Elqueeness [EN]: Chapter 67

Chapter 67

I tucked the blanket securely around him, then got up and walked towards the bonfire. The Cocktail Mercenary [a mercenary group] was on watch tonight. I spotted some familiar faces among the five or six people on duty. Vilt and Cowell, the leaders, were there. They recognized me as I approached and greeted me.

“Yo, one of the Hood Brothers.”

‘Hood Brothers?’

Cowell, who was sitting in a slouching posture, was the first to speak. I hesitated at the strange title he used, and Vilt smiled and said,

“It’s the errand boy from the Champagne Mercenary [a more prestigious mercenary group]. Can’t sleep?”

“Yes. You’re working hard. May I sit next to you?”

“Of course. Sit wherever you’re comfortable.”

I thanked him for the ready permission and squeezed into a vacant spot. Meanwhile, Vilt added more firewood to the bonfire. Crackle, crackle, the dry twigs instantly burst into red flames and began to burn. Then Cowell asked me again.

“Are you the older or younger brother?”

“Pardon?”

“Which one of you brothers are you? You both wear those cumbersome pieces of cloth pulled down so low that it’s impossible to tell who’s who.”

“Ah, sorry. I’m the older one. I’m El.”

“Hmph— I know who you are. You’re the one who’s close to that guy Matthew, right?”

I was about to nod casually at the nonchalant question, but the other mercenaries reacted faster than I could answer.

“Hey, you, Cowell! Call him Matthew-nim [a title of respect]!”

“How dare you call his name so carelessly?”

Unexpectedly harsh rebukes poured out at him. Cowell scowled.

“Get lost. Who cares about some kid?”

“What did you say? Are you out of your mind?”

“Even though Matthew-nim is younger than you, he’s stronger than you could ever imagine.”

‘Actually, he’s older.’

I swallowed the unspeakable truth and cautiously looked around. More than that, I didn’t know how to explain this overly exaggerated reaction. I didn’t have much interaction with the other mercenaries, so it was hard to read the atmosphere. Noticing this, Vilt said with an apologetic expression.

“Don’t mind these guys. They’ve all become ardent followers of the Champagne Mercenary during this commission. They’re too scared to even talk to them, though.”

“Oh, I see.”

“Well, I understand how they feel. When you see their movements in battle, you can’t help but fall for them. It’s almost a work of art. It’s no wonder people consider them the epitome of mercenaries. Actually, the reason I decided to become a mercenary was because of Hussen.”

“Really, Leader Vilt?”

“Yeah, that was before Hussen even founded the Champagne Mercenary. I was younger than him, and the way he elegantly completed commissions alone was so cool. I was completely smitten and quit my thriving hunter job on the spot to enter this world. Haha, this is embarrassing.”

Vilt scratched the back of his head awkwardly. Seeing the grown man blush like a shy boy made my heart feel warm.

“Anyway, that’s why I’ve been so curious about you brothers.”

“Huh? About us?”

“Didn’t you know? You’re getting quite a bit of attention here.”

“Really? Why, why?”

I tilted my head at the unexpected words. The Champagne Mercenary was famous for their great achievements, but I didn’t think Isana and I had done anything to attract attention. And that question was soon easily answered by Vilt’s reply.

“Why else? The Champagne Mercenary is famous for not using errand boys. So, everyone was surprised when they brought you guys along on this commission.”

“Ah…….”

Come to think of it, I think I heard something similar when we first joined. At the time, I was flustered by Hussen’s forceful actions and didn’t pay much attention to it (I was actually annoyed), but it seems it wasn’t such a simple matter after all.

“Suddenly, you show up as errand boys, and you both wear your hoods pulled down low and don’t interact with people. So, at first, a lot of people were suspicious of you. But no one dared to approach you because they were afraid of the Champagne Mercenary.”

“Oh, I see.”

“To not know that, you’re really oblivious. Thanks to that, you guys have a nickname here. They call you the Hood Brothers.”

“……Cough!”

So that’s what Cowell was talking about earlier.

I never imagined that such a thing was happening behind my back. There are so many moving groups, and there isn’t much interaction between the groups, so I never thought we would stand out. Realizing how naive I had been, I felt my face burning.

“While we’re at it, let me ask you directly. Are you also officially affiliated with the Champagne Mercenary?”

“Ah, no. It’s just a temporary arrangement on the way to Clamore. The road is so dangerous that we’re just relying on them for a while.”

