Timmons Merchant Guild (2)

‘What should I squeeze out of that guy?’

These days, Nior Bellen had been in an exceptionally good mood.

It was all because of the memorandum he held in his hands at this very moment.

“Whenever I’m feeling down, just looking at this cheers me up.”

The memorandum stated that if the Timmons Merchant Guild failed to repay the money within three months, the Vanhart count family would be responsible for paying all the debts.

‘At first, when that guy suddenly showed up, I was a bit thrown off…….’

Because of that, he had disgracefully run back like he was fleeing, but upon reflection, there was nothing unfavorable about the deal for him.

‘There’s no way the Timmons Merchant Guild can come up with 100,000 gold within three months. So in the end, that Clay bastard will have to pay.’

He couldn’t figure out why Clay had agreed to such a foolish contract.

As far as he knew, the Vanhart family didn’t have the means to pay 100,000 gold either.

They had accomplished great feats in the recent war, but it wasn’t as if they had already profited off of it.

He had received a reward, but if he paid out 100,000 gold, that would all disappear in a flash.

‘I’ll fleece the money from that guy and take Maria, too.’

Regardless of the debt, Nior planned to threaten Ravin to bring Maria in as his own maid.

Last time, Clay had interfered, but next time, he would definitely take her away.

“Yo, young master!”

That was when it happened. A servant burst in, opening the door.

Nior’s face instantly twisted in anger at the servant who had entered without even knocking.

“What is it?”

“Um, Ravin from the Timmons Merchant Guild is here to see you.”

“Ravin?”

Why would he come here?

‘Ah, he must have realized it’s too late and come to beg!’

He was sure Clay, regretting his actions, had ordered Ravin to come apologize.

‘Sorry, but that’s not happening.’

Nior snickered as he questioned the servant.

“So, is he here to beg forgiveness?”

“No, sir. Actually… he brought the money.”

“What?”

Nior, not comprehending the servant’s words for a moment, asked again, and the servant explained in as calm a tone as he could manage.

“Ravin came with 100,000 gold.”

“What did you say?!”

* * *

“Thank you. Truly, thank you so much.”

Having visited the Bellen count family, Ravin personally came to the mansion of the Vanhart family to offer his thanks to me.

“If it weren’t for you, my lord, the Timmons Merchant Guild would have been beyond salvation.”

“No, everything’s settled now, isn’t it?”

When I spoke as if it was nothing, Ravin quickly shook his head.

“No matter what happens, our Timmons Merchant Guild will serve the Vanhart family for life. I’ll move our base of operations here as soon as possible.”

“You don’t have to overdo it.”

“No, sir. That was your condition from the beginning, after all.”

After saying that, Ravin hesitated a moment, gauging my reaction, before speaking carefully.

“And from now on, please consider me a confidant and feel free to speak comfortably.”

“A confidant…”

“My lord, you are not only the one who paid off our guild’s debt. You’re also practically the savior of my younger sister, Maria. So, please, I sincerely ask you.”

It seemed that my formality had been bothering him.

With a look that said there was no helping it, I nodded.

“All right, I’ll speak more casually from now on.”

“Thank you!”

Seeing Ravin bow so deeply, I secretly smiled to myself.

‘It was worth giving up that mithril equipment.’

I hadn’t expected him to show such overflowing gratitude.

Besides, according to his profile, Ravin is the kind of character who will keep his word no matter what.

Now, the Timmons Merchant Guild was practically one with the Vanhart family.

“So, when can we start the mining operation?”

“If we’re quick, perhaps as soon as two days from now.”

Two days, huh….

That was much faster than expected.

‘Ravin must have really done his absolute best.’

Choosing the Timmons Merchant Guild had definitely been the right call.

Going forward, it would become one of the continent’s top three merchant guilds, so its prospects were bright.

“I’ll leave everything related to the mine in your hands.”

“Pardon? In my hands?”

“You know more about mining and distribution than I do. If I were to meddle, I’d probably just get in the way.”

Ravin looked rather surprised at the unexpected trust.

But soon enough, he straightened his expression and nodded determinedly.

“… Understood. Leave it to me. I’ll make sure to deliver results you’ll be satisfied with.”

Watching Ravin nod with his serious face, I let out a quiet chuckle and fell into thought.

‘Now it’s time to go see Damian again.’

Last time, I’d returned a bit early, but this time, I planned to stay there for a while.

Of course, that was provided Damian would allow it, but I wasn’t worried about that.

‘… But are you really okay with this?’

I had informed Grancesia about it in advance, but still, this time I felt I needed her approval.

[What’s gotten into you, always pulling cons out in the open.]

‘You think I have no conscience? Even I can’t go through with it when you react like that.’

When I answered her seriously, a small laugh escaped Grancesia.

[I don’t mind. Actually, I kind of want to see that kid again—see how strong he’s become.]

It seemed she meant it.

‘Was Damian really someone special to you?’

[Not really. He was just a kid who used to visit the temple often. Sometimes, I’d take him with me when I went to hunt monsters.]

‘You took a kid along when you went to hunt monsters?’

[With me there, what could possibly be dangerous?]

Hearing her say that so nonchalantly made me think I should never leave a child in her care.

‘Still, for someone “not special,” you seem rather sentimental.’

[I just never thought he’d still be alive.]

‘Wait, does being a Death Knight count as being alive?’

