[... or should I call, young master--]

[ENOUGH!]

I shoot a glare to him in a sign to call off his sneer.

His remarks to attempt me mad is quite successful. If anything… I would get instantly emotional when involving that ‘guy’. Since Maku is the mid-man, the paper-work related to the mission went through him, the mid-man first. All the mission will be evaluated by him whether it’s a benefit for the organisation or not.

Granted, his men should know about me one or two… given his rank as an executive. And another things about Maku… is that he always takes two steps cautious… more if he needs to, which he’s able to escape any dangerous situation he’s in. Such as… he has many underlings all over the kingdom… serve under him as his information line. With that alone, he’s able to track down any information, news… and even confidential secrets that even that person himself didn’t know. That’s how he, the combat less executive, keep up to us, the blades.

[Hehe… those cold eyes… it fits you well]

[Enough. Give me the detail about the mission]

[Relax. I’ll give it to you eventually. But…]

He suddenly facing to the right, staring straight to Anna… who keeps busy in searching and choose the accessories. A disgusting smile with a lick on his lips, showing that he’s planning something malicious toward her.

[Anna… is her name, right? A girl that still developing… I wonder what she tastes like when I force my way with her--]

[...Y-you…]

[That soft-looking lips… that white-reddening skin… those hips… and those small-breast. I can’t wait to ravage her~]

His provoke has reached its limit, and so has my anger. Both of my hands are already grabbed out the short-swords, eagerly to cut off this bastard’s head in one blink… but those intent have been nought… because a letter has appeared before me.

[As the boss said. You’re short-tempered. Hahahaha]

[.……………]

[Aha. What’s the matter? Lose your urge to kill me…? well, look around you young master~]

As per the said, my eyes strolling to the very inch of my surrounding. Several ruffian-looking men are standing inside of hidden places that been overshadowed by the tall buildings. Not to mention, there are those standing at the top buildings, ready to rain the arrows when the signal gives. Even the owner of the next stall, including the accessory stall where Anna stops by, grabbing their respective knives.

I’ve been set.

[These guys are extremely good at shooting and throwing daggers. Since we are ex-slave, with the record as ex-mercenary… throwing these knives to the vital points is as easy as breathing. Of course, we couldn’t win against you even we attack as a group… we do know that but… I couldn’t say the same things for her though~]

[.………]

[I know you’re a smart guy, so you take the hint, right~? what would happen if you dare to oppose boss Maku]

[Did he tell you to provoke me into this such level for just a normal greeting?]

[Well… apparently he did. Hehehehe]

Irura… I implore you to forgive me for my actions in the future. The hatred inside me may amok to cause unnecessary bloodshed, but even so… forgive me for these words that I’ll say

[Then, send him my last warning. If he’s laid a finger on any of my friends…I’ll assure you that death will be a nice thing to come. And that applies to scumbags like you all]

[Quite the words, as fit for your title. Very well… I’ll relay the same words to him. Now, I think that’s enough for my amusement… shall we get to the business then… fufufu]

[Them as well. Tell them to shook off the weapons]

A slight hand signal from Troy is enough for those hidden bastards to disappear, along with those at the top of buildings too. They’ve done it without a remorse feeling or any sign of disapproving… which means that these men are well trained in combat as per Troy’s said.

Ironically, although I do not know their strength… but with those numbers earlier, they could throw strategic stealth, even without me… and I’m sure of it.

Once there are completely gone, Troy gave me the letter.

[But really. For a calm and gentle looking like yourself turns out to be The Blades… moreover to be the young master, the world may have gone crazy~]

[.……..]

[So, shall we begin?]

[.……………]

[I take it as a yes. The letter that I gave you is the captain’s residential location, their names, the path that they took to the gate, and even their capabilities. Weird to say, their home was not in the central area like we thought. Plus, there are no personal guards that guarding their resident, or even escorting them to their workplaces… that makes your job as easy as a walk in the park right?]

[If it’s that easy, then Maku wouldn’t this stupid to sent me taking their life]

[Precisely! Hahaha… as expected from you, young master. Just like I said earlier… we have our own strength that we can be proud of, but it will go nought if we head down to face even the lonely captain self]

[So he sent me to take care of them?]

[Heck yeah. I wouldn’t want to end my life so soon. Besides, you and the other Blades are MONSTERS. This will be a cinch for you, doesn’t it]

[.…………….]

[Hahaha. Okay now for the next part. Their fighting skill is not to be underestimated, that you should know already. But even the demon has a weakness. So I suggest to attack them during the dawn… specifically speaking, on their way back to home]

[Your reason…?]

