Volume 5 Chapter 37 The Strong Smell Of Nasal Spray
Watching Kyunei disappear down the hallway from the first floor, Reed, who had recovered from the shock, opened his mouth.
"──Was it true that you and Kyunei-chan were on good terms?"
"You still didn't believe it?"
Although I can understand those feelings, Reed's face was unexpectedly blushing when I looked at him. I had imagined him as someone who was carefree based on his attitude and behavior, but he seemed to be quite innocent after all.
Seeing my puzzled expression, Reed seemed to realize his own state and turned away with a disgruntled look while clicking his tongue loudly. His somewhat naive reaction made me feel a bit different about him now.
I had harbored negative feelings towards Reed all this time, but my impression of him changed slightly after this incident. Maybe we could have become "good friends" if Kyunei wasn't involved. Was this what she was talking about?
"Hey, Reed and bro. You looked tired last night."
"Good morning to both of you."
As the door to the tavern opened, Aina and Nikyou entered from outside.
"What's going on outside?"
"It's a mess. Right now, Reed's mercenary group is taking care of the monster carcasses──"
"Don't hesitate to use those guys. They always have excess energy anyway."
"Even if they're inexperienced, use Jingin's subordinates. Inexperienced or not, as long as they have instructions, they can handle the physical work."
Being a gathering of mercenaries, they are much more accustomed to handling monsters than amateurs. Just from the ones we defeated last night, we can expect a decent reward.
Except for the ones Reed personally took down, that is.
In front of me, just like when it happened before, the monster Reed took down was torn to shreds without a doubt, looking utterly miserable no matter how you looked at it. There's no way its materials would be sellable.
The Snake Belly Sword ──aside from being a regular sword, it can also switch to a whip-like shape with blades evenly spaced along a wire, as explained by Gram.
Just hearing about it makes it sound like an amazing weapon, but in reality, it's quite difficult to manufacture due to its unique forging technique. Even if successfully made, there are concerns about its strength due to the complex mechanisms it houses.
'Probably, some magic processing is involved too. Otherwise, it wouldn't be able to move in ways that defy physical laws. And──'
Like Gram, I also sensed an unusual presence from Reed's sword. It wasn't the kind that evoked disgust, but rather a deep, unfathomable feeling.
But for some reason, I felt that presence. I just remembered it, but I couldn't recall specifically where I felt it.
Suddenly, I noticed that Mikage was not around.
"What happened to Mikage?"
"I asked her to keep watch around. With Kahlua's men, there's a possibility they might cause trouble while Jingin is not completely settled."
'If you're the type to act in anticipation of the worst, then Aina is the type to firmly control the situation, Partner. Repeatedly.'
It seemed Gram was thinking the same thing. Aina's meticulous strategy around here is truly remarkable.
"I've also asked the available mercenary group members from yours to do the same. Is that alright with you?"
"O-oh. No problem at all, yeah."
Feeling the silent pressure from Aina that left no room for refusal, Reed nodded in agreement.
"Now that everyone is here, let's talk a bit about the future. The VIP room on the 2nd floor has good soundproofing, so there's no chance of eavesdropping."
No one objected, and we followed Nikyou upstairs.
* * *
As we sat on the sofa in the VIP room, Nikyou bowed deeply before starting the conversation.
"Let me express my gratitude first. Without the help of Yukina and Reed's men, we would have suffered heavy casualties in yesterday's conflict as the Jingin Family. As the boss of the Jingin Family, I am deeply thankful."
"Enough of that, we don't need such formalities. It's too stuffy."
Reed grumbled, but Nikyou shook his head.
"We can't ignore it. While we may be confident in dealing with humans, we are helpless against monsters. We wouldn't have stood a chance on our own."
"If we mercenaries are guarding the outskirts, you guys are protecting the inside. It's a mismatch, but it's the right fit."
Actually, the situation of monsters appearing in the city is too abnormal. At least in last night's conflict, there was nothing wrong with Nikyou.
In response to my and Reed's words, Nikyou finally raised his head.
"──Yesterday, we managed to get through safely, but to be honest, the situation isn't very good."
As Aina looked at me and Nikyou, she spoke with a serious expression.
"Yeah. It's clearly unnatural that the guard soldiers haven't intervened until now."
"Most likely, Kahlua's boss must have given the top guards some really strong 'incentives'."
Reed was blunt, but I tilted my head. What does 'incentives' mean?
'In other words, under-the-table dealings. Bribes, you know.'
Even if they don't openly show it, it's clear that the guard organization in this city has turned a blind eye to the mafia's conflicts. However, despite the big commotion, they haven't made any moves to intervene.
'At the very least, when Narinki and his many henchmen showed up in the city, someone in the guard should have sensed the signs of conflict. Yet, even with the monster causing chaos, there was no response at all.'
Is it that someone in a position of commanding the guard is accepting bribes and turning a blind eye? As Gram explains, Nikyou growls in understanding.
"I knew they were being wishy-washy about Kahlua, but to think the guard has been so easily swayed."
"Eubarest's guard is a sub-organization of the national army. If they are taking bribes, we would be able to file a complaint with the government and get an inspection..."
"That kind of determined person is definitely being targeted by Kahlua. You can't just easily leave the city. But even if we were to go, the words of the mafia wouldn't reach the palace."
"...I suppose so."
Aina's frustrated expression may stem from self-blame as someone at the bottom of the royal family. Although she no longer has royal duties, I know well that she is not the type to turn a blind eye.
"Well, the young lady has every reason to be concerned. Ultimately, it's because we (Jingin) have been playing into their hands."
As Nikyou hurriedly interjected to provide reassurance, Aina also nodded, regaining her composure.
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