"Unfortunately, I have no choice but to forcibly take you."
The woman in a maids uniform spoke, holding a massive coffin like a blunt weapon.
"Ha."
I bared my teeth in a grin. Look at this. Now theyre even resorting to blatant threats?
Do they think Im a pushover? Despite appearances, Ive defeated countless monsters on the monster frontline, including the Vampire King himself.
Great! Lets go head to head!
... Thats what I wanted to say, but I barely held it back, instead nodding my head.
"Alright, alright. Ill co with you."
Upon hearing my compliant response, the woman seed surprised.
"Really?"
"Really, whats it to you? I want to et your master too."
I was genuinely curious about what kind of person would exert pressure on the rchants of the Imperial Capital and then use that pressure to hinder my business.
If they invite , why shouldnt I go? Lets et face-to-face and talk about it.
"Hmm..."
The woman squinted her eyes and murmured.
"You wont run away. Sothings changed about you..."
"What?"
Whats going on? Did this woman know Ash?
I wanted to ask, but there was no ti. The woman with the massive coffin on her back led the way out of the rcenary guild.
"Follow . Ill guide you."
***
After boarding a carriage that was waiting beside the rcenary guild building, we headed south for a while.
The carriage finally stopped at a massive building right next to the harbor.
I looked up at the sign of the building with unexpected emotions.
The Silver Winter? The largest comrce guild in the empire, if not the entire continent?
The Silver Winter was known for operating the continents largest comrce guild, reaching every corner of the empire.
Although it was possible to contact them in the ga, for so reason, they never traded with Crossroad. They seed like dummy data.
Is Silver Winter the one obstructing my trade with other guilds...? But why?
My suspicions deepened as I followed the maid-clad woman into the guild building.
Even though it was late, the building was bustling with people.
Among those carrying piles of paperwork and goods, the woman walked skillfully, her movent nimble despite the enormous coffin on her back.
She stopped on the fifth floor, at the very end, where there was a door made of luxurious wood. Above it hung a large naplate.
This must be where the head of the guild resides.
Two won dressed like the maid-clad woman stood guard by the door, their faces stern and imposing.
As the maid-clad woman put down the coffin, the two guards stepped aside.
Knock-knock- She knocked on the door carefully and recited emotionlessly, "Master. I have brought him."
A cool, young female voice ca from inside, "Co in."
"Yes."
The maid-clad woman pulled open the door and stood aside politely. I cautiously stepped inside.
The first thing I noticed was the sll of ink and paper.
The spacious room was filled with all sorts of docunts. A quick glance revealed they were mostly receipts and transaction records.
Certificates verifying goods bought and sold by the guild were also in abundance.
Next, I saw neatly packaged jewelry and precious tals.
True to the continents largest comrce guild, they were dealing in such high-value goods. I turned my head, estimating the price of the jewels.
Lastly, my eyes fell on her.
A young woman, wearing a wrinkle-free female suit, sat at the desk in the middle of the room.
Her hair, cascading past her waist, was a transparent watery blue, and her eyes, peering through glasses at the docunts, were as bright as freshly minted silver coins.
She glanced at , then laid down her pen and took off her glasses simultaneously.
"You did well. You may leave, Elize."
"Yes, Master."
The na of the woman who had brought here must have been Elize.
Elizes eyes expressed loyalty and compassion towards her master, but towards , they showed the sa murky suspicion as before.
Elize bowed politely at the waist and then closed the door quietly behind her.
The room was left with only the woman, the leader of Silver Winter, and .
"..."
"..."
An awkward silence lingered.
I was hesitating about what to say when the woman sighed softly.
"You havent seen for a long ti, dont you have sothing to say to ?"
"Uh..."
Hesitant, I clumsily waved my hand.
"Its been a while?"
"..."
The womans eyes narrowed, and I broke out in a cold sweat.
Damn it. I knew this woman had so connection with Ash, but I didnt know what it was, so I didnt know how to proceed.
Did this bastard Ash owe a debt to Silver Winter?
Considering how he lived wildly with gambling and gas, it was entirely possible.
Had he sold his princes na to spend money lavishly in this place?
No matter how I thought about it, the only reason theyd summon so threateningly in such a huge place must be that.
I finished my guessing and nodded to myself. Alright, lets speak confidently.
I couldnt repay, so lets run-!
"Yes. Long ti no see."
However, the womans following words made realize I was completely wrong.
"My lord."
"..."
I blinked my eyes in shock. What did she say?
Im... my...
"My lord...?!"
"Arent you tired of that title now?"
