I Became a Raid Boss Chapter 44

The Second Race War, which erupted in the year 744 of the Sedeth Calendar, dragged on for decades.

When war continues for a long ti, lives are devastated.

Refugees erge, losing their hos and wandering, while those who should be working in their trades head to the battlefield.

As the workforce dwindles, production decreases. With reduced production, taxes also drop.

Additionally, the decreasing number of soldiers and knight orders protecting the cities was a serious issue.

The very foundation of the promise “pay taxes and receive protection” was shaken, causing unrest among the citizens.

That was the reason why the rcenary profession began to rise.

In truth, the rcenary profession existed long before, but it wasn’t particularly popular.

Whether it was monsters attacking the city or demons appearing nearby, soldiers and knights could usually handle it, making rcenaries essentially an off-season side job where people did trivial favors for others.

But as the influence of the knights waned, people began using their taxes to hire rcenaries instead. As a result, a number of people started making their living solely as rcenaries.

Among those rcenaries, groups with common interests ford “parties,” and when these parties grew or multiple parties gathered, they ford a “rcenary band.”

And during the Second Race War, there was one rcenary band that beca the most renowned…

***

“…That’s the origin of the Free rcenary City, Libery, known as the ‘Libery rcenary Band.’”

Joanie excitedly explained after arriving at Libery.

Being in the rcenary’s stronghold seed to have energized her even more than usual.

She was eagerly recounting Libery’s history, a story I hadn’t even asked for, probably because she was so hyped.

She even went through the trouble of explaining in Granic, which she wasn’t familiar with.

But…

“I already know.”

“Oh, y-you do?”

The problem was that it was unnecessary trouble.

Even soone like , who isn’t particularly interested in history, knew about Libery’s founding.

Well, to be precise, I was forced to learn about it because of soone who used to talk endlessly about it.

As Joanie explained, the Free rcenary City started as a single rcenary band.

As the band grew in power, fewer people were paying taxes, and naturally, this didn’t sit well with the lords who were collecting those taxes.

This led to a conflict between the rcenary band and the existing ruling class, and when the rcenaries won, they established this place—Libery, the Free rcenary City.

In other words, Libery is both the na of the old rcenary band, the city, and the organization to which the rcenaries here belong.

‘Hmm…’

I glanced over the city, hidden beneath my hood.

Though I’d heard about Libery countless tis, this was my first ti seeing it in person, and its scale was quite impressive.

While not as grand as Grasis’s capital, it was certainly bigger than most cities.

At the very least, it was definitely larger than Ordo.

‘…Well, I suppose it makes sense.’

It was once the capital of a small kingdom, after all.

“How long do you plan to stay in Libery?”

“I don’t know.”

I could leave for the Sacred Kingdom right now if I wanted, but it seed Joanie didn’t want that.

“Can’t we stay for just a few days?”

She listed a dozen reasons, from how important rest was to how it would be a waste not to enjoy so sightseeing since we were already here.

“How about three days? No more, no less. Just three days! Please?”

“Fine.”

“Huh? Wait, did you just say yes?”

“Yeah.”

There were a few things I wanted to ask Edel, but they weren’t urgent. No need to rush.

Most of all, while I was used to sleeping outside or in carriages for days, it wasn’t sothing I particularly enjoyed.

Joanie’s face lit up when she heard my answer.

“Really? No take-backs, okay? You won’t suddenly say tomorrow that we’re leaving, right?”

“Let’s leave today, then.”

“Oh, co on, don’t be like that~”

Joanie playfully acted cute and grabbed my hand, pulling along.

Libery seed quite familiar to her, as her steps were confident without any hesitation as we walked through the streets.

“Where are we going?”

“To Libery’s headquarters! It’s been a while since I last ca, so I figured I’d report my results and show you around the base.”

“…Is it okay for to co along?”

“As long as it’s not a restricted area, it’s fine. The only place we’ll probably go is… what was it again? Oh right, the reception! The reception area is where they handle requests and jobs, so it’s a place civilians visit frequently.”

That sounded reasonable.

As we weaved through the crowd, the large castle that had been looming in the distance suddenly ca into view.

Not only did they take over the kingdom’s capital, but they also left the royal castle intact and made it their headquarters.

If any surviving mbers of the kingdom’s royalty saw this, they might cry tears of blood.

Still, it’s better than so countries that are just ruins now.

As expected from Libery’s headquarters, there were a lot of people—rcenaries, apostles, and ordinary adventurers filled the space.

While I was observing the people around , Joanie noticed my gaze and crouched down to et my eyes.

“Are you interested in rcenaries? Or maybe… you want to beco one?”

“No.”

“Why not? If it’s you, you’d get exceptional treatnt.”

“…I don’t want to.”

Sure, I’d probably be well-compensated. But what’s the point if that’s not what I want?

If I were short on money, I might’ve considered it, but I’ve always earned more than I needed and never spent much of it.

Garid often nagged to use so of it, but the most I’d spend would be on food, which is nothing compared to what I earned as a commander.

The royal brats were always irritating, like mosquitoes, but at least they paid well.

Probably because of their influence.

…

Just thinking about that face soured my mood.

Even Garid, who usually shrugged things off, acted strangely uneasy around that guy.

I dislike him, but objectively speaking, he was probably the most sane out of all the royals.