[Well… he should be tired for guarding all night long and without any harsh movement on their body, so their muscles should be mid-awake, which goes with their strength. As an ex-mercenary… I’m quite familiar with such conditions]

[Then you should appeal yourself to Maku if you know this much]

[Look here, buddy. My body may give off a strong vibe to you, but to be honest… I’m entering delicate age where I could even lose in a small brawl with the youngster adventurer]

[.……………..]

[Anyway, that’s all you should know. If you want to use my suggestion, feel free. By the way, I’ll send my men to take care of the dead bodies… so you can focus on the easy part]

[Should I notify you whenever I make a move?]

[No need. The boss already 'planted' the scavenger team near their residents. I heard they're excellent in swift tasks, just like you. So you don't have to worry about the corpses]

[Very well]

I turn my back from him and went to Anna. Even without looking, I’m sure that he’s wearing that devilish smile on his face… waiting for a piece of good news from my task. Either way, his suggestion was not bad… but more options will be more demanding in a tight situation.

[Done with the choosing, Anna?]

[Eh, Mr Rayn. Yep, I did. Look, a hairpin. Does it nice when I’m wearing it?]

The soft-coloured flower attaches to the hairpin, and when she’s wearing it… of course, it would look good on her. If I had to say, all those accessory will suit her the best… but let’s make it not exaggerate

[Yeah, you look great]

[Hehehe, thank you~]

[So, how much for it?]

I glare to the owner of these accessories, who wearing a fake smile… where earlier he shoot a killing glare on me with his knife.

[W-well, for this cutie… I say around 3 copper]

[Eh… but earlier you said that it cost 2 silver coins]- Anna seems to look puzzled.

[2 silver coins is a reasonable price, Anna. And there it's quality too… am I right, ‘owner’?]

[Y-yeah…]

[But then, I must say… it such fine accessories you got there, owner. From my perspective, it should have sold in the central area at best. It makes me wonder… could it be…]

[Ah… of course, the earlier price was a joke, miss. The actual price is 3 copper]

The owner looks flustered by my remarks, even though he can emit such a killing intent earlier. He then gave the hairclip and put on Anna’s palm.

[... thank you for your patronage…]

He lowering his head to bid us farewell once I gave 3 copper myself on his palm. Although there are several methods of killing in my mind that I can commit after seeing an enemy’s bare hand, I retort such thinking. But…

[ Just a piece of advice. Should you cut one of the flowers in the private garden, then prepare for the owner’s wrath when he comes knocking. That’s all, mister. Have a good day]

[.…S-sure…]

I swear I could hear him gulping. Well, that means that he is aware of my capability. I’m sure that he will tell others about this, so it will be a good thing since they will not act so foolish such as attacking Anna.

Both Anna and me left the stall and headed back to the inn. Anna also offers me to assist in carrying the bags. If I look closely, both of my hands are hugging all the bags. When I politely refuse, she warns me that she will throw a tantrum in the crowd… which let me no choice but to give her share… but only the light ones.

[I had a great day today~]

[...yeah, me as well]

[I noticed that you took a long conversation with the owner. One of your acquaintances?]

[Hmm… aren’t you suppose to pay attention in your choice for accessories? How do you know?]

[well, I only glare for a bit]

[A bit huh….]

[What’s with that tone? Are you teasing me?]

[For what it worth, I suppose~]

[Mr Rayn…~! Please be serious…~!]

[Hahaha. It’s nothing. Just a seller wants his fruit to be sold more… that’s all]

I know the odds against me… but I swear on my life… I will protect those who dear to me.

I beseech you, o Irura. Grant this lowest yet humble servant of yours...of your strength.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A certain building in the busiest city located to the east from the Actra kingdom, Velt sat on the chair, putting his bags on the top of the round table. It’s a long journey for him since he has no rested ever since he lends the shoulder to the ‘lifeless’ Rayn to his inn, and went to this city at once.

Luckily for his horse is a good breed, he manages to arrive without stopped for a single rest.

He leans on the chair combining with releasing a heavy sigh. His eyes were tired, looking to his ragged bags. He lazily averts his eyes to the vacant seats around the table. He feels relieved that he comes early from the schedule.

“Oh my, how early you have arrived, Velt”

He startles for a second, slowly turn his view to the owner of this greet. The same height figure as Velt, but slender. Combining with long-wavy hair of chestnut colour, her sparkling violet eyes make her look polite and docile. Her pale white tone of skin, plus with her gently smiles… she is one can describe as a person that one can tell anything to her. She wears a dark blue shirt with long sleeves, pairs it with black pants and a brown boot.

