Chapter 39

It's been a while.

Starting today, I will update Chapter 3 of the Ancient Era.

I've been writing it frequently and finally completed it.

Shuu and Iris, who had left the Republic of Elise, continued their journey westward. They decided to escape to the Great Empire to avoid the annoying pursuit by the church.

The Subarokia Great Empire.

It is a vast nation that dominates the western half of the Slada continent. However, the territory of the Great Empire itself is only about half of that, with the rest being the territories of vassal states. Nevertheless, the power difference is overwhelming, and the Great Empire completely subjugates its vassal states through military might. Not only does it collect taxes, but it has also created a system where powerful magicians can rise to prominence. Powerful magicians from vassal states can secure their status by joining the Great Empire's military.

As a result, the military strength of the vassal states gradually declines, while the Great Empire's military strength rapidly increases, further strengthening its control. This is the current state of affairs.

"This is the capital... The poverty of the vassal states is terminal."

Shuu and Iris arrived at the Kingdom of Eldorado, one of the states under the Subarokia Great Empire, and made their way to the capital. They had passed through several towns and cities along the way, all of which were living in poverty. They had hoped the capital would be different, but it was a faint hope.

"The streets are also unclean."

"The infrastructure seems to be lacking. This place will collapse soon."

"What do we do?"

"We plan to stay in this country for a few years at most. We have no intention of changing our plans."

Shuu came to this country for work, specifically for the Black Cats' work.

The Kingdom of Eldorado is completely exhausted, but the upper class, including the nobility and royalty, still maintain a luxurious lifestyle. Their extravagance is built on the poverty of the common people.

Naturally, assassination requests to the dark organization, the Black Cats, have increased.

The Black Cats have strong roots in the Great Empire and have connections, including with high-ranking nobles. They obtain requests through these channels and earn money.

Shuu came to this land as the "Reaper."

"Let's find the tavern we heard about."

"Yes, sir."

First, they needed to find the Black Cats' base in the capital, Drane. They had already obtained information from the bases they visited in the towns they passed through after entering the Kingdom of Eldorado. They had been gathering information on the bases in order since their time in the Republic of Elise, and had finally reached this point.

So, they knew the general location and the name of the tavern.

The two started walking down the main street.

"By the way, Shuu."

"What is it, Iris?"

"Are we being watched?"

"We are."

Both Shuu and Iris could feel the intense gazes on them. The reason was easy to guess.

"It's probably our appearance. Everyone here is dressed poorly, but we're wearing decent clothes. That's why."

"It's uncomfortable."

"I'd almost want to use vibration magic to hide ourselves."

"Then do it."

"Using magic in the city would get us arrested."

Generally, the use of magic or magical equipment is prohibited in the city. It might be allowed with a valid reason, but using magic just because the gazes are annoying would not be tolerated. Moreover, the security organization in the Kingdom of Eldorado is also corrupt. If they were falsely accused, it could lead to complications, and Shuu might end up destroying the city.

After all, Shuu is not a human but a monster.

Even if millions of people were to disappear, he wouldn't be moved, except for Iris.

However, he doesn't intend to bring about destruction.

He has enough common sense to make that judgment.

"The security seems bad. Be careful."

"Then you should protect me, Shuu."

Iris said this and clung to Shuu's left arm. Her casual clothing didn't show it, but she had a very good figure. Shuu could feel the softness, though he didn't get excited due to being a spirit-type monster.

However, letting his guard down was a mistake. Shuu had just warned Iris, but what he expected happened soon.

"Ouch... That hurts..."

A man deliberately bumped into Shuu and held his right shoulder. He had a scar on his face and a bad look. He was well-built, giving off a rough image. The man then questioned Shuu in a low, growling voice.

"Hey, you broke my bone. How about paying for the medical expenses? Huh?"

"That's not how you ask for something."

"What did you say? I could hand you over to the security for assault."

The man wasn't actually injured.

If he were handed over to the security, he would be charged with fraud and obstruction of justice—Shuu didn't know if such crimes existed in this country—but the man must have connections with the security. He was probably bribing them, or the security and the man were working together to frame Shuu.

(What should I do...)

Shuu thought for a moment.

There were several options, but it might be difficult to resolve the situation peacefully.

Seeing Shuu's thoughtful expression, the man probably thought he didn't have money and made a suggestion that could provoke Shuu.

"If you don't have money, that's fine. You can lend me the girl, and I'll forgive you."

"…Alright."

Shuu extended his right hand slightly towards the man and slowly closed his palm. This was the preparatory motion for a death spell.

Iris quickly stopped Shuu.

"Stop, Shuu! What about resolving it peacefully!?"

