Chapter 6: Garna Hazza 1
Leonard was looking for his next job at a tavern in a town further west of Gastan.
This area was close to the fierce battlegrounds with the Demon King’s army, attracting not only adventurers but also mercenaries, creating a dangerous hustle and bustle.
Amidst this atmosphere, a man approached Leonard.
“Are you Leonard? The one rumored to have defeated demons in various places?”
The man was chubby with a round face, seeming to smile even without making an expression.
“Yeah, that’s me. Who are you?”
“I’m Ralph. I’m looking for someone to take on a job. But not just anyone will do. I want someone skilled to accept it.”
Ralph wore a friendly smile.
Job requests through taverns couldn’t specify particular adventurers. That’s why people like Ralph directly approached their target adventurers. However, this method was time-consuming, so it wasn’t common.
“That’s fine, but our fees are high. We do our jobs properly, but because of that, our reputation among clients is terrible. Wouldn’t you be better off looking elsewhere?”
Leonard raised the corner of his mouth self-mockingly.
“Well, lately the number of adventurers who can fight properly has decreased dramatically. I was looking for adventurers who can do the job right, even if it costs a bit more.”
“Is that so? But can you afford our fees?”
Leonard looked Ralph up and down.
While his clothes weren’t shabby, he didn’t look wealthy either. Ralph himself looked like an ordinary citizen you could find anywhere.
“I’m just an intermediary. There’s a separate client. So, I need to introduce capable adventurers, you understand?”
Having an intermediary for requests wasn’t uncommon. People who could move around discreetly were necessary for high-status individuals or wealthy merchants.
“I see. So what’s the request? We can’t start anything without hearing about it, right?”
“It’s a bit complicated. Shall we change locations? This place isn’t bad, but it’s not suitable for our talk. I know a good place where we can rent a room and talk. Whether you accept the job or not, I’ll cover the expenses. You’ll earn a night’s worth of drinks and meals without doing anything. Not a bad deal, right?”
Ralph was skilled at talking. His cheerful expression, combined with his way of speaking, lowered people’s guard and drew them in.
“Sounds good indeed. But are you sure? I’m the type who won’t hesitate to take a free meal.”
“That’s exactly the type of person we want. It’s a difficult request that requires guts.”
Saying this, Ralph led Leonard out of the tavern.
The place Leonard was taken to was a tavern frequented by well-to-do merchants.
The establishment’s appearance was neat and tidy, requiring a certain amount of courage and money to enter as a first-timer.
Ralph opened the door without hesitation.
Inside, the decor was cohesive with high-quality furnishings. There weren’t many patrons, but those present were well-dressed.
Perhaps because of this, the customers sensed something rough about Leonard as he entered and gave him suspicious looks. However, when Ralph greeted them skillfully, they returned the greeting with a smile and quickly lost interest.
Ralph spoke to the staff with familiarity, secured a room, and guided Leonard there.
The small private room had a table and two chairs. Soon, a server brought in drinks and food, skillfully arranging them on the table before quietly closing the sturdy door as they left, as if to say, “Feel free to have your private conversation now.”
“So, what’s this job about?”
Leonard asked bluntly, downing a drink without hesitation.
“Shall we discuss it after eating a bit? I’m actually quite hungry,”
As he said this, Ralph encouraged Leonard to help himself to the food and drinks, while also eating and drinking himself. They engaged in small talk, with Ralph starting by sharing his background and skillfully drawing out Leonard’s story as well.
Gradually, their conversation shifted to probing each other’s character.
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“That’s right. Without money, nothing in this world can be accomplished,”
Ralph said, nodding appropriately and displaying the expressions and reactions his companion desired. He was skilled at the art of listening to others.
“Yeah, that’s why we demand suitable fees for our work, but people just don’t seem to understand. We only get bad reputations,”
Leonard replied, seemingly in a good mood.
“By the way, Leonard, just between us, what do you think about the current state of the war?”
Ralph asked, lowering his voice slightly.
“There’s not much to think about. The human side has no chance of winning. The most we can do is pray that humanity doesn’t perish within our lifetimes,”
Leonard answered dismissively.
“So that’s your assessment. As expected, hearing it from someone who has actually fought against the demon folk carries a different weight,”
Ralph said, nodding repeatedly.
“It’s obvious. The demon folk are stronger than humans. They have greater physical strength and magical power. They’re intelligent too. Moreover, they move in a coordinated manner under the leadership of the Demon King. In comparison, the human side is still divided in their response between countries. It would be strange to think we could win.”
“Yes, unfortunately, that seems to be the direction things are heading.”