“What, so that’s how it is. I thought it was strange. Usually, errand boys are aspiring mercenaries, but you guys didn’t seem like it at all. You didn’t seem used to sleeping outdoors, and every move you made screamed that you were pampered young masters.”

“Ahaha, is that so?”

“Oh, I didn’t mean it in a bad way. Most mercenaries have had a rough life, but I didn’t get that feeling from you. Anyway, it’s lucky for you to be with the Champagne Mercenary, even if it’s just temporary. If you’re with those people, you don’t have to worry about losing your life, at least. But they must be hard to get along with, aren’t they?”

“No, everyone is kind, so I’m getting along well.”

The moment I said that, a ripple went through the calm atmosphere. They all started to stir with bewildered expressions.

“Hee, kind? I can’t imagine it. They’re complete monsters when they fight.”

“That’s right, Captain. Especially Iril-nim’s whip is unmatched. Have you seen her lightly slice through monsters with that thin leather? It’s really creepy.”

“What about Herol-hyungnim’s [term of respect for an older brother or male figure] swordsmanship? I’ve never seen anyone wield such a heavy axe with one hand.”

“Mighty-hyungnim’s skill with throwing weapons is like a ghost. Monsters suddenly fall, and when you go to check, there’s a throwing star stuck in them without you even knowing when it was thrown. I guarantee that not even the most skilled assassins are as nimble as Mighty-hyungnim.”

“Hussen-nim even has a record of fighting and winning against a master knight. Sherry, who was personally taught by him, is skilled enough to beat most knights.”

As if they were a fan club, every word they said was full of heartfelt praise. It was embarrassing, but it was refreshing to hear their evaluations through other people’s mouths, so I listened to the conversation quietly. Trowel’s name was also mentioned in the long praise.

“But the most noticeable is Matthew-nim. To blow away a huge monster with that slender frame. I’m always amazed every time I see it.”

“Of course. Even his appearance is extraordinary. Even though I know he’s a man, my heart flutters. I heard that he’s constantly receiving love letters from noble young ladies.”

“Of course. There aren’t many people as beautiful as him among the nobles. Moreover, he’s still young, so his potential is endless.”

“Hmm, I heard a rumor that Matthew-nim will receive a gold badge next year.”

“What? Is that true?”

The mercenaries were all shocked by someone’s murmur. Even Cowell, who had been wearing a cynical expression, widened his eyes.

“That kid is that amazing?”

“Hey, I told you to call him Matthew-nim!”

“That’s not the point. Anyway, is he really getting a gold badge? Or is it just a rumor?”

“Hehe, what do you take me for? It’s almost certain. It’s a rumor circulating in the guild headquarters, not just anywhere. I heard that only the final screening process remains, and it’s almost confirmed.”

“Wow, if that’s true, it’s really amazing. Matthew-nim is only in his mid-teens. Has there ever been a mercenary who received a gold badge in their teens before?”

“No, there hasn’t been. I heard that Hussen-nim received it at twenty-five, which is the youngest.”

“Wow— then if Matthew-nim receives it this time, will he be the youngest gold badge mercenary ever?”

“I’ve decided. I’m going to follow him for the rest of my life. No one stop me.”

“You’re crazy. Do you think he’ll even accept you?”

They hurled insults at each other with flushed faces. The already heated air seemed to get even hotter with the story of Trowel’s gold badge.

‘That’s really a big deal.’

When I heard it from the Champagne Mercenary, I just felt proud, so I didn’t realize it was such a big deal. Seeing it like this, I couldn’t help but realize that their level was higher than ordinary people. Of course, it probably wouldn’t make much of a difference to Trowel. What kind of expressions would everyone make if they knew that he was suppressing his power? Just imagining people’s shocked faces made me laugh. Then suddenly, someone asked me a question.

“By the way, kid, or El, was it? How do you know Matthew-nim? It seems like you’ve known each other for a long time.”

“Pardon? How did you know?”

“Well, Matthew-nim only has a soft expression with you. I’ve never even seen him smile like that at his colleagues.”

Then, as if they had been waiting for it, the others started to chime in.

“That’s right, I doubted my eyes at first. That’s when I realized that he could smile.”

“Me too. Actually, I’ve seen him at the mercenary guild a few times before this commission. Every time, I felt like he was terribly indifferent to others. I couldn’t even dare to peek at him.”

“So, tell us honestly, kid! What’s your relationship with Matthew-nim that you’re in the glorious position of receiving his smile?”

