Volume 5 Chapter 49 He Is The Embodiment Of Greed
"Yukina-sama, I'm glad you're safe."
"Same to you. Thanks for escorting Nikyou."
Mikage threw words of appreciation and rushed over.
Inside the tavern (club), it seemed that Narinki had gathered a group of skilled henchmen as expected. Moreover, since they were out of sight from the outside, they even brought out blades. Upon hearing this, I felt relieved that he had brought Mikage along.
"I only intervened a little. Nikyou defeated most of the henchmen Narinki hired. It seems like I underestimated that man a bit."
Nikyou faced opponents with swords and knives without flinching, rather attacking them boldly. Mikage explained that there was no knowledge of martial arts or tactics, just an inexplicable 'strength' present in Nikyou.
"In that regard, there might be something similar to Yukina-sama. When it comes to battles between humans, he might even be a talent that can reach the level of a 2nd rank mercenary."
Surely, that was Mikage's highest form of praise.
After capturing Narinki and taking him to the Jingin Family's base, the job would be almost complete. The rest would be taken care of by Reed's mercenary group. We would receive our reward and finally be able to leave Eubarest.
"I was worried for a moment, but somehow things worked out. It was quite a break. I don't feel like taking on any more jobs for a while even when we return to the royal capital."
"I can understand that feeling. Maybe it wouldn't be bad to extend our stay in Eubarest a little longer?"
That doesn't sound too bad either, I thought as I tilted my head.
In this scene, Reed suddenly interrupts and causes a commotion, but strangely, it remains quiet.
Curious, when I look over, Reed hasn't moved an inch from where we last spoke, with his hand resting near his left eye, his face still hidden. Come to think of it, what was that sensation I felt just before Nikyou and the others left the tavern?
"Hey, Reed, what's wro──"
"...Ah, no. I can't take it anymore."
Before I could finish speaking, Reed's voice reaches me. In the still air, filled with the remnants of the hustle and bustle, his heated words pierce through my ears sharply.
Unsteadily, Reed approaches with uncertain steps.
"Hey, Black Blade. How about joining my mercenary group?"
"...Why are you suddenly saying that?"
Seriously. At least save the jokes for the victory celebration and the drinks.
But I swallow back those words at the last moment.
Reed's presence felt strange as he seemed to anticipate the drunken ramblings.
"At first, I didn't like you at all because of Kyunei-chan. That's for sure. But when we fought side by side, it wasn't as bad as I thought. The combination of you and that black spear isn't really that bad."
It's not just a joke, I can tell from his words. It feels good to have my skills recognized by top mercenaries. It's not bad ──it should be.
"I understand why Silver Flash is getting fired up. It's no wonder Kyunei-chan and young lady Aina are falling for you."
A feeling close to anxiety began to sprout in the depths of the chest.
"Stop it, Reed. Yukina-sama wouldn't want to be under you──"
"I don't give a damn about what you say, Silver Flash. Shut up."
Reed's voice, which had a hint of irritation, was abrasive. Mikage furrowed her brows at the sudden change in Reed's calm attitude, but Reed continued without caring.
"────Being part of a mercenary group or whatever is just a front. Who cares about reasons. Even that cool black spear (Gram) is irresistible."
Pausing for a moment, Reed speaks with deep emotion.
"Yukina the Black Blade──You're the one I want."
Depending on how you hear it, it was a line that could be seen as a confession of love, with intense passion. Despite the emotions in his voice being heated, my heart is filled with unease as he directs them towards me.
"I've never felt this way about a human before, especially a guy. I must be losing it. But you know, it's not about reasons anymore. I just can't help wanting you."
"Please step back, Yukina-sama. Something seems off."
Sensing the same thing, Mikage steps forward and stands in front of me protectively.
In the tense atmosphere,
"...What will you do if I say no?"
"Yeah, that's right. If you're a weakling who just nods obediently here, I won't even bother with you. I get it. There's no way someone recognized by that 'spear' would be a small-minded fool swayed by petty ambitions."
With a chuckle, I couldn't help but leak a sense of joy as if my rejection was rather pleasing.
"I usually keep Slay quiet by covering my eyes with an eyepatch, but once I unleash Stigma (this guy), I can't seem to control myself. I usually hold back, but now it's impossible. I can't contain it. I don't even want to hold back."
When Reed raised his head, there was no trace of reason left in his eyes.
All that remained was to surrender to the impulse bubbling up from within like a beast.
"So, I'll take you by force. I won't hold back anymore!!"
With a thud, we were overwhelmed by the pressure emanating from Reed. The uncontrollable desire felt like it was bursting out of our bodies.
"You scoundrel──ugh!?"
"Mikage!?"
Mikage, who had become impossible to ignore, finally drew her sword, but was casually deflected by Reed's snake belly sword strike. In a split second, I tried to rush over, but the mocking laughter of the "Slay" sword echoed in my mind, freezing my feet in place.
'Gyahahahaha! That's right, Reed. There's no need to hold back at all!!'
"──Huh"
Light radiated from Reed's left eye Stigma and the Slay sword. In response, my own Stigma emitted intense heat. This clearly indicated Reed's excitement.
'You are the embodiment of 'greed'! Take what you desire, snatch what you crave!'
As Slay, filled with joy, weaved its tale, the snake belly sword enveloped Reed's body without leaving an inch uncovered. Like a cocoon made of blades.
'My wielder! Seize everything without hesitation! Follow your instincts, take what you desire! Gyahahaha!!'
As the explosive aura swelled from within, reaching the brink of collapse, Reed's desperate cry burst forth.
"Completely snatch everything you can── Yamata-no-Orochi the Devouring Serpent (Dáinsleif)! "
As the cocoon of blades burst open, what appeared were eight massive serpents. No, each one had grown so huge that the blade-like coils extending from Reed's back resembled giant serpents.
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