The chimeras and a group of users stood facing each other in an unmarked location on Minis’ map, where neither users nor monsters would normally venture.
“Are you certain about this information?” Faust asked.
“Didn’t we join forces because you trust me? Have you forgotten who provided you with this location?” Chiyou answered confidently.
“Of course I trust you, but…… even if it’s fast, it’s too fast. According to the count’s expectations-”
“Huhut, when you say it like that, you really look like the count’s servant. It’s an NPC anyway, so should I do it even when I didn’t see it.”
Chiyou got on Faust’s nerves.
“S-Shut up! I-It’s because it became a habit, habit!”
However, other than throwing a fit, Faust could do nothing to her. The place they were in was provided by Chiyou’s guild. It was only after joining hands with her that Bluebeard’s followers, Faust, and the chimeras were able to safely roam around Minis.
“I’m sure of the information I heard from the NPC I personally served. The Minis’ representative signing for the peace treaty will depart tomorrow.”
There was no need for her to come here. He could send Sasuke or a messenger as usual if it’s only at this level of information. However, as far as Bluebeard was concerned, she had no choice but to come forward herself.
“Shouldn’t we stop that, boss?”
“Right. It’s what the count said…. The priority is to delay the signing of the peace treaty. And even if it is signed, it should take as much time as possible……”
Chiyou’s eyes lit up as Faust sighed. She was the only one who caught the meaning of those words. The atmosphere and nuances of words that cannot be heard directly. She used her five senses to pry information out of Faust.
“Why is that? And the count. Why doesn’t he show himself?”
“That’s none of your business, ms. Chiyou.”
“Heung-! It seems like we have too many secrets between each other while joining hands.…
“We just joined hands, you are not a member of the Demon King’s army yet. We only give each other what we want. Well…… No matter where and how the Minis mission goes……. You have to tell me what time they will leave and what time they will arrive before I tell you anything.”
And Faust was also a ranker. He doesn’t give Chiyou the most important information, only the appropriate information, and he gets a lot from her. It was never easy to accomplish this high-level ‘push-pull’ with Chiyou.
“Kihihit, what are you worried about? Where would they go? The Marching Plains, of course! Isn’t that where you and I, corpse lovers, went wild?”
“Shut up and stay still, Crowley. Please. Strictly speaking, you also belong to the Demon King’s army, and under me as well.”
“That’s just because you met the count first! If you want, we can fight. What? Would you like to taste my concoctions? Shall we fight to see who’s the boss?”
Crowley pulled a vial out of his pocket, held it up, and threw it. The other players around him were startled and backed away, but Faust stood still.
Although Crowley and Faust had different personalities, both of them believed in each other’s ‘virtue’.
Had he really been such an unrestrained person, he would not have been able to make a name for himself as an outsider.
‘Tsk, if Faust had a personality like Crowley, he would have been cooked already… He isn’t as easy to deal with as expected. Now, how can I get the most profit…?’
Looking at the two people’s words and actions, Chiyou clicked her tongue in frustration. However, it was a fleeting moment, and before she knew it, her brain’s gears were turning.
What information to whom, and to what extent?
What kind of situation should she create so that she could get a lot of benefits?
“Crowley is right about the route. It is in the Marching Plains. They will depart from the capital at 11 o’clock. They should be able to cross Marching Plains in 3 hours.”
“To which direction? How many people?”
“Well, I haven’t heard anything about that yet…… Wouldn’t they go through the center? Or, distribute the personnel.”
Chiyou shrugged. Faust narrowed his eyes and glared at her.
‘Damned bitch, you know what you’re talking about. I can’t get a sense of whether it’s true or false to mention that it’s going to cross the center…’
Did she twist the information once, or twice? Faust, who knew that Chiyou was not an ordinary user as well, could not easily decide.
“Good. This time, after feeding the chimeras, I will help Chiyou blow up one city she wants”
“Oh, really? Heung, but I really don’t know the route. I will try to talk to as many as people possible and let you know.”
