dungeon management for each squad.

As a result, they were careful not to give Roland a bad impression.

(This term seems to be manageable. The problem is the next term.)

The Ist team, which would challenge the "Dungeon of the Mines," would likely be defeated by the "Guardians of the Magic Tree."

While the Ist team continued to make mistakes, Roland's plan was to let the Alik team achieve success.

By doing so, he would reduce the influence of the second squad, which was a source of unrest, and advance reforms to secure his position.

(Well, will it work?)

Even if they suffer a crushing defeat, it's unlikely that the Ists would back down easily.

If they feel their authority is being taken away, they would likely start causing trouble again.

He needed to prepare in advance to gradually downsize the second squad.

Moreover, the Alik team also needed preparation.

If the Alik team's status was raised, there was a risk they would become overconfident.

He needed to deepen his relationship with Alik or create a system to limit the Alik team's authority.

(The only ones I can trust are Gil and Dowin. I can't let my guard down until the S-class extermination squad is fully operational.)

Roland couldn't help but laugh dryly, realizing how accustomed he had become to the mindset of a power player.

In the "Guardians of the Magic Tree," Lilianna handled all these matters, but in the "Golden Eagle," he had to manage all the internal politics himself.

Honestly, he wanted to focus on his primary responsibility of training.

On his desk were magic books and wine to enhance his magic power.

On the vanity table were ornate perfume bottles.

The purple curtains were adorned with mysterious patterns.

In this room, which looked like a witch's bedroom, Lilianna was basking in the moonlight that pierced through the window, with a dazed expression.

She was in bed, but her clothes were all discarded on the floor.

Her body was enveloped in a pleasant sense of fatigue.

This was because she had just been sharing love with the man lying next to her.

Despite feeling it was improper, she had begged him to come over due to loneliness.

After a long time without intimacy, she had clung to her beloved with all her energy.

After thoroughly savoring his love, she was now basking in the afterglow, but she let out a troubled sigh.

This indicated that the flame of passion was still smoldering within her.

With a little fanning, it would likely flare up again.

Lilianna couldn't handle this flame on her own and felt overwhelmed.

So, she reached out to touch the shoulder of the man lying next to her, who had just made her feel so happy, hoping to feel that happiness again.

However, she stopped midway.

She heard his quiet snoring.

(Roland, you've fallen asleep.)

Feeling lonely, Lilianna withdrew her hand.

Instead, she gazed at Roland's face illuminated by the moonlight, entranced.

Tonight, the issues with the "Golden Eagle" had been resolved, and they finally had some time together.

Lately, she had felt particularly lonely on her own.

Every night, she couldn't sleep, lying in bed and thinking about Roland while looking at the moonlight streaming through the window.

If possible, she wanted to be by his side every night.

Tomorrow, Roland said he couldn't come to her house again.

Thinking about this, she felt a pang of sadness.

She couldn't help but fidget with her legs.

If they wouldn't meet for a while, she wanted to feel as close to Roland as possible, so she rested her cheek on his arm.

(Thank you for all your hard work. But, you can take a little break and stay in my room, can't you?)

On a lonely night where even the moonlight was hidden by clouds, Monica felt an overwhelming sense of loneliness and a lump in her throat as she headed towards Roland's house.

(Roland, why do you always go to Lilianna's place? I also got the top number of defeats. Sure, Lilianna met you first, but... even on a lonely night like this, you could be by my side, right? Roland!)

She had already confirmed through the "Eagle's Eye" that Roland, Lilianna, and Gil were all at home alone tonight.

The "Eagle's Eye" could be a very powerful stalking skill if used properly.

Monica knocked on Roland's door, holding a gift in her arms.

"Who is it...? Oh, Monica?"

Roland, who came out of the room, was surprised by the unexpected visitor.

"Good evening, Roland."

"What's the matter? At this hour?"

"I happened to be in the neighborhood and wanted to thank you for all your help. I brought a small token of my appreciation..."

"Is this vintage wine?"

Roland's eyes lit up as he looked at the bottle of wine.

"Yes, I hope it suits your taste..."

"It's not just suitable; it's my favorite. Thank you."

Monica had already researched Roland's favorite brand.

"Also, this..."

Monica handed Roland a basket containing bread and meat, all of which paired well with wine and were Roland's favorites.

Roland couldn't help but smile.

Seeing Roland's smile, Monica felt relieved.

When he came to the door, he looked a bit tired, but he didn't seem annoyed.

With this, she could move on to the next step.

"Roland, would you like to celebrate?"

"Celebrate? What for?"

"Yes, Roland, you've been promoted, but no one has congratulated you yet."

"You're right. I haven't congratulated you on getting the top number of defeats either."

Monica felt a warm sensation in her chest, knowing that Roland remembered her achievement.

"Everyone is busy, so we can't gather, but I thought we could at least celebrate together..."

"Of course, that's fine, but..."

(I don't really want to go out for drinks now.)

The nearest bar was quite a distance away.

Even if it was an invitation from a cute subordinate, he was too tired to go out.

"Roland, if you don't mind..."

"Hmm?"

"How about celebrating at your place?"

"Here? At my place?"

"Yes, of course, if you're okay with it..."

(Please, Roland, don't refuse.)

Monica pleaded silently in her heart.

"Ah, sure, that's fine, but..."

Roland remembered that his room wasn't very tidy.

Was it appropriate to bring a female subordinate, even if she was a subordinate, into such a messy room?

Monica sensed Roland's hesitation.

"It's fine. I don't mind a messy room. My room is always messy too."

"Really?"

"Yes, so please don't worry."

"Um, well, if you say so..."

(I'll probably be busy for a while. She worked hard and deserves some reward. It's better to celebrate while we can.)

"Alright, come in."

"Thank you!"

"But, please, don't mind the mess."

