NOVEL NEXT Chapter 247 - Divine Cat Mii-chan, Operation Commences.
Chapter 247: Divine Cat Mii-chan, Operation Commences.
Guildmaster Helda secretly promised to gather hunters for me. She smirked when she presented the reward for the previous task. The amount was a bit higher than I expected, but it’s a small price to pay for maintaining a good relationship with the Hunter Guild in the future. I paid her in cash without hesitation, and her expression turned to surprise.
Additionally, let’s throw in a small bit of mischief.
“Tomorrow, I’ll be bringing the magistrate for a formal introduction, so let’s have Rosalinde join us. I’m sure you have plenty to catch up on with your mentor.”
Helda’s face twisted with displeasure. Serves her right.
“Mii~”
The next day, I visited the Hunter Guild as promised, accompanied by Glenhardt and Rosalinde.
Helda seemed to know Glenhardt, and their conversation remained polite and calm. But as soon as Rosalinde entered the conversation, Helda’s expression turned sour, as if she’d bitten into something bitter.
“Helda-chan, don’t be so cold!”
“…Go away.”
“What? Is that what you say to your mentor after so long?”
“Shut up… you old hag.”
“Helda-chan♪ How about we go outside for some secret training? Looks like you’ve put on a little weight, haven’t you?”
“Eek!”
What is with these two? They actually seem to get along quite well. Leaving them to their banter, I accompanied Glenhardt to the Commercial Guild, where we met with the guildmaster. I also requested a renovation of the administrative office, asking for a temporary shack to be set up on the premises during the work. My apologies to the residents for the inconvenience—I’ll bow deeply in apology.
“Mii~”
Back at the mansion, I waited for Rosalinde to return, and we started a strategy meeting using the map Lady Retty had drawn. Unfortunately, there was bad news. Most of the Dark Guild’s bases were in the city, but the Thieves’ Guild’s main hideout was in a forest outside town. Initially, we estimated their forces at around thirty men, but it turns out there are over a hundred now. They seem to be preparing to join the Goblin King’s fight as mercenaries.
The Thieves’ Guild, driven out of the capital, likely reformed in Forte and planned to join the Goblin King’s battle as mercenaries to raise funds. This complicates things. If we crush the Thieves’ Guild now, we’ll weaken a vital force for the Goblin King battle.
We’ll adjust the plan. First, we’ll hit the Assassin Guild and the Dark Loan Guild, then take out two mafia groups. After that, we’ll launch a mass arrest of all the shops and places connected to those guilds. Lastly, we’ll raid the Thieves’ Guild’s base within the city. We’ll let the base outside the city go for now and destroy it later, after they march off to fight the Goblin King. Looks like it’s going to be a long night.
“What about the criminals?”
“We’ll leave that to Magistrate Glenhardt.”
“Are you sure we don’t need to take them to the capital?”
“This is a local matter, unrelated to the kingdom. Besides, taking them would be too much of a hassle.”
“Many of them will be sentenced to death, you know?”
“It’s unavoidable. They came knowing the risks.”
“You’re going to be hated.”
“I’ve already accepted that fate.”
Of course, the Dark Guild will hate me. But that’s just how it is. As the lord here, it’s my duty to eliminate these disruptive elements. It’s necessary for both myself and the townspeople. Humans are weak, and when desires are easily within reach, they’re tempted to grab them. Even I might do the same in desperate times.
“Don’t worry, boy. As long as I’m by your side, no one will dare come close. And I certainly won’t let anyone harm the fluffy ones!”
“Um… thank you, I guess?”
“Naturally, boy.”
Honestly, it sounded more like she’s only protecting the fluffies, and I’m just included by chance… But I trust Retty. She’s reliable when it counts. Right?
On the night of the operation, hunters started gathering at the training grounds behind the Hunter Guild. The city gates close at the ninth bell, but that doesn’t mean nobody can enter or exit. There are side doors next to the main gates for pedestrian access. However, I instructed the guard corps to ensure that, by my authority as lord, no one would be allowed to leave the city until morning.
“Are you all ready?”
“Ooooh!”
“Keep it down!”
“Yes, ma’am…”
“This job comes from Baron Brocken. The targets are members of the Dark Guild. As you know, when we raid them, don’t touch any of their belongings! Everything goes to Baron Brocken. Don’t embarrass me! The baron’s not some stingy noble; he’ll pay generously for this job. So, let’s all make a good payday!”
“Ooooh!”
“I said keep it down!”
“Yes, ma’am…”
Are… are these people really up for this job? I’m starting to get worried.
“Mii…”