49 – Safekeeping of Gold (5)
Aurum Aquila.
The name of this top, meaning “golden eagle,” belonged to a top that controlled trade in a whopping 12 countries.
The Kingdom of Behend was a given, but it was also a colossal top that engaged in commercial activities, traveling through numerous countries such as the Bastian Principality and the Estelle Kingdom. They were also heavily involved in Derne Empire’s trade.
I knew that most of the NPC shopkeepers in the mid-level areas of the dungeon, Evernight, were affiliated with Aurum Aquila.
It became increasingly difficult to encounter the shopkeepers of Aurum Aquila as the players progressed to the later areas, where the background changed. Nonetheless, their influence in this area was of a significant level.
The owner of the top could be disguised as a different top here in order to prevent direct approach from the ones who come looking for them in person.
It’s a bit rude to barge in on someone like that, but what can you do? It was the best option in the current situation.
“Can we just know that you will take care of the gold coins?”
“Yes. You have enough capital and a noble status, and you even have a keen eye to recognize our identity. You’re an impeccable guest.”
I was only familiar with this praise because I had played the game, but it didn’t make me feel bad to hear it after a long time.
“Of course, trust is necessary between the guest and us.”
Ophelia said.
“If you keep your promise to ensure our safety as you mentioned, we will offer a special discount for the contract.”
“When you entrust money to a safekeeper, it is natural to pay a certain amount as a deposit. Because those people don’t dig the ground to store money.”
Opheilia had a reliable credit but was a bit expensive and had strict conditions. However, when they offered to reduce the deposit, it was a welcoming offer for me.
“…Of course, you have to keep your end of the bargain.”
“Alright.”
As Opheilia reached out her hand to Bradley, he handed her some documents that she didn’t know when he had prepared.
“These are the contract papers. Please sign on the marked parts, and each keep one copy.”
“So, without this, I won’t be able to retrieve the money?”
“According to the rules, yes.”
Opheilia said.
“Even so, if you are truly going to protect my safety, then you’re the benefactors who saved my life, so I’ll give you a token instead of a contract. It will be more convenient to carry around than a contract.”
“That doesn’t sound bad.”
I glanced through the contract, confirmed that there were no issues, and signed it. Immediately, Ophelia also signed it and handed me a document.
“Thank you for entrusting me, sir. I will securely keep your money, staking my credit.”
“I’m the one who should be grateful for entrusting it to me.”
Ophelia told Bradley to transfer the bag of gold coins and looked at me.
“However, although I appreciate you entrusting it to me, I have one question.”
“What is it?”
“No matter how much of a warrior you are… in a situation where you may not be able to secure this land, is it okay to entrust your money here? The buildings or vaults may collapse due to the attacks of demons.”
I briefly closed my mouth at those words. This was also the reason why I was puzzled by Erin’s decision. Even if I entrusted the money to Ophelia, there could be a possibility of funds being lost if the demons invaded the capital, regardless of Ophelia’s credibility.
It wasn’t Ophelia’s fault, but rather due to a disaster caused by the demons, so even if we lost it, we wouldn’t be able to recover the entire amount.
Erin couldn’t possibly be unaware of that. Yet she told me to entrust the money…
“…It’s fine.”
“How can you be so sure?”
Because it meant they had confidence in resolving it themselves.
Without hesitation, I answered Ophelia.
“Those guys are quite strong.”
Upon hearing the response, Ophelia looked at me for a moment, then nodded as if she understood.
“Yes, because it’s a party of heroes.”
“Yes.”
Every time I see such reactions, it feels real. Even in foreign countries, Erin and her party members are being recognized for their abilities. Those guys are truly exceptional in terms of strength.
“I feel like they’re getting farther away.”
Only about a month remains from the two months I had promised with Erin. Will I be able to catch up to even their footsteps within this remaining time?
“…Allen.”
At that moment, Clara, who had been heading towards the royal palace, had somehow returned and entered the store.
“…I brought it.”
“You’ve worked hard.”
The royal family will also start to move now. Since the warrior party has come to help, they will mobilize the capital’s defense forces and switch to an offensive.
“…Now we just need to protect here.”
“Yeah.”
When I think about the Hidden Peace, I should also go in that direction, but I don’t think I will attack the dungeon right away. Right now, it is a priority to establish the defense of the capital, so Erin, who went in that direction, won’t rush to destroy the Obelisk.
“After the situation is sorted out, let’s join.”
“…Okay.”
Clara also nodded. Although I would like to send Clara in that direction as well, I don’t think she will go even if I send her, so I didn’t even attempt it.
Please let me know if there is anything else I can assist you with.
Now I have to wait for Erin’s situation to be resolved like this…
Quaaang!!!
A deafening noise shattered the peacefulness I was enjoying. It sounded close, not far from the building.
Immediately, Clara drew her dagger and rushed outside, and I ordered Kyacius.
“Kyacius, guard the people here!”
“Understood.”
Leaving Opelia and Bradley beside Kyacius, I hurried outside with Clara, and could see with my own eyes what was causing the loud noise just moments ago.
“…Allen, go in.”
Clara warned me as she pulled out two short swords and stepped back. However, I couldn’t easily turn around. The person lying on the roadside, accompanied by a loud noise, was someone too familiar to me.
Red hair scattered carelessly on the ground, and a liquid resembling hair flowed around. The hat that always covered her ears was scattered far away.
“Leticia…?”
