"Unfortunately, I have no choice but to forcibly take you."
The woman in a maid's uniform spoke, holding a massive coffin like a blunt weapon.
"Ha."
I bared my teeth in a grin. Look at this. Now they're even resorting to blatant threats?
Do they think I'm a pushover? Despite appearances, I've defeated countless monsters on the monster frontline, including the Vampire King himself.
Great! Let's go head to head!
... That's what I wanted to say, but I barely held it back, instead nodding my head.
"Alright, alright. I'll come with you."
Upon hearing my compliant response, the woman seemed surprised.
"Really?"
"Really, what's it to you? I want to meet your master too."
I was genuinely curious about what kind of person would exert pressure on the merchants of the Imperial Capital and then use that pressure to hinder my business.
If they invite me, why shouldn't I go? Let's meet face-to-face and talk about it.
"Hmm..."
The woman squinted her eyes and murmured.
"You won't run away. Something's changed about you..."
"What?"
What's going on? Did this woman know Ash?
I wanted to ask, but there was no time. The woman with the massive coffin on her back led the way out of the mercenary guild.
"Follow me. I'll guide you."
***
After boarding a carriage that was waiting beside the mercenary guild building, we headed south for a while.
The carriage finally stopped at a massive building right next to the harbor.
I looked up at the sign of the building with unexpected emotions.
'The Silver Winter? The largest commerce guild in the empire, if not the entire continent?'
The Silver Winter was known for operating the continent's largest commerce guild, reaching every corner of the empire.
Although it was possible to contact them in the game, for some reason, they never traded with Crossroad. They seemed like dummy data.
'Is Silver Winter the one obstructing my trade with other guilds...? But why?'
My suspicions deepened as I followed the maid-clad woman into the guild building.
Even though it was late, the building was bustling with people.
Among those carrying piles of paperwork and goods, the woman walked skillfully, her movement nimble despite the enormous coffin on her back.
She stopped on the fifth floor, at the very end, where there was a door made of luxurious wood. Above it hung a large nameplate.
This must be where the head of the guild resides.
Two women dressed like the maid-clad woman stood guard by the door, their faces stern and imposing.
As the maid-clad woman put down the coffin, the two guards stepped aside.
Knock-knock- She knocked on the door carefully and recited emotionlessly, "Master. I have brought him."
A cool, young female voice came from inside, "Come in."
"Yes."
The maid-clad woman pulled open the door and stood aside politely. I cautiously stepped inside.
The first thing I noticed was the smell of ink and paper.
The spacious room was filled with all sorts of documents. A quick glance revealed they were mostly receipts and transaction records.
Certificates verifying goods bought and sold by the guild were also in abundance.
Next, I saw neatly packaged jewelry and precious metals.
True to the continent's largest commerce guild, they were dealing in such high-value goods. I turned my head, estimating the price of the jewels.
Lastly, my eyes fell on her.
A young woman, wearing a wrinkle-free female suit, sat at the desk in the middle of the room.
Her hair, cascading past her waist, was a transparent watery blue, and her eyes, peering through glasses at the documents, were as bright as freshly minted silver coins.
She glanced at me, then laid down her pen and took off her glasses simultaneously.
"You did well. You may leave, Elize."
"Yes, Master."
The name of the woman who had brought me here must have been Elize.
Elize's eyes expressed loyalty and compassion towards her master, but towards me, they showed the same murky suspicion as before.
Elize bowed politely at the waist and then closed the door quietly behind her.
The room was left with only the woman, the leader of Silver Winter, and me.
"..."
"..."
An awkward silence lingered.
I was hesitating about what to say when the woman sighed softly.
"You haven't seen me for a long time, don't you have something to say to me?"
"Uh..."
Hesitant, I clumsily waved my hand.
"It's been a while?"
"..."
The woman's eyes narrowed, and I broke out in a cold sweat.
Damn it. I knew this woman had some connection with Ash, but I didn't know what it was, so I didn't know how to proceed.
'Did this bastard Ash owe a debt to Silver Winter?'
Considering how he lived wildly with gambling and games, it was entirely possible.
Had he sold his prince's name to spend money lavishly in this place?
No matter how I thought about it, the only reason they'd summon me so threateningly in such a huge place must be that.
I finished my guessing and nodded to myself. Alright, let's speak confidently.
I couldn't repay, so let's run-!
"Yes. Long time no see."
However, the woman's following words made me realize I was completely wrong.
"My lord."
"..."
I blinked my eyes in shock. What did she say?
I'm... my...
"My lord...?!"
"Aren't you tired of that title now?"
A bitter smile crept across the woman's lips.
"Even if you hate me, you must acknowledge me."