"I'm thinking of killing him peacefully."

"That's not peaceful at all!"

They were speaking in low voices, so the man couldn't hear. He probably didn't realize he was seconds away from being killed.

"Besides, I can heal you with light magic, even if your injury is superficial."

"True, that's a good point."

"Phew... What a relief."

Iris sighed, then released Shuu's left arm and approached the man. The man, mistaking her approach for interest, became excited.

Iris had a cute appearance.

She was used to such situations from her time as a paladin. Although being looked at by perverted men was unpleasant, she remained rational enough to make calm judgments.

Iris extended her hands towards the man's right shoulder and activated light magic.

"Feel better now."

"What... what...?"

A sudden magical array appeared, indicating the activation of magic. She poured a faint light into the man's right arm. The healing magic made the man feel unusually refreshed.

"Here, you're healed. I don't think you need payment for treatment."

"Ah, no... um..."

"You don't need to pay for treatment."

"But..."

"You don't need to pay for treatment."

"Alright, alright."

The man, feeling the power of the healing magic, could only nod.

Hearing his response, Iris quickly returned to Shuu's left arm and clung to it again.

"Let's go, Shuu!"

"Sure."

The man, who had never experienced such a response, watched Shuu and Iris leave in a daze.

Even a man who looked tough was stunned, looking completely foolish.

◆◆◆

In a dimly lit tavern in the capital of the Kingdom of Eldorado, Drane, a trio was sitting in a back room, speaking in low voices without touching their drinks.

"Are you sure this is okay?"

"No problem. It's through the introduction of Count Bold. You know he's one of the few people who support us."

"Pathetic. A man should be more confident, like... the Leader."

The person called Leader was hooded, and his face was hidden. However, his build and voice suggested he was male.

From the title "Leader," it was easy to infer he was the one in charge of the group.

"Ray is too timid."

"Hey, Reiria! Be more considerate! I'm being cautious!"

"You're always hiding behind the Leader. That's weak."

"I'm not good at fighting. What can I do?"

"You're even worse than a woman."

"What did you say!"

"Quiet, both of you."

The Leader, who had been watching Ray and Reiria argue, stopped them with a sigh. The room was soundproof, but not completely. They didn't want to make unnecessary noise.

Shocked by the Leader's words, Ray and Reiria quickly quieted down.

The Leader then spoke to them.

"I understand your concerns. We are asking the underground organization, the Black Cats, for an assassination. It does deviate from our principles. But—"

"I understand, Leader."

"We agree. This country is beyond saving."

"Alright."

Just as the Leader murmured this, there was a knock on the door. It seemed the Black Cats' representative had arrived. Ray approached the door and opened it cautiously.

The tavern owner stood there.

"I've brought the clients."

After saying this, the owner left. Two people, a young man and woman, emerged from behind the large owner.

Ray was surprised. They both had black hair and were very attractive. It was hard to believe they were from the Black Cats, but since the owner had brought them, they must be genuine. He decided to let them in.

"Come in."

"Sure."

Ray closed the door as soon as they entered and returned to the Leader's side. The young couple had already taken their seats across the table, ready for the conversation.

Ray spoke first.

"Are you going to accept the request?"

"Sure. But just to confirm, we're being asked to perform an assassination, right?"

"That's correct."

With the initial exchange out of the way, they moved to the main topic.

The Leader spoke.

"We are the revolutionaries. We fight against the corruption in the Kingdom of Eldorado and the oppression of the Great Empire to liberate the people. I am the leader, Reinwald."

"Revolutionaries... I see."

Shuu had been listening.

He knew the revolutionaries were fighting against the oppression of the Great Empire and the corruption in the vassal states. They operated in small, scattered groups. However, he was surprised to find that the man in front of him was their leader.

"Whatever. Who's the target? Who and where?"

"Before that, I have a question."

"…If I can answer, I will."

"Do you have the necessary skills? We're asking for the assassination of a noble or higher. They will have significant security. It will be very difficult."

Reinwald's concerns were understandable.

Shuu looked young and didn't seem particularly skilled. However, Shuu was a king-class monster, one of the strongest in the world, and had delved into the realm of magic. He could assassinate nobles or even royalty if asked.

Shuu had the skills.

"No problem. I'll kill anyone as long as you pay."

Reinwald was unsure if he could trust Shuu. However, the Black Cats, a powerful underground organization in the Great Empire's territory, had sent him. He must be skilled.

Moreover, Reinwald had come here only because of the introduction from Count Bold, the only person he trusted in the Kingdom of Eldorado.

So, he made his decision.

He wasn't optimistic about relying on an underground organization.

"…I'll explain the details of the request."

Reinwald began to speak quietly.