The border was filled with similar scenery.
Bandages covered the faces of those returning from bloody battlefields.
The somber faces of the bereaved families of those who had died in battle.
As I approached the capital, the scenery became more glamorous.
Along the way, I encountered commotion from various people demanding things.
At that time, I “borrowed” a wallet and money bag from a fainted person.
I had enough travel expenses, so that was not a problem.
However, the lack of women was a huge problem.
They said it was to boost the morale of the soldiers who died in battle.
Prostitutes, courtesans, geishas, and the like were sent to the front lines.
What the hell!
“A new land… my… new land…”
◇◇◇◇◇
Like Rayos, I was traveling to the capital of a small country for similar reasons.
Bergarth (Republic of the Tower), the 4th Prince, and the archery master Hoshikyu.
“Your Highness, we will arrive at the village soon.”
“Understood. And within the village, I am the young master.”
“Yes, young master.”
The village, in wartime, was populated by the elderly and those with physical disabilities that prevented them from becoming soldiers.
Babies and their mothers.
Young girls were huddled in their rooms, fearing they would become entertainment for soldiers.
“This is expensive.”
“Young master, these are difficult times.”
The inn charged double the usual price.
This was painful for my wallet, as I also had to pay a high reward for Hoshikyu’s continued contract.
“Give me a bit of a discount.”
“No, sir, these are difficult times. We are struggling to make a living. We can’t even hire employees.”
Please understand.
If I compromised, my wallet would be empty even sooner.
When I reach the capital, there is an embassy.
Of course, I will not be able to enter easily.
But there is a secret loophole.
If I go to the embassy, I can obtain a large sum of money.
Moreover, there are a few people who agree with me.
To achieve my goal, I will use those people.
Hoshikyu will also provide support.
If I can reach the capital, my claim to the throne will be strengthened.
I will take the first place in the royal inheritance by any means necessary.
Bang!
“This should be enough, right?”
“Yes. I am truly sorry. We will do our utmost to ensure your comfort.”
How exactly am I supposed to relax?
In just one day.
“Young Master, come, let’s go to your room.”
Hoshikyu sensed my killing intent.
She urged me towards the room.
When I say room, it’s probably someone’s bedroom in the inn.
For a private house to function as an inn, they have no choice but to let guests use their own rooms.
Well then, what kind of room is it?
“You want double the price for just a straw mat?”
“Young master, please make yourself comfortable.”
If I use it, my back and buttocks will get itchy. There will probably be marks left.
“You use it. I’ll sleep sitting at the desk.”
“…Is that alright?”
She asked if it was alright, being in my employ.
I don’t care. It’s not far to the capital now.
The problem is that the payment of the reward seems to be coming sooner than that.
I’ll have to earn some money in the next town. You know, despite how I look, I’m good at charming women!
Dinner and breakfast were plain.
We quickly departed for the town.
We arrived in town with my stomach growling.
I left Hoshikyu at the tavern and went to pick up some girls.
When picking up girls, it’s impossible to succeed with their female entourage or with men present.
Girls with disappointing faces are also a no-go. It’s a temporary relationship. I’ll cut ties when I leave.
Next, girls who are overly confident are also difficult to assess, so they’re out.
Girls who use rickshaws or palanquins are the best, but I don’t have time to investigate.
“I’ll look for a general store or a second-hand clothing store.”
Girls who loiter or wander around in stores are those who yearn for something forbidden.
“Welcome~~!”
I ignored the staff.
And searched for girls.
Next, I pinpointed girls who seemed to have experienced something forbidden based on their gestures.
If I fail, I’ll go out to the street.
After losing them, I’ll move to the next store.
I want to hit the jackpot on the first try.
“That dress would look good on you♪”
“Eh? Who… who are you?”
I am a newcomer to some shady business recently.
There’s a reason I approached you, my lady.
It’s because of the shady business connections.
Do you doubt me?
Very well, then I will show you proof.
