Chapter 276: Interlude 99/ The Recruitment

Jormungandr and Beleth walk sides by side while talking with each other.

-That's really open-minded for me to see how your army trained. (Jormungandr)

-Well, it's not that special. (Beleth)

-Why do you think so, Beleth? I think you should believe more in your leadership. (Jormungandr)

Beleth looks a bit awkward and replies to her.

-I think your army is more well-trained than mine. Those recovered soldiers of yours had already returned to their daily routine and trained every day. (Beleth)

-Hahaha! They only like that because they feel guilty because of their action. (Jormungandr)

-Huh? What do you mean by that? (Beleth)

-Well, you see... we are one of the most famous mercenaries. But this incident will probably tarnish our reputation. (Jormungandr)

Jormungandr takes out a bottle of wine from her back. She takes a sip from it and continues the conversation.

-All thanks to a certain goddess made a mess out of my plan. (Jormungandr)

-... (Beleth)

Jormungandr takes another sip of wine and grunts about it.

-If I could hit that crazy one, I would beat her with all of my might. (Jormungandr)

-Why don't you find that goddess and beat her? (Beleth)

-Nah, I won't risk the life of my fellows for that one. (Jormungandr)

Beleth looks really surprised at the answer from Jormungandr. For a few days, Beleth gets to know more about Jormungandr. Beleth understands Jormungandr really loves the people under her.

-Is she that strong? (Beleth)

-... (Jormungandr)

Beleth has some guesses for the reason Jormungandr reacted like that.

-Hah! (Jormungandr)

Jormungandr gulps the rest of the wine bottle.

-Whosaaa! Wine is the best thing to relieve my stress. (Jormungandr)

She puts the bottle back into her bag and sighs out loud.

-Well, let me answer your question. (Jormungandr)

Jormungandr points at Beleth and her.

-Well, if our armies combined and launched the attack at her. We won't be able to lay a finger on her. (Jormungandr)

-... (Beleth)

-And for that one, she won't bother to deal with us directly. She would order a few puppets under her and destroy us. (Jormungandr)

Jormungandr scratches her head and complains.

-Luckily, that one never focuses on attacking someone. That goddess just torments people randomly for her entertainment. (Jormungandr)

-That sounds really troublesome! (Beleth)

-You shouldn't think too hard about that one. (Jormungandr)

Jormungandr laughs out loud.

-Though I really want you to go under my wings. (Jormungandr)

-I'm sorry, but I'm forever loyal to your master. (Beleth)

-Do you mean the contract that was binding your mana? I could release you from it if you want! (Jormungandr)

Beleth refuses her with determined eyes and stares at her.

-My answer shall remain the same. (Beleth)

-An unwavering loyalty... (Jormungandr)

Jormungandr looks away and shows a sign of giving up.

-It's too bad then. I still want your talent that can lead many races, though. (Jormungandr)

Beleth frowned at Jormungandr's statement.

-You noticed it? (Beleth)

-Well, I could feel a familiar scent from you, to be honest. And that scent is very familiar to me. Oh, do you try to hide that fact? (Jormungandr)

Beleth shakes her head and spreads out her dark wings.

-Nope, these black wings of mine are a sign of redemption. I taint it to give up my identity as an angel. (Beleth)

Jormungandr waves her hand and stops Beleth.

-I don't know what happened to you in the past, and I don't want to hear it. What I care about is your talent only! (Jormungandr)

-... (Beleth)

-I could see make many races admire you, Beleth. They use those wings as a sign of following your leadership. (Jormungandr)

Jormungandr points at Beleth and says.

-Believe in yourself, Beleth. You are a good leader. I think you can achieve the same feat as me in the future. (Jormungandr)

Beleth looks down and starts laughing.

-Hahah, thanks for your advice, Jormungandr. (Beleth)

-You are welcome! (Jormungandr)

At that moment, something big flies toward them.

-Danger! (Beleth)

Two of them jump back to avoid that thing.

-What? (Jormungandr)

The identity of that thing is a teddy bear.

-What is this thing doing here? (Jormungandr)

-This one results from Stolas's work. (Beleth)

Suddenly, the teddy bear breaks in two and reveals Mia inside.

-Fuaaaa! Sister Stolas is strong as always. (Mia)

From afar, Stolas runs toward Mia to check up on her.

-Are you alright, Mia? (Stolas)

-I'm fine, sister. (Mia)

Stolas looks at Jormungandr and Beleth. She bends down and apologises to them.

-I'm sorry because of careless action of mine. (Stolas)

-Muhahah! It's fine. It's normal for me, though. (Jormungandr)

Beleth waves her hand and says.

-We are still fine, Stolas. (Beleth)

-Well, are you two practising? (Jormungandr)

Before Stolas could answer, a small owl arrived on her shoulder. She takes the letter that was tied to its leg and read it.

-Oh... (Stolas)

A faint smile blooms on the expressionless face of Stolas.

-She is back... (Stolas)

Madeus