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Chapter 70 – part 1

Side: Lute McClain

「Hehe, big bro! Let’s show our faces for now—Gobfa!」

In a back alley, a mohawked figure that looked like a small fry was sent flying by my backhand.

「But these guys never get tired of it.」

In the midst of my solo eating tour, I mumbled while munching on beef skewers.

Honestly, it’s really annoying.

Getting harassed by thugs for the fifth time today alone? Are there about seven surveillance members judging by the surroundings?

Probably, the thugs are low-level hired punks for money, and the surveillance team consists of real assassins.

The assassin profession is well-suited for beastmen. Their agility and the sixth sense of the wilderness are maximally utilized.

So, it’s likely that the Beastman country is involved, after all.

Being subjected to this every day is truly exasperating.

Even for harassment, it’s going too far. I’m getting fed up, so how about I catch one of them and torture them a bit by breaking their limbs?

Thinking that far, I shook my head left and right.

「The underlings probably don’t know anything, and even if I interrogate them, it won’t change anything.」

It’s obvious, but even if I ask for the client’s name, I shouldn’t be able to trace it back to the mastermind.

If I go as far as to torture them now, it would only worsen my situation.

「However, it’s puzzling.」

I asked the Guild Master to arrange my base, including the inn and hideouts, for a few days.

Since I move using stealth skills during relocation, it’s unlikely that they can locate me immediately after moving, but…

In that case, this might be related to Moses. However, ordinary Trading Company or Beastman assassins shouldn’t be able to chase me, even with a woman and child.

While pondering such things, a middle-aged man approached me in the alley.

「Hey, Lute, isn’t it?」

He said in an intentionally casual tone; it’s Joseph Allston.

Cordelia’s uncle.

In the past, he had committed many offenses in the village where I grew up, leaving a very bad impression.

If it weren’t for Cordelia’s relative, given the power I have now, he would be an outright villain whom I’d knock out instantly.

「…」

Facing me in silence, Joseph grinned with a vulgar smile.

「I’ve been watching you for a while. You’ve managed to get in good with high-rank adventurers, huh?」

「What are you talking about?」

「Your companion is a real monster like Cordelia, right? Equivalent to an A-rank adventurer at sixteen. It’s truly laughable that someone like that is accompanying you.」

「…?」

「Lute, you’ve become quite a successful gigolo, huh? Back in the day, I used to be a gigolo too. I respect you as a senior gigolo.」

What is this guy talking about?

My head was instantly filled with question marks.

「I used to be handsome too, but age caught up, and fat increased, you know? Well, I used to be a professional gigolo…」

「Hey, old man? What are you talking about?」

Joseph’s temple twitched when I spoke.

「Huh? Did you call me an old man? Who the hell do you think you’re talking to? You piece of trash!」

With words begetting words, I also heated up.

「Get to the point, you scumbag! You’ve been spying on us all this time—and it’s basically under your orders, right?」

「Yeah, that’s right. However, the only ones you defeated were the lowest of the low, right? It seems like you’ve gotten stronger for a villager, but you’re probably only equivalent to a D-rank adventurer at best. Without your girlfriend… the mage, why should you speak to me like that? We expected trouble only from that blue-haired girl! You’re just a small fry! Don’t get too cocky!」

But why is this old man meddling in this matter?

He wasn’t originally a decent person, so I can understand being affiliated with the Nuralis Trading Company, but… the timing seems too good.

Well, it’s getting suspicious, no doubt.

「Hey, Lute? Do you understand what kind of case you’ve gotten yourself involved in now?」

Joseph pointed his index finger at me.

「I don’t know.」

「I won’t say anything bad. A hybrid of beastmen and elves… I’ll buy her off for a gold coin. Hand her over.」

「Do you even know what kind of cruel fate she might face? She’s not even ten years old yet.」

「Listen up. We have tremendous power. It’s in your best interest not to go against us. Besides, it’s just a gold coin. If you’re old enough to attend the Magic Academy, have a bit of common sense.」

「…」

Facing my silence, Joseph nodded profoundly.

「Silent consent. Well, there aren’t any other options. So, the negotiation is concluded.」

Taking out a pouch from his pocket, Joseph pulled out a gold coin.

At the same time, I spat on Joseph’s forehead.

「Liz, don’t interfere. Get lost now; you’re annoying.」

Joseph’s temples twitched.

After suppressing his anger with a deep breath, Joseph took out a handkerchief from his pocket.

「I’m not your errand boy. I won’t just leave when told to. It’s not that simple.」

Ugh, this is getting complicated.

For now, the best solution at this stage would be to punch this old man.

「No choice,」

I muttered, cracking my knuckles.

「Oh? Are you going to fight me, Lute?」

「Well, might as well at this point.」

In response to my words, Joseph chuckled triumphantly.

「Lute, you’ve certainly become strong for a villager. Probably stronger than me.」

Ugh, this is a real pain.

Anyway, I’ll knock this old man out.

When I swung my fist wide, Joseph shook his head from side to side.

「Lute? If you knock me out… it will inconvenience Cordelia, you know?」

My fist came to a halt.

「What do you mean?」

「What organization does Cordelia belong to?」

「Right now, she’s under the World Alliance’s care.」

「Yeah, that’s right. So, if I… no, through the trading company I belong to, spread all sorts of false information about your home country, Vesterha, to the World Alliance, what do you think would happen? It’s easy to make you and your group out to be villains who kidnapped an important person from the beastman country, right?」