[Anyway! It bothers me that he says he admired me like that. I’m not that amazing a person, really.]

If she was the Grancesia who’d been revered as the Saintess, it wouldn’t be strange for him to admire her.

But it didn’t seem like she saw herself that way.

‘Well, in any case, I’m grateful if you’ll allow it.’

[Do as you like. I’m just a ring now, anyway.]

Hearing Grancesia grumble, I laughed quietly and stood up.

Time to start preparing for the trip to Kiten Forest.

* * *

“I’m not forgetting anything, am I?”

At the dungeon entrance, I checked my belongings one by one.

Large quantities of preserved food obtained through Ravin, a practice sword, and a few essentials for daily life.

‘I already confirmed there’s water inside.’

There was a spot with running water where Damian stayed. He must have used it long before becoming a Death Knight.

Granted, it could be contaminated from years of neglect, but I wasn’t worried at all.

‘Because I have Divine Blood!’

Even if it was a bit disgusting, there was no risk to my health. As long as I could drink, I’d be fine.

Descending once more into the now-familiar dungeon, I passed the corridor I’d skipped before and entered a hemispherical space.

“Why have you come back?”

Unlike before, Damian stood in the center, sword in hand, staring at me.

“I have a request for you, sir Damian.”

“A request?”

Damian looked at me curiously, as if wondering what I was scheming.

He also seemed a bit guarded, just in case.

“Before I ask, would you please take a look at this?”

Slowly, I removed my glove. Then I raised my right hand so he could see it.

“That’s…!”

Damian unconsciously took a step forward, his eyes wide in shock. What I showed him was a ring on my finger.

“This is Eye of Shimosha, a relic of Saintess Grancesia.”

“How did you get that? That ring must be under the strict care of Atell Family’s priests… Don’t tell me something happened to the Atell Family!”

He marched up, gripping my shoulder tightly.

Damian’s red eyes burned like fire.

“No, it was given to me directly by a descendant of Grancesia. I even have proof.”

“Proof? You’re telling me a relic of the Saintess was entrusted to you—a layman? What’s your reason?”

“Of course.”

I slowly pricked the tip of my finger with a dagger. Then I showed Damian the drop of blood that appeared.

“My blood is Divine Blood.”

“You expect me to believe something so preposterous?”

“If you don’t believe me, you can touch it yourself.”

Without hesitation, Damian took my finger in his hand.

Sizzle!

“…!”

At that, Damian’s hand burned at once.

He hastily let go, muttering in shock.

“It can’t be. It truly is Divine Blood…”

“I have no idea why I possess Divine Blood, myself. But the people of the Atell Family called me a descendant of the Saintess, and entrusted me with this ring. They said I’m meant to stand against the calamity that will one day appear.”

“Calamity?”

To the still-confused Damian, I lifted the sword at my hip.

“This is called Genova. I don’t know if you’re aware, sir Damian, but it was forged with the intent to combat calamity.”

“Genova… Yes, I remember hearing stories about that somewhere. I never thought it was real, though.”

He glanced back and forth between Divine Blood and Genova, then, sinking into thought, finally spoke again.

“… So what’s your request?”

“I want to learn Moon Severing Divine Sword from you.”

“I can teach you, but with your talent, you won’t learn much. I don’t have much time.”

Damian’s tone was gentler than before, but still direct.

“I don’t have much time either. The calamities to come will be even stronger foes than Lugal. I have to become strong as soon as possible.”

“… I see.”

What I said was nothing but the truth. Setting aside my own desire for the Moon Severing Divine Sword, thinking of the enemies I’d soon have to face, I had to acquire this swordsmanship.

“In that case, fine.”

After a short silence, Damian spoke in a slow tone. Just when I thought he’d agreed surprisingly easily, he continued.

“Come at me.”

“Excuse me?”

“Whether or not I believe you aside—I want to see for myself what you can do.”

He slowly raised his sword.

Even though he wasn’t using a shred of magic power, just wielding the sword gave off an overwhelming sense of pressure.

‘Damn.’

I realized instinctively. If I lost pathetically here, there would be no learning the Moon Severing Divine Sword for me.

[Damian was always the kind to act with his sword before his mouth. He was so cute when he was younger.]

‘You call that cute?’

[He still looks like a kid to me, you know.]

Grancesia, saying this, sounded oddly amused. Apparently, seeing me flustered entertained her.

“Understood. Then I’ll go first.”

Even though Damian wasn’t using magic power, I began by circulating it through my whole body and brought forth all my strength from the start.

My opponent was the first of the Seven Heroes, the Sword God. Holding back would be the height of foolishness.

KWAANG!

With a thunderous boom, my sword sliced through the air.

Hidden Star Sword, Second Half, First Technique: New Star.

A sword slash accelerated to ultrahigh speed shot for Damian’s neck.

KAANG!

“…!”

Damian simply deflected it with ease.

He struck diagonally along the trajectory, easily knocking my sword off course.

‘He didn’t even use magic power.’

Damian’s body hadn’t moved at all.

His red eyes stared at me as if to ask, ‘Is that all you’ve got?’

‘That is all I’ve got…’

I could feel cold sweat collecting on my forehead.

If New Star was blocked this easily, the rest of my attacks wouldn’t fare much better.

‘… In that case.’

If a frontal assault won’t work, I’d just have to use a trick.

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