Chapter 50

Luckily, the request location was far away, so the clan provided a carriage, sparing us the nightmare of having to march there.

“Riding in a carriage is definitely more comfortable, sis.”

“Right… It’s much better than walking like last time. Camping in the carriage is convenient, and we can carry a lot of luggage too.”

Since we might be staying there for a while, our group packed much more than during our last expedition. After all, loading everything onto the carriage made the burden of luggage much lighter.

Suddenly, I remembered something I wanted to ask about the Eastern Alliance and turned to Yoo Ju. It was the perfect time to chat since we were traveling by carriage.

“Yoo Ju, I just remembered something… That woman mentioned the Eastern Alliance last time. Do you know anything detailed about it?”

“…The Eastern Alliance?”

She seemed surprised I’d ask about it.

“Yes, roughly… From what I’ve heard, the Eastern Alliance has multiple factions. It’s said to be quite different from other countries…”

“Right. There’s no concept of a king in the Eastern Alliance. There are faction leaders, and they elect a Clan Leader from among them. Oh, and clans obviously exist too.”

The rest of the party, who had been chatting among themselves, grew curious and started listening quietly.

“…So the structure is quite different from other countries.”

“Exactly. I don’t know all the details, but I’ve heard the current state of the Eastern Alliance is a complete mess.”

“A mess…?”

“Yeah… You could call it a lawless zone, and no one would argue.”

“…A lawless zone?”

“Yes. I’ve heard there are constant conflicts and wars. Even outlaws are involved, so the situation is really bad.”

‘…Now I see why she called it a mess.’

“Ordinary citizens are suffering, and crime is rampant. Without military power, you’re in for a terrible time.”

“…So even basic living conditions aren’t guaranteed?”

“Right. I’ve heard there are training facilities and trainees in the Eastern Alliance, but even their protection isn’t properly ensured.”

“…So, functionally, it’s like the country has collapsed?”

“Pretty much.”

“Wow…”

‘What the hell…’

The rest of the party also seemed stunned by what they heard.

“Wow… Yoo Ju, how do you know all this? You’re amazing.”

“Uh, well… I visit the library a lot. And I’ve asked around about the continent’s situation. Haha…”

“Yoo Ju, you’re incredible. Kya~”

“…….”

As we chatted, time flew by, and soon the carriage stopped. The coachman informed us we had arrived.

“Everyone, we’re here.”

As we stepped out of the carriage, a large mansion came into view. It was as grand as you’d expect from a border lord’s residence.

“Wow…”

While the rest of the party marveled, I handed the coachman a bit more than the agreed amount.

“Ah, thank you, sir! May you be blessed!”

“Haha… No problem. Rest well at the inn. We’ll need your services again when we return.”

“Of course! Thank you!”

Since the Priest of Time had instructed Kang Seong-jun to give me plenty of funds, I had more than enough money. In fact, it was overflowing.

After sending the coachman off, we approached the mansion’s gate. The crazy woman from before was waiting for us.

“Welcome, everyone. I’ll guide you inside.”

“Thank you,” Yoo Ju replied.

‘I need to keep an eye on her.’

Though no one else could see it, a chimera was following me. I called it a Shadow Spirit, and it was currently hiding in my shadow.

This chimera usually hides in my shadow, but when I order it to surveil someone, it hides in their shadow and listens to their conversations.

Thanks to the materials Yoo Ju provided, I successfully removed its evil tendencies, so it’s neither good nor evil now.

‘Surveil this woman. Report daily.’

With that command, it immediately hid in the woman’s shadow and began following her.

‘That’s one worry off my mind.’

At least now, if she tries anything shady, I’ll know in advance.

I spoke to the woman.

“Can I ask you something?”

“Of course! Feel free to ask anything. Hehe.”

‘Hehe, my ass.’

“Is the border lord at the mansion?”

“Ah… The border lord isn’t here. He’s away on business, so I’m taking you to the young lady instead.”

“I see.”

The mansion was so large that we walked for a while before the woman knocked on a door.

“Young lady, I’ve brought the guests.”

“Good job. Bring them in.”

Creak.

As we entered the room, a woman with long, wavy red hair sitting in a chair came into view.

‘…She’s pretty, but she looks like she has a terrible temper.’

I opened her status window.

[Name: Tierra Silverstein]

[Age: 21]

[Job: None]

[Title: Bentygus’ Troublemaker, Prodigal Woman]

[Unique Traits]

Obsession (Rare Grade) – If you want something, you’ll do anything to get it. You don’t give up easily when you feel possessive.

[Traits]

Hedonism (Rare Grade) – You’re dependent on pleasure.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (Common Grade) – You’re obsessed with cleanliness. You hate anything dirty.

[Stats]

Strength – 08 Agility – 08

Stamina – 09 Luck – 65

Magic – 00 Resistance – 07

“Cough, cough…!”

I nearly choked when I saw her status window.

“Yoon Seong, are you okay?”