But that doesn’t change a fact about how Velt views her as. Because of it, he bows down to the knee hurriedly, as low as possible… providing as a low servant as should act in front of his master. Regardless of how tired he is right now, he should present himself as an obedient lowly servant to her… since she’s the daughter of the ruthless organization leader, The Silver.

“Forgive me for my lack of awareness of your arrival, my lady, Miss Shion Granigar”

“There’s no need for you to position yourself that low. Rise and sit on your chair”

“B-but my lady…”

“I won’t repeat for the second time”

That short sentence of her words seems normal for the other, but… it is somehow words that are full of murderous intent, especially it’s a word that came from her mouth.

“P-pardon for my insolence”-- he rises and sits with a rush.

“Good”-- she looks satisfied

She walks around the table and sat on the finest chair in that room. Apparently, it’s a chair for the top person, and since it’s ‘his’ daughter…that shouldn’t be a problem. But still, a question arises from Velt’s thought.

“And by the way, father won’t come… so, I’ll manage this meeting in his place”

“... I see….”

“Judging by your wrinkle face, you must questioning the purpose of this meeting, am I right?”

“...Eh, well…”

“It’s alright. I don’t mind to discuss it for a second time with the others when they arrived. But since we have arrived two hours earlier, let’s have an idle chat… shall we?”

“If it’s pleased you…”

“Good~”

It is no surprise for Velt, witnessing the second in command, grinning ear to ear with her childish humming. Because he already knows the main topic that she will take it to the heart.

“So, Velt. How’s Rayn?”

“He’s fine and healthy”

“Oh yeah? How’s his life going? It’s been ten years after all”

“I must say… he’s one of the noticeable guys in the district, regardless of his ‘lifeless’ eyes’”

“That’s interesting. What makes him that popular?”

“Well, right after he entered the Actra kingdom… me and Maku had decided that to allow him in having a camouflage job, which is he choose to be an adventurer”

“Oho… and then?”

“Several things have happened. He rises to the A-rank thanks in participating as a rescue squad. So, he frequently helps the adventurers, especially the young ones. He also took an interest in gathering a herb, which is sometimes obtaining the rare ones, sold it and gain a quite haul of money. Because of that, it causes quite an uproar on the market, thus the quest for gaining the rare herbs are on par with the subjugating monster”

“Ah yes, he does have that hobby when he was a kid, fufufu. A-rank eh, so he’s now that strong”

“In my opinion, he should be in S-class at least… given his ridiculous speed in fighting, my lady”

“But that doesn’t answer the question”

“Which is…?”

“Him… been so popular. With what? To who??”

“Well, because of his heroic deeds… he’s been targeted by many girls in the adventurer guild. Not to mention, he’s well-mannered, polite, and soft-spoken… makes him quite popular in the neighbourhood. Plus, he’s quite handsome if I say so--”

Shion’s glaring dagger disrupted his words. Her hand makes a form of a fist, even let out a cracking sound from it. Velt only sat quietly and will continue whenever she asked.

“Those girls on that guild… I bet they just want to take advantage of his kindness! Am I right, Velt?!”

“... Yeah…”

“I know him better than anyone, even father. He’s so kind that he gave a big portion of his lunch to the stray cats, and having himself a little grub from it”

“Oh, he is?”

“Yes. And also, I’m a woman, so I know what kind of evil thought playing inside their brains”

“I bow down to your knowledge about them, Miss Shion”

“That should be expected!”

And so, Shion goes for round and round about her memories with Rayn in the past for exactly two hours. Velt does nothing but nods and awe while hearing her stories. Not because he feared her, but he intrigue to know about Rayn’s past.

He wants to know, how can the second in command of the Silver, one of the fearest member when it comes in combat and strategies… makes a face of an innocent girl who madly in love. Grinning to ears with her beaming eyes whenever the topic is about Rayn.

He does know that Rayn was raised by ‘him’ together with her… but that alone doesn't suffice the reason for her adores. In all way, he was glad that there’s someone who loves him other than the town girl named Yilvia.

“Oh, it’s about time. We’ll continue this matter next time, Velt”

“But of course, my lady”

“You better take care of him. Tell him to send me a letter once a month starting today. I want to know his thought about his current life”

“Then, I shall make this my top priority task”

“Hmm… excellent.”

In exact two hours, four-person entered the room by opening the door with care. As Velt can see their faces somehow pale as a ghost, it turns a bit refreshed by the moment their eyes focusing on a woman who sat with pride on their master’s chair.

