Orlan's Compensation
Still groggy, Orlan was replaced by Mr. Kernel, who began to explain.
Orlan was originally born in a village of the white cat tribe deep in the Primitive Sea of Trees.
Her parents had planned to move to the Kingdom of Critonia, preferring city life over the forest.
However, they were attacked by bandits during their journey; her parents were killed, and Orlan was raised by the bandits, receiving training as an assassin.
Having grown up as an assassin, Orlan was sold by the bandits to the Bardhain Empire.
From there, she worked as a member of the Empire’s assassination squad, but somehow escaped and came to the Kingdom of Critonia.
Now she takes on various assassination jobs in the Royal Capital.
Mr. Kernel doesn’t know the details about why she left the Empire.
When Mr. Kernel finished speaking, Orlan, still sitting on the bed, clapped her hands.
"That's mostly correct."
"If you’re listening, tell the story yourself."
"That’s a hassle."
Mr. Kernel held his head in his hands at Orlan's muttering.
From this exchange, it seems this is their usual dynamic.
Wanting to return to the castle before morning, I decided to ask my questions early.
"Orlan, you're an assassin, right? What kind of people hire you?"
"It varies. Sometimes it’s nobles, sometimes merchants. Sometimes a wife hires me to kill her husband."
So those couples that seemed close were actually... that's terrifying!
I continued, my cheeks twitching slightly.
"Do you know anything about the organization called Spider? If you have any information, please share it."
"You're investigating Spider? Do you want to die, Ian?"
"No, no, I don't want to die. I'm just a little curious."
"Anyone who approaches the Spider gets killed."
It seems that asking Orlan didn’t yield any new information. I had hoped she might have more detailed knowledge as an assassin.
Just as I was considering giving up, Orlan tilted her head expressionlessly.
"You want information on the Spider?"
"Yeah. I've been gathering various pieces of information, but the full picture of the organization is still unclear."
"I see... In that case, I might help you... but I'll need proper compensation."
"Orlan, you'll investigate for me? That would be a great help. Of course, I'll pay the compensation."
"Alright... The compensation is high-quality honey. Lots of high-quality honey."
In the Kingdom of Critonia, high-quality honey is used for medical purposes, while lower-grade honey is used in the city's sweet shops.
It's not something easily accessible to the common folk.
I’m not sure if her demand for high-quality honey is high or low in terms of compensation.
However, with the power of the Royal family, obtaining high-quality honey is a simple task.
I pounded my chest with my fist.
"Got it. I'll make sure to get you high-quality honey."
"If you break your promise, I'll kill you."
Orlan said, her eyes menacing.
I don’t want to be killed over high-quality honey.
Once I return to the castle, I’ll arrange it immediately.
For a while, Mr. Kernel, Orlan, and I chatted.
According to Mr. Kernel, Orlan is not only taciturn and shy but also rough and lazy.
When she first came to the Capital, she couldn’t get any assassination jobs and ended up collapsing on the street from hunger.
Mr. Kernel, who happened to pass by, carried Orlan to the ruin on his back.
Since then, Mr. Kernel, who has an information network throughout the city, has been acting as an intermediary for Orlan’s job requests.
I always thought Mr. Kernel was just a homeless person, but he might actually be quite an impressive person.
Before dawn, I left the ruin and returned to the castle.
As I returned to my room and removed my gear, I was about to lie down on my bed when suddenly, I was hugged by a shadowy figure.
"Where have you been! Don’t leave your big sister behind!"
"Sister! Please let go! I can’t breathe!"
Suddenly hugged by my Sister Emilia, I flailed my hands as I was smothered between her ample bosom.
Noticing my distress, she quickly released me.
"I know you've been sneaking out of the castle frequently lately. Where have you been? Confess quickly."
Sister Emilia’s intuition is sharp, so I guess I’ve been caught.
It seems I can’t talk my way out of this.
I quickly gave up and sat on my bed, explaining my encounter with Mr. Kernel and Orlan.
After listening to my story, Emilia had a complicated expression.
"You've made some peculiar acquaintances again. Knowing you, I'm sure you have some plan."
"I’m sorry for making you worry."
"If you’re really sorry, sleep with me. Tonight, you’re going to be my hug pillow."
Saying that, Sister Emilia hugged me and pulled me under the blanket.
Pressed against her soft body, I was too excited to fall asleep.
Looks like I’m in for another sleepless night.
What do you think about this chapter?
