01x10 - Eleven's Request

[bunniefuu]

"Eleven's Request"

This is your payment for the job.

Also

I looked into that matter for you.

Impressive as always,

Stud. You work quickly.

Shall I tell you here?

If it won't cause trouble for you.

In that case

You had a long talk with

him again this morning.

I'd asked him for a small favor.

Here.

It's your third of the reward.

What?! I wasn't planning on getting paid.

You worked the hardest. It's only proper.

Are you okay with that, Blade?

It's our leader's decision.

Then don't mind if I do.

Welcome.

Hello.

The usual?

Yes, please.

May I discuss something private?

Do you need the room?

No, I'd like to speak with you.

Merchant's guild staff and adventurers

have met in that room, yes?

Please.

There are a few groups.

They meet roughly once a

month, carrying luggage.

I can't be sure, but a group matching

that description has been here.

When did they last come?

About a month ago.

Then they'll come again soon.

What time do they arrive?

Always around this time.

Welcome.

Two glasses of that whisky.

I thought they'd come today or

tomorrow. What good timing.

Don't do anything crazy.

I won't.

I'm meeting someone.

He's already here.

Nice night, isn't it?

How long do they normally stay?

Thirty minutes at most.

They don't stay long.

Perhaps I should've

brought someone with me.

It's hard to pass the time

at a bar when I can't drink.

Thank you.

If I'm to tail one

it should be this one.

Adventurers tend to stay in the same

area, so I won't seem unnatural.

He turned? I don't think

there are any inns that way.

He could be luring me into a trap.

How did he know?

Perhaps I shouldn't today.

I knew it. You're tailing me.

You're the Blade's

If you were tailing me,

does that mean you know?

Are you doing something you

don't want me to know about?

Screw you!

You're just the Blade's toady.

Don't get fresh with me!

People still think I'm a toady, do they?

Don't k*ll him.

That's how you're begging for your life?

Die!

No, you die.

Will he be okay?

He'll be fine.

Thank you. You saved me.

I heard you were tailing some

weird guy and came running.

Oh, are you still having me watched?

Then you probably haven't

noticed this either.

At least act a little flustered.

I knew it was you.

You didn't notice at first, did you?

I never would've noticed if you

were serious about tailing me.

I wasn't trying to avoid detection.

I noticed him.

Well, I'm not like you two.

So, who is this guy?

Do you recall how the

merchant guild's staff

stole labyrinth goods from Judge's shop?

But he's an adventurer.

Yes, an adventurer connected

to that staff member.

He'd get caught if he simply

sold the stolen goods,

so he gave them to an adventurer

to sell to the guild.

That's why nothing turned

up on the black market.

So I had Stud look into it.

I found exactly what you described.

Recently, this party has been bringing

in labyrinth goods above their rank.

He belongs to that party.

I have one request.

First thing tomorrow, could you confess

what you've done to the merchant's guild?

Listen

No.

They have to go there themselves.

I don't want to rouse

suspicion by hurting them.

Want me to do it, then?

What?

You can do that?

You want it done tomorrow morning, right?

Don't worry. I won't

leave any visible marks.

In that case, perhaps

I'll have you do that.

I've got this.

This is your last chance.

Will you confess your crimes to

the merchant's guild tomorrow?

I will. I will, so please—

That's a shame.

It's really such a shame.

Don't hurt him too much.

I know.

His party's in on it, too.

Please get all of their names.

Got it.

Make sure he won't say we

threatened him for information.

And don't give him a

reason to hold a grudge.

Yeah, I know.

Move him.

Take him to base number

two. It's soundproof.

Was one of them watching me, too?

D-Don't!

We'll have this resolved

by tomorrow morning.

It's a bit late now, but should I

have asked him to do that for free?

Why not? Think of it as his

way of making it up to you.

I see.

And don't go places

like that by yourself.

Oh, please. I assumed

you'd be coming with me.

I wonder if they won't

take me seriously again.

But Mr. Lizel might want

the stolen goods someday.

The merchant's guild has

really gone downhill.

I heard the damage was pretty severe.

They say someone went

to complain every day.

I can't believe it was a

high-ranking staff member.

Could it be?

Hey! What's the meaning of this?

How are you going to take

responsibility for this?

We demand a guarantee!

An apology won't cut it!

Excuse me

One moment, plea—

We're terribly sorry for the

inconvenience caused by our incompetence!

What?!

All the stolen items have been recovered.

This way, please.

These are those items.

Once again, we're terribly

sorry for what happened.

Please raise your head.

Thank you for recovering the goods.

Again, we're terribly sorry.

So, may I ask what happened?

Of course.

This morning, a group of

adventurers came to the guild.

They confessed to working with

guild staff to sell stolen goods.

Because they named their accomplice,

rumors spread instantly.

What happened to the staff member?

He noticed the commotion

and attempted to flee.

He was arrested by some officers

who found him suspicious.

We'll work with the police to ensure

the staff member is justly punished.

We'll let you know as soon

as a decision's been made.

Th-That's all right. I'm just

glad I got my goods back.

If you'll excuse me.

Thank you for stopping by.

