Chap 14: The Beginning of a Thief is a Liar!

“Hmph…”

I’m currently fuming with anger. I mean, seriously fuming.

And the reason is…

“You promised, didn’t you, Lulsiera? That you would attend the guild meeting in my place.”

Today is the day of the monthly guild meeting, where representatives from each guild gather. We had made a promise that I wouldn’t have to attend in exchange for going to the Goblin Nest, the lair of the Goblin Horde, before. But here I am, being dragged along as well.

“Did I really say that?” Lulsiera said it with a calm expression.

“You did.”

I said it. I clearly heard it.

“But this is what I said: ‘If you join the dungeon exploration, I’ll attend the next guild meeting in your place.’’”

“I’m telling you.”

“But I never said it would be in place of Kuro’s words, did I?”

“Ah…”

She was right. Lulsiera intentionally deceived me.

“Hehe. Looks like I’m the one in the right,” Lulsiera said, covering her mouth with her hand and chuckling at my reaction.

“Ugh, liars are the beginning of thieves, you know!”

This is more like fraud than theft. It’s fraud!

“Now,  Kuro-sama, don’t pout so much.”

“It’s only natural to pout about something like this, huh?”

Fel, who was sitting next to me, tried to calm me down.

Wait, why is Fel here?

“Why is Fel here, even though she’s supposed to be seeing me off at the mansion? Lulsiera being here is expected, but why Fel too?”

“Wherever the master goes, I’ll go. I’m Fel, the maid.”

“What kind of catchphrase is that? Besides, Fel isn’t a maid.”

Come to think of it, Fel always accompanies me to the guild meetings… That’s why it didn’t feel strange.

“You never miss a chance to show off, do you?”

A man approached us with a sly smile on his face.

“Hey, Kuro!”

“What do you want, Zahn?”

“That’s rude of you to say.”

He chuckled and slung his arm around my shoulder.

This man is Zahn. He’s quite the handsome fellow, too. Zahn’s guild is famous for being just as strong as ours.

“Hey, hey, the masked guy again, huh?”

Once again, a man approached us.

If I recall correctly…

“Aren’t you Panty-kun?”

“It’s Pandie!!”

Either way is fine.

“I am more suitable to be the leader of this guild!” He proudly declared

What was his name again? Panty-kun? I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve heard that line.

“Lulsiera, Fel. How about you make up your mind and join our guild? Other girls are also welcome. Oh, but those guys are not.”

“No, thank you.”

“We decline.”

“Tch…”

This exchange is always the same.

Once again, Panty-kun is wearing a face that looks like he just chewed on a bitter pill.

“Damn it. Huh? Hey, you. Why are you wearing that mask?”

Panty-kun pointed at my mask in frustration. It seems he has directed his anger at me.

“What? You little brat.”

He said the same thing as Fel, but his reaction was different. It’s terrible. Panty-kun, you’re awful.

“Could you please stop?”

Fel speaks up to Panty-kun, who is forcefully trying to remove the mask. I feel like she’s angry.

“What? It’s not my fault if this guy is annoying!”

I haven’t done anything, though.

“I see. Well, if that’s the case, then there’s no other choice. –Greygnir.”

“What!?”

As Fel chants the spell, Panty-kun is suddenly restrained by chains that appear out of nowhere.

【Greygnir】

A rope or shackle created to bind the giant magical wolf Fenrir in Norse mythology. By the way, I converted it into chains. Greygnir means “devourer.”

“Guh, let me go!”

Panty-kun, bound by the chains, struggles fruitlessly, kicking his legs in resistance.

As for the rest of the guild, they don’t seem to pay any attention. It’s become a usual sight for Panty-kun to get involved and be taken down by Fel.

“Everyone, pay attention.”

A low voice resonates.

In an instant, everyone present falls silent and turns their gaze towards that person.

Fel had somehow managed to release Panty-kun from the chains.

“We’re about to begin the guild meeting,” said the bald man who had appeared earlier. This is Zoiz-san. It’s best to describe his appearance as that of a muscular Daruma doll.

He used to be an amazing adventurer, although he’s retired now. He’s currently the master of the Guild House, overseeing all the guilds. He’s an important figure.

During the guild meeting, each leader can share information about the state of their respective countries and exchange updates. It’s like a class representative meeting in a past life.

The communication continued steadily.

Well, I wasn’t paying attention to any of it.

“This is the final update. There have been numerous incidents in Succubus Country, Beastman Country, and Elf Country recently.”

In this world, different races reside in different countries. So, if you’re a beastman, there’s a country specifically for beastmen.

Succubus country, huh? As a guy, it’s only natural to be curious about succubi. I should listen to this part seriously.

“Especially concerning Succubus Country, there have been a significant number of cases where those who ventured there haven’t returned. Moreover, the ratio of men is overwhelmingly higher.”

I see. I see.

“And so, Kuro. I want your guild to investigate.”

“Hm?”

Just now, it sounded like my name was called.

“We refuse.”

“Decline.”

Lulsiera and Fel immediately refused without hesitation.

Ordinary people wouldn’t dare oppose someone as influential as Zoiz, let alone be able to. The only ones who would do such a thing are my guild or some eccentric individuals.

Zoiz let out a sigh, clearly exasperated.

“Tsk, as always, Kuro. Succubi are unpredictable creatures. That’s why I want you to go to a strong guild like yours.”

“If that’s the case, any other guild would do, right? Like Zaan’s guild, for example.”

Zaan, who was called out, had a bewildered expression on his face, as if saying, “Huh, me?”

“I understand not wanting to lose Kuro, but isn’t this being overly protective…?”

Once again, Zoiz let out a deep sigh. It seems like I’m being left out once more.

“Zoiz-san.”

“Hm? What is it, Kuro?”

I guess I should just give this straightforward answer.

“I’ll go investigate in Succubus Country, alright? I’ll go.”

“O-Oh. I see…”

Zoiz-san’s voice trembled slightly.

But I could feel a really painful gaze coming from beside me. Well, I won’t let it bother me.

“And that concludes today’s guild meeting. Dismissed.”

Succubus country, huh? I’m looking forward to it.