Chapter 73

**Death God’s Guild**

The newly established guild in Noctar has continued to make groundbreaking strides since its inception. It began with the absorption of the popular tavern, the Duke of Night.

A hub where information and connections within the city intertwine. The Death God’s Guild absorbed this place, taking control of the information network and began to dominate the dual axes of commerce and information.

This allowed them to stay one step ahead of competing guilds.

The second factor was the overwhelming support of Baron Bardelli. First, funds were secured by selling collections located underground in the Desert Rose Guild at high prices, and then a building was erected in the place where the Desert Rose Guild had been.

Additionally, through the connections between Baron Bardelli and Narsha, entry into noble society became possible, bypassing the time and funds a typical guild would require to trade with nobles.

Thanks to this, a good relationship was established with the nobility, allowing transactions to be successfully made. They came to dominate the market throughout the city, especially among the upper class.

Of course, reaching this point would allow any guild somewhere on the continent to succeed.

But Narsha was competent, and the Death God’s Guild possessed a business strategy that no one in the world could replicate.

Elves.

It wasn’t simply about serving drinks with elves. That was merely an act to grab attention initially. What piqued Narsha’s interest was the elves’ spirits.

Spirits imbued with the power of nature. They exhibit great strength in combat, but when examined one by one, they are optimized for agriculture.

The spirit of abundance enriches the land, and the water spirit brings rain. A vast agricultural area is created in the barren Noctar.

They provide jobs for the slum residents who shuffled through the back alleys, giving them corresponding wages. With money flowing in, the market economy becomes revitalized.

Life began to surge back into Noctar. The person who was happiest about this was none other than Baron Bardelli.

“Hahaha! I never thought I would see my territory filled with such vitality one day. Lady Brian, this is all thanks to you. My eyes haven’t dulled yet.”

“You’re too kind.”

“No need to be humble. It’s you who achieved what neither my father nor grandfather could. Count Brian has raised his child very well.”

Baron Bardelli’s mouth broadened to an impossibly large size. Recently, every day had been delightful. Unlike the grinning baron, Narsha showed no reaction.

“Lady Brian. About what I asked you to think over last time, have you given it any thought?”

“Yes.”

“What do you think? Would you like to meet my son?”

Baron Bardelli has two sons and one daughter under his care. Compared to the daughter of the count, he fell short, but still, he was good-looking.

While he didn’t think highly of the chances, he knew that relationships between men and women could lead anywhere, right? If it worked, it would be great; if not, it would just be unfortunate.

“I must decline. I have no interest at all.”

“Hoho, my sons are indeed lacking compared to you, but to refuse so categorically makes my heart ache as a father.”

“I apologize.”

The implication of “Isn’t that a bit harsh?” was embedded in her reply, but Narsha only offered an apology without correcting him. Her impassive gaze continued to stare ahead.

As if to say it was wrong for him to make such suggestions.

The baron had nothing to retort with. Although Narsha didn’t yet hold a title, she was still a noble, and he was but a baron.

It was in Narsha’s favor to offer her skills, and if she were to leave, it would only leave the baron worse off.

“My lady, aren’t you taking this too seriously? I was just joking. Joking.”

The baron laughed heartily, trying to brush it off.

As Narsha set her teacup down and stood up, the baron asked, “Are you leaving already?”

“I can’t be away for long.”

“I’ve kept you here too long, then. Return safely.”

As Narsha was about to exit the guest room, she paused momentarily. Baron Bardelli tilted his head.

“Is something wrong?”

“I am not the guildmaster. There is a separate guildmaster. I was merely acting as a temporary proxy for that person.”

With those meaningful words, Narsha left the room.

In the guest room left behind by Narsha, Baron Bardelli exchanged glances with his secretary.

“Is there a separate guildmaster in the Death God’s Guild?”

“Well, I’ve never heard that before.”

If not Narsha, then who is the true owner of the guild? Just who could be such a terrifying person to have the daughter of a count and elves under their command?

The bombshell statement thrown by Narsha caused the baron to furrow his brow in contemplation for a while.

***

“Did you come back? You’ve had a tough time these past two weeks.”

At the location where the Desert Rose Guild once stood.

Narsha was welcomed back to the Death God’s Guild by Arfia. Narsha had just returned from a business trip to negotiate dealings with other cities.

“Did something unpleasant happen?”

