Chapter 386: The Cash-Strapped Mercenary

“Oh, don’t worry. Doesn’t a crack just prove this table has stood the test of time? I’m helping you increase its value!”

Liya looked at her superior. If her memory served her right, the woman’s fidgeting already betrayed her guilty conscience. But with her newfound freedom and a reunion with an old friend—two happy occasions rolled into one—she decided to ignore these minor details.

However…

“Anna, what in the world are you wearing?” The archer raised an eyebrow, having also noticed her comrade-in-arms’ attire. “Is the Gem Flower Kingdom experiencing a fabric shortage that bad?”

“Fabric short—what are you talking about!” Anastina waved her hand dismissively. “Liya, don’t you deal with Mercenaries here? Have you not heard of the latest trend?”

“These days, employers all prefer to hire veteran, experienced Mercenaries. And you know what they consider ‘experienced’? The ones who wear less and carry the most ostentatious weapons!”

“Dressing like this earns me way more than when I wore my old gear!”

Ron tilted his head, and his gaze happened to meet Aive’s. A sharp pain immediately shot through his thigh.

“Don’t even think about it!” the Half-Elf warned, whispering in Ron’s ear. “There’s no way I’m ever dressing like that!”

“Besides, you’ve never even paid me!”

Of course, Ron had never paid Aive or any of his other companions. Whenever they needed money, they just took it, leaving a record at most—though an airhead like Delaford sometimes forgot to do even that. However, Delaford’s spending records could be found at the Kobold’s tavern; all the money he took ended up there.

“My outfit is still on the modest side,” Anastina said, glancing at the two youngsters. “You haven’t seen the ones who only wear a loincloth. They’re mostly Beastmen and Half-Beastmen, and what they earn from one job is enough to cover three of my missions.”

“Most employers are shortsighted fools. Who knows where they heard of such a way to judge people,” Daniel said as he served everyone a large mug of alcohol. “Come on, try this! This is the good stuff, and today is the perfect occasion for it!”

“By the way, Aive, you should remember this: as a Mercenary or an Adventurer, life is all about give and take. For the kind of Mercenaries Anna mentioned, the price of their high pay is that they’ll never be sung about in stories—anyway, I’d definitely refuse to have a loincloth-wearing Beastman as the hero of my tale!”

“That’s true. But for someone like me, I’m sure you’d still be willing to spread my tale,” Anastina said, thanking Daniel for the drink. But after taking a sip, her eyes immediately widened. “Wait, isn’t this…!”

“Where did a human like you get this?”

“That’s right! Finally, someone who knows their stuff!” Daniel exclaimed in excitement. “It’s ‘Sunset Revelry’! The exclusive brew of the Amagil Clan!”

“Wait, isn’t Amagil—” Ron and the few others present who knew the Elf Language immediately realized it. Amagil meant “Gem Flower,” and Anastina had just mentioned that she used to serve in the Gem Flower Kingdom!

“Exactly. This stuff is exclusive to the royal family now!” A look of amazement flashed in Anastina’s eyes. “Even I’ve only had it once. Daniel, where did you get so much of it?”

Daniel hadn’t served the drink in the wooden mugs typically used for ale, but in small, exquisite glass cups. Even so, considering the number of people present, it was a considerable amount. Where did he get so much?

“Well,” Daniel said with a mysterious smile, “I’m afraid I can’t tell you. After all, its source isn’t exactly legitimate.”

“But I can reveal a little about our recent experiences and a special aspect of Rose City: we were all locked up in a distillery recently. Since Rose City produces a lot of spices, many types of alcohol pass through here during their brewing and processing. Even if they aren’t processed here, they pass through to increase their value.”

“And ‘Sunset Revelry’ is certainly not the latter type. Its final processing step is completed right here in Rose City.”

“So, you took the opportunity to steal their wine when you left the distillery?” Aive was at a loss for words. ‘Have I been worrying too much about my parents?’

She couldn’t help but wonder if the couple would have escaped safely, even if she and the others hadn’t come for them.

“We just ‘borrowed’ a little on our way out,” Daniel said with a laugh. “The distillery’s owner is also a supporter of the Molten Iron Barrier. I ‘borrow’ a little of his wine, what’s he going to do, eat me?”

“Come, come, let’s not talk about the past. It’s time to eat! I have a story to tell you all!”

Perhaps it was an occupational hazard of being a Bard, or maybe he was just particularly excited today. After everyone was seated, Daniel took out his Pan Flute and began to play, singing about their recent experiences with a lively performance.

His singing wasn’t particularly good. Years away from his trade, coupled with Liya’s round-the-clock “exploitation,” had robbed the Bard of the voice he’d had in his youth. But he showed no signs of stopping; instead, he performed with even more gusto.

“Anna, what are your plans for the future? Are you going to stay a Mercenary?” During the meal, Liya clinked glasses with Anastina and asked, “This line of work isn’t necessarily safer than the army. My sister, she…”

“I know,” Anastina nodded. “But I had no choice. The kingdom wouldn’t let me leave, so I forced my retirement. I didn’t get any compensation, so I have to earn some money on my own first and then look for other options.”

She wasn’t in a hurry. As long as she could survive, saving money for ten years was still saving, and so was saving for a hundred years. The former was better, of course, but the latter didn’t make much of a difference to her.

“It’s a shame there don’t seem to be any worthwhile missions around here. So, after I collect my pay for this job, I’ll probably have to head back,” the Elf said, skillfully cutting the steak on her plate with a knife and fork. “I heard there was a goblin problem here not too long ago? And some movement against that slaver city-state, Carolina. It’s a real pity I missed it. I might have been able to make a good bit of money.”

“What you’re talking about happened half a year ago,” Liya laughed, pointing at Ron across the table. “He was the one behind all that. Why don’t you ask him?”

“You?” Anastina’s attention immediately shifted to Ron. “My friend…”

“Delusional Land and Carolina have already reached a settlement. Something like that is unlikely to happen again anytime soon,” Ron said quickly. “I certainly have faith in your abilities, but we don’t currently have any work that requires us to hire help.”

“Is that so?” Anastina looked a little disappointed. “My skills aren’t limited to just combat. I’ve been to many dangerous places—ancient battlefields, haunted monasteries… I’ve even been to the Red Mould Ruins.”

“But… never mind. It seems I came at the wrong time.” Anastina was about to go back to dealing with the delicious, tender meat on her plate when she noticed Ron seemed to be staring at her. “What are you looking at me like that for? I have no intention of finding a human boyfriend. The age gap is too big, and in the end, I’d just be left all alone…”

“No, you’ve misunderstood,” Ron said hurriedly. “Where did you say you’ve been just now?”

“The Red Mould Ruins?”