“……Please.”
“It is nothing. We’re helping each other, well then, I will go now. Take care, everyone!”
“Goodbye, Chiyou! Next time, instead of being a waitress at your bar, why don’t you serve-”
Swiiik-!
Just as Crowley was about to shout playfully, Crowley’s body had already moved in front of him. A thin needle protruded from behind the fand and landed on Crowley’s throat. Chiyou’s distorted expression was something only Crowley could see at that angle.
Kehehek!”
“Crowley-ssi must be very tired these days. You can’t even speak properly.”
She didn’t stab it, Chiyou just touched his skin lightly. However, Crowley only chuckled as he couldn’t speak anymore. Other users did not know what she did. Only Faust, ranked 8th, was able to guess that she had done something that matched the nature of her job.
“Well then! Tomorrow! Fighting!”
She cheered in a dainty pose and walked out of the safe spot. How many steps had she taken after leaving that place? As soon as Faust and the other users couldn’t see Chiyou, a shadow popped out from her side.
Sasuke lowered his head and asked.
“Did it end well?”
“Yes. Contact Viscount Garde and tell him that an impure force will appear in the Marching Plains tomorrow. I couldn’t figure out their identities, but their number…… should we say about 20 people? Then give him 2 or 3 guards.”
“Okay. Then Faust-”
“I can tell the number of guards before it is increased, right? It’s no fun if one side wins too easily.”
Both sides must want Chiyou. Information should always be unfortunate. At least, she was the one who strictly adhered to the iron rules of those who handle information.
“Then what will happen?”
“Faust will still probably win. Ah! Don’t forget to follow suit and rescue Garde. It doesn’t matter if the delegation leader gets eaten, but he still has a lot of use.”
“That means the peace treaty-”
“Yes, we have to stop it. It would be better to raise Faust’s hand at least once. He is still hiding a lot of things. He has so many suspicions that he doesn’t even give me information..”
“As expected…… I understand, Oka-san.”
Sasuke repeated her instructions once more. Of the two people who walked silently, Chiyou spoke again.
“Ah, did you hear any information about Ha Leeha?”
“We couldn’t even find his location these days…. It is said that someone saw him in the capital a few days ago.”
“The capital……? Why?”
“I think it’s because…… there’s a separate talk within the palace.”
“Heung, those NPCs eat a lot without spitting anything out. Try to loosen them up and let me know if you have any news. It seems Bluebeard isn’t going around with Faust. Something might come out if you follow Ha Leeha.”
“Understood.”
“Then, please work hard. After all, Sasuke is the only one I could trust.”
Chiyou hugged him lightly.
Although he was wearing a black mask, Sasuke’s face heated up slightly.
She also knew very well how to manage her subordinates.
******
“Then, please. Count Avandone.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. With the confidence that we will never get pushed by those wicked Fibiel bastards…… I will convey Your Highness’ will.”
The King of Minis nodded.
Of course, the representative of the peace treaty signing delegation would be an NPC, and behind Avandone kneeling in front of the king, there were a lot of NPCs and users who would go to the signing of the peace treaty as their escorts.
But it couldn’t be a big public event. The peace treaty started on equal grounds. Minis, for a while, held the upper hand, but now, they had to lower their heads and agree. It was disgraceful to Minis, but it also meant that the chimeras roaming around were causing great damage.
“Viscount Garde, are you ready?”
As soon as Avandone left the royal palace, he checked the security situation.
It was Count Avandone, who was the representative of the peace treaty signing delegation and the agent of Minis’ king, but it was Garde’s job to bring Avandone safely to Fibiel.
“I gained some information and strengthened the security. Don’t worry, count.”
“Hmm. Good. Let’s go.”
This is the NPC who got the information from Chiyou.
Behind Garde, the users who had just received the quest this morning were following them.
‘But what happened? Why is it so sudden?’
‘I don’t know. They told me to stop the Marching Plains raid. It’s the first time I’ve ever had an escort quest where I don’t know what will happen.’