“I assume you all are in good health?”-- Shion greets them

“It is as you say, Miss Shion”

All of them lowered down their head for a moment and then headed to their respective seats after been given permission. Each of them put their bags on the table, letting out several scrolls.

“Thank you for your effort in coming here with just a short notice. Hopefully, you can keep up this commitment in the future”

“Thank you for your praise, Miss Shion” -- the five of them answered in union

“Hmm. Now, I’ll explain the reason to summon you, the Eyes, for this conference”

She then repositions herself by straightening her back, resting her arms on the table. With clearing her throat, she asks…

“But first… all of you Eyes, I want you to report me about the Blade’s current strength, preferred battle kind and speciality. Normally, I would discuss this to The Mid-men… but unlike tounge, the ink from the pen can easily fooling others if they take any measurement in considering. After hearing your report, then I’ll tell you about the tasks”

“Yes, my lady!”

“Okay. Starting from my right”

A guy with golden medium-hair with a slick back, stands with a firm, “Yes, my lady Miss Shion”

“My name is Sam Longman. I’ve been assign to watch over two Blades in Spade kingdom. The first one is Lacrosso Pigott. He’s the master in hand-to-hand combat. I can say for sure that he can fight on the toe with Spade’s grand knight. He preferred guarding the client. The second one is Bora Schnider, whose slight average in use sword-shield style. But when I say slight average… I mean, he bested out A-rank adventure. He also prefers guarding mission. That’s all”

“Hmm, I see. Then the next one, please. And continue to the next person until finish”

“Yes, my lady”

The next person called Jack Woodyard, with a butler appearance as his outfit, he gave a noble vibe.

“The name is Jack Woodyard, in charge of overseeing the growth of Besse Palmer and Roscrow Sang in the nearest trade city called Sumi. Besse is the top sniper, with her ability to hit her target 4000 pace away. With her self-customised weapon, she performs such an elegant kill. Such a beautiful form... beautiful... ah! Her beauty could best of the elves… and her long -slender pair of legs as well. Ah… her sharp gaze has erotically stabbed me, forcing me to persuade her to become mine… but… ah…”

“Playing around, and your head will be fed by my dogs”-- Shion's scary expression, makes Jack clear his throat and continue his report. The rest look paled when hearing her words as well.

“S-she prefers assassination rather than open battle. The other guy, Roscrow, a rough fighter with excel in strengthening magic. He can survive with his own strength himself and unwilling to accept any task except mass murderer”

"As his weapon?"

"G-gauntlet, my lady"

And so, the reports continue to the next person… until Velt’s turn is up.

“My name is Velt, and I’m in charge of one Blade… Rayn Arma, in a wealthy kingdom, called Actra. His expertise is wide so I do not know where he excels the most, but almost all his mission requires him a short blade and a couple of throwing daggers. He’s quick with the legs, along with his perception of thinking. He prefers…assassination”

“Hmm, alright. Now I know all the strength of your Blades, I shall proceed this meeting to the main topic”

All of them straight up their backs, focusing on the content words that will be conveyed by their young mistress. They feel somehow the world stop moving, by the time their lady open up the scroll message and read it.

Once she finishes reading it, she pulled five scrolls… and then throwing it to the three-person. One for Jack Woodyard, three for Edgar Reilly, and one for Velt

“All of you Eyes that receiving the task, giving this to your Mid-man… for these Blades will be occupied in the next three week. Tell them to work on a plan for it. As for you guys, don’t bother to read it anyway because what I want to announce later is the same as the letter written”

“Yes, my lady”-- all of them answer together

“For the next three week, a wedding ceremony will be held with grand in the deepest part in the Actra’s kingdom. Our information line tells that since it’s a strong kingdom with less threat from their enemy, they live peacefully”

“...Wedding…ceremony?”-- Velt’s murmuring

“The wedding is about a daughter of settlement and the core defensive pillar in the kingdom. Ironic, isn’t it? Since the bride is from the commoner, the others are permitted to enter the central area to celebrate it… which is an impossible feat for them”

“...No…it can’t be…”

“Even when the ceremony begins, he wouldn’t suit up his impenetrable armour and shield, doesn’t he? That would raise anyone's eyebrows, hahaha”

“...how should I tell Rayn about this?-- Velt whisper with uneasy feelings

“We shall take life the grand knight of Actra, Aegis shield of God… Saver Lithril! And this is the bonus one from me since I’m pissed, KILL ALSO HIS BITCH… YILVIA MASH…!!”

All of them stood in unison, “Yes, my lady…!”