Chapter 164

Chapter 164

"Unfortunately, I have no choice but to forcibly take you."

The woman in a maids uniform spoke, holding a massive coffin like a blunt weapon.

"Ha."

I bared my teeth in a grin. Look at this. Now theyre even resorting to blatant threats?

Do they think Im a pushover? Despite appearances, Ive defeated countless monsters on the monster frontline, including the Vampire King himself.

Great! Lets go head to head!

... Thats what I wanted to say, but I barely held it back, instead nodding my head.

"Alright, alright. Ill come with you."

Upon hearing my compliant response, the woman seemed surprised.

"Really?"

"Really, whats it to you? I want to meet your master too."

I was genuinely curious about what kind of person would exert pressure on the merchants of the Imperial Capital and then use that pressure to hinder my business.

If they invite me, why shouldnt I go? Lets meet face-to-face and talk about it.

"Hmm..."

The woman squinted her eyes and murmured.

"You wont run away. Somethings changed about you..."

"What?"

Whats going on? Did this woman know Ash?

I wanted to ask, but there was no time. The woman with the massive coffin on her back led the way out of the mercenary guild.

"Follow me. Ill guide you."

***

After boarding a carriage that was waiting beside the mercenary guild building, we headed south for a while.

The carriage finally stopped at a massive building right next to the harbor.

I looked up at the sign of the building with unexpected emotions.

<Silver Winter Commerce Guild>

The Silver Winter? The largest commerce guild in the empire, if not the entire continent?

The Silver Winter was known for operating the continents largest commerce guild, reaching every corner of the empire.

Although it was possible to contact them in the game, for some reason, they never traded with Crossroad. They seemed like dummy data.

Is Silver Winter the one obstructing my trade with other guilds...? But why?

My suspicions deepened as I followed the maid-clad woman into the guild building.

Even though it was late, the building was bustling with people.

Among those carrying piles of paperwork and goods, the woman walked skillfully, her movement nimble despite the enormous coffin on her back.

She stopped on the fifth floor, at the very end, where there was a door made of luxurious wood. Above it hung a large nameplate.

<Silver Winter Guild Masters Office>

This must be where the head of the guild resides.

Two women dressed like the maid-clad woman stood guard by the door, their faces stern and imposing.

As the maid-clad woman put down the coffin, the two guards stepped aside.

Knock-knock- She knocked on the door carefully and recited emotionlessly, "Master. I have brought him."

A cool, young female voice came from inside, "Come in."

"Yes."

The maid-clad woman pulled open the door and stood aside politely. I cautiously stepped inside.

The first thing I noticed was the smell of ink and paper.

The spacious room was filled with all sorts of documents. A quick glance revealed they were mostly receipts and transaction records.

Certificates verifying goods bought and sold by the guild were also in abundance.

Next, I saw neatly packaged jewelry and precious metals.

True to the continents largest commerce guild, they were dealing in such high-value goods. I turned my head, estimating the price of the jewels.

Lastly, my eyes fell on her.

A young woman, wearing a wrinkle-free female suit, sat at the desk in the middle of the room.

Her hair, cascading past her waist, was a transparent watery blue, and her eyes, peering through glasses at the documents, were as bright as freshly minted silver coins.

She glanced at me, then laid down her pen and took off her glasses simultaneously.

"You did well. You may leave, Elize."

"Yes, Master."

The name of the woman who had brought me here must have been Elize.

Elizes eyes expressed loyalty and compassion towards her master, but towards me, they showed the same murky suspicion as before.

Elize bowed politely at the waist and then closed the door quietly behind her.

The room was left with only the woman, the leader of Silver Winter, and me.

Smack!

I snatched the glass and downed the cocktail in one shot.

It must have been a strong drink because my stomach immediately felt hot. Hell yeah!

I threw the empty glass into the sea outside the yacht, energetically.

Sorry for littering the ocean, but this should make me more like Ash, right?!

"..."

Serenades eyes widened, frozen in shock at my sudden behavior.

I started to sweat. Was that too overboard?

"Um... Your throat must have been quite dry. Shall I get you another drink, my lord?"

"No, thats enough. Im good."

I casually waved my hand. One more drink like this, and there would be no stomach lining left.

But thanks to the alcohol, my tensed body relaxed. Perhaps I should pretend to be Ash, under the influence of alcohol.

Whew.

Leaning against the railing where I was leaning, Serenade let out a soft sigh and took a sip from her glass.

After you left for the battlefield and returned to the Imperial Capital, you didnt even try to get in contact with me.

...

When you left, it was the same. You didnt say anything to me. I thought I was used to being treated like this, but isnt it a bit... too much?

Serenades silvery eyes looked at me gently. I made an effort to smile calmly.

Were you worried?

Im always worried.

Serenade muttered, twirling her cocktail glass in her hand.

Im always anxious that you might... break your promise.

A promise? What promise did Ash make?

I was curious, but I changed the subject. There was something I needed to ask.

So you interfered?

Interfered? What are you talking about?

Dont play dumb. The architects and merchants I contacted all backed off, and it was you, wasnt it?

Serenade chuckled.

Oh, that? That was something I had to do, of course.

What?

Didnt I promise you that my Silver Winter Merchants would provide the best commercial service? We cant have other mongrels interfering.

I was speechless.

So, whats this all about?

I will select the architect for you. I dont know what business you want to do in Crossroad, but that business will also be handled by our Silver Winter Merchants.

You didnt like me contracting with other merchants, so you acted first and stopped it... was that the story?

If you leave such matters to me, Ill take care of everything. Just let me know.

...

Tell me as much money as you need, too. Whether you use it for gambling or betting, Ill lend you as much as you want. Anything we handle in our merchants, just say the word. Whether its alcohol, jewelry, or anything precious, if I can get it, I can give it to you.

Why is she doing so much?

Hesitant, I cautiously asked.

So what should I give in return?

...Youre pretending to forget again.

Serenades watery hair fluttered in the gentle sea breeze. It looked like a wave rippling in the air.

From the beginning, our familys request was clear, wasnt it?

Serenade, letting out a long sigh, looked up at me with sharp silvery eyes.

Why was it? Her eyes were desperate and pained.

Give us the royal favor, to our Silver Winter, a humble merchant family that only has money...

Royal favor?

Not the star-silver for hunting vampires but the royal favor ()? If thats the case...

Your... royal seed.

Serenades long, slender fingers tightly gripped my sleeve.

Give it to me.

My eyes widened in shock.

The seed...

Seed, seed, seed, SEED?! (TL Note: ( ))