Volume 9 Chapter 9 Demon And Liquor
After finishing our job, we decided to grab a drink together at a tavern, thanks to Kyrie's strong persuasion.
"No way, Wade! You're amazing, I mean, seriously amazing! I respect you! You're too strong~!"
"I've already had 5 cups."
"Sorry, Wade. Our leader is..."
In an instant, Kyrie downed 5 wooden jugs, each as big as a hug. It's Gand, the voice of reason, who apologizes instead of Kyrie.
"Is it always like this?"
"Our leader always takes charge and does everything, and we're always left to clean up the mess, right, Gand?"
"It's always like this. I'm sorry for getting you involved."
"What are you talking about?! You're the one who's always saying that...you're so annoying! You're always getting in the way!"
Lillu, with her bright red face, is getting all worked up, thanks to Gand's follow-up. I'm starting to understand that this guy is just hopeless.
Meanwhile, I glanced at Ice, who was sipping on juice instead of liquor. She wasn't saying a word, just quietly keeping an eye on the 3 of us.
I think Ice is necessary in this situation.
If I were alone, I'd probably get too comfortable around these nice people and let my guard down. Or rather, I'm already doing that right now.
So I'm grateful for Ice's stance, and I say, "Ice, this is delicious," as I put a plate of food in front of her.
Then Ice smiles at me, just me, and says, "Thanks...Wade-kun." Ah, my wife is so cute.
"Well, since our leader is in this state, I'll take care of the gratitude for this time."
Gand says, pulling out a gold coin from his pocket.
"This job was a big deal, and we got a gold coin for it. With this, we can finally...well, we were supposed to, but considering the number of enemies we defeated, it's a bit unsatisfying."
I wave my hand at Gand, who's smiling wryly.
"Honestly, I don't care about the money. As long as you're satisfied with the amount, that's fine."
"...Really? Thanks, I appreciate it. Then, at least, let me give you 4 big silver coins."
I received 4 big silver coins. Although it's a 40% share, I didn't take on this request just for the money. Besides, 4 big silver coins are a considerable amount.
To be honest, I'm thinking of taking it without drawing attention, you know? What's really important to us is information.
I say,
"No, but we were able to find a lead, thanks to our connections. Can we rely on you again?"
"Of course. If someone as capable as Wade is willing to cooperate, we're grateful."
Gand nods, and Lillu chimes in.
"Well, even if not, there are other newbies with connections too. Like Barcow-san, the antique shop owner, who's struggling with a lack of manpower."
"That's right, Lillu. If you want to work regularly, there are connections like that too. We also have some tasks we'd like to ask for your help with."
I think, "Good, I can get used to this place." Information will naturally start to gather too.
Anyway, I move on to the main topic.
"By the way, before I came to this city, I saw that there are towers built at regular intervals. What's up with that?"
I ask, pretending to be casual, but actually inquiring about the most crucial information. Gand responds with a light tone, "Ah, you mean that?"
"Those are the protective towers of the Demon King's Castle. The story goes that the Demon King's Castle is protected by ten towers."
Bingo, I think to myself, grinning inwardly. It seems we're on the right track about which towers to take care of before invading the Demon King's Castle.
"Ten towers?"
I repeat, feigning surprise, and Lillu responds while munching on meat, "Yeah, that's right!"
"Bazaar, Slum, Circus. There are 2 towers in each region. They're arranged to surround the Demon King's Castle, with 4 towers in total. All ten towers are protecting the Demon King's Castle."
"Two towers in each region?"
"Yeah. If you came from the outskirts, you'd definitely find those towers unusual. The Demon King's army is stationed there permanently."
"Hmm..."
I think to myself. The Demon King's army is stationed there permanently... which means those towers also serve as their base, right?
I was thinking deeply. The Demon King's castle, which I had heard was in a state of oppression, with many numbers and a need to maintain control. To attack it....
Next to me, who was deep in thought, Ice asked Klainatzirks.
"Can I ask about what you said earlier, about not having enough manpower? Can you tell me more?"
"Ah, you're interested? Okay, I'll introduce you ☆."
Kyrie, who seemed like they wouldn't be able to hold a conversation, reacted, and for a moment, Ice made a really disgusted face.
"That person is a newcomer~, but they're good at business and suddenly had a store~. They're amazing~."
"Well, what can I say? They're a simple person who does business in a simple way. Whether Wade and the others will like them or not, I don't know..."
I muttered in response to Gand's words.
"Am I being seen as someone who's starving for blood or something?"
"Is that not the case?"
"No way."
How rude. That's just a performance for efficiency.
"But it's good. Having a place to work and earn a living is a blessing. Can I rely on you?"
When I said that, Kyrie raised her glass.
"Cheers☆ Wade and the others, cheers Kyrie and the others, cheers!"
They said, and Kyrie gulped down the drink. How many cups have they had, really? There are countless empty wooden cups lined up only at Kyrie's place.
Anyway, it's a good start. Information gathering is going smoothly. If I work here for a few days, I'll be able to get a sense of the city and gain common knowledge.
I followed Kyrie's lead and slowly tilted my wooden cup. The refreshing taste of booze after work was great.
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