Chapter 102 - #101 Relaxing after the battle (1/2)
Beastmaster (Lv. 6) 159/320 NXP
I was practicing with my wings on my way from the village back to Oarburgh hideout and when I was only a few kilometers away from my destination, I met someone who I have never expected to meet while traveling through the dense forest.
”Oh? What a nice surprise to meet you here, Akashi. However, where is Taeko?” Mera looked at me with a surprised expression when our paths crossed.
”Taeko should already be back in your hideout...Since you aren't aware of it, you must have gone somewhere even before she returned which should be a few days ago.” I said with a slightly surprised tone and expressionless face.
”Since we are both returning how about you join me?” Mera smiled and gestured with her hand next to her while she was using her umbrella to protect her skin from a few sunrays that escaped through gaps between leaves of the trees.
...She is changing too fast.
”I have no problem with that.” I said with a calm tone and joined her, walking through the forest right next to her.
”I contacted Rebels to put off the contract we formed so right now we are free.” Mera said with a smile while glancing at me.
”I have completed my revenge which means that 2 kids from that group are already dead.” I said with a blank face while looking at the ground in front of me.
Although it seems like a waste, I mean their deaths. They are just being used by the Empire but one can't just change their beliefs in a few days, they have been raised to believe that what they are doing is for the good of common people...
Even if one can show them evidence, it will take a long time to convince them. I wonder if they will send that group to investigate the disappearance of all people within that village. If yes, I wonder who will be the first to find those documents I have left there.
”Really? That's great since I have just reported that we killed 2 of them so I can rest easy now.” She said with a slightly surprised tone before resting her head on her ċhėst with a relieved smile.
What the fuċk is going on with her? Isn't she acting too...ladylike? refined?
”You reported it without even knowing if I will actually kill that guy?” I asked with a raised brow while glancing at her.
”What can I say...I had faith in you that you wouldn't let him live after attacking your precious Taeko.” Mera said with a teasing tone and wide smile.
”Yeah...whatever. Can you tell me how the meeting went and who did you even meet?” I asked her with a slightly curious expression.
”I have met one of their Generals, short silver hair-” She immediately started explaining with a smile but I quickly interrupted her.
”Najenda perhaps? Not many women have silver hair and are strong enough to be General...Was there something else distinguished about her?” I muttered while holding my chin before asking another question.
”Hold on, let me explain first. And yes, she had a metallic right arm, she had purple eyes and that's about it. She also had 2 companions but they were hiding under the cloak so I didn't see any of their faces. However, my hunches told me that they are strong, they definitely must be wielders of Teigu.” Mera explained everything to me and I just kept nodding.
It must be Najenda without any doubt, I have heard something about high-ranking Imperial Officer running away from the Capital together with Teigu in his hand. All thanks to my organization because for now it is meant to be secret. They wouldn't be able to bear humiliation that someone was able to escape from them right under their noses. He could be the one with Najenda right now.
When we finally got back to the hideout, Taeko instantly welcomed me back with a warm smile and a few kisses and amidst this, even Kiyomi came to cuddle with us which was a bit strange but since Taeko didn't mind, I didn't say anything.
.
.
.
”Here is money to hire your loyalty, not sure if it is for eternity but a few years is definite.” I said while throwing an enormous bag full of coins onto the wooden table that instantly split in two.
”Oops” I muttered while scratching the back of my head with a blank face.
Mera threw me an annoyed look before checking the bag out.
”There should be more than 15.000 gold coins, right?” Mera asked after just taking a quick look and moving the bag up and down a few times.
”17.000 precisely, don't ask me where I had stored it before taking it out. You can count them if you don't believe me” I said with closed eyes and folded arms.
---
'To be honest, I think that we somehow ended up cooperating without even accepting your money...It's really strange, I feel like I don't even want to accept this money but I should accept them at least for the appearance's sake' Mera thought with a complicated expression while looking at the bag full of money.
---
”...Sure, I won't check anything, I believe you. Gil, if you can, please.” Mera said while gesturing for Gil to take the bag away from here.
”Of course, Mera-sama” Gil replied with a big smile while taking away the bag.
”...”