It was Leticia. She was sprawled on the ground, perhaps using magic to lessen the impact, as her faint magical presence could be felt from the floor and her body.
Nevertheless, Leticia couldn’t open her eyes and get up. She held onto her chin while being pressed against the ground.
The person who grabbed her chin and pinned her to the ground was wearing black and sharp armor all over his body.
The entire body speaks.
Instinct screams.
That is our enemy.
And that…
“There were rat bastards here too.”
Avoid them.
#
At the moment Allen secured Ophelia’s safety, Erin and the party members headed towards the northern castle wall of the royal palace. Confirming Allen’s speculation, Erin intended to secure the safety of the capital first, rather than impulsively attacking the obelisk.
“Ah!”
“Die, you monsters!!”
The screams of dying soldiers and the shouts of soldiers bravely defeating monsters could be heard simultaneously. Despite the contrasting sounds, it was a familiar scene on the battlefield.
Erin stepped onto such a battlefield, wearing a faint smile.
“Is everyone ready?”
“hahahahaha, of course!”
“No problems.”
“I’ll assist the soldiers.”
With her gathered companions by her side, Erin had confidence to breakthrough any battlefield. In fact, it was true until Erin and her group entered the battle.
The Beheind Kingdom army, which was at a loss against the pouring demons, achieved a dramatic turnaround with the addition of Erin and her party, successfully driving the demons outside of the castle walls.
“hahahahaha, it’s easier than I thought!”
“Aria, don’t let your guard down till the end.”
“Of course! I know!”
Witnessing the situation turning around instantly with their arrival, the Beheind Kingdom soldiers followed them in awe.
“Let’s fight together, brave heroes!”
“We will be victorious!!”
Now that they had only to finish off the demons pushed outside, they believed that they had perfectly defended against this invasion. It was at that moment when Erin and the other party members thought that the situation was almost settled.
“…Huh?”
Erin sensed something and looked up. At first, she lifted her head leisurely, but her expression stiffened for a moment.
“Unexpectedly strong power. According to the report, there shouldn’t be any warriors here…”
A man with black and sharp armor above their heads was there. Seeing him elegantly flying with a somewhat strange feeling, Erin quickly raised her holy sword.
“…Looks like I’ll have to take matters into my own hands.”
“Prepare for interception! Keep an eye on the sky!”
And at that moment, something swiftly passed by Erin’s side.
*Slash*, an acute wound grazed Erin’s cheek, causing blood to trickle slightly. At the same time, without falling into confusion, Erin swiftly swung her sword, narrowly grazing the armor.
And in that guy’s grasp was Leticia’s jaw next to her. Leticia’s green eyes widened as she looked at him, and the man in armor said:
“If I call upon the Spirit King, it will become troublesome, so I guess I will have to handle it myself.”
“…!”
Immediately after that, the figure of Remitia disappeared along with him.
Quaaang!!!
And soon, amidst the loud noise, smoke rose from the center of the capital.
While Erin, who was caught off guard by what she witnessed, momentarily hesitated, Sera-aria quickly put down the bottle and turned around, leaping up.
“Oh no, Leticia!!”
As soon as Ser-Aria set off, Erin quickly regained her composure and spoke to Frey.
“…Frey, we need to stop the monsters from coming.”
“Yes! Let’s go, Erin!”
Frey said to Erin in response.
“That way, it’s probably the direction Allen and Clara went.”
……
Erin’s eyes widened. And soon, without answering, she slammed herself into her seat, her face filled with determination. She caught up with Ser-Aria, who had left first, in an instant.
However…
!
“Erin, be careful!”
Something sharp blocked Erin’s path.
Swish!
Erin swiftly swung her sword to deflect what appeared in front of her and landed on the rooftop of the building. Erin took a moment to catch her breath and looked up.
“I could handle one hero here, couldn’t I, brother?”
“The Supreme Commander of the Magic Corps would be pleased as well.”
There were a man and a woman who looked strikingly similar. Both of them, incongruously dressed in maid uniforms laden with lace, were wielding black and blue large scythes, unsuited for the battlefield, in each hand.
There was something else peculiar about them. Their joint parts were not smoothly connected like a human’s, but were split like those of a doll.
Erin saw them and clicked her tongue.
“…It wasn’t just one.”
Erin looked around and spoke.
“Aria, let’s handle it from here.”
“What about Leticia?”
“There…”
Erin lightly bit her incisors and continued speaking.
“I hope they will be fine…”
Erin’s inner thoughts, as she said those words, were filled with anxiety, but she had no choice but to make that decision. Ser-Aria didn’t ask any further questions upon seeing Erin like that.
“I understand.”
She said as she put an arrow on her bow.
“Let’s handle it quickly and go!”
“…Alright.”
Erin gathered magical power into her holy sword.
“hahahahaha, did you hear that, bro?”
“hahahaha, I heard.”
The twins facing the determined duo showed no signs of fear. Instead, they laughed gleefully as if finding it amusing.
“I will take care of us?”
“It looks like you’re underestimating the power given by the Madogun corps commander.”
“Then I have no choice but to teach you.”
The two sickles held by the twins emitted a sharp, eerie purple light.
“How powerful are the masterpieces created by his knowledge and power combined.”
They were members of the close aides to the Madogun corps commander.
The crystallization of knowledge personally created by the Madogun corps commander.
“I will show you.”
They were slaughter dolls.