"Uh...?"
"We are engaged to be married."
For some reason, her words sounded sad, and only then did I notice the nameplate on her desk.
Serenade Silver Winter.
She was the owner of the continent's largest place, Silver Winter, and Ash's fiancée.
"Let's go."
Rising, Serenade picked up the jacket hanging on a coat hanger and, without putting it on, draped it over her shoulder.
"This place doesn't suit us for celebrating our reunion."
Serenade passed me and led the way out of the room.
I stood there, dumbfounded, watching her receding figure, before hurriedly following her.
***
Swoosh...
Gentle waves approaching the bow broke, creating spray.
I was standing on a luxury yacht owned by Silver Winter.
The sleek and white yacht was smoothly cutting through the sea, making a large circle around the harbor coast.
Not far away, the harbor and city lights twinkled.
Somehow, I managed to explore this city from the sky, land, and sea all in one day. I felt like I had accomplished some challenge.
'No, no, stop thinking like a crazy gamer!'
I shook my head violently. This was not the time to open the system window to check for achievement notifications! Stop escaping reality!
'I heard about having a fiancée, but...'
Who would have known that I would meet her on my first day in the imperial city? I was not prepared!
I might be a professional at conquering monsters, but... dealing with women's hearts is a lot harder, you know?!
Click. Click.
Just then, Serenade approached me from behind, holding a cocktail in each hand.
Serenade extended the blue cocktail in her right hand to me.
"I brought what you always drink."
"Thank you, b-"
I stopped myself mid-sentence.
Like Ash, like Ash? Like Ash!
Smack!
I snatched the glass and downed the cocktail in one shot.
It must have been a strong drink because my stomach immediately felt hot. Hell yeah!
I threw the empty glass into the sea outside the yacht, energetically.
Sorry for littering the ocean, but this should make me more like Ash, right?!
"..."
Serenade's eyes widened, frozen in shock at my sudden behavior.
I started to sweat. Was that too overboard?
"Um... Your throat must have been quite dry. Shall I get you another drink, my lord?"
"No, that's enough. I'm good."
I casually waved my hand. One more drink like this, and there would be no stomach lining left.
But thanks to the alcohol, my tensed body relaxed. Perhaps I should pretend to be Ash, under the influence of alcohol.
"Whew."
Leaning against the railing where I was leaning, Serenade let out a soft sigh and took a sip from her glass.
"After you left for the battlefield and returned to the Imperial Capital, you didn't even try to get in contact with me."
"..."
"When you left, it was the same. You didn't say anything to me. I thought I was used to being treated like this, but isn't it a bit... too much?"
Serenade's silvery eyes looked at me gently. I made an effort to smile calmly.
"Were you worried?"
"I'm always worried."
Serenade muttered, twirling her cocktail glass in her hand.
"I'm always anxious that you might... break your promise."
A promise? What promise did Ash make?
I was curious, but I changed the subject. There was something I needed to ask.
"So you interfered?"
"Interfered? What are you talking about?"
"Don't play dumb. The architects and merchants I contacted all backed off, and it was you, wasn't it?"
Serenade chuckled.
"Oh, that? That was something I had to do, of course."
"What?"
"Didn't I promise you that my Silver Winter Merchants would provide the best commercial service? We can't have other mongrels interfering."
I was speechless.
So, what's this all about?
"I will select the architect for you. I don't know what business you want to do in Crossroad, but that business will also be handled by our Silver Winter Merchants."
You didn't like me contracting with other merchants, so you acted first and stopped it... was that the story?
"If you leave such matters to me, I'll take care of everything. Just let me know."
"..."
"Tell me as much money as you need, too. Whether you use it for gambling or betting, I'll lend you as much as you want. Anything we handle in our merchants, just say the word. Whether it's alcohol, jewelry, or anything precious, if I can get it, I can give it to you."
Why is she doing so much?
Hesitant, I cautiously asked.
"So what should I give in return?"
"...You're pretending to forget again."
Serenade's watery hair fluttered in the gentle sea breeze. It looked like a wave rippling in the air.
"From the beginning, our family's request was clear, wasn't it?"
Serenade, letting out a long sigh, looked up at me with sharp silvery eyes.
Why was it? Her eyes were desperate and pained.
"Give us the royal favor, to our Silver Winter, a humble merchant family that only has money..."
Royal favor?
Not the 'star-silver' for hunting vampires but the royal favor (聖恩)? If that's the case...
"Your... royal seed."
Serenade's long, slender fingers tightly gripped my sleeve.
"Give it to me."
My eyes widened in shock.
The seed...
Seed, seed, seed, SEED?! (TL Note: ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°))