103. Compromising!
Nope! We refuse!
I happily gave my response to Hadrians offer. The blonde man stared at for a mont, blinking. Then he leaned back on his chair and sighed.
Thought so.
Strumming his fingers on the desk, the leader of the Valiant Drears Company wore a resigned face.
Is there any reason in particular why you dont want to join us? Anything we can do to convince you?
I paused, tilting my head up to the ceiling. A few thoughts ca to mind; but it was nothing Daniel would approve. The reason why I had rejected Hadrian was simple: the Valiant Drears Company would never accept in the first place.
It was the exact sa reason why I refused Stephens offer the Iron Champions Company only saw as a resource. While I doubted the Valiant Drears Company would see the sa way, the fact remained they wouldnt actually see as . They would see the false skin I bore and assud that was Salvos.
When in fact, I was a Demon.
I would only join them if and only if I revealed the real Salvos to Hadrian. But judging by the look on Daniels face, that was not an option. So, I shrugged.
There are many reasons! And there are so things you can do to change my mind.
That is?
Hadrian gave an expectant look. I crossed my arms and sunk into my chair.
Its a secret!
He narrowed his eyes not suspiciously, but with more curiosity than anything. Then he laughed.
Well, I guess there goes our two [Heroes].
Daniel visibly flinched from the remark, however he and I both knew Hadrian did not actually think we were [Heroes]. It was one of those things Humans said but didnt an in a literal sense.
Yep. Sorry! Well help out where we can though!
I offered an apologetic smile. Then I bead and raised my chin.
In fact, Ive already asked one of my friends to help out where she can!
You have?
Saffron rryster.
I spoke the na with pride. The noble who I had t and escorted briefly through Nixa. She had given her familys crest and told I could ask for her help if the need ever arose. I had thought this was the perfect situation to call on her aid.
Hadrian frowned.
Who?
I deflated.
Uh a daughter of the rryster family?
...
A Dukedom in Nixa!
I sputtered, waving my hands insistently.
Have you really never heard of her?
I cant say I have. But Im not too well versed in politics. My dad deals with that for .
I stood up and placed both my hands on the table. I held Hadrians gaze, speaking earnestly.
Well, shes a noble! A very powerful noble! Im sure shell be able to help!
Hadrian looked at for a mont, studying my face. Then he stood up and smiled. He placed a hand on my shoulder and spoke gratefully.
Thank you, Salvos. For your assistance thus far.
Then he closed his eyes and bowed his head.
However, I implore you, could you please listen to one last request we have?
I glanced back at Daniel and we exchanged a look. We had been helping with the Valiant Drears Company thus far, it really couldnt hurt to help them out a little bit more.
Sure?
Hadrian let out a relieved breath.
I ensure you will properly be reimbursed for this. Its not that difficult, but
Wait.
My voice ca out sharp, cutting off his words before he could finish. Tapping a finger on my chin, I had a thought.
We dont need gold.
Salvos, what are you saying?
Daniel piped up in a hurry behind ; he quietly whispered my way.
We have barely any money right now! Everything we made from the Motharis was spent on stocking back up on potions and enchantnts!
There had been a few artifacts we took from the Brilsum Ruins that were worth selling. And after we had appraised it and got our gold for it, we proceeded to spend our money all on other kinds of artifacts. One of them was my brand new gold bracelet!
It looked fancy and had jewels sticking out of it. It was perfect for battling Humans in their social field! I could use it to better convince them that I was a Princess, since princesses were very well dressed!
Shaking my head, I raised a finger at Daniel.
Thats exactly why we dont need any more gold.
But but
He was baffled unable to co up with a riposte. Having triumphantly beaten him in this social battle, I shifted my focus back to Hadrian with a jingle of my bracelet.
Hadrian, we dont need paynt in gold or anything like that. But we want sothing else.
That depends. What exactly is it you want?
Looking at with a puzzled face, Hadrian waited for to continue. I lightly clapped my hands together and smiled.
We want Edithe!
--
Daniel, Edithe, and I said our goodbyes to Rachel the next morning and started our way towards our destination. We were headed for a town just east of Viechester it was called Lulica. They had been dealing with a bandit problem for the past few weeks, although it never amounted to enough to warrant the Adventurer Guilds attention.
But apparently, that was only because of fear of so kind of repercussion from the Platinum Ranks in Viechester. Because now, with most of the Valiant Drear adventurers busy with the company war and the unaffiliated adventurers overworked, these bandits had co out in full force and began attacking travelers and carrying out kidnappings for ransom.
They werent even low level too they were said to be around Gold Rank, and their numbers were unknown. So, it was up to the three of us to deal with this threat before we could finally leave Viechester.
But why are we leaving Viechester, Salvos? Whats this deal you made with Hadrian? I dont I dont understand.
Edithe spoke in a worried tone. I grinned back at her and gave her a thumbs up.
I told you, were going to get you stronger first! Daniel and I will get you to Level 70, just you wait.
But I cant even
Youll be fighting at a disadvantage, yes. Which is why we should start leveling you as fast as possible from now!
I exclaid excitedly. I could feel sothing stirring up inside of ; the cup of joy knowing that my companion was going to beco stronger began spilling out into a series of light tippy taps from my feet as I danced around.
