Chapter 218: Lonely People
So, we tried our best to join this gathering. But it wasn’t easy. The common approach in social circles was out of the question. In the end, I was the first to call it quits. Read the translation on itsladygrey.com.
“Let’s think of a more unconventional method.”
Carl, who was acting with me, asked, “What kind of method?”
“If we want to get into that gathering, we need a more plausible opportunity.”
Seeing my determined expression, Carl blinked nervously.
I reassured him, “Don’t worry, just trust me.”
This was exactly when that came in handy.
For the first time in a long while, I went to see Gunther, who was revered as the Mercenary King.
Having worked with his mercenary group a few times, I asked him nonchalantly, “I have a request. Can you take it?”
Gunther looked back and forth between Carl and me, then asked in surprise, “Well, we have some free time… What’s the request?”
And as Gunther started to listen to me, his face gradually contorted. It was only natural that Carl’s expression grew uneasy as well.
Ah, these men…
When I finished speaking, Gunther rubbed his forehead.
“…You must be joking, Fiona Heilon? We’re mercenaries, not actors.”
Sorry, but I firmly believed this was a brilliant plan. I replied confidently, “Would the heir of Heilon make a request as a joke?”
Gunther let out a very deep sigh. For some reason, Carl also shook his head. So in the end, I could only pout sourly.
So, this was my plan. It was called the ‘I’ll help you!’ operation. Here is the outline of it:
First, hire a few mercenaries. Then disguise them as highwaymen. Read the translation on itsladygrey.com.
“And then, pretend to attack the noble carriage I mentioned.”
“And after that?”
“I’ll appear and heroically save them.”
Of course, the noble carriage in question belonged to one of the members of the gathering. If I save them, it would likely provide a good chance to join the group.
Gunther looked very uneasy, “Fiona Heilon, have you ever fought people before?”
“It’s not like I’ve never done it. Though, it’s less often than fighting monsters.”
“Just in case, what if you misjudge your strength and beat our guys to a pulp—”
“Could you stop treating me like an unleashed beast!?”
“It’s because you’re Abel Heilon’s daughter that I’m worried.”
“So what?”
“You’re coming up with a plan as reckless as something Abel Heilon would.”
Reckless, huh. I had plenty to say about that. “It’s not reckless at all.”
Gunther rubbed his temples. “The fact that you think that way already means it’s no good.”
Hey, wasn’t the assessment of me a bit too harsh? Sure, it wasn’t the kind of plan an ordinary noble lady would come up with, but…
“So, are you in or not? Name your price, I’ll pay whatever you ask.” To put it simply, a blank check.
Gunther, seemingly tempted by my offer, folded his arms and thought for a long time, wondering whether my conditions were attractive or not. Read the translation on itsladygrey.com.
“Alright, I accept.”
“Excellent choice.” I grinned while extending my hand to Gunther for a handshake.
Gunther reluctantly took my hand with an extremely uneasy expression.
***
Unfortunately, Carl would not participate in this operation. I heard that he went to seduce Kane Erez or something. Instead, it was Sigren who was joining.
“Won’t it be suspicious with you here? I mean you’re a prince…”
“I’ll just say that I, a prince, am in a secret inspection and accidentally save them.”
I grumbled subconsciously, “Can’t I jus do this alone?”
“I’m worried.” Sigren was firm in such matters.
When he said it like that, that meant there was no arguing. So I decided to proceed with the plan alongside Sigren.
The target I chose from the members of the gathering was Count Sterre and his wife. On the same day and time, they always passed through the alley where I was waiting.
The plan was simple: Gunther’s mercenaries would stage an ambush, and I would appear to save them. It shouldn’t be difficult.
As expected, the carriage arrived at the designated time.
The coachman must have seen someone’s shadow because he shouted loudly, “Hey over there!! move aside!”
As I was counting, one, two, three, I heard a coarse man’s voice.
“Everyone! ATTACK!!”
NEIGHHHHH! The horse neighed loudly and stopped, startled by the crowd rushing out. Read the translation on itsladygrey.com.
The coachman shouted in a panic. “Get out of the way! Do you know who are in this carriage!?!?!”
