Chapter 38

"From today, we're changing taverns. It's called 'Beak of the Great Monster Bird.'"

At night, when the tavern was bustling with explorers, I gathered Alma and Kōga and announced that we would be changing our meeting place from Boar Demon's Club to a new tavern.

"Beak of the Great Monster Bird? ...W-wait a minute, Noel. Isn't that the place where the top B-rank explorers gather?"

"Yeah, you know about it. That's right."

When I nodded, Kōga's eyes widened in shock.

"R-really? I'm a new explorer, but I know that there are entry restrictions based on achievements and job ranks. If we go there now, we'll just get kicked out, right?"

"Normally, yes. But there's always a loophole. Right, Alma?"

Alma, who was the demonstrator, laughed and shrugged.

"All we need to do is get the regulars to recognize our strength, like when I beat up the ape. But against the top B-rankers, it's going to be tough with our current strength. Noel just got a rank-up, and Kōga and I are still C-rank."

There's no absolute gap between C-rank and B-rank. With the right conditions, a C-rank can definitely beat a B-rank. However, B-rank explorers, who have benefited from rank-ups, generally have higher base stats. Even with tactical combat, if it comes down to a simple power struggle, we'd likely lose.

"So, if we're changing taverns, it's better to choose one that matches our level."

Worried, Kōga frowned, and I laughed and shook my head.

"Beak of the Great Monster Bird is the right place for us. We don't need to compromise."

"N-no, but..."

"Just watch. They'll welcome us."

I quickened my pace, and the two followed. Soon, we reached our destination. I opened the door without hesitation.

Inside, the seasoned veterans were immediately apparent. Their intimidating presence was far stronger than that of the explorers at Boar Demon's Club.

Most of the gazes directed at us, the newcomers, were sharp and filled with hostility, or they were eyes that anticipated what was about to happen.

"Never seen you before, girl. Which guild are you from?"

A large man with a hawk-like nose and black armor approached with a lecherous smile. His scarred face was a testament to his many battles.

"I'm not a girl. I'm a man."

"A man? Ha, with a pretty face like that, you're a man or a pile of shit. Even if you have balls, you're still a lady."

The large man stroked his scars ostentatiously and looked down at me arrogantly. Kōga and Alma were about to draw their weapons, but I held them back.

"Do scars on your face make you a man? Then you must have really wanted to be one. Do your balls even grow, lady?"

"What did you say, you...!"

I laughed coldly at the man's angry face and raised my voice so everyone could hear.

"I haven't introduced myself yet. I'm Noel Stollen, the leader of Azure Expanse. From now on, we'll be using this tavern. Nice to meet you all."

The declaration caused an immediate uproar, and angry shouts began to fly.

"Newcomers, don't be ridiculous! Who would recognize you as a customer!"

"Azure Expanse, aren't you the party associated with the mafia? Do you think there's a place for a plague like you!?"

"Talkers are just low-level jobs. Don't get delusional!"

"Get out of here, you're an eyesore!"

The large man smirked at the gallery's insults.

"That's the general consensus. If you don't want to get hurt, leave."

"Barbaric, but I don't mind that kind of simplicity."

"A talker like you trying to be cool? Fine, let's go outside. I'll take care of you all at once."

The large man gestured to the outside, and I stepped forward.

"You're going to take on all of us alone? That's some confidence. You're Edgar, the leader of the War Hawk Talons. A clan leader, and yet you have such poor observational skills. How have you managed to do your job so far?"

The large man—Edgar—looked flustered but quickly regained his composure.

"Haha, you know about me, so you think you have a perfect plan? You're naive, amateur. You and I have different levels of responsiveness—"

I interrupted Edgar's smug speech and whispered.

"Your son's name is Bruno. Your daughter's name is Katya. Nice names, don't you think? I can feel the love."

"......What?"

Edgar's blood drained from his face, and he froze. I took another step forward.

"You haven't told your comrades yet, have you? That your girlfriend is pregnant. Congratulations, Edgar. I'll be the first to offer my blessings."

"H-how do you know...?"

"Trade secret. But more importantly, didn't you want to fight me?"

I looked up at Edgar with a full smile.

