22 Arranging Future Meetings (1/2)

Eventually, Ramph Zelu, with utmost care, held his son's corpse in his arms, and after absentmindedly excusing himself, with heavy steps, took away his now dead offspring.

What followed his departure was an awkward silence, a prolonged one. It couldn't be helped, the scene just now had materialized a heavy weight on the spectator's hearts.

In the end, it was Lenna Zelu's footsteps what broke the silence. She stopped in front of Thorn, and said handing 4 black coins over to him: \”Congratulations. Here it is your deserved reward.\”

She then directed her next words toward the public: \”With this, the twenty-first Lurep Village Mercenary vs. Adventurer Novices Tournament ends. Thanks for your presence today.\” Immediately after, she too left. Her quick actions showed how upset she was. Well, her cousin had just died, it was understandable.

After which, the gates to the exit of the mansion opened.

The spectators exchanged distressed looks, and proceed to leave in an orderly fashion.

At that juncture, Delia Adver told Arger Dal and Cley Alch: \”See you later, my friends. I have some business to attend.\”

Used to her personality, they just waved at her; and after she disappeared, they began to discuss Ramph Zelu's matter.

Delia Adver suddenly appeared in front of Thorn giving him a little scare.

\”W-what?\” He stuttered.

\”Since you are a mercenary, you can accept a job from me, correct?\” She asked, her gaze firmly settled on his eyes.

\”Oh… Yes, yes! Although our party is still inexperienced, until now, we haven't disappointed a single client; so you can feel relieved putting your trust on us.\” Radiating confidence, he beamed.

\”That's great. Meet me at the principal headquarters of the Adventurer's Guild in 457 days. And don't worry about the money, I'll give your party enough to spend the rest of your lives in luxury.\” After saying such awesome words, she disappeared from Thorn's field of vision.

*Gasp*

Thorn couldn't help gasp in astonishment. (Goddammit! She almost gave me a boner!)

Delia Adver appeared in front of her disciple, the girl with sexy thick lips, and mocked her revealing a playful smile: \”Ashly, that was pathetic: you got your ass kicked really good there.\”

Ashly involuntarily put her hand on her chest, pain stabbing her heart, and said grimacing: \”Y-y-you know that it was a shameless, underhanded blow… Why are you adding salt to my wound? As my teacher, you should be trying to heal it instead… \”

Still with the playful smile on her face, Delia Adver replied: \”Don't be silly, Ashly. As your teacher, I have the responsibility of putting enough salt on your wound to kill every bacteria it may attract. And believe me, it requires quite a lot of salt to do so.\”

*Grrr…*

Ashley made such noise as she held her own head with both hands in frustration. \”Forget it, I had never won a discussion against you anyway!\” She then lowered her arms and sighed.

After a short silence, Ashly suddenly said: \”I suppose the reason why you are in such a good mood is because he'll help you with that matter.\”

\”Of course.\” Delia Adver immediately admitted. She then started to walk toward the exit as a casual mutter left her rosy lips: \”Let's go home.\”

Not too far away from the teacher-disciple pair, Arnold Alch sauntered to the side of Captain Fou Tre, and said with a hushed voice: \”I'll 'eat' tomorrow. Bring just three knights this time. Same place as always.\”

The Captain Fou Tre wordlessly nodded and turned to leave.

By this point, Rose and Thorn were already chatting. It was a private conversation thanks to her Awakened Skill.

\”What did Delia want from you?\” Rose asked, her eyes filled with curiosity.

\”She made us a job offer; though, apart from the extravagant payment she promised, she only said that we have to be at the principal headquarters of the Adventurer's Guild in 457 days.\” Thorn answered.

Thorn's words immediately made Rose's eyes lit up like golden coins. \”Well, I have no idea why she'll need our help, but if there's an organization that is famed for how depth its treasure vaults are, that would be the Adventurer's Guild! I'm sure the journey to the Monster Human Kingdom will be worth it!\”

\”That's awesome! By the way, speaking of money, here there are the 4 black coins!\” He said handing the money over to her.

After Rose put the coins in her pocket, she joyful celebrated flinging her arms in the air. \”We are now so close to have enough to contract a ship designer!\”

\”How much are you planning to extort from the murderer?\” Thorn suddenly asked, a wide and malicious smile on his face.

In response to Thorn's question, Rose nonchalantly said: \”Oh, about that, since his Awakened Skill is so useful and so unique, I thought we should ask him to join our party.\”

\”W-what?!\” Thorn's mouth and eyes became completely wide open.

\”I know, I know, it's a risky move; but I think it would be worth it. You must be aware of the fact that probably, in the entire world, there isn't a second Awakened Skill like his.\” Her look was earnest.

\”Yes, probably there isn't; but a party united by extortion won't work right; actually, it would be extremely dangerous.\” He tried to change her mind patiently.

\”That's why I said 'we should ask him to join our party', and didn't say 'we should extort him into joining our party'.\” She stubbornly replied.

*Sigh…*

After a long sigh, he finally conceded: \”… Okay. If you have already decided it, I suppose I won't be able to change your mind because, in spite of everything, you are the smartest of the team right now.\”

\”It's a bet, okay? We could receive a disaster or a blessing from him. I just want to take the risk because I believe that, with our combined wits and strengths, we can overcome any disaster he may throw at us.\” She explained in a single breath, eyes radiating deep craftiness.

Seeing her confident attitude, he couldn't help but crack a slight smile on his face. \”Let's follow him then, before he gets away.\”

\”Yes!\” Rose nodded satisfied. Thorn had at last understood her.