A bitter smile crept across the womans lips.
"Even if you hate , you must acknowledge ."
"Uh...?"
"We are engaged to be married."
For so reason, her words sounded sad, and only then did I notice the naplate on her desk.
Serenade Silver Winter.
She was the owner of the continents largest place, Silver Winter, and Ashs fiance.
"Lets go."
Rising, Serenade picked up the jacket hanging on a coat hanger and, without putting it on, draped it over her shoulder.
"This place doesnt suit us for celebrating our reunion."
Serenade passed and led the way out of the room.
I stood there, dumbfounded, watching her receding figure, before hurriedly following her.
***
Swoosh...
Gentle waves approaching the bow broke, creating spray.
I was standing on a luxury yacht owned by Silver Winter.
The sleek and white yacht was smoothly cutting through the sea, making a large circle around the harbor coast.
Not far away, the harbor and city lights twinkled.
Sohow, I managed to explore this city from the sky, land, and sea all in one day. I felt like I had accomplished so challenge.
No, no, stop thinking like a crazy gar!
I shook my head violently. This was not the ti to open the system window to check for achievent notifications! Stop escaping reality!
I heard about having a fiance, but...
Who would have known that I would et her on my first day in the imperial city? I was not prepared!
I might be a professional at conquering monsters, but... dealing with wons hearts is a lot harder, you know?!
Click. Click.
Just then, Serenade approached from behind, holding a cocktail in each hand.
Serenade extended the blue cocktail in her right hand to .
"I brought what you always drink."
"Thank you, b-"
I stopped myself mid-sentence.
Like Ash, like Ash? Like Ash!
Smack!
I snatched the glass and downed the cocktail in one shot.
It must have been a strong drink because my stomach imdiately felt hot. Hell yeah!
I threw the empty glass into the sea outside the yacht, energetically.
Sorry for littering the ocean, but this should make more like Ash, right?!
"..."
Serenades eyes widened, frozen in shock at my sudden behavior.
I started to sweat. Was that too overboard?
"Um... Your throat must have been quite dry. Shall I get you another drink, my lord?"
"No, thats enough. Im good."
I casually waved my hand. One more drink like this, and there would be no stomach lining left.
But thanks to the alcohol, my tensed body relaxed. Perhaps I should pretend to be Ash, under the influence of alcohol.
Whew.
Leaning against the railing where I was leaning, Serenade let out a soft sigh and took a sip from her glass.
After you left for the battlefield and returned to the Imperial Capital, you didnt even try to get in contact with .
...
When you left, it was the sa. You didnt say anything to . I thought I was used to being treated like this, but isnt it a bit... too much?
Serenades silvery eyes looked at gently. I made an effort to smile calmly.
Were you worried?
Im always worried.
Serenade muttered, twirling her cocktail glass in her hand.
Im always anxious that you might... break your promise.
A promise? What promise did Ash make?
I was curious, but I changed the subject. There was sothing I needed to ask.
So you interfered?
Interfered? What are you talking about?
Dont play dumb. The architects and rchants I contacted all backed off, and it was you, wasnt it?
Serenade chuckled.
Oh, that? That was sothing I had to do, of course.
What?
Didnt I promise you that my Silver Winter rchants would provide the best comrcial service? We cant have other mongrels interfering.
I was speechless.
So, whats this all about?
I will select the architect for you. I dont know what business you want to do in Crossroad, but that business will also be handled by our Silver Winter rchants.
You didnt like contracting with other rchants, so you acted first and stopped it... was that the story?
If you leave such matters to , Ill take care of everything. Just let know.
...
Tell as much money as you need, too. Whether you use it for gambling or betting, Ill lend you as much as you want. Anything we handle in our rchants, just say the word. Whether its alcohol, jewelry, or anything precious, if I can get it, I can give it to you.
Why is she doing so much?
Hesitant, I cautiously asked.
So what should I give in return?
...Youre pretending to forget again.
Serenades watery hair fluttered in the gentle sea breeze. It looked like a wave rippling in the air.
From the beginning, our familys request was clear, wasnt it?
Serenade, letting out a long sigh, looked up at with sharp silvery eyes.
Why was it? Her eyes were desperate and pained.
Give us the royal favor, to our Silver Winter, a humble rchant family that only has money...
Royal favor?
Not the star-silver for hunting vampires but the royal favor ()? If thats the case...
Your... royal seed.
Serenades long, slender fingers tightly gripped my sleeve.
Give it to .
My eyes widened in shock.
The seed...
Seed, seed, seed, SEED?! (TL Note: ( ))
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