“…Does this have anything to do with your request?”
Leonard’s tone lowered.
“You said you’d do anything for money, Leonard. Is that correct?”
Ralph asked, avoiding Leonard’s question and posing one of his own.
“Yeah, I’ll do anything if the price is right. There’s nothing in this world above money. Even life can be bought with money. As long as you prepare an appropriate amount, that is.”
Ralph placed a small leather pouch on the table. There was a dull clinking sound of metal hitting metal.
“This is an advance payment. Consider it funds for preparation.”
When Leonard tilted the pouch over his palm, gold coins slid out.
“That’s quite generous. So, what’s the job?”
“Assassination,”
Ralph said, darkness settling in his previously amiable eyes.
“…That’s not very peaceful. Who’s the target?”
“The Hero.”
“The Hero? Who do you mean by that?”
Leonard’s face showed confusion.
“We don’t know yet.”
“I don’t understand.”
Leonard’s expression became stern.
“Think of this as a contingency plan. As you said, Leonard, the human side is likely to lose. The demon army’s victory is almost certain. However, if there’s one unpredictable factor, it’s the existence of a Hero. My client is operating under the assumption that the demon army will win, and it would be troublesome if that were to change.”
“You want me to betray humanity and kill the Hero?”
Leonard’s eyes gleamed coldly. However, Ralph remained unfazed.
“You’re a smart man, Leonard. You can see where this is heading. Isn’t it time to decide which side to commit to? There are more people on our side than you might think. Some are even nobles and wealthy merchants. They’re thinking about what comes after humanity’s defeat. All the wise ones are doing this.”
Ralph whispered that Leonard wouldn’t be alone, that this wasn’t something to feel guilty about.
In the current situation where humanity’s defeat seemed inevitable, it felt like an irresistible temptation.
“If you come to our side, your life will be guaranteed even if the demon army wins. And even if, by some chance, the human side wins, if we all stick to the same story, nothing will be exposed. Don’t you think it’s a deal with little risk and great rewards?”
“I see.”
In an instant, Leonard drew his sword and placed it against Ralph’s neck.
“Looks like I’ve been underestimated too.”
Although Ralph didn’t show any signs of panic, sweat began to drip from his forehead.
“Was the advance payment not enough?”
“No, it’s just that your guarantee for my life is insufficient.”
“…What do you mean?”
Ralph’s voice trembled slightly as the blade pressed against his neck.
“Have a demon folk guarantee our lives. That’s my condition. Otherwise, I can’t trust you. Your superiors are demon folk, aren’t they? They’re proud creatures, like knights. Unlike humans, they don’t lie. But if we proceed through you, there’s a risk of discrepancies in the story. There’s a possibility that you’re making promises on your own. So, for the promise to mean anything, I need to speak directly with a demon folk.”
“Speak directly with a demon folk? No, I…”
“Belzera. You know that name, right?”
“…Why do you know that name?”
Sweat continued to pour down Ralph’s forehead.
“I’m a survivor from Malica, you know? Of course I know the name of the enemy’s leader. The Demon King might be at the top of the demon folk hierarchy, but the one commanding the invading demon army is Belzera. If we can get through to them, there’s no worry about the deal being nullified later. Am I wrong?”
Ralph, who had been calmly betraying humanity, was quite a bold man despite his appearance, but he was shaken by Leonard’s words.
(He has a high understanding of the demon folk.)
In fact, Leonard was correct. Ralph was acting on broad orders from Belzera, with considerable discretion. Even the method of assassinating the Hero was left to his judgment.
Ralph’s reason for betraying humanity wasn’t just because of the high likelihood of human defeat.
Among humans, there existed an organization of those who had switched sides to the demon army, where rank was determined by contribution rather than social status. The demon folk properly evaluated one’s efforts and would promote anyone they saw as capable.
Ralph had worked for years as an apprentice under a merchant, but because the merchant favored blood relations, his abilities were never recognized, leaving him frustrated.
This led him to harbor resentment towards human society as a whole, eventually leading him to work for an organization aligned with the demon army. There, his position rose with his contributions to the organization, and for the first time, Ralph felt his abilities were truly recognized.
While waiting for next chapter , I implore you dear readers to read other masterpiece novels that also written by the same author :
- Monster Meat Led Me to the Throne
- The Wicked Princess and 12 Eyes – The Strongest Squires and the Legendary Evil Woman, the Second Time in Her Life
- The Suspects of Necromancy
- The Exiled Merchant Saves the World with the Power of Gold (translated by my friend meerkat)
Also check out my friend Localizermeerkat for more LN translations!
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