When I asked Garid why he disliked him, he never told . To this day, I still don’t know.

“If you really want to know, try acting cute. Then I’ll tell you.”

“….”

He said that once, but I didn’t care enough to find out.

In any case, I didn’t need fa or fortune, so there’s no reason for to play rcenary.

And honestly, I don’t have great feelings toward Libery either, though they’re not as bad as the Empire.

Joanie didn’t seem too bothered by my refusal and moved on without much hesitation.

She looked at the long line at the reception and sighed.

“It might take a while… Do you want to look around by yourself? I’ll find you once I’m done.”

“You’ll find ?”

I hadn’t told her where I’d be, so how would she know?

In response to my confusion, Joanie pointed around us.

Following her gesture, I scanned the area and nodded.

It was true. It would be hard to miss .

I’m not so caged monkey, so why are people staring at like that?

So many apostles were whispering and pointing at that even the other rcenaries, who initially had no interest, started looking over to see what was going on.

It was a chain reaction. One person attracted another, and that person attracted another, completing a vicious cycle.

“Alright.”

I had a feeling people would follow no matter where I went, but standing still and becoming a spectacle was worse.

Leaving Joanie behind, I began to explore Libery’s headquarters.

The contrasting effect of the elegant interior and the rugged rcenaries was a strange sight.

As I wandered, avoiding the rcenaries, I occasionally encountered people who blocked my path.

“This area is restricted. If you’re authorized, please show your credentials.”

Their firm tone and the way they physically blocked the door made their intentions clear, even if I didn’t fully understand their words.

During those monts, I would turn around without hesitation and head elsewhere.

If they said not to go in, then I wouldn’t go in.

There was no need to be stubborn if there wasn’t a good reason to insist.

So, as I wandered around exploring the various parts of the castle, with curious onlookers watching , I suddenly heard sothing.

Prick.

“…?”

“…Ha!”

“Faster! Swing faster!”

Faintly, I could hear shouts and the dull sound of clashing tal.

Drawn by the sound, I began walking toward its source. As I approached, the indistinct noises beca clearer.

Eventually, I arrived at a courtyard that was part of the castle.

Before being seized by Libery, this space would have probably been used for its original purpose, maybe as a garden for growing flowers, but now it had beco a training ground for rcenaries.

So were diligently striking wooden or straw practice dummies, while others sparred with each other using weapons.

Among the trainees, I could spot a few Apostles as well.

I thought they would never train in their lives, but…

‘Surprising.’

Their skill was still lacking, but I had to give them credit for their dedication to training.

It seed that those practicing alone were likely beginners, just starting their rcenary lives, while those engaged in duels were at a slightly higher level.

The more skilled ones were receiving guidance from a rcenary acting as an instructor.

There was even an instructor.

I had thought this place was filled with a ragtag bunch who barely knew how to fight, but to think they would go as far as to train them systematically.

It was more organized than I expected.

— “Hm? …Take a break!”

The instructor, who had been sternly instructing the rcenaries, noticed .

As he raised his hand, the rcenaries who had been sweating profusely and swinging their weapons let out sighs of relief.

In contrast to his earlier strict tone, the instructor spoke to kindly.

— “What brings you here? Did you follow an older sister or brother?”

“I don’t know Arkish.”

Reciting the first phrase I learned from Joanie, the instructor scratched his head.

— “Hm, are you lost? That’s troubling…”

“…”

— “You might get hurt by a stray sword if you’re not careful.”

The instructor, who was stroking his scruffy beard in thought, gestured to .

It wasn’t so special rcenary hand signal, but a common gesture to follow him.

Not knowing where he was taking , I obediently followed.

He led to a door near the training ground and knocked.

Knock, knock.

— “Captain, may I co in?”

“Yeah, co in.”

I followed the instructor into the room once the door opened.

It appeared to be soone’s office.

A man sat at a large desk, buried in paperwork.

“What’s the matter?”

— “I found a lost child. She seems to have lost her guardian, and it’s too dangerous to leave her by the training ground, so I brought her here for now.”

“Is that so?”

The man, who had been wrestling with docunts, raised his head.

Though his features had faded slightly with age, the handsoness in his face had not been completely lost to ti.

He must have been quite popular with won in his younger days, considering his tall, striking appearance.

And I knew his na.

“Aeron.”

The bluish eyes turned towards .

Confusion, surprise, disbelief.

Aeron’s eyes went through these three changes in an instant, eventually settling into shock.

“No way, it can’t be… could it be… really?”

— “…Are you the Captain’s daughter?”

“…Daughter.”

At the instructor’s careful question, Aeron stopped being startled and smiled bitterly.

He was already standing up before I realized.

“I’ll take care of this matter. You should head back.”

— “Yes, sir…!”

After the instructor closed the door and left, silence fell between us.

Although Aeron seed mostly certain, there was still a trace of disbelief on his face.

Wanting to help him, I pulled back the hood I had been wearing.

My pink hair, once hidden under the hood, gently flowed down.

“It’s been a while, Vice-Captain.”

“No way, you…!”

Aeron let out a breath of disbelief as our eyes t.

Now that I had removed the hood and faced him properly, there was no trace of doubt left on his face.

“It truly has been a long ti.”

After hesitating for a mont, he spoke again.

“…Captain.”

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