“Cough… Yeah, I’m fine. Just… something caught in my throat.”

‘What the hell is this trash? And a prodigal woman? Hedonism?’

I thought the maid was the abnormal one, but it turns out the border lord’s daughter is just as messed up. This is an unprecedented situation.





There was no way.

‘This guy, the Border Lord, must have failed at raising kids.’

The woman saw us, stood up, and greeted us.

“Oh my, are you okay? Nice to meet you. I’m Tierra.”

I put on a friendly face and greeted her.

“Ah, nice to meet you. I’m Lee Yun-seong from the Eternity Clan.”

“…You’re much more handsome in person than in the photos.”

‘Wait, is this girl…?’

Suddenly, her title and traits caught my eye. Could it be that her wanting to see me meant something else?

‘Crazy woman…!’

“Haha… Thank you. I don’t know how to react to such compliments.”

“I was just telling the truth.”

Yoo Ju, noticing the way the woman was treating me, also spoke up.

“Hmm, hmm… Nice to meet you, Miss Tierra. I’m Yoo Ju, the party leader of this group.”

“Ah… Nice to meet you.”

Her attitude towards me was different. She didn’t seem interested.

After greeting everyone in the party, she spoke to all of us.

“Please, everyone, have a seat on the sofa. Charis?”

“Yes, Miss.”

“Bring some tea.”

“Yes.”

Soon, a woman named Charis brought tea, and we started chatting. It was hard to tell if we were here to solve a request or attend a social party.

“Hmm… According to the brochure, you’re very smart… Handsome and smart… You’re really amazing.”

“…No, it’s all exaggerated. It’s just something anyone could think of.”

Honestly, I’m not that smart. Of course, it’s natural for the brochure to exaggerate a bit.

“Oh my, you’re so humble.”

“Humble? On the contrary, you’re truly beautiful, Miss. The moment I saw you when I entered this place, I was stunned by your beauty.”

“Hmm… You’re making me blush.”

‘Blush my foot… It’s just polite talk.’

Even Yoo Ju and Kang I-seo next to me are incredibly beautiful.

Saying I was stunned by her looks was just lip service. Seeing her happy over such flattery was ridiculous.

“Hoho… By the way, I heard you’ve been on this continent for less than half a year, yet you’re already tackling rare-grade dungeons. That’s really impressive.”

“Haha… It was only possible because of my clan members and party members.”

It was absurd how she only talked to me and ignored the rest of the party.

Glancing at the others, they didn’t seem too pleased.

‘Well… It’s pretty obvious.’

She was blatantly expressing, ‘I’m interested in this person,’ so of course, the others wouldn’t be happy.

We’re not here for a vacation; we’re here for a request.

Kang I-seo seemed to be holding back her anger, and Yoo Ju had her fist clenched under the table.

Hyeon-jin and the others also had looks of disbelief. Even Ho-won seemed dumbfounded, so no further explanation was needed.

As the meaningless chatter continued, Yoo Ju finally cut in and started asking about the request.

“Um… Miss Tierra. We heard you called us here to make a request. Could you tell us the details?”

When Yoo Ju interrupted our conversation, the woman briefly looked annoyed but quickly composed herself and answered.

‘…She’s not completely unreasonable, I guess.’

“Um… About the request. It’s nothing much. There have been reports of undead appearing in a forest not far from here… We’d like you to investigate that phenomenon.”

“The forest?”

“Yes, according to the villagers, ghouls have appeared in the forest.”

“Ghouls… No other undead have been spotted?”

“No. As far as I know, only ghouls have been found.”

“Understood. Can we start the investigation now?”

“Oh my, you can rest for a day before investigating…”

“No, it’s better to start as soon as possible since we’re already here.”

“Is that so? Then, if you go to the mansion’s entrance, the guards will guide you to the forest. All the necessary supplies are prepared, so just follow the guards’ instructions.”

“Got it. Then…”

The party members bid her farewell and started leaving the room.

As I was about to follow them, the woman called out to me.

“Ah, wait a moment. Lee Yun-seong, you don’t need to go.”

“…Excuse me?”

‘What the hell?’

The party members also stopped and looked at her, confused.

“Lee Yun-seong has something else to help me with. The rest of you can proceed with the investigation.”

‘What?’

“What do you mean…”

As I was about to speak, Yoo Ju, barely keeping her composure, asked her.

“What… do you mean? What does Yun-seong have to do separately…?”

“Hoho… It’s a personal matter… Anyway, Lee Yun-seong will stay at the mansion.”

‘What kind of crazy talk is this? Damn it…!’

I absolutely had to stay with the party members. Who knows what could happen to the party members investigating or to me if I stayed here alone? From the way this woman was acting, it felt like she wanted to devour me.

I quickly spoke to her.

“Haha… Miss Tierra. But my party members might face danger during the investigation, so I should be with them…”

“Ah, if that’s your concern, don’t worry. The guards will support them.”

‘Damn it…’

I seriously wanted to blow up this mansion.