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𝐌𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚’𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐚𝐥
“Sorry for troubling you, especially when you’re busy.”
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Upon being led to the reception room in the western district’s security squad station, Miranda was already waiting there.
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Beside her stood a woman soldier, likely a subordinate, standing at attention.
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“Though I say I want to hear the details, it’s more like I have a lot of questions to ask.”
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“Right. Let’s get your issues out of the way first. I have to start with bad news for you guys. They’ve decided to release them.”
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“That was quick.”
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“You don’t seem too surprised.”
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“I had a feeling it might be like this.”
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Rather than surprise, Luke shrugged his shoulders, looking at Miranda who seemed amused.
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“They are part of an adventurer party called 《Black Dog》. Like I said last night, they’re more like hoodlums than adventurers. Always surrounded by dark rumors. Like doing dirty work for the powerful. Do you have any idea about this?”
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“Not really. As I said yesterday, we’re outsiders, not well-versed with the affairs of this city.”
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Luke kept silent about Clavi viewing them as enemies.
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It was better not to stir up trouble unnecessarily.
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“Well, I just thought I should inform you. This morning, the fine was paid, so they’ve been ordered to be released. Sorry I couldn’t be more helpful.”
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“No, we’ll be more vigilant from now on. Please don’t worry about it. But could we now discuss the reason you called us here?”
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“Oh, why do you think that?”
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Miranda’s eyes lit up.
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“Didn’t you just say ‘first’, as in there’s something else you want to discuss?”
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“Ha! That’s true!”
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Miranda broke into a wide smile at Luke’s words.
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“Luke, I’ll drop the honorifics for now. Call me Miranda. Despite your youthful face, you’re quite astute, aren’t you?”
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“Sorry for looking young.”
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“No, no, it’s a compliment. So, shall we get to the main topic as you wish? But first, can you tell me about yourself, Luke?”
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Miranda continued while sipping tea.
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“About me?”
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“If I’ve offended you, I apologize, but I’ve done some research on you guys. You’re something, aren’t you? You went to Granite Dungeon with the 《Blue Sky Hawk and conquered it?”
“Oh, that’s what you mean.”
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Luke chuckled.
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It was just a background check on them, who were outsiders.
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“It’s nothing special.”
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“Don’t be modest. The 《Blue Sky Hawk》 guys have been boasting about defeating a cyclops, but I don’t believe they could do it. So, I’m guessing you helped them, right? If you could take down 《Black Dog》, it wouldn’t be surprising if you did.”
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“You’re overestimating us.”
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Luke gave replies that were neither denials nor confirmations.
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He felt it was too early to reveal the truth, given he couldn’t fathom Miranda’s true intentions.
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Miranda watched Luke with amusement.
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“You’re quite cautious, aren’t you? Don’t worry, I have no intention of doing anything to you. More importantly, the real issue is what’s to come. I see potential in you and I want you to lend us your strength.”
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“To us? What do you mean?”
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“You must be aware that Mercapolis is a trading city-state built along a trade route, but did you also know that it’s the city closest to the demon realm? Are you aware of that?”
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Luke nods.
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He had researched this before coming here.
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Mercapolis has grown significantly by trading not only with human nations but also with goods from the demon realm.
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This has allowed them to coexist, albeit in a distorted way, with a subhuman species known as beastkin.
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“Due to its proximity to the demon realm, there’s a high occurrence of demon beasts here. There are many adventurers because of this, but at this time of year, we’re so desperate that we could use a cat’s help, involving these demon beasts.”
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“What does that mean?”
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Now that she mentioned it, I’ve been seeing adventurers around here a lot lately.
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I thought it was because of the festival, but is there another reason?
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“Once a year, around the time of the summer solstice, demon beasts go berserk all at once. We call this phenomenon ‘demon beast frenzy,’ and it’s starting a week from now.”
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“So, that’s what it is. It means you need our help.”
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Luke finally understood.
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“That’s right.”
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Miranda grinned.
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“This year, there’s a new moon on the summer solstice, so the demon beasts are said to be even more active. Having strong adventurers like you join us would be a big help.”
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“I see. . .”
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If that’s the case, I’m not averse to it.
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Behind Mercapolis lies a vast forest that extends from the demon realm.
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If demon beasts were to attack from the demon realm, a large-scale defense would be necessary.
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At that moment, Luke realized something important.
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“Wait, please. I have a question. The demon beasts come from the forest, right?”
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Miranda nods.
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As I thought.
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Anxiety begins to spread in Luke’s chest.
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“If that’s the case, what about the people living in the forest? Will the guards protect them too?”
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Miranda looks away.
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“Unfortunately. . . that’s not possible.”
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“Not possible? Why?”
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“The Mercapolis Guard was formed to protect Mercapolis, as the name suggests. This means that the surrounding villages are not included in their protection.”
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“That’s terrible! They contribute to the economy of this city too!”
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“I understand, but the Guard must follow the policies set by the Mercapolis Council. I can’t change it on my own. That’s where adventurers come in.”
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Miranda continues, her brows furrowed in distress.
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“The Guard’s duty is to prevent demon beasts from invading the city of Mercapolis, and the outlying villages usually rely on adventurers for protection. That’s been the norm so far.”
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“Is that how it is?”
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Luke sighed.
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It seems that it’s not just about leaving them to die.
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“We are also providing a subsidy from Mercapolis to hire adventurers. There are many poor villages.”
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Hearing these words, Luke thought of the residents of Crete village.
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Given their poverty, they surely couldn’t afford to hire adventurers.
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Luke stood up and bowed to Miranda.
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“Sorry, but I must decline your kind invitation.”
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“Already? We haven’t even discussed the terms yet?”
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Miranda opened her eyes wide in surprise.
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“Sorry, this isn’t about money. I apologize, but I’m short on time and must leave.”
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Luke bowed quickly and left the room without waiting for a response.
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Miranda watched him leave and scratched her head in amazement.
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“This is a problem, I didn’t expect to be turned down so clearly.”
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“What should we do? We can negotiate with the council to formally summon him.”
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“No, it’s okay. Given his demeanor, he would refuse anything. Besides, he seems willing to engage with the demon beast threat. We should leave them to their own devices. More importantly. . .”
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Miranda turned to a subordinate standing nearby.
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“There’s something I’m curious about. Send a messenger to St. Arrogas immediately to inquire about their identity.”