How To Suck Honey With Extras [EN]: Chapter 180

200. Finding the Magic Tome (5)

“…That’s a bit much!”

Nilton trembled, his face ashen.

The lord made the request.

*My words are practically accusing the lord of not caring if we die.*

But if I suddenly lash out here, it would be like admitting it.

“Isn’t that a bit of an overreaction? Maybe those three are all there is.”

“I’ve seen quite a few friends bite the dust thinking like that.”

*And you could be next.*

“Indeed.”

“Of course.”

None of the mercenaries are arguing with me anymore.

The most frightening thing is the possibility of something going wrong.

*Let’s retreat.*

That was the only conclusion I could reach.

* * *

It’s a mercenary’s duty not to abandon a request once it’s accepted, but that’s on a case-by-case basis.

There’s a limit to everything.

For example, if someone asks you to find their lost cat, but it turns out to be a monster provisionally ranked S-class [a very high threat level]?

Does the mercenary who accepted the request have to keep going?

Even if they’re sure to die? Is that duty to take responsibility?

Absolutely not.

You don’t have to carry it out.

A mercenary has a duty to complete a request, but they also have the right to refuse.

Of course, an individual can’t assert that right, but if it’s a group, and that group is an organization that can’t be ignored, the situation is different.

The Mercenary Guild.

They are the strength.

“After comparing the testimonies and circumstances, we have concluded that this request is impossible for their forces to carry out, as per the original request.”

The branch manager, who was in charge of the mediation, stated the result calmly.

There was another argument between us, who had retreated earlier, and the knights.

Their shouts to set off again and the mercenaries’ refusal to do so.

In the end, the dispute was handed over to the guild for mediation.

This isn’t the first time this has happened.

However, it seemed that the decision could not be made directly by the branch.

Moreover, it’s a request made directly by a noble, and it’s too much trouble for an individual to handle.

And it’s dangerous.

As a result, the branch manager seems to have sent a request to the guild’s headquarters to make this decision.

‘*…So, the Guild Master decides.*’

In the setting, I know that in the case of such disputes, especially when nobles are involved, the Guild Master makes the final decision.

Otherwise, it can’t be overturned.

Even if the Mercenary Guild is a group, the nobles are ultimately the powerful ones.

Naturally, they can’t easily stand up to their tyranny.

But sometimes there are factors that suppress power.

‘*There are times when fists are faster and scarier than power.*’

The proof is the existence of the Guild Master.

Even though it’s a group that controls a bunch of thugs, its influence is such that no decent group in the kingdom dares to covet it.

Moreover, if it’s the Guild Master, according to rumors, a noble who didn’t like him attacked his subordinate.

The result was terrible.

That night.

It is said that the Guild Master personally broke into the noble’s house with his bare hands, tore off the noble’s limbs one by one while he was still alive, and finally carefully plucked out his head and threw it on the street.

He’s not just someone who had a brawl with the Magic Tower Master for nothing.

‘*That’s probably a true story in the setting.*’

Of course, a mere madman can’t have such influence.

The Guild Master only exerts his power directly in fair matters.

And if my guess is correct.

“This is a decision made directly by the Guild Master.”

As expected, he sided with the mercenaries.

“That can’t be! That’s an unfair decision! Stop talking nonsense!”

Of course, Knight Nilton and the soldiers were furious and trembled.

But the branch manager dealt with it calmly.

“You can convey that opinion directly to the Guild Master.”

“……”

They’ll shut their mouths in an instant.

“It doesn’t mean you have to cancel it completely. It just means that you should re-recruit and explain the request, and also reorganize the personnel.”

In return, the lord will only have to pay 80% of the request fee to the guild.

That’s a sufficient concession.

If they still can’t accept it.

That means they want to fight.

‘*I’d like that, though.*’

Fight! Get confused! That way, I’ll be comfortable!

But it’s not going to be that simple.

“…I have no choice. I’ll do as you say.”

In the end, Nilton has no choice but to back down.

He can’t cause a conflict with the guild without asking his lord’s intentions.

Even if he asks the lord, he’ll probably hear the same answer.

‘*A recruitment notice will be posted again soon, and then the mercenaries…*’

I looked at the gazes of those who were watching this situation from a distance.

Half bewilderment, half resignation.

“Tch… I thought it was a good opportunity.”

“Hey, what are you going to do?”

“Whatever it is, it looks a little dangerous for us to handle. We’ll have to wait and see.”

There are signs of hesitation starting to emerge.

‘*This will buy me a few days.*’

Those few days will be precious.

Because I need at least a minimum amount of time to carry out the plan I came up with on the spur of the moment.

“Hey, Ailen, was it?”

In the meantime, some of the mercenaries approached me and spoke carefully.

“What are you going to do?”

*There’s always someone who asks other people’s opinions.*

*No, if I say I’m going to die, are you going to go with me?*

Without showing it, I only pretended to think carefully and answered.

“I’m thinking of giving up.”

“…That’s a pretty quick decision.”

“I got beat up myself, too. I just have a feeling. I know whether I can handle this or not. …You know that feeling, right?”

I shrugged my shoulders and deliberately spoke clearly so that the other mercenaries could hear me.

Everyone seemed to be concerned.

“I value my life. So, I’m going to let it go.”

“Indeed… that makes sense. But isn’t it a waste?”

“My life is more precious.”

They agreed with my claim, said it was helpful, and stepped back.

‘*Well, it’s more than just a reference.*’

Many mercenaries will be tempted by my answer now.

People are fickle.

