Chapter 63: Malice behind the smile
(TL: By Creed}
The mansion of Doctor was located in the center of the town, amidst a row of luxurious residential areas.
Nevertheless, this wasn't surprising.
On the contrary, it would be expected.
Being an executive of the Adventurers' Association, it was only natural for him to live in a decent house.
Conversely, if he were living in a run-down place, one might question that choice.
Later, I was guided to the guest room.
I sat on the sofa, and Licorice perched on top of my head.
While looking around the guest room, Licorice spoke.
"Hmm. I heard it's the house of a villain, but it's quite a nice room. The taste isn't bad either."
"Yeah, you're right. The furnishings are there, but not flashy. It has a certain elegance, matching the room and creating a calm atmosphere. I think the ambiance is good."
The villains in stories often have bad taste in their homes...
But Doctor's mansion was not like that.
It was a very refined and calming home.
Homes are said to reflect the owner's heart, but... hmmm?
Is he really a villain or not? I need to carefully assess that.
"We're sorry to keep you waiting."
Doctor, who had finished changing, appeared.
A maid stood by, serving us tea.
"Now, please enjoy. I take pride in it; I believe it's delicious. We use decent tea leaves."
"Thank you."
As I was about to take a sip...
"Wait a moment, Fate. Can you really just drink the drink given by the enemy so easily? It might be poisoned. Especially from Doctor," Licorice whispered in a low voice, wearing a smug expression.
Did she think she said something clever?
"It's okay. I have resistance to poison."
"Why?!"
"When I had nothing to eat, I would eat anything I found, sometimes with poison... Eventually, my body got used to it, and I developed resistance."
"Don't say such terrifying things with a smile."
"If there's any poison, I'll know, so Licorice should drink after me."
With that, we concluded the conversation and drank the tea.
...Yeah.
It had a clear and deep taste, and the aroma was pleasant.
It's unlikely there's poison in it.
"It's delicious."
"I'm glad to hear that. Come on, Miss Fairy, please have some too."
"Mmm... I'll take some."
Licorice, still cautious, took a sip.
Once she found it to her liking, she started drinking eagerly.
"By the way, about the conversation?"
"Oh, it's nothing significant. I am..."
"Excuse me."
Interrupting Doctor's words, an unexpected intruder appeared.
It was... Falz Lutzbein.
As always, dressed in a tasteless nouveau riche style...
Swinging his somewhat overweight figure, he entered the room.
"Falz, we have guests now."
"Hmph, dealing with a mere adventurer should be easy. More importantly, about that matter..."
"Falz."
As Falz began to say something, Doctor spoke in a strong tone, still smiling but with a seriousness in his eyes.
"I am currently entertaining guests. Can I ask you not to repeat myself twice?"
"Y-Yes... I'll come back later."
"Yes, that would be best."
"Tch..."
With a final glare towards us, Falz left the room with an irritated air.
"That person just now..."
"He's also an executive of the Adventurers' Association like me... I apologize for his rudeness. He is passionate about his work, which sometimes makes him lose sight of his surroundings..."
"No, it's okay. I don't mind."
Though it didn't seem like he was just passionate about his work...
I decided not to delve deeper into that and let it pass smoothly.
Though it was something that shouldn't be overlooked...
But for now, I have to endure it if I want Doctor to like me.
"It's reassuring to hear you say that."
"Not at all."
"Now... returning to the conversation, there are two reasons I invited Sir Stuart here. One is because I wanted to hear the story of Sir Stuart, who is called the young hero."
"Young hero?"
"He defeated Fenrir and even subjugated the Queen of Stampede. Heroic deeds. Therefore, Sir Stuart is called so."
"It's a bit too much to call me that..."
"Don't be so modest. Though I've already retired from the front lines, in my younger days, I was quite famous as an adventurer. Hearing tales of adventure excites me."
"So, why me?"
"Yes. If it's alright, I'd like to hear various things from you. I'd also like to hear about the Sword Saint's story... but to be honest, I'm more interested in Sir Stuart's."
Being told that didn't make me feel bad.
But... it's not that easy to believe that he's trying to please me, rather than dealing with Sofia's solid personality.
It might be easy if he had a straightforward attitude like Falz, but Doctor is different.
He always has a smile on his face, making it difficult to read his true feelings.
If Sofia were here, maybe we could gauge his true intentions...
But I can't leave Aisha alone, so in this case, there's no choice.
"Well then..."
For now, I talked about myself within a safe range.
I think it's not a good idea to reveal too much, so I lined up stories that are easy to find out with a little research.
Even so, Doctor responded with interest to my stories, giving me affirmations.
Is he really enjoying it, or is he just acting?
Hmm... I tried observing closely, but I couldn't tell which.
"...He seems suspicious, doesn't he?"
Licorice muttered in a voice that only I could hear.
I see.
According to her judgment, it seems Doctor is hiding something.
"By the way, what's the other reason?"
"Oh, yes, I almost forgot. I got too caught up in Sir Stuart's story."
Doctor laughed, but it was obvious that it was a lie.
It was too forced.
Probably, this is the main topic, and the previous conversation was just a prelude.
"In fact, I have a favor to ask..."
"Yes, what is it?"
"Would you become my exclusive?"
TL Note: The mission progresses.
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