The gazes pouring down on me were all very persistent. It felt like they would roast me alive in the bonfire if I didn’t answer immediately. I felt a chill down my spine and answered awkwardly.

“Ahaha, we’re just childhood friends. Actually, Matthew helped me get into this procession.”

“What? So you’re childhood friends?!”

“Um, I guess so……?”

The reaction to my timid answer was intense. They began to cover their heads with their arms and sigh.

“Ugh, I’m so jealous! To be Matthew-nim’s hometown friend!”

“You’re the luckiest person in the world!”

“Damn it! I want to be Matthew-nim’s hometown friend too!”

“Damn it, stop it, everyone, it’s embarrassing.”

Then Cowell, as if he couldn’t listen anymore, glared at them with a reddened face. Of course, that didn’t easily calm the chaotic atmosphere. Rather, they (including Captain Vilt) glared at him as if asking what was wrong. In some ways, they were quite cooperative. Cowell clicked his tongue in disgust and said to me.

“Ignore those idiots. They’re all old enough to know better.”

“Ahaha…….”

“But why do you brothers always wear hoods? Is there a reason?”

“Pardon? Ah, no. Just because.”

“Just wearing hoods? Isn’t it uncomfortable?”

“I’m used to it, so I don’t really notice. Besides, the others in the group said it would be better to wear them.”

“By the others, you mean the Champagne Mercenary members? Why would they say that?”

“Um, they said my appearance isn’t good for their mental health.”

I answered with a wry expression, thinking about what happened back then. But that seemed to stimulate the other person’s curiosity. Cowell, as well as the Cocktail Mercenary members, all stared at me with wide eyes.

“Bad for their mental health? What do you look like to hear such a thing? Take off your hood. Let’s see your face.”

“Pardon? Ah, but…….”

“It’s okay. I won’t make fun of you.”

“Yeah, we’re not bad people who judge people by their appearance.”

Captain Vilt seconded his words with a solemn expression. Of course, I knew that wasn’t true. I could see the mischief sparkling in people’s eyes.

I hesitated for a moment, then sighed and nodded. After all, I was wearing it for Isana’s convenience, and in my case, there was no need to hide my face. It would be troublesome if the sparks flew to Isana if I tried to hide it unnecessarily. Like with the Champagne Mercenary members, I just needed to satisfy their curiosity to some extent.

‘Besides, I probably won’t be mistaken for a woman again.’

When I took off my hood, the wider view greeted me. Even though the surroundings covered in darkness were still dark, I somehow felt refreshed. I was about to organize the hair flowing out of the hood when I raised my head. It was because the surroundings had become strangely quiet.

In fact, the chattering sounds that had been going on a little while ago were not heard at all. Surprised, I turned around and saw that the Cocktail Mercenary members were all staring at me with terribly hardened faces.

“What…… is it?”

Puzzled, I faced them, and Cowell groaned faintly with a scowling face. The gaze in his eyes was clearly a sense of dismay. I had an ominous feeling, but it wasn’t just my imagination, right?

“You…… were you a girl?”

‘Damn it, not this again!’

I barely managed to hold back my face from twisting miserably. Forcing myself to smile made my lips feel like they were cramping.

“I’m not.”

“No way. How can a man look like that? You’re lying, right?”

“……I’m sorry for being a man and looking like this.”

“Wow, are you really a man? Don’t you think you’re taking this joke too far?”

“It’s not a joke…….”

“Hey, Cowell. Stop it. You’re making him uncomfortable.”

Then Vilt grabbed his shoulder and stopped him. But the grateful feeling was only momentary.

“You insensitive bastard, can’t you see that he’s a girl? It looks like he has a reason to hide it, so why are you asking so many questions?”

“…….”

Damn it! I really hate this face!

I wonder which corner of the divine realm the god who made me like this is stuck in. If I ever met him, I wanted to grab him by the collar and shake him.

‘Hey, God! Did I ask for too much? I just wanted to be a little, just a tiiiiny bit more handsome than I was when I was Kang Jihoon! Ah, okay. I’ll be honest. Actually, I wanted to be super handsome and be the center of attention for women. But this is too much! What am I supposed to do if everyone who sees me mistakes me for a woman! Huh? Give me back my face! Give it back!’

It’s a tragedy that I can’t shout like this.

I never thought the day would come when I would hate the pretty face that I envied so much when I was Kang Jihoon. Really, the world is a long place to live.