"If you want to fight, I'll oblige. But remember this: if you want to fight me, you'll have to bet everything you have."

"Y-you..."

By implicitly threatening his family, Edgar's face showed a mix of anger and fear. Of course, I had no intention of doing anything so petty. But I knew from the start that this kind of threat would be effective against someone like Edgar, who mistakenly believes he can trample others unilaterally.

Well said, "A lie is a necessary expedient."

"Hey, Edgar! What's wrong!?"

Edgar's comrades sensed something was amiss and tried to stand up. It would be troublesome if they joined in. I quickly whispered to Edgar.

"If your comrades come, it will be seen as a declaration of war. Are you ready for that?"

"D-don't come over here! I can handle it alone!"

The obedient Edgar. Now he's no longer an enemy.

"It seems you want to avoid a fight with me. Wise decision."

"......You, you devil."

"Devil, huh? Sounds good. I don't mind. By the way, if you have no business here, you're in the way. Could you move aside?"

"G-gr...!"

Edgar clenched his teeth and growled but didn't move. I shrugged and laughed, then glared at him with a murderous intent.

"Move. Or I'll kill you."

"Ah!"

Edgar let out a small scream and jumped back. I walked through the open path and sat at an empty table. Alma and Kōga followed, looking bewildered.

By silencing Edgar, the other explorers had no choice but to recognize us. They might hate us in their hearts, but they understood the danger of acting rashly.

Edgar is one of the top-tier explorers at the Beak of the Great Monster Bird. Normally, it wouldn't be easy to make him back down. No one wants to get involved and suffer the consequences.

"Noel, I finally understand. You're the scariest."

"Annoying, but I agree. Noel, you're the complete villain."

I chuckled at their solemn remarks.

"Unfair. There's no one as kind as me."

†

†

Drinking and eating at the new tavern is indeed refreshing, and the food is more appetizing. To curry favor with the owner, I ordered expensive drinks and food, so Alma and Kōga were in high spirits.

We managed to enter the tavern, but our main goal hasn't been achieved yet. I kept my eyes on the door while sipping wine.

Soon, the door opened, and new guests arrived.

"They're here, the Sky Wing Knights."

I hadn't seen them before, but they matched Loki's description. The leader, Leon, and three companions entered the tavern.

Now, how should I approach them?

While I was considering various scenarios, an unexpected turn of events occurred.

"Hey, it's Alma. Wait, you're not a new recruit? Why are you here?"

One of the members, the elf Ophelia, recognized Alma.

'Alma, do you know them?'

Talk Skill: Telepathy.

I sent a telepathic message, and Alma responded.

'I know Risha. I've only met her once.'

'Oh, Risha's friend.'

'Noel, be careful. That elf has a bad impression of you from rumors. She might start a fight. Well, it's fine if she does. I don't like her because she said bad things about you.'

'Understood.'

Misunderstanding, huh? This is convenient for me. It's the perfect way to start a fire.

'And one more thing.'

'Another thing?'

'Word has spread that Noel is a girl.'

'......S-so?'

That's inconvenient. Well, it's not good, but...

"Ophelia, good evening."

Alma replied, and Ophelia approached the table.

"Are these two your companions?"

"Yes."

"H-huh... I've never seen either of them before, but you weren't kicked out? That's surprising."

"Everyone was very kind. They welcomed us with smiles and even gave us sweets."

Ophelia frowned. It was clear that Alma was lying, and I could sense a mix of hostility and caution.

"By the way, I never asked for your party's name, did I?"

"That's right. My party is Azure Expanse."

"Wh-what!?"

Ophelia was shocked, and Alma giggled.

"Sorry, Ophelia. I didn't tell you."

"S-so, the woman over there is the leader?"

Pointing at me, I nodded as calmly as possible.

"Yes, I'm the leader, Noel Stollen. And to correct you, I'm not a woman. I'm a man. Don't forget that. There won't be a next time."

"Noel Stollen... You're the one...?"

She must have heard some terrible rumors. Ophelia's face was filled with clear hostility and disgust, as if she was about to shoot me with an arrow.

"Hey, you look scared. Is there something you want to say to me?"