"It's fine. I'm sure my room is messier."

Monica entered Roland's room, which wasn't as messy as she had expected.

There were clothes scattered on the bed and sofa.

(That's good. This is manageable.)

She had been worried if it was too messy, but this was fine with a little tidying up.

It wouldn't ruin the romantic mood.

"I'll prepare the food, Roland."

"Ah, thank you. I'll tidy up the room."

They started working, with Monica in the kitchen and Roland in the room.

Monica set out plates and glasses on the table, and Roland folded the clothes. Then they sat on the sofa in front of the table.

"Let's celebrate your top number of defeats again."

"Congratulations on becoming the guild master of the 'Golden Eagle,' Roland."

They clinked their glasses of wine and enjoyed some snacks while chatting.

They also discussed the next term's dungeon strategy.

"From what I hear, the 'Golden Eagle' will assign the second squad to the 'Dungeon of the Mines' next term."

"Yes, I plan to order them to tackle the 'Dungeon of the Mines.'"

"But, is that wise? We're planning to tackle the 'Dungeon of the Mines' next term. I'm concerned that the current 'Golden Eagle' might not be able to compete with us."

"You're right. They will likely be defeated by you."

"Is that okay? You just became the guild master. If they lose to us, your position might be at risk..."

"Don't worry about it. Just do your best as always."

After saying this, Roland realized something.

"Don't tell anyone what I just said."

"Of course, I won't."

Roland felt relieved.

Monica wouldn't tell anyone.

"I can't say it loudly, but I know they will lose. I don't want to send them to a meaningless battle, but I have no choice. They complain, ignore orders, and defy me. When I asked what they wanted, they said they wanted to challenge a losing battle."

Roland felt his resolve weakening.

He usually wouldn't complain to his subordinates like this.

It was probably because he was drinking good wine and talking to a cute girl, but he was also tired of his work at the "Golden Eagle."

"They chose to self-destruct. They brought it upon themselves."

After saying this, Roland scratched his head, feeling self-loathing.

"What am I doing? Giving a budget to subordinates who are self-destructing. Maybe I shouldn't have accepted the position of guild master of the 'Golden Eagle.'"

"You're not at fault, Roland."

"Huh?"

"People who want to strangle themselves exist everywhere. You shouldn't feel responsible for their failures, shame, or pain."

"Monica..."

Roland felt a bit more at ease.

"Thank you. You've made me feel a bit better."

"It's nothing compared to what you've done for me."

"Hehe. It's a great feeling to hear that from you. Anyway, to get back to the point, you don't need to hold back. Don't let your guard down or feel sympathy, or you might be caught off guard. Just focus on your success as an adventurer."

"Understood. I'll crush the second squad."

"Thanks. I'll leave it to you."

"I'll take care of anyone who holds you back."

"Hehe. Thank you. You're a good and honest person."

Roland looked at Monica with the same gaze he would give a good student.

Monica felt comfortable with this interaction.

(I wish we could stay like this forever.)

She wanted to continue this good teacher-student relationship.

However, if she remained silent, Roland would go to Lilianna or Gil.

(I need to make a decision, Monica. It's okay. If I follow Yufine's example, Roland will surely... )

"Roland, your glass is empty. Here, let me pour you some more."

Monica filled Roland's glass with wine.

"Ah, thank you."

Roland savored the wine Monica had poured.

"Phew. It's so hot."

Monica took off her jacket, revealing a sleeveless top.

Roland's rationality almost flew out the window at the sight of her curves, which rivaled Gil's.

"Is something wrong?"

Monica asked, tilting her head in curiosity, and leaned forward, making her chest more visible to Roland.

"No, nothing's wrong."

Roland quickly averted his eyes from Monica's chest.

After that, Monica kept touching his shoulder, arm, and sometimes even pressed her chest against his arm.

Roland seemed to enjoy this kind of play, even touching her shoulder.

Monica blushed deeply each time she touched or was touched by Roland, but she also felt relieved.

It seemed she wasn't physically repulsive to him.

At least, he wasn't the type who disliked physical contact.

(That's a relief.)

Monica felt a deep sense of relief.

If she had been rejected at this point, she would never have recovered.

The next step was to see how much he would respond to her feelings.

"Oh, it's already this late."

Roland checked the clock, surprised.

"It's time to wrap up. I'll see you home."

Roland realized his body was swaying.

(I've had too much to drink.)

"Roland, don't push yourself. Let's enjoy a bit more."

Monica took his arm, trying to get him to sit back on the sofa.

If more time passed, Roland would find it harder to tell her to leave.

"But, you should go home soon..."

"It's fine. I'm an adult."

"But, even if you're an adult..."

"Come on, what's the harm in a little fun? Do you not want to be with me?"

"No, it's not that I don't want to be with you..."

"I like you, Roland."

Monica said, her face turning red.

"Monica, I'm in a difficult position..."

"I know you're with Lilianna. So, I'm okay with being second."

"Cal down, Monica. Think about what you're saying."

"Roland, can't you like me, even a little?"

Monica asked, tears streaming down her face.

"I'm sorry. I don't dislike you, but I like Lilianna. She helped me when I was going through a tough time. I want to take care of her."

"Ugh, sniff."

(I would have rushed to support Roland if I knew he was going through a tough time. If only I had told him I liked him earlier. I wish I could turn back time and go back to when I first met Roland.)

Monica sobbed for a while.

Roland watched her, not saying anything.

When her tears finally dried, Roland lifted her up.

"Are you okay? Can you stand?"

"Yes. Roland, I'm sorry for being so selfish today."

"It's fine. I'm sorry too. I didn't realize you were so troubled. Let's go home now. I'll see you to your place. You need to be back to normal tomorrow."

Roland escorted Monica to her home and parted ways without any issues.