‘So what is the ??? reward? If we complete this, will we get an item?’
‘Arthis, when did Garde ever give us anything? I was really looking forward to it because it said the reward was ‘??? reward’, but the difficulty level is shit, and the reward is 50 contributions. The knight users whispered and maintained the rear of the guards.
Considering that there were about 20 NPC knights and 20 users, there were quite a lot of them, and except for the time they moved through Marching Plains, they could use a warp gate.
“Everyone! Warp to Castle Van Cowl!”
Sir, Yes Sir!
The delegation, which took their eyes off the Minis’ capital after walking for a while, immediately conducted a warp on the spot.
The place where they gathered was Castle Van Cowl, one of the places closest to Marching Plains.
“Border formation! There’s information that there is a force trying to harm the delegation of our country! Be vigilant! Organize and disperse as instructed in advance, widen the distance!”
As soon as Garde came out of Castle Van Cowl, he ordered the NPCs and knight users. Everyone followed silently, but there wasn’t much enthusiasm.
‘I am so sleepy.’
‘Just leave. So what if it’s a quest?’
‘Let’s finish this quickly and go hunting.’
The quest the knight users received was simple. They needed to pass through Marching Plains and enter Nitai of Fibiel. If they could get there, they would be able to use the warp gate to directly go to Fibiel’s capital.
‘In other words, if we travel fast we could get there within 3 hours…. Is that possible? It’s not even war.’
Even though the issue was heavy, anyway, isn’t it a big event in Middle Earth if it’s the signing of the peace treaty? Who can really stop this? Most importantly, Marching Plains is made up of flames. There was no good place to hide and lay an ambush. It meant that even if the distance was wide enough, the ‘malicious force’ feared by Garde could be discovered and blocked.
“Boundary formation complete.”
“Hmm. Then please, Garde.”
“Don’t worry. I will risk my life to protect the count.”
With the front and rear as well as the flanks widening enough distance, the delegation began to cross the central part of the marching plains.
The chimeras and a group of users stood facing each other in an unmarked location on Minis’ map, where neither users nor monsters would normally venture.
“Are you certain about this information?” Faust asked.
“Didn’t we join forces because you trust me? Have you forgotten who provided you with this location?” Chiyou answered confidently.
“Of course I trust you, but…… even if it’s fast, it’s too fast. According to the count’s expectations-”
“Huhut, when you say it like that, you really look like the count’s servant. It’s an NPC anyway, so should I do it even when I didn’t see it.”
Chiyou got on Faust’s nerves.
“S-Shut up! I-It’s because it became a habit, habit!”
However, other than throwing a fit, Faust could do nothing to her. The place they were in was provided by Chiyou’s guild. It was only after joining hands with her that Bluebeard’s followers, Faust, and the chimeras were able to safely roam around Minis.
“I’m sure of the information I heard from the NPC I personally served. The Minis’ representative signing for the peace treaty will depart tomorrow.”
There was no need for her to come here. He could send Sasuke or a messenger as usual if it’s only at this level of information. However, as far as Bluebeard was concerned, she had no choice but to come forward herself.
“Shouldn’t we stop that, boss?”
“Right. It’s what the count said…. The priority is to delay the signing of the peace treaty. And even if it is signed, it should take as much time as possible……”
Chiyou’s eyes lit up as Faust sighed. She was the only one who caught the meaning of those words. The atmosphere and nuances of words that cannot be heard directly. She used her five senses to pry information out of Faust.
“Why is that? And the count. Why doesn’t he show himself?”
“That’s none of your business, ms. Chiyou.”
“Heung-! It seems like we have too many secrets between each other while joining hands.…
“We just joined hands, you are not a member of the Demon King’s army yet. We only give each other what we want. Well…… No matter where and how the Minis mission goes……. You have to tell me what time they will leave and what time they will arrive before I tell you anything.”
And Faust was also a ranker. He doesn’t give Chiyou the most important information, only the appropriate information, and he gets a lot from her. It was never easy to accomplish this high-level ‘push-pull’ with Chiyou.