"......Not really. If you're curious, why don't you ask your own heart?"

I placed my hand on my chest and tilted my head.

"All I hear is my heartbeat."

"You, who turned your companions into slaves, how can you...?"

"Oh, you mean that. They were good resources. I sold them to the mafia for a high price. Indeed, it's important to have valuable companions."

"You!!!"

As Ophelia lunged at me, Kōga kicked his chair and stepped in front of her, his hand on his sword.

"Elf lady, violence isn't the answer. This guy is my important boss. If you want to touch him, you better be prepared."

"A loyal dog. You're too good for a leader who sells his companions into slavery."

"You can say whatever you want about me. But from now on, be more careful with your words. —Don't make me draw my sword."

"Wh-what...?"

Kōga's intimidating presence made Ophelia flinch. It's impressive that he can intimidate a higher-ranked opponent.

By the way, Alma had stood up with us but accidentally hit her nose on Kōga's armor, causing her to bleed. She's now looking up with teary eyes, trying to stop the bleeding.

"Ophelia, is something wrong?"

The leader, Leon, approached with a worried look.

"One of your companions tried to attack me."

I answered first, and Ophelia's face turned red, but she couldn't refute it and was speechless.

"Is that true, Ophelia?"

"......S-sorry. I got a bit heated..."

"I see..."

Leon turned to me and bowed sincerely.

"One of our members did something unforgivable. I'm truly sorry."

"It's fine. But make sure it doesn't happen again. Even dogs can be trained not to attack people. Your companions are worse than dogs, right?"

"......Worse than dogs?"

The intense anger rose. When Leon looked up, he had a demonic presence.

"Are you going to take back those words?"

"Are you trying to provoke a fight? You have a good sense of ethics."

"I apologize for the rudeness. If you wish, I'll bow as many times as you want. But that doesn't justify insulting Ophelia."

"In other words, you want to settle this as a mutual fight. You're a strategist. No wonder you're the leader of the strongest B-rank party, the Sky Wing Knights."

My sarcastic tone made Leon frown in disgust.

"You are..."

"Leon, don't talk to him. He's the infamous Noel Stollen. It seems all the rumors are true..."

Ophelia's words made Leon nod in understanding, though he was surprised.

"I see, you're the one..."

"Enjoying rumors, huh? Does the Sky Wing Knights also play house as a side job? Or maybe with dolls?"

"You're the worst. Someone who can't value their companions doesn't deserve to be an explorer."

Leon's witty line made me laugh involuntarily.

"I already have the qualification. Do I need your approval too? Oh, I see. It seems the Sky Wing Knights are not just at the top of the explorers but have also dominated the Explorer's Guild."

"Keep insulting others if you want. But one day, you'll get what you deserve."

"Are you trying to be a god now? You're a bit too high and mighty. Know your place. Otherwise, you'll get what you deserve."

My parrot-like response made Leon's shoulders shake with anger, but he didn't say anything more. He quietly turned and left the tavern.

"Leon, wait!"

Ophelia chased after him. The other two companions, finally realizing the situation, followed them out of the tavern.

"Let's check the answers from earlier."

I said without preamble, and Alma and Kōga tilted their heads.

"What are you talking about?""What's going on?"

"A way to quickly gain significant achievements. ...You haven't forgotten, have you?"

They shook their heads vigorously, but they looked suspicious. They had forgotten, hadn't they?

"Accomplishments are relative. They only have meaning when there's a comparison. In other words, if we can prove that we are better than other excellent explorers, that will be our achievement."

"Oh, I think I get it."

Alma muttered and laughed awkwardly.

"Still, Noel is a bad person."

"What do you mean? I don't understand."

For the clueless Kōga, I continued explaining.

"Demons can't be manipulated with talk skills. But people can. No matter how strong they are, they can fall in an instant. Once they do, you can do whatever you want with them."

"Oh, I think I get it..."

Kōga finally understood, but he looked like he had bitten into a sour fruit.

"Still, Noel is a bad person. In other words, it's easier to gain achievements by targeting people rather than demons, right?"

"Exactly!"

I raised my finger and laughed cheerfully.

"We'll use the Sky Wing Knights as our stepping stones."