Prev | TOC | Next
———
~ Please support this site by disabling your ad-blocker ❤️ ~
______
CHAPTER 23: AMBUSHED BY A YOUNG GIRL TRAINED IN ASSASSINATION TECHNIQUES AS A MERCENARY SINCE CHILDHOOD
"I used to be a member of that group, the 'Crystal Knights.'"
"Former mercenary...?"
"Even before I was forced into this backwater place, beings other than humans had no choice but to become mercenaries to survive in the capital. I've done things here that I can't talk about. The cost of Asgi's childbirth skyrocketed."
Souta let out a sigh.
"Are you perhaps still connected with them?"
"It's not like that. Well, it's more of a... obligation. Even killers have some sense of loyalty and humanity. That's why there's still room for buying off lower-level officials and why the 'Crystal Knights' in this village, if permitted, won't go on a rampage. It's a win-win situation, isn't it?"
"But that means other villages are suffering the consequences?"
"Haha, obviously, right?"
Assam took a drag from his pipe, letting out a puff of smoke and sighing.
Despite his tone, his expression was somber.
—Who knows how long that'll last?
—In that sense, it's also why I need to secure this village as an ace in the hole, and soon.
"Well, it's better than having something happen to your loved ones. I'm not blaming you for anything."
"I see you get it. You'll come along for the negotiations. Is there anyone who would be troubled by having you seen in your true form?"
"I don't remember much about my hometown anymore... but I can't deny the possibility that someone over there might remember."
No one in this world would know Souta, who came from a different world. However, Souta had established a backstory of having lost his memories and stumbled into the village. He had to maintain that façade, no matter how much he felt it was a lie.
"I don't know the risks and benefits, but if you hide your face, you'll be suspected first. That's not good. After all, they can find fault and use violence at will on their side."
"It would be nice if my unknown background could be used as an advantage."
"Unfortunately, you can't become an assassin. You're more suited for playing the shamisen on stage. Anyway, the official we contacted should be arriving soon. Please give the same presentation as before."
With that, Assam looked out the window, squinting his eyes. Far in the distance, a carriage surrounded by four armed men and women was approaching the village where Souta was.
Read only on https://royaltywrites.com.ng/
***
"When I get back, it's finally time to try making ramen..."
The discussion went smoothly. After wrapping up the annual tax collection talk, they handed over the medicine to the officials for free. It was like giving out free in-game currency initially to make them want more later.
"Of course, extra toppings..."
Souta spoke only twice. He introduced himself and explained the medicine to the officials. His introduction was limited to being a "traveling scholar on the brink of collapse."
Afterward, it was all about entertaining the officials with food and drink, and then Assam sent Souta home first.
"Goodbye, porridge life... hehehe."
"Master Scholar."
On the way back, a young girl dressed in modest black attire with a bright red hood appeared before Souta.
"Hmm, who might you be? Nice to meet you."
"Master Scholar, do you have a moment? I am a member of the 'Crystal Knights,' the Free Knights who serve as escorts for the officials. Please call me Nui."
Hearing 'Crystal Knights,' tension spread.
"Nui-chan, huh? What brings you here?"
"I heard that the Master Scholar was once a teacher, and I'd like to hear your story..."
"I don't know the risks and benefits, but if you hide your face, you'll be suspected first. That's not good. After all, they can find fault and use violence at will on their side."
"It would be nice if my unknown background could be used as an advantage."
"Unfortunately, you can't become an assassin. You're more suited for playing the shamisen on stage. Anyway, the official we contacted should be arriving soon. Please give the same presentation as before."
With that, Assam looked out the window, squinting his eyes. Far in the distance, a carriage surrounded by four armed men and women was approaching the village where Souta was.
Read only on https://royaltywrites.com.ng/
***
"When I get back, it's finally time to try making ramen..."
The discussion went smoothly. After wrapping up the annual tax collection talk, they handed over the medicine to the officials for free. It was like giving out free in-game currency initially to make them want more later.
"Of course, extra toppings..."
Souta spoke only twice. He introduced himself and explained the medicine to the officials. His introduction was limited to being a "traveling scholar on the brink of collapse."
Afterward, it was all about entertaining the officials with food and drink, and then Assam sent Souta home first.
Read only on https://royaltywrites.com.ng/
"Goodbye, porridge life... hehehe."
"Master Scholar."
On the way back, a young girl dressed in modest black attire with a bright red hood appeared before Souta.
"Hmm, who might you be? Nice to meet you."
"Master Scholar, do you have a moment? I am a member of the 'Crystal Knights,' the Free Knights who serve as escorts for the officials. Please call me Nui."
Hearing 'Crystal Knights,' tension spread.
"Nui-chan, huh? What brings you here?"
"I heard that the Master Scholar was once a teacher, and I'd like to hear your story..."
――If I refuse oddly, I might arouse suspicion.
Souta gazed at the two kukri knives hanging from Nui's belt.
――If she decides to, she could probably kill me. I'll just answer her questions quickly and then escape before anything troublesome happens.
Souta knelt down to meet Nui's gaze, not because she was a child.
"I have more experiments to conduct after this. Please limit your questions to three, if you would."
――And I'll face the questions head-on. I'm still a teacher.
Almost as if proving that thought, a cold sweat trickled down Souta's spine.
"Then, I shall take advantage of your kind offer, Master Scholar."
Kneeling and meeting her gaze, short, neatly-trimmed black hair and violet eyes peered out from the gap in the hood. Her voice was cold, yet courteous, and her appearance exuded an unexpectedly mature aura that didn't match her apparent age.
――Running away would be futile.
――Then it's better to win her over with words. Unfortunately, that's something I'm a professional at, being a teacher.
While still kneeling, Souta focused on the child before him, not missing any changes, and began the conversation.
――I won't give in to her, I'm an adult, and I'm a professional at this.
"Please, go ahead and ask anything."
Saying this, Souta presented a soft smile, contrasting the sharpness of his heightened awareness and intention.
Read only on https://royaltywrites.com.ng/
We hope you enjoyed this chapter! You can vote for this novel translation and drop a review on Novel Updates!❤️
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
0 Comments
What's on your mind...