“We don’t care! Hand over everything you have!”
Surprisingly, the acting wasn’t bad.
Sigren, watching the situation, chuckled as if he found it ridiculous.
“Let’s go.”
I grabbed his clothes as a signal, and Sigren took out his sword.
CLANG!
At that moment, one of the mercenaries disguised as a bandit swung his sword at Sigren.
Oh? It didn’t seem like acting?
It seemed like the bandit wearing a mask was Gunther.
I hesitated for a moment… wait, I thought he would only send his subordinates to do this dirty work, but he was here himself?
Then, I heard Gunther’s low muttering.
“Well, what a perfect opportunity.”
“What on earth—”
There was no time to ask what perfect opportunity he meant. At lightning speed, Gunther’s sword thrust towards Sigren.
They seemed genuinely serious about this. Read the translation on itsladygrey.com.
I wondered what the opportunity Gunther meant, but it seemed like he wanted to test his skills against Sigren.
“Well, he always seemed eager for a challenge…”
It seemed like something had happened between the two of them in the past. But why did they have to use this commission as an excuse to fulfill their own desire!!
I should ask Gunther to lower his commission fee later!
I turned my head with that thought. The nobles peering out with anxious faces from the carriage and the coachman’s seat were looking at me with hopeful eyes for salvation.
Alright, it was time to start the real operation.
I took a deep breath and shouted out confidently. “Don’t worry! I’ll help you!”
“Oh, you must be Lady Fiona Heilon…!”
Then, I subtly manipulated my magic power. Even if it was just acting, it had to look convincing. I just had to tone down my power a bit for this drama.
The mercenaries pretending to be bandits, seemingly started, cautiously retreated.
I haven’t even attacked them yet. Don’t worry guys, I’d be gentle.
I conjured a small lightning bolt nearby. Read the translation on itsladygrey.com.
Kwaaang!!
The cobblestones shattered and scattered.
Oh, was that too…strong?
One of the mercenaries nearby turned pale and fell to the ground, visibly shaken. It seemed like it wasn’t acting, it seemed real.
I smiled. “What a convincing act.”
Of course, inside, I felt guilty. It had been a while since I’d faced people. I was having trouble controlling my strength!
“Retreat! Retreat! A monster has appeared!”
Hey, don’t call me a monster!
“Where are you going!”
As I approached closer, the mercenaries scattered in all directions like a flock of sheep being chased by wolves. Apart from the amusement of the scene, it was quite ironic to see men twice my size panicked and fleeing at the sight of me.
Suddenly, I sensed more presence around me. One, two… No, quite a number. More mercenaries?
I turned my head.
A commanding voice echoed through the alley. “There were already passengers! Sorry, but we reserved that carriage a long time ago!”
I widened my eyes at the unfolding situation. Read the translation on itsladygrey.com.
“This is bad.”
I had deliberately directed the mercenaries to play the role of bandits, but it seemed unnecessary now.
Real bandits had shown up.
“Get into the carriage and don’t move!”
I saw Kwonter still fighting with Sigren.
Now was really not the time for a fight between both of them, right?
Even the mercenaries were looking at their leader.
What should we do about this complicated situation?
“Hmmm”
Gunther swallowed a low groan as if he was in trouble. He scratched his cheek as if he was thinking for a moment, then raised his sword and shouted, “This is our territory! We can’t just lose it! Everyone, arm yourselves, and show these bandits some manners!”
“Woaaahhh!”
The mercenaries, who were shouting at me moments ago, cheered in excitement. Read the translation on itsladygrey.com.
In the end, I ended up saving Count Sterre and his wife with Gunther and his group. Since I had to fight for real, I didn’t have to control my strength, so I vigorously used my magic.
The confident real bandits soon let out a goat-like cry.
Count and Countess Sterre trembled in the carriage being suddenly attacked by two bandits groups.
It was hard to tell who the bad guys were.
“Eih, just blow them away!”
From my perspective, I had a vague feeling that the thoroughly planned plan had gone awry. A total mess. That was my general impression.
I should never do the ‘I’ll help you!’ operation again! Read the translation on itsladygrey.com.
**
Check out my Patreon to read advanced chapters!
