The thugs lead me to a grandiose mansion. Really? This is the rival of the Isvard Diner? Do they even need to do something underhanded? If Mryna said was really true, these people are really abusing their wealth.
The gate opened when the guard noticed and recognized the thugs I am with. He finally asked when he saw me, the only one who is different among them.
"Who is he?" An authoritative question from the guard.
The guard is wearing a cap and holding a spear. He has a uniform that distinguishes him from the thugs and that's why I called him a guard.
"This? Ah... haha. A recruit!"
Just after the thug said it, the guard's eyebrow raised in doubt. He inspected me then got near us. The thugs retracted as if there is something they want to hid.
Idiot! You are obvious if you have something you don't want to expose.
"Why are you wearing a mask?"
I just shrug before answering. "It's because of this."
Before they could notice, I released a consecutive punch making the guard pass out.
I did some effort limiting myself there! I don't want to make these people panic in fear. It will be troublesome to have this situation into chaos.
"What did you do to him?" The thug made a worrying question.
"Nothing. Just made him sleep. Forget about him. Lead the way."
It's really a nice thing that these thugs are not some loyal goons. They were obviously just hired to cause havoc. It doesn't matter anyway. I will have to see that bastard myself.
First of all, I don't like a person who likes to oppress people. But I may be hypocritical, at least I have standing. I can use that privilege to be a hypocrite but I am obviously limiting myself as I judge my decisions.
I want to see their boss, not to beat him or something. I want to clear the situation. Why does he think that it is right to scare rivals just because you don't want to compete?
Competition. I can understand that, but in the line of gourmets, underhanded tricks are not fair. They are just cowards that are afraid of Isvard Diner.
Obviously, I don't know their backgrounds, their story, I don't know it all. But this will be my way to learn that.
They are obviously scared of Isvard.
I can't be biased in this event. It may also possible that Isvard has done something wrong. Well, I at least heard a part of their problems. Since this is a quest, I just have to decide which angle should I see this matter.
My stomach is growling right now. I haven't eaten any food for lunch because of these thugs.
"We're here."
The thug reported and we halted at a magnificent double door. There are carving on the door that emphasizes that it was built by a talented craftsman. The linings were also made in shining metal, perhaps silver or platinum, I can't differentiate since it shines nicely.
After the long walk, finally, we are now in front of the mansion. Seems like their garden is wider than I thought.
I really didn't pay any attention to the garden in front of the mansion. It was just well-trimmed bushes and a fountain. Nothing more.
"Open it."
The thug just nods before opening.
After the door opened a magnificent interior greeted my eyes. This is even more amazing than my own mansion.
Before I could inspect the interior, a butler greeted us.
"What business-! Greetings sir. Were you here for an appointment with Master Yuga?"
This butler changed his attitude when he saw my garments. Seems like money is really the most drive force in any person's personality. Well, I don't want to be perfect here, just my observation.
The butler has dark brown hair and a well-groomed mustache. He wears a tuxedo that fits his physique and stature. But his demeanor is really a cunning butler. He just has this wide smile on his face.
"Yes. I am here in particular about halting my ingredient source."
Let's put an act here. I will come here as a rival of his restaurant. Well, I will not be telling him what's my business or restaurant, I will just intimidate him like he offended someone powerful than him.
"Yes. About that, may I ask about your name?"
Hah... so this is his first step. I guess I should play a hard-to-get manner.
"You don't deserve to know my name. Call your master before I kill you."
But despite my threat, he just grinned wickedly. Being not affected by my words, he just took a dagger hidden from his sleeve.
"You are courageous enough to threaten the butler of this place, despite you being the only one here. What confidence you are hiding, won't work here."
Is it? From what I can remember, I have the most powerful abilities in this world. Well, not really in this world, just a part of the western land since I haven't visited other parts of the world. I'm going to take back that word.
"Hah... this is really a bothersome, butler. You really don't deserve my name."
"And how can you tell?"
Using my speed, I precisely appeared behind him, pointing my fingers at his neck.
I noticed that he felt unpleasant about my abrupt presence behind him. He widened his eyes as he got surprised by my speed.
"It's because you're going to die after you learned my name."
Gulp. I heard he just swallowed his saliva. Was it because of nervousness? I don't care, I just have to get my way to that boss.
I really can't make way by violence. I want to keep my identity lay low. So as much as I wanted, I have to limit my violent nature.
"Okay. Just wait a minute. I will have the Master be informed."
"Good."
I released his neck then went back to my place. What a nice butler. I'll change my impression of him.
"Please wait in the waiting area. Have a sit."
He assisted me in a seat.
There a sofa lined just after you enter the mansion. Maybe I didn't notice this since the butler suddenly took my attention.
I nod before sitting down. the thugs were already dispersed and only I was left in this place.
Sighs... I hope that there's really no big situation about this matter. I have to finish my visit! Just when will this quest be completed?!
Talking about it. There is a percentage of the process of this quest.
"Tema, can you show me the Sudden Quest?'
[Sure... please wait a minute.]
---
[Sudden Quest]
Fix the ingredient issue in the Isvard Diner
Completed: 13%
Reward(s): Isvard Familiarity, Random Stats
Failure Penalty: Hate
---
So I was only 13% away from completion? I guess this will be a long way. Now that this is a mission of fixing the ingredient issue, I should be on the side of Isvard.
And also, what's this Hate penalty? Is this really relevant? I mean, they're only a stranger, right? It's not a big deal if a stranger hates me.
This reward too, the Isvard Familiarity. What's the use of this? Sighs... I'm clueless. Does Tema know this?
[Forgive me. I don't know that, Hanzel.]
'Sure. I anticipated it anyways.'
I just surrendered and lean on the sofa. Before realizing it, the time has passed so fast. Perhaps it was already 15 minutes.
[Hanzel, I can feel plenty of presence. They are humans and demi-humans.]
So... that bastard didn't call the boss. So he wants to make this hard huh. I guess, I should give him want he want.
I stood up with a grin on my face. This is really getting exciting yet annoying. Nevermind. Let's get this done.
I went out of the mansion to get to where the presence is. And as Tema said, plenty of people are waiting outside from different sizes of humans and different kinds of demi-humans.
So demi-humans are accepted here? Maybe only at Olteria or Florans have discrimination.
"So, you were aware that I will have you dead? You are the kind of person that should not be near my master. You're dangerous."
The butler's words are full of confidence. Even he is talking in a distance, he is audible.
"Perhaps you want to kiss your master's ass and present this situation as a thing to be praised! Don't worry, I will gladly accept this much."
Cracking sounds were all around my body as I stretched my limbs. There are at least 25 people here, including the butler so I guess, this will be a tedious situation. I can't finish this in a minute so guess I'll just gladly accept this as entertainment.
My hunger is really making me crazy.
"Kill him. The person who gets his head will be awarded."
Nice! Don't disappoint me.