What? Here? You’re the one who wanted it.
So, assuming you believe me, let’s proceed.
…I was told to abduct you.
However, as a person, I cannot do such a thing.
That’s why I contacted you like this. Please believe me.
But I don’t have money either.
Even if I want to help you escape, I don’t have money… Oh! You have enough money!
With that much, you can escape.
Leave it to me. With that money, I will safely help you escape.
Eh? You want to go home? Leave it to me.
With that money, you will surely be able to go home.
The 4th Prince, using his cunning words, subtly guided the frightened girl and extorted a small sum of money under the guise of escorting her home from town.
This was enough to cover tonight’s inn expenses.
“Thank you very much♪”
“Shh. Someone from the organization might notice.”
“I-I’m sorry…”
I parted ways with the girl, who looked like a scolded puppy.
Then, I started looking for the next girl.
This is for Hoshikyu’s reward.
“If I’m too late, she might come looking for me and cause trouble.”
If trouble arises,
I’ll have to bribe the soldiers.
That would ruin my plan that has come this far.
I will definitely reach the embassy in the capital with Hoshikyu.
◇◇◇◇◇
My travel expenses ran out.
A chance to make a fortune by eliminating yokai.
I was participating in a large-scale subjugation force.
Rumor has it that the yokai to be subjugated were created by the malice of another country.
“Seriously?”
“Ah, that’s really bad.”
“I heard that too.”
“Me too, me too.”
“Silence!”
The booming voice of the large man commanding the subjugation force echoed.
(You’re the one who needs to be quiet.)
There were several yokai.
Their magic and sorcery were unknown.
If even one yokai is hunted, the reward will be increased after the subjugation is complete.
After final confirmation,
Now, let’s launch a surprise attack on the yokai’s lair.
Originally human.
Simple log walls. Horse barricades.
Uncovered holes.
Several dilapidated huts where the mastermind controlling the yokai likely resided.
“Let’s go! Follow me!”
『…ROAR (Why can’t you just be quiet!? )』
Screams! Shrieks!
“Why was the surprise attack discovered?!”
『…』
I want to complain to the young acting lord, the client.
Why would he put someone so incompetent in command of the subjugation force?
Is he trying to get us killed!!
Due to the ineptitude of the loudmouth, the surprise attack failed.
We engaged with a group of yokai.
The mastermind escaped.
The dilapidated huts where the mastermind was believed to be are set ablaze.
The territory was completely ravaged by yokai, and the acting lord fabricated a report.
He paid us a hush-money as our reward.
Hubbub. Hubbub.
A drinking party with the reward money.
I went there to get free drinks and to pick up a woman♪
Finally, a woman! My son, dick, and manhood were all throbbing hard!
“Hey, bro♪///”
Tch, you’re interfering with my pickup.
And you’re the same type as me.
Could it be… a hyena…
Hyena.
Pickup artist slang.
The name for a sly guy who, with gentle sweet words, snatches away women who have had bad experiences while being picked up.
Will he be aiming for the one I failed with?
“Hey, this sake is brewed with concentrated barley♪”
Damn, this is annoying.
And he’s trying to make me fail my pickup by giving me distilled spirits and getting me drunk.
This guy is experienced.
“Don’t you have any ice?”
“Bro, let’s just drink it straight. Look, the girls are expecting it too♪?”
Stop it! Don’t surround me!
Don’t win over the girls, you coward!
*Clink*
“Then, I’ll drink.”
“Woohoo~~♪”
Rooaaar♪♪ Clap clap clap
My body was invaded by alcohol.
The memories of the drinking party after successfully completing the subjugation were hazy.
When I came to, I found myself waking up under a chair in some cheap inn.
I was startled by the chair leg.
According to the inn staff I asked,
I was brought here by a man from the subjugation force, who supported me.
He doesn’t seem to be a hyena. Their characteristics are too different.
Damn it! He gave me distilled spirits!
“Before I leave this place… Fuhuhuhu.”