“Kihihit, what are you worried about? Where would they go? The Marching Plains, of course! Isn’t that where you and I, corpse lovers, went wild?”
“Shut up and stay still, Crowley. Please. Strictly speaking, you also belong to the Demon King’s army, and under me as well.”
“That’s just because you met the count first! If you want, we can fight. What? Would you like to taste my concoctions? Shall we fight to see who’s the boss?”
Crowley pulled a vial out of his pocket, held it up, and threw it. The other players around him were startled and backed away, but Faust stood still.
Although Crowley and Faust had different personalities, both of them believed in each other’s ‘virtue’.
Had he really been such an unrestrained person, he would not have been able to make a name for himself as an outsider.
‘Tsk, if Faust had a personality like Crowley, he would have been cooked already… He isn’t as easy to deal with as expected. Now, how can I get the most profit…?’
Looking at the two people’s words and actions, Chiyou clicked her tongue in frustration. However, it was a fleeting moment, and before she knew it, her brain’s gears were turning.
What information to whom, and to what extent?
What kind of situation should she create so that she could get a lot of benefits?
“Crowley is right about the route. It is in the Marching Plains. They will depart from the capital at 11 o’clock. They should be able to cross Marching Plains in 3 hours.”
“To which direction? How many people?”
“Well, I haven’t heard anything about that yet…… Wouldn’t they go through the center? Or, distribute the personnel.”
Chiyou shrugged. Faust narrowed his eyes and glared at her.
‘Damned bitch, you know what you’re talking about. I can’t get a sense of whether it’s true or false to mention that it’s going to cross the center…’
Did she twist the information once, or twice? Faust, who knew that Chiyou was not an ordinary user as well, could not easily decide.
“Good. This time, after feeding the chimeras, I will help Chiyou blow up one city she wants”
“Oh, really? Heung, but I really don’t know the route. I will try to talk to as many as people possible and let you know.”
“……Please.”
“It is nothing. We’re helping each other, well then, I will go now. Take care, everyone!”
“Goodbye, Chiyou! Next time, instead of being a waitress at your bar, why don’t you serve-”
Swiiik-!
Just as Crowley was about to shout playfully, Crowley’s body had already moved in front of him. A thin needle protruded from behind the fand and landed on Crowley’s throat. Chiyou’s distorted expression was something only Crowley could see at that angle.
Kehehek!”
“Crowley-ssi must be very tired these days. You can’t even speak properly.”
She didn’t stab it, Chiyou just touched his skin lightly. However, Crowley only chuckled as he couldn’t speak anymore. Other users did not know what she did. Only Faust, ranked 8th, was able to guess that she had done something that matched the nature of her job.
“Well then! Tomorrow! Fighting!”
She cheered in a dainty pose and walked out of the safe spot. How many steps had she taken after leaving that place? As soon as Faust and the other users couldn’t see Chiyou, a shadow popped out from her side.
Sasuke lowered his head and asked.
“Did it end well?”
“Yes. Contact Viscount Garde and tell him that an impure force will appear in the Marching Plains tomorrow. I couldn’t figure out their identities, but their number…… should we say about 20 people? Then give him 2 or 3 guards.”
“Okay. Then Faust-”
“I can tell the number of guards before it is increased, right? It’s no fun if one side wins too easily.”
Both sides must want Chiyou. Information should always be unfortunate. At least, she was the one who strictly adhered to the iron rules of those who handle information.
“Then what will happen?”
“Faust will still probably win. Ah! Don’t forget to follow suit and rescue Garde. It doesn’t matter if the delegation leader gets eaten, but he still has a lot of use.”
“That means the peace treaty-”
“Yes, we have to stop it. It would be better to raise Faust’s hand at least once. He is still hiding a lot of things. He has so many suspicions that he doesn’t even give me information..”
“As expected…… I understand, Oka-san.”