So that's what happened.

I was worried since you'd

seemed down recently.

I'm sorry.

So, um

Oh, me?

I'm Eleven, and I'm currently convincing

them to let me join their party.

Nice to meet you!

What?!

Why are you so surprised?

B-But

Mr. Lizel, um

are you really going to

let him join your party?

That doesn't seem like a good idea.

Spoken like a true appraiser.

Do you disapprove?

I just think if you're letting

someone join your party,

they should be more, well

It's all right. He hasn't joined us yet.

R-Really? Never mind, then.

If you really don't want him

to join us, I won't let him.

Hey, wait!

Judge, right?

Are you really against me

joining their party? Why?

M-Mr. Lizel, help—

What do you think about this?

C'mon, why?

A-Ask Stud!

Huh?

He actually left.

He must be stupid.

By the way, there's no merchant's

guild in Marcade, is there?

No.

Typical Situation

Merchant's Guild

Meet Conditions

& Register

Inspect &

Provide Services

Shop

They're basically self-governed.

Marcade

Local Lord

No restrictions

on starting businesses

Man age

May join guild

if desired

Shop

The lord manages everything directly.

Is Mr. Insigh registered with the guild?

Yes.

Trading merchants frequently deal with

other nations, so it's necessary.

Then I'm sure he'll hear about this.

I actually sent him a letter

saying you seemed down recently.

What?

I said I wanted to give

you something to cheer you up

and asked about your preferences.

I'm sure he'll be able

to connect the dots.

What?

He might think I'm a pathetic shopkeeper.

Should I not have done that?

Oh, no.

Your concern for me is, um

very much appreciated.

If that doting grandfather hears about

this, worst case, he could quit the guild.

The guild is screwed if they

lose someone that big.

Does this guy know that?

Shall we get something to eat to

celebrate the situation being resolved?

It'll be my treat.

I-I'd love to go.

Oh, but let me pay for it.

Even if he does, he

probably doesn't care.

Sit with me.

Nah. The boss would k*ll me.

Are you my shadow today?

Something like that.

Thank you for last night.

Did you get enough sleep?

That's what you're worried

about? I'm fine.

Anyway, did you need something from me?

I was pleased to have spotted my shadow

for the first time and called you over.

Are you serious?

Also, since you're here, maybe you

could tell me about your boss.

Like what?

Anything. Perhaps his behavior

has improved recently.

It hasn't.

If my answers determine whether he joins

their party or not, I could lose my head.

It's okay. You can tell me

exactly what he's like.

Well, his attitude towards you

guys changed a few days ago.

We're not so much watching

you as guarding you.

Guarding me?

He doesn't want you to have any problems.

How did yesterday go?

I may have been too casual

about asking him to do that.

If anything, he seemed happy about it.

He felt like you were counting on him.

You seem to have known

him for a long time.

I've known him since he joined the g*ng.

So are some subordinates just

fodder, while others aren't?

I have another question.

How would you feel if I k*lled

many of the g*ng's underlings

aside from elite members like you?

We're all disposable.

If anything, us underlings should

be honored to be k*lled by you.

Then tell him

to come see me tomorrow morning.

You probably meant what you said.

But I would never k*ll you.

You two have gotten really friendly.

Did I say you could talk to him?

He called me over.

He did? Really? And you

let him see your face?

You got to meet him last night, but

don't let that get to your head.

This guy's about to k*ll me.

When you return, if you don't report

every word that was said, I'll k*ll you.

Morning!

You're back?

He invited me today.

Is he still asleep?

He usually is at this hour unless

he's got something to do.

Excuse me.

Oh, it's you. Did you come to

complain to Mr. Lizel again?

No, I'm here on an errand today.

Unfortunately, he's still asleep.

Well, that's no good.

There's someone who'd

like to see him today.

Shall I wake him?

Yes, plea—

Hey! What if you broke it?!

Sorry.

I'm sure you heard, but

he's still asleep.

So?

Wait until he wakes up.

I'm here on behalf of a busy man.

Yeah, so wait until he wakes up so you

can take him with you right away.

Get that through your stupid head, loser.

Do you realize I'm a police officer,

and you're obstructing my duties?

Of course I do. I hate the police.

Stop right there!

I'm not letting you k*ll

each other on my doorstep!

Forgive me.

Ah, Captain. You're here as well.

Morning.

My apologies for keeping you waiting.

Not at all.

So, you've got something to do, right?

Yes.

He has time for me today, does he?

Shall we go?

There's no time. Let's hurry.

While I still have the

chance, let me ask you.

Do you still want to join my party?

Yes, obviously.

Why?

Why? Because

At first I was just curious,

but since then

Hey.

Some huge shopkeeper hates my guts.

I'm sure he does.

What?

Why do you serve that guy, anyway?

I want nothing from him.

My only and greatest joy is

to grant him his desires.

You sound like a fanatic.

Don't compare me to those who

seek something in return.

Oh

So that's how it is.

I want to be with you.

Let me be with you.

Then let's do what has to be done.

Next Time

"Welcome to the Party"

Next time: "Welcome to the Party."