“The baron asked if I would meet his son.”

“That’s good. How about getting married while we’re at it? I’ll bring elves and spirits to bless you. Leave the guild to me.”

“That won’t do. If I leave the guild in your hands, it will go under within a day.”

“Then that’s unfortunate.”

Crunch.

Arfia chewed on a cookie. Narsha looked at her.

Draped casually on the sofa, indulging in grain cookies like a slacker. Some were busy working all day, while others lay idle and did nothing.

“Aren’t you going to work?”

“You told me not to.”

Arfia truly couldn’t work. Everything she touched turned to ruin; it wouldn’t be odd to call her the Midas of failure.

So, Narsha handled most of the guild functions. Having been educated since she was young and possessing talent, it was only because of her that things were managed well; otherwise, someone else would have gone under ages ago.

The only person Narsha could rely on was Victor, who was the sole pillar in the guild. His life experience and business sense as a tavern owner were invaluable.

Even through Narsha’s high standards, he scored a passing mark. That was why Victor became the manager of the guild.

Unlike him, Arfia… let’s not even mention it. Just being still is helpful.

“By the way, Arfia, I left two weeks ago, didn’t I? I believe you were in that position even then.”

“That’s correct. I haven’t moved an inch.”

“Then you haven’t washed since then?”

“Elves don’t need to wash often like humans. My scent is always fragrant, and I can wash away any dirt with the water spirit.”

While she said this, Narsha’s furrowed brows showed no signs of relaxing. It was a look of disgust. Sometimes personal sentiments take precedence over the truth.

Narsha dragged Arfia along.

“Come on. We’re going to wash you.”

“Ugh~ that’s annoying. I’m really clean, you know?”

“You’re just lonely washing by yourself, so stop complaining and come along.”

***

Inside the guild was a large public bath.

Since all the self-proclaimed “slaves” of the guild were women, they thought it best to create a large bath for everyone to wash at once.

However, it was excessively luxurious for a normal bath. Angel sculptures adorned it, the floor was marble, and the ceiling was even embedded with expensive luminescent stones. It could rival a palace bath.

Being from a prestigious family, Narsha was very particular about this aspect. It was something she could never compromise on as a noble.

“Whew…”

Narsha completely submerged herself in the bath to the point her shoulders were under the water. A sigh escaped her lips as she felt the fatigue from her journey melt away.

It wasn’t merely a feeling either. The bath, crafted with the power of the water spirit, had remarkable effects. Not only did it eradicate fatigue, but it was also beneficial to health.

One could drink the very water one soaked in.

It was holy water.

In many ways.

“Hmm~ Hmm~”

Arfia relaxed at the edge, enjoying her bath in a position that flaunted her back. Almost as if she were displaying the brand carved on her.

Narsha was not unaware of the implication. The elven Arfia’s female form possessed a beauty that even sculptures could not match.

Though the brand on that female form could be considered a flaw, Narsha did not view it that way. For a moment, she even thought her own body, scar-free, was insignificant.

“If the master comes, should I ask for one too?”

The brand on Arfia was meant to suppress her pain, but Narsha remained oblivious to the details.

While carefully examining Arfia’s body, Narsha noticed the bandage wrapped around Arfia’s arm.

“Arfia, did you get hurt?”

“Hmm?”

“You have a bandage on.”

“Oh, this?”

Arfia checked her arm and wore a mischievous smile.

“It’s a secret.”

Narsha could not fully comprehend what the secret was. However, she could vaguely read the faint darkness that flickered in Arfia’s gaze.

***

After a long bath, Arfia returned to her room and lay on the bed.

Feeling pleasantly clean was nice. And unlike before, there was no pain.

The spirits who had constantly rampaged were now suppressed by Arfia’s will, no longer daring to act out. She was perfectly liberated from pain.

Yet, Arfia found it to be a deep regret.

Arfia unraveled the bandage. Revealed beneath was her milky white arm, showing several scratches that resembled fingernails.

If I hurt and wound myself, wouldn’t I return sooner? Wouldn’t they come back to worry for me and hold me again…?

The more hurt I am, the more they will stay by my side. They won’t leave until I’m healed. They won’t be able to leave. So─────

“If I suffer forever, they’ll stay by my side for life.”

Holding such a wish, Arfia smiled faintly as she carved another wound into her body.

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