Chapter 165 (2/2)

“…oh, all right.”

He still didn’t look sure of us, but, with Ester-chan still by my side, he nodded obediently.

“Then, we should be leaving….”

I bowed and turned to leave.

But I spotted someone entering the store from the way we came in.

“Manager, sorry for the late visit, but I wanted to speak with you more about that matter we discussed the other day….”

“Ah….”

It’s Gonzalez.

Gonzalez has come to visit.

“Oi, is that you Tanaka? What are you doing here so late?”

“Ah, Gonzalez, you came at a good time.”

His huge muscles aren’t just for show. He must’ve been out working hard late at night. A familiar wild smile ran across his face when he noticed us. This macho guy looks cool today too.

This is a great coincidence.

“Were you looking for me?”

“Yes, Gonzalez, I actually wanted to speak with you. I know it’s late at night, but can you spare me a little of your time? It’s an emergency.”

“It must be serious for you to be looking for me so late at night.”

“If it’s too much trouble, we can meet tomorrow….”

“No, it’s fine.”

“Are you sure? Thank you very much.”

“Well, this shop is closing. We can head out to the Twilight Company’s base if you’d like. You and that noblewoman will be welcome there.”

“That would be great.”

Good. A place to begin the discussions.

Good. Then, let me finish up here and we can head out.”

“Sounds good.”

This is a crucial moment that very well may decide the success of my territory. I have to do my best.

***

The Twilight Company’s base was located along the border where the slums and the downtown area of Tricklis met. It was a brick building around fifty metres square and three stories high. We travelled south from downtown along a small back alley. If we kept heading south we’d end up in the slums. This seemed like the perfect location for a group of outlaws to set up a base.

“Well, it’s nothing fancy, but feel free to make yourself at home.”

We were now in the parlour on the second floor.

Ester-chan and I were sitting on a sofa across from Gonzalez who was sitting on his own. There was a short table between us.

There were three glass cups filled with amber liquid resting on the table. They gave off a sweet aroma that tickled my nostrils.

“I’m sorry for troubling you so late at night.”

“I really don’t mind. I was up anyway and it’s to help you.”

“Well, I appreciate it none the less.”

“So, did you two finally decide to run off together into the night?”

“R-R-Run off together…. That’s not…..”

Gonzalez’s attempt at a joke caused the pure bitch’s face to turn red.

She didn’t seem to hate that idea at all.

“That’s not what this is about. Actually, I wanted your help with –”

It’s already late at night so I wanted to get straight to the point. But, just as I was ready to explain what’s going on, the door to the parlour slammed open followed by the sound of small footsteps slapping against the wood floor.

I looked over and saw —

“Gon-chan, welcome hooommme~!” “I’ve been waiting all night for you, Gon-chan!” “Me too! I never even went to sleep!” “Welcome home, Gonzalez-san.” “Oi, Gonzalez, c-can we practice with the sword some more tomorrow?”

“You children, can’t you see Gonzalez-san has visitors?” “Gon-sama, would you bless me with your company tonight?” “Gon-chan~! Gon-chan~!” “Ah~, that’s unfair! I want to have Gon-chan’s child!”

A young girl here, a young girl there. A few young women ran in chasing after them. Oh, there’s also a few young boys.

What kind of beautiful loli harem is this?

Nearly two dozen children came running into the parlour.

“Oi, you guys shouldn’t just come barging in like that!”

Mister Gon-chan barked out at the loli brigade.

“You seem to be quite popular, Gonzalez.”

“Y-Yeah….”

He lightly scratched the side of his head.

He must be embarrassed.

“You saw a bit of a shameful side of me.”

“Who are those kids?”

“They’re children of the Guild. Well, I say the Guild, but they’re mainly children that have been abandoned, urchins off the street, or they’re parents were adventurers that died.”

“I see.”

He’s such a good guy.

But what’s with the high rate of exceptional lolis? There was a half-dog girl, an elf, and many other variations of lolis I’d never seen before. It’s like the U.N. of lolis. And all of them are obsessed with Gon-chan and screaming their love for Gon-chan.

Especially the younger ones. They were rushing to hug him, wrapping themselves around his thighs, and climbing on his back. The thing which all men desire. Skinship. The young women may not have been throwing themselves at him, but I could see an overwhelming amount of lust filling their eyes.

Ah, this is such an enviable sight.

My goal, nay, my very dream lies right before me.

Is it due to the location? Is location really that important? Maybe being located between the downtown area and slums led to such a diverse group of lolis gathering here.

“Aida, sorry, I don’t mean to kick you out of the room, but there’s still a noble present. She’ll only put up with so much rudeness.”

Gon-chan spoke with glancing over at Ester-chan.

I doubt the loli bitch cares, but there’s no point clearing up his misunderstanding.

“Y-Yes!”

The girl named Aida nodded nervously. Compared to the other lolis, she appeared to be more mature. I’d say she’s either thirteen or fourteen, dressed modestly, and has short brown hair. She’s probably the one that looks after the younger kids. She also had a small chest visible through her clothes.

As she was answering, her gaze shifted over to Ester-chan and Gonzalez loud voice drew everyone’s attention to her as well. I don’t think any of them even noticed she was here until now. They were all just obsessing over Gon-chan until now. Just how crazy are they about him?

Their faces turned blue and they all went stiff. Even though we’re so close to the slums, the vast difference between nobles and commoners is still respected. The feudal system of this world is engrained in the minds of almost every citizen. Even Gonzalez has been acting cautiously around Ester-chan.

“Children are the treasure of our country. I’m happy to see them all so full of energy, but….”

I crossed my legs and waited to hear what the loli bitch would tell the children.

“…it’s not good for you to stay up so late. If you don’t get a good night’s sleep, you won’t be able to grow into a fine adult like him. You should all go to sleep at a good time so you can grow up to be fine adults.”

She was gentle with them as she tried to get them to do what’s best for them, even if it’s not what they wanted. Although, I’m not sure if she would’ve behaved differently if I weren’t here.

Nevertheless, she gave off a calm atmosphere that helped calm down the young women and even Gon-chan.

“Do you understand?”

But the young children were still nervous. When she addressed them directly, they all trembled.

“I’m sorry, but could you all stay quiet and wait out there for me?”

When Gonzalez spoke, their attention all snapped to him and they nodded in unison.

Aida, who appeared to be the oldest, all herded the loli brigade out into the corridor. She then turned around, gave us a bow while trembling, and shut the door behind her.

Allen had his own harem, now I see Gonzalez has one of his own. It really is all about being an ikemen. I could feel any confidence I had left as a man leaving my body. My HP must be at about half now.

“Sorry for the interruption.”

“N-No, it’s fine.”

I need to stay calm. I need to be cool like an ikemen.

No, I don’t need to become an ikemen. There are other routes to building my own harem. That’s actually why I’m here. It’s not uncommon for nobles to have one or two mistresses. My own path to forming a genuine harem lies right before me.

No matter how difficult the path, I will achieve my dream using my own power.

“It might take a while, but I need to tell you everything….”

For now, I decided to tell Gon-chan about everything that had happened.