The Riccas mercenaries’ appearance starkly contrasted the lively festival atmosphere.

Bright confetti and paper shreds fluttered, sticking onto the men’s dark clothes, making them seem ready to blend into the shadows at any moment.

Their unfamiliar presence was enough to make passersby give them second glances.

To the untrained eye, they might have looked like ordinary festival-goers, but hidden inside their clothes were various concealed weapons. This was certainly not an outfit meant for festival enjoyment.

Among them was Eddy, who had previously accompanied Rebel to the capital. He looked excited, his face alive with energy as he surveyed the bustling streets.

“Wow, festivals in the south are really something else. So vibrant and fun. Always being around gloomy guys and now this, feels like I can breathe again.”

“Eddy, you. Complaining about our mercenary group’s atmosphere now?”

“Can’t I say something nice for once? Really, you’re too much. And here you are, eyeing those ladies over there. I saw everything. I’ll be sure to tell your wife…”

“Someone shut Eddy up.”

“…Eddy, quiet.”

“Lou, you’re having fun too! It’s your first time in such a big city, right? Enjoy as much as you can before the mission.”

“You’re acting like you’ve been here so many times. Lou, never become like Eddy.”

The men, except for Rebel, were in high spirits, almost swept away by the pleasant atmosphere. Just before they got carried away, Rebel reminded them of their purpose.

“We’re here on a job. Keep your heads straight.”

“Yes, sir.”

“But, Commander, is that really all there is to this mission?”

“Yes.”

“It’s a strange request for sure. To deliberately cause a bit of commotion.”

“Do you think there’s more to this request, Commander?”

“…I have my suspicions.”

“Really? What are they? Let us know too.”

“It’s a secret.”

A collective groan of disappointment. Eddy grumbled, adding his two cents.

“As always, so secretive. Just spill it out sometimes.”

“Eddy, that’s the charm of our commander. Always keeping us on our toes, leading us on.”

“Commander Rebel, Lyle’s talking behind your back.”

“Hey, how is that bad-mouthing!”

They were a perfect balance. Two were incessantly chatty, and the other two, incredibly taciturn.

Maintaining this equilibrium, they naturally blended into the crowd. Wherever they walked, they drew the attention of the people in the square.

“Judging by their attire, they must be mercenaries. Probably here for a war contract.”

“As always, only caring about money…”

“Quiet, they’ll hear you.”

Sometimes, even words meant to be unheard can sting like darts.

Eddy glanced around at the onlookers. The silent stares felt more piercing than spoken words.

“I felt the same last time we were here…”

“You’ve dealt with it before? Ignore them. They’ll forget all about it in an hour once they get wrapped up in the festival.”

Lyle patted Eddy’s shoulder a few times, comforting him.

Rebel walked silently towards their destination, the cheerful music of the festival following them all the way.

Clover Tavern was bustling more than any other shop nearby.

It was not only a hub of stories but also a place with a rich history, enhanced by its age.

The bell hanging on the door, handed down since the tavern’s opening, had its own history. The tavern owner’s voice always filled with pride when telling its story.

Now, that bell rang continuously, announcing the arrival of numerous guests.

“Welcome… oh, why are you back again?”

“Ah, come on, boss. You’re smiling on the inside.”

“Me, smile? When did I ever?”
“Honestly, you like it when I come! You must have thought, ‘With Allen here, today’s sales will double.'”

Allen joked as he squeezed through to the bar, where Sarah, a waitress, greeted him with a delighted smile.

“Allen, it’s been a while. How about a beer to start?”

“Any drink from Sarah is always welcome.”

“Can’t ever handle you.”

Allen’s arrival had the women in the tavern abuzz with excitement, gathering around him.

Clover Tavern was filled with the Empire’s soldiers and mercenaries, enjoying the festival. Some mercenaries, especially those with connections to officers, exchanged various information or subtly asked for favors.

The main topic among the mercenaries was about who managed to secure direct contracts with the royal family.

Most could only secure one contract and no more, failing to catch the Emperor’s eye.

However, securing a royal contract could significantly elevate a mercenary group’s status, leading them to maintain good relations with the Empire’s soldiers.

The only ones who sat doing nothing were the Riccas mercenaries.

“Those guys have no pride,” Eddie muttered after witnessing a mercenary bribing an Imperial officer. True mercenaries should raise their value through skill, not backdoor deals.

“Sometimes, skill alone can’t solve everything,” Lyle responded, patting Eddie’s back. As a senior in the Riccas group, he was skilled at comforting younger members, but such realities still left a bitter taste.

Male lead first thought she played hard to get, only to realize she

really disliked him

Short intro:

What she can’t stand the most is the streets full of effeminate men, especially that so-called top beauty whom she avoids at all costs.

Shen Yaoxing looks at Jiang Mingyue, who keeps approaching her with coy shyness.

Shen Yaoxing: Bro, don’t be like this, I’m really about to throw up!

She fears nothing in heaven or earth, except for him getting close to her.

*

At first he thought she was just using the trick of feigning indifference to attract his attention. Later, he learned that she truly despised him.

This dealt a heavy blow to Jiang Mingyue, and he vowed to make her, like everyone else, fall at his feet in worship!

***

Synopsis:

Before transmigrating, Shen Yaoxing only wanted to find a reliable man to spend her life with. Who knew that after transmigrating, she would become a reliable woman herself…

A forced misandrist, highly skilled, and reliable female lead

vs.

An initially aloof and arrogant, later morbid, obsessed male lead

_____

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