Chapter 98: Meeting The Delegate

[00 Months: 09 Days: 12 Hours]

The cool evening air of my room was quiet and still, as was my mind.

Lying on the bed, I found myself tracing the patterns in the wooden beams overhead, my thoughts wandering back to the events of the past few days.

It had been three days since our mission to recapture the Lyma Family Delegate. Three days, and still no word from Benard.

"Haa… for real?"

I had my new Adventurer Badge, the metal cool and weighty against my skin, a symbol of my entry into the ranks of Adventurers. But this couldn't count as a reward in the slightest.

'What about the prospects I had calculated when I decided to accept the mission? Is there really nothing more in it for me?'

If there was, why was it taking so long for them to get back to me?

The delegate... she had been unconscious when we found her, her face ashen and streaked with tears.

From what Benard and Fey had told me, she was going to need a lot of rest before she was ready to face anyone or do anything.

The bandits had done more than physically harm her; they had dealt a serious blow to her psyche.

As for the bandits... they were now prisoners, their hands bound and their spirits broken.

We had brought them back with us to Terance. Their fate now lay in the hands of the Delegate and whatever punishment she deemed fit.

Though, it was most likely going to be a capital offense, considering the non-tolerance policy Terance had towads banditry, as well as the severity of their offence.

The Lyma Family is a very important Noble household. Is there even any possibility that their punishment would be something else?

That was probably why Benard and Fey didn't press me too much for killing Andrew back then. He was going to die at the hands of the Lyma Family anyway.

"Haa…" I sighed, the sound filling the silence of the room.

"Better get a decent reward for all this trouble," I muttered to myself.

My fingers traced the new Adventurer badge again, the engraved insignia a constant reminder of the task I had undertaken.

All I had really gained so far were a few pieces of Currency, and a Level Up despite spending so much time on the mission.

My Status Window now showed Level 36. The increase in level was a small comfort, but still, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of dissatisfaction.

I could only hope that the effort I had put into this mission would soon be worth it.

Just as I was about to lapse into a sleep of weary exhaustion, a sharp knock echoed through the room.

My instincts flared, my eyes snapping open, my senses going into overdrive as I listened carefully to the sounds beyond the door.

Despite my surprise, I managed to suppress my initial shock, sliding off the bed and standing with measured ease.

'<Immersion>' I deftly activated my Skill.

There were multiple presences beyond the door, a ripple of energy signatures that I could sense.

None were hostile, but the number alone was enough to make me pause.

This late in the night, visitors were rare. Even more so, unexpected visitors.

As I focused, a familiar sense caught my attention. Benard. His unique energy was unmistakable. But he wasn't alone.

There was a more imposing presence, one that made my eyes widen in surprise.

'H-huh? What?!' My eyes bulged even further. 'What is she doing here?'

Could it really be...?!

For a moment, I just stood there, incredulous, the sense of surprise causing my heart to beat faster.

But no, there was no time to stand in shock. I had to maintain my calm. It wouldn't do to look surprised or vulnerable.

I was 'Luke', the unflappable adventurer, after all.

With that in mind, I moved towards the door, my steps slow and deliberate. My hand wrapped around the cold handle, and with a deep, steadying breath, I pulled the door open, ready to face the unexpected visitors.

As the door swung open, the harsh light from the hallway illuminated the figures standing outside.

The first one I recognized immediately was Benard, his stoic face set in a grim, serious line, his gaze intense.

He was flanked by a couple of guards dressed in thick armors, their hands gripping onto the hilts of their sheathed swords, their eyes alert and focused.

Behind him, I could spot a couple of adventurers, their gear boasting of countless battles and their eyes holding a spark of recognition as they took me in.

'They're all skilled and high-ranking by this world's standards. I can tell…'

But the last person was the one who truly took me by surprise.

The Delegate of the Lyma Family, a woman of undeniable authority, was right there, her posture firm and resolute, her eyes meeting mine with a clear intention.

It was surprising, to say the least.

She had very long blond hair, almost shining with a golden hue. Her clear skin made me appreciate her beautiful face even more.

Her naturally pristine appearance was well complimented by the very lovely attire she had beneath the long hooded cloak that she was currently using to hide her identity—most likely so no one around could recognize her.

'Did she come at this time to reduce the chances of being recognized? I see…'

I leaned against the door frame, taking in the group gathered before me.

Assessing them individually, I considered the potential threat each one could pose, and I found it almost amusing.

It wasn't a matter of arrogance, but fact – I could handle them all if it came to a fight. Not that I expected a confrontation.

Benard, if anything, was not a fool. And with the Delegate present, it was unlikely they were here for a fight.

Their intention was something else entirely.

"So," I began, crossing my arms over my chest as I regarded them with a raised brow. "To what do I owe this... unexpected visit?"

Internally, I was hoping it was about my reward. After everything that had transpired, it was about time.

But, at this point, I could only wait and see what this motley crew had in store.

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[A/N]

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