When you’re hesitating, if someone next to you blurts out an answer, whether it’s right or wrong, you’ll lean towards that side.

‘*Then… shall we wait this time?*’

There’s no point in contacting them first.

If I wait, they’ll come to me on their own.

Yes, either way, all of them.

201. Switching Gears (1)

As I told the mercenaries, I really didn’t do anything openly after that.

I just ate and slept.

In the eyes of others, wouldn’t I just look like a local bum spending his time leisurely in a quiet countryside, enjoying the scenery?

‘*I wouldn’t mind spending my time like this.*’

Because I didn’t come here for the money in the first place.

But the mercenaries, who had livelihood issues, were much more serious.

They spent several days discussing their opinions among themselves, and soon some of them began to leave.

“It seems like it’s too difficult for us to handle, so I have no choice but to drop out.”

Once a group leaves like that, it’s all over in an instant.

Nearly 20% of the mercenaries gave up the request and started to withdraw.

The rest are either holding off on their decision or considering a more careful plan.

‘*Well, whether they continue the request or not isn’t a big problem.*’

So, what’s the problem next?

I subtly activated my infrared detection ability and visualized my mana to look beyond the wall.

In a corner of a building away from the inn room where I’m staying, a number of people are staying with unnatural movements.

‘*They’re lying in ambush.*’

It’s obvious.

I’m not surprised.

Because I was sure they would come out like this from the beginning.

‘*The question is, which side will approach first…*’

I felt the urge to check, but I restrained myself.

Not yet.

Rather, let’s pretend I didn’t see it.

I released the ability I had focused on my eyes and lay down, pretending I hadn’t seen anything.

And the next day.

After reconfirming that the same presence was still lying in ambush in the same place, I deliberately pretended to stretch.

“Huuuaaaah~ Shall I go meditate in the moonlight?”

I deliberately muttered as if for anyone to hear.

Then, I changed my clothes appropriately, packed my bags, and put them in the subspace [a personal storage dimension].

First, let’s pretend to go out lightly.

Let’s pretend to come out of the inn and walk along the street, passing by the building I checked the location of earlier.

Thud!

A thick hand blocked my mouth.

Similarly, the guys who jumped out of the corner grabbed me so I couldn’t move and dragged me away.

Since it’s the middle of the night, no one else will witness it.

‘*I guess it’s going to be like this.*’

If I had stayed in the inn, I might have harmed the innkeeper and the guests.

I could shake them off with just a light resistance here, but I didn’t resist.

Because I can solve this kind of trick at any time now.

‘*More than that, pretending to be kidnapped is kind of worth it?*’

The hardest part was when the guys who didn’t know anything whispered in my ear, ‘Don’t even think about resisting if you don’t want to die,’ I almost burst out laughing.

‘*I wonder if you’ll be able to say the same thing later.*’

Let’s wait for that time and endure being transported somewhat violently.

Finally, after they had moved everything, the guys threw me into a building somewhere in the city and snorted triumphantly.

“He’s an A-class mercenary, but he’s nothing special.”

“Yeah. Mercenaries are just thugs.”

“I don’t know why the lord asked us to entrust the request to these guys…”

Muttering voices.

Among them, there is a familiar voice.

Was it the soldiers who accompanied me?

Nilton’s voice is also there.

*I’m glad I caught you.*

‘*I guess it’s them… doing obvious things.*’

Should I be happy that it’s as I expected, or should I be annoyed that they’re making me work?

After reconfirming that I can release the restraints at any time, I checked the number of people beyond the blindfold.

Even if my eyes are covered with cloth, I can grasp it by visualizing infrared rays and mana.

‘*There are six guys surrounding me right now. There are seven more beyond that. Are there seven more upstairs?*’

About twenty people.

There aren’t any guys with particularly strong energy, so I can wipe them all out even if I’m tied up like this.

While I was gauging the guys’ level, the cloth covering my mouth suddenly came off.

My mouth is free.

“…Am I supposed to scream here and act pathetic?”

“Stop talking nonsense, Ailen.”

It’s Nilton’s voice.

He’s deliberately calling my name. Is he trying to threaten me?

*I wish he would just punch me so I could understand easily.*

*Then his fist would hurt.*

Is he going to reveal his true colors as they are? He held what appeared to be a sword to my neck.

Geez, that’s dangerous.

“I’ll ask you. Did you really contact that group?”

“…I don’t understand the meaning of the question.”

I blatantly pretended not to know.

“Your actions are suspicious. I’ll ask you again. Have you really had any contact with those guys?”

“…Contact?”

Maybe those guys are the elf youth and his friends from back then.

These guys know after all.

“…No, that’s enough. The truth doesn’t matter. Swear here. Your testimony is false. Just say that. And cooperate.”

He’s making a pretty annoying request.

It seems that he doesn’t like the fact that the mercenaries are starting to dislike this request.

‘*It’s not like anything will change if you do that… more than that, why are you so annoyed?*’

The reason I’m not angry in this situation is because of that curiosity.

Something is entangled in that tower.

“What happens if I don’t give that testimony?”

“Hmph. I guess I’ll have to show you for sure!”

Perhaps to set an example, the blade touching my neck fell for a moment.

Is he going to swing it and cut off my arm?

‘*How foolish.*’

Is this the end of being held still?

Before he could swing his sword completely, I cut the rope that was tying my body.

“Ugh!”

I just cut it with strength.

Paht!

With a light snapping sound, the rope that bound me was torn off and fell helplessly to the floor.

“Look. The rope is broken, right? Isn’t it amazing?”

This is a rope escape magic that tears with strength.

The secret is muscle strength.