Chapter 47

Aldis stepped back into the capital and immediately headed to his first destination.

It was the inn and tavern where the information broker Cesare resided.

The sound of preparations for the midday meal echoed from the kitchen. Cesare was the only customer in the tavern.

Or rather, it was questionable whether Cesare, waiting for clients as an information broker, could be called a tavern patron.

"Hey there."

When Aldis called out in a casual tone, Cesare turned around and his face visibly contorted.

His dark brown eyes were filled with fear.

To Cesare, Aldis was probably someone he would rather not meet.

"What is it?"

"Is that how you greet a customer? Of course, you’re an information broker waiting for a client. Shouldn’t you be a bit more pleased?"

"I can’t be pleased. After that, I had a rough time. People said I was in cahoots with you and set a trap, and I suffered a lot."

It seems Cesare had faced retaliation from the mercenaries Aldis had defeated.

"What’s that supposed to mean? I clearly said it was a lie at the end... But those mercenaries seemed a bit slow. With that attitude, it’s no wonder they never improve."

"Even so, they are called veterans in the capital."

Cesare mentioned that despite their emotional and somewhat dim-witted nature, their skills were solid.

"Hmm, really..."

Aldis recalled the mercenaries he had dealt with a few days ago.

But even upon reflection, they left the impression of being third-rate mercenaries who couldn’t even gauge their opponents' strength.

Of course, compared to the people Aldis had helped on the plains, the students he had rescued from the forest, and the new recruits of the Tria domain’s army, they might have been slightly better.

However, in Aldis’s mind, the standard for strength was set by mercenaries like Ted, who were among the best in Tria. At that level, they weren’t even worth discussing in terms of strength.

"Anyway, let’s get to business."

"For me, that’s not good at all... You mean you have a job for me as an information broker?"

Cesare cast a suspicious glance at Aldis.

"What else could it be?"

"No, I thought you were still holding a grudge against me."

"Holding a grudge? ...Ah, right. You’re right... I wouldn’t be happy if you did something like last time again. As I said before, there won’t be a next time."

In contrast to Aldis’s light tone, Cesare’s cheeks were tense.

"If that’s the case..."

"But I do value you as an information broker. You had information that other brokers didn’t, and the information itself was quite accurate. So I trust your work."

Aldis was only evaluating Cesare’s work and the information it provided, not his character or lifestyle.

"Alright, then? Have you gotten any new information on the female mercenary since then?"

"......Two silver coins."

After a long silence, Cesare, who had mentally capitulated, reluctantly offered the price for the information.

Aldis placed two silver coins on the counter from his pocket.

"Information about the commotion in Tria is gradually reaching the capital. So far, it’s just rumors about a conflict with the guards and her disappearance. Eventually, news of the arrest order will spread. The Duke of Tria is trying to suppress the information, but it happened in the city, so it’s leaking from the nearby residents."

"Has Tria sent out search parties?"

"Not officially yet. But people in the capital are starting to gather information and pursue the female mercenary. It won’t be long before someone from the Duke of Tria’s circle arrives. However, there is some good news. The Duke of Tria and the domain’s army are only pursuing the female mercenary. They don’t seem interested in her male companion, the mercenary with black hair, black eyes, and a violet headband."

Cesare narrowed his eyes, mentioning the same features as the boy in front of him.

"I see."

"And the same goes for the twins. The Duke of Tria’s target is only the female mercenary."

This time, it was Aldis’s turn to narrow his eyes.

Indeed, this man was capable. Aldis recognized this anew.

In just two days, Cesare had obtained information about the twins that he didn’t have before.

"Understood. Is that all the information you have?"

"Are you dissatisfied? I think it’s worth two silver coins."

"I’m not dissatisfied. Let’s move on to the next topic."

Cesare looked puzzled at the unexpected words.

"Next topic? What is it?"

"The female mercenary appeared in the capital about three days ago. After that, she moved on to the empire."

"What’s that supposed to mean?"

"It’s information."

Cesare showed a suspicious expression.

He knew the boy in front of him wasn’t the type to give away information for free.

"Is this information true?"

"Isn’t it up to the person who receives the information to verify its authenticity?"

While saying something irresponsible, Aldis took out a gold coin from his pocket and placed it in front of Cesare.

"What’s this?"

"It’s payment for spreading the information."

"Are you asking me to spread false information? That would make me—"

"A ‘pet cat,’ wouldn’t it?"

Aldis preempted Cesare’s words.

"Yes."

"What’s wrong with being a pet cat?"

Cesare dismissed the question.

"I’ve always prided myself on being a stray."

‘Pet cat’ is a term for people who act as the hands and feet of rulers and authorities in the underworld.

This includes spies, assassins, informants, and information brokers like Cesare.

‘Stray’ is the opposite, referring to people who work freely without being hired by anyone.

There is also the term ‘pet dog.’

This is a derogatory term for people who work in the open world for rulers and authorities, such as knights, soldiers, civil servants, and diplomats. It’s considered an insult to call someone this to their face, so it’s usually used only in whispers.

"Strays don’t get help when they need it. They might die at any moment. And a mischievous stray will be quickly put down."

Aldis emphasized the last sentence with a smug smile.

Given that Cesare had faced repercussions for playing tricks on Aldis, he was probably not feeling calm inside.

"So, are you saying you’ll help me when I need it?"

"Why should I help you?"

"But you said to become a pet cat..."

"I never said ‘become a pet cat.’ I only asked, ‘What’s wrong with being a pet cat?’"

The black-haired boy said this calmly.

"I’ll pay you. You just need to do the job that matches the payment. It’s a business transaction. As long as you don’t oppose me, I’d like to continue working together in the future."

Aldis wasn’t buying Cesare’s character; he only valued his information-gathering ability.

It didn’t matter what Cesare thought or felt inside, as long as he provided information that matched the payment.

"Alright, then. Take care."

After unilaterally informing the almost tearful Cesare, Aldis left the tavern.

2017/02/05 Typo correction: Tria Duke → Tria Duke

2018/02/11 Correction: About a week ago → About three days ago