Manuke FPS Chapter 164

Published at 8th of November 2021 11:53:42 AM

On the way back to see the property that I had planned to purchase from the Marida Company, we ran into the festival parade while on the way to the auction venue. Since it was a big deal, I decided to observe. Only, there was only one person who referred to me as ‘Map Seller’

Linel from the Rafflesia Clan. When I mapped the Emerald Demon Labyrinth, I came across them when I was with the Sasanqua clan who I’d been hired with to help conquer the labyrinth. Sasanqua ended up conquering the labyrinth in the end and got the core. Linel recognized my mapping ability and tried to recruit me. However, I did not like the basic idea of that clan so I declined them. Besides, the only clan I would be a part of was P0wder.

“It’s been a long while Map Seller…” 

“Indeed, Linel-san.”

Linel was dressed for the parade in plate armor that was clearly a rank higher than I remembered. He stood in front of me away from the procession. He was huge — even though he was a human-like me, he was almost as tall as most beastmen. Scars ran across his face and disappeared in his brown short hair that spoke about the battles he has survived. 

“So, you’re here in the capital as well. Now feeling up to join Rafflesia?” 

“Not at all, I just stopped by for business-related matters. And I still have not changed my decision.”

“Chi, says the man who walks around the capital with a woman next to him.”

As he said so, he looked at Maridsan who stood next to me.

“She’s my business partner. So, where’s the rest of the party? I can see the mage and the light warrior, but where’s Will and the bigger warrior?”

In an attempt to distract Linel away from Maridsan, I asked about his old party. Five members had been sent to subjugate the labyrinth. Aside from Linel himself, there were two female mages, 2 light-armored warriors; one of which was Will, their mapper, and a heavy-armored warrior who was larger than Linel.

 Since Linel left the parade, two female magicians and a light-armored warrior waited some distance away. I didn’t remember much about their faces but they acted like his party members. That’s why I was a little worried about the other two. 

“… Will and Galac are dead.”

“Nn?”

That reply had been unexpected. Galac was probably the large warrior… I see — they’re dead. 

“My condolences.” 

“Chi, there’s no happiness in death. Only when we’re alive can we get everything.”

Even though he looked at me, a faint murderous aura came that felt it’d been directed at some else rather than me who stood here.

“So, Map Maker, let me say this again. Join Rafflesia. Your ability is much better than that of Will. If you devote that ability to Rafflesia, we will be unstoppable, and you’ll gain everything you want.” 

“— I decline.”

“Y,you—”

The vague murderous aura was now directed at me. Linel grabbed my shoulder and squeezed it. 

“Linel, don’t disturb the line.”

The moment I was about to pick his hand off myself, I heard a low-pitched voice. Looking for the source, a horse came towards us – a knight who I’ve never seen before was on top of it. But I quickly realized from his outfit that he was a high-ranking person. 

“Chi—, pardon me, deputy leader.”

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“Return to the formation immediately.”

After saying so, the knight, who Linel referred to as the Deputy Leader, rode back.

“Chi.”

He clicked his tongue as he left.

“Nothing less from the ‘Map Maker’ Shwartz. Even Rafflesia wants you, and yet you easily declined.”

Maridsan said in a low voice after she’d watched me from behind.

“Do you know the elf guy he called Deputy Leader?” 

“Yes, of course. Rafflesia’s leader is Prince Kilik, but the clan is run jointly with Deputy Leader Felix Mendoza. He is the eldest son of Count Mendoza and is better known as the magic swordsman ‘Thunderstorm Felix’.” 

I wonder — Felix himself never gave a single glance towards me. But there was something in the air that made me unable to take off him.  

As the parade passed it became possible to finally cross so we returned to the carriage and the office. 

Once we returned, I checked the process for the purchase of the old shop and the funds. Although there were additional costs due to the renovation, the expected total would still be considered a profit for me as I was pretty much investing in the Marida COmpany. Then, we discussed whether to pay in installments or in full. 

Given that the old shop in question was old and the environment could be considered second or even third-class land… It was the Royal Capital. Setting up a front as a shop may not be easy considering it was the capital. The story may have been different if it was a smaller city or even a village far away, or in a different territory. Even if it was not in a good location, it was still the Capital. 

It may be necessary to join the commerce guild as camouflage considering all the costs related to it… The commerce guild, huh… I already joined the General Guild and the Mercenary Guild. If I joined one more guild, should I register Shwartz or  Shaft? Or, should I prepare a new alias? 

No… The avatar customization was limited to changing the appearance with face paint. The available appearances were only undead types such as skeletons and zombies, and if I wanted to be deemed an active merchant, I couldn’t exactly wear a mask as Shaft does. If I registered Schwartz… Word would spread and there would be no point in preparing a hideout and I may have to prepare something to sell – but that may not have to be decided right away. 

After the talks were concluded with the Marida Company, worried about Koti and the others, I returned to the inn early. But not only was Koti and the three other employees hadn’t returned, Ophelia and the others hadn’t returned either.  

On the second day of the festival, I stayed at the inn without going out while I waited for contact from Ophelia. 

It wasn’t until evening a report came my way. The whereabouts of Koti, the elf boy flick and the cook Garrad could not be confirmed. Ophelia and the others had also found the house that was supposed to be Koti’s parents’ house was just a shell, and that another person lived at the address of Flick and Garrad. The three had been identified as suspects of Nekoyanagi. The authorities would continue to pursue their whereabouts. 

Chapter end