Sasuke repeated her instructions once more. Of the two people who walked silently, Chiyou spoke again.
“Ah, did you hear any information about Ha Leeha?”
“We couldn’t even find his location these days…. It is said that someone saw him in the capital a few days ago.”
“The capital……? Why?”
“I think it’s because…… there’s a separate talk within the palace.”
“Heung, those NPCs eat a lot without spitting anything out. Try to loosen them up and let me know if you have any news. It seems Bluebeard isn’t going around with Faust. Something might come out if you follow Ha Leeha.”
“Understood.”
“Then, please work hard. After all, Sasuke is the only one I could trust.”
Chiyou hugged him lightly.
Although he was wearing a black mask, Sasuke’s face heated up slightly.
She also knew very well how to manage her subordinates.
******
“Then, please. Count Avandone.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. With the confidence that we will never get pushed by those wicked Fibiel bastards…… I will convey Your Highness’ will.”
The King of Minis nodded.
Of course, the representative of the peace treaty signing delegation would be an NPC, and behind Avandone kneeling in front of the king, there were a lot of NPCs and users who would go to the signing of the peace treaty as their escorts.
But it couldn’t be a big public event. The peace treaty started on equal grounds. Minis, for a while, held the upper hand, but now, they had to lower their heads and agree. It was disgraceful to Minis, but it also meant that the chimeras roaming around were causing great damage.
“Viscount Garde, are you ready?”
As soon as Avandone left the royal palace, he checked the security situation.
It was Count Avandone, who was the representative of the peace treaty signing delegation and the agent of Minis’ king, but it was Garde’s job to bring Avandone safely to Fibiel.
“I gained some information and strengthened the security. Don’t worry, count.”
“Hmm. Good. Let’s go.”
This is the NPC who got the information from Chiyou.
Behind Garde, the users who had just received the quest this morning were following them.
‘But what happened? Why is it so sudden?’
‘I don’t know. They told me to stop the Marching Plains raid. It’s the first time I’ve ever had an escort quest where I don’t know what will happen.’
‘So what is the ??? reward? If we complete this, will we get an item?’
‘Arthis, when did Garde ever give us anything? I was really looking forward to it because it said the reward was ‘??? reward’, but the difficulty level is shit, and the reward is 50 contributions. The knight users whispered and maintained the rear of the guards.
Considering that there were about 20 NPC knights and 20 users, there were quite a lot of them, and except for the time they moved through Marching Plains, they could use a warp gate.
“Everyone! Warp to Castle Van Cowl!”
Sir, Yes Sir!
The delegation, which took their eyes off the Minis’ capital after walking for a while, immediately conducted a warp on the spot.
The place where they gathered was Castle Van Cowl, one of the places closest to Marching Plains.
“Border formation! There’s information that there is a force trying to harm the delegation of our country! Be vigilant! Organize and disperse as instructed in advance, widen the distance!”
As soon as Garde came out of Castle Van Cowl, he ordered the NPCs and knight users. Everyone followed silently, but there wasn’t much enthusiasm.
‘I am so sleepy.’
‘Just leave. So what if it’s a quest?’
‘Let’s finish this quickly and go hunting.’
The quest the knight users received was simple. They needed to pass through Marching Plains and enter Nitai of Fibiel. If they could get there, they would be able to use the warp gate to directly go to Fibiel’s capital.
‘In other words, if we travel fast we could get there within 3 hours…. Is that possible? It’s not even war.’
Even though the issue was heavy, anyway, isn’t it a big event in Middle Earth if it’s the signing of the peace treaty? Who can really stop this? Most importantly, Marching Plains is made up of flames. There was no good place to hide and lay an ambush. It meant that even if the distance was wide enough, the ‘malicious force’ feared by Garde could be discovered and blocked.
“Boundary formation complete.”
“Hmm. Then please, Garde.”
“Don’t worry. I will risk my life to protect the count.”
With the front and rear as well as the flanks widening enough distance, the delegation began to cross the central part of the marching plains.
