After Allen brought in a witness, everything proceeded swiftly.

Once the protection measures for the witness