Well all be Platinum, then Diamond, then Elites together!
While I do agree with that sentint, I think youre getting a little bit too ahead of yourself there, Salvos.
Daniel added in his usual gloomy self. I waved a hand dismissively and spun to et Edithes gaze.
Dont worry, once weve got this job over and done with, I promise you well go sowhere else where you can beco stronger than ever!
Edithe did not exactly look too enthused, but she slowly nodded.
And where is this place, Salvos?
I dont think even she knows.
The Human man comnted from the side. Ignoring him, I winked back at the red haired woman.
Its a secret. Youll see when you get there.
I had not been idle since returning to Viechester. Sure, I had helped around with the Valiant Drears Company with a bunch of things but that didnt include the ti I spent at night, awake and with nothing to do.
Ive been doing a lot of reading, you know? And theres so many cool places you two have never shown ! Well, I need to reach Level 100 as soon as possible too! So, were going to be busy!
I declared as I marched forward. Daniel and Edithe exchanged a glance; both of them had the sa look of uncertainty on their faces. But neither protested even as we reached Lulica.
The town had a small wooden wall surrounding it, with so guards standing on its battlents. They called out to us, raising their swords, spears, and bows warily our way. A few had wands at the ready, but no spell conjured just yet.
Were adventurers! From Viechester.
I waved a hand at them. Then, flashing a badge, I pointed at the gates.
Platinum Ranks. Let us through, please!
The guards imdiately did as they were told; they opened the city gates and let us through. The captain on duty hurriedly ca to greet us.
Adventurers! Are you the ones sent here from the Valiant Drears Company? The ones who will help relieve us from this bandit threat?
Thats us!
Waggling his bushy mustache, he let out a deep breath.
Oh thank you. Well give you as much information as we can about them. Please, co to my office.
We followed him to a decorated room with a desk and a few display cases around the sides. Daniel paused for a mont to inspect a painting, before we began discussing the situation in the city.
For a while now, our city has been dealing with these bandits we thought they were just rogue thugs at first and putting a clamp down on their petty cris and robbery. But when it beca clear that it was the sa individuals getting away with it over and over again, we knew sothing was amiss.
You guys didnt call for the Adventurers Guild help then?
Daniel asked, furrowing his brows. The guard captain shook his head.
No. We thought it was just a gang or sothing a bit more organized than just a few petty criminals. Until last week when word of the company war broke out the bandit group revealed themselves and raided the town.
They did?
Narrowing her eyes, Edithe cast a gaze towards the nearby window. I listened intently as the man elaborated.
It was the whole lot of them. They call themselves the Calhoul Coins. Many of them were Gold Rank in level! My guards could not do anything to stop them! We were slaughtered!
They attacked the city and?
I leaned forward, curious about what happened next. The guard captain coughed.
They sacked half of the city. Took many won and children with them. Stole our crops. Our rchants goods. They took everything then left. But they arent gone just yet. Just two days ago, a group of their thugs returned to kidnap more won. Steal more from those who survived the first attack.
I see.
I nodded slowly as he finished. It sounded like a dire situation indeed; I knew Humans didnt like it when their towns and cities were attacked. And the fact that it was attacked twice ant that they were really unhappy about this!
The guard captain bowed his head pleadingly.
Please, adventurers, if theres anything I can do to help you, just ask.
I only have one question.
Daniel finally broke out from his silence. He folded his arms as he addressed the guard captain.
Were you the one who submitted this request for adventurers to the Adventurers Guild?
Blinking, the guard captain slowly shook his head.
I, uh, no. Before I could formally submit a request on behalf of the city, soone else had already done it.
Could you please direct us to him?
Edithe smiled at him. He bobbed his head.
Why of course. Hes a man by the na of Piero. Runs a tavern down in the center of town. Calls it Pieros Bistro.
Got it. Thank you.
Standing up, Edithe started out of the room. Daniel followed behind her and I was a step slower than them. I paused right at the doorway, turning back one last ti to wave at the guard captain.
Thanks what was your na again?
Johnathan.
Thats a nice na. Im Salvos! Bye!
The door closed behind us and I realized Daniel and Edithe were already down the street, on their way to the tavern Johnathan pointed out. I quickly caught up to them and cocked my head.
Why the rush? Whats wrong?
The two were acting a bit weird. Edithe hadnt been her usual self the whole week, but this was extra weird. And Daniel was always weird, but now he was weird in a non Human weird way!
My companions both turned to face . And the Human man spoke up.
That guard captain I dont trust him.
Why not?
Because.
Edithe started, his eyes trailing towards the wooden walls of the city.
The citys walls barely look damaged. They look mostly fine, even. As if only the gates were breached, but even then its not in a bad enough way that reflects a large group of Gold Rank equivalents taking it.
Plus, he knew about this problem for a while, and never once brought it up with the Adventurers Guild? Id understand if they didnt have the resources for it, but you saw his office.
I thought about the room for a mont. I rembered the paintings and the vases. The sparkly colors that reminded of a noble.
It was nice!
Daniel nodded. He spun back around, continuing ahead with Edithe as we reached the center of the town. He spoke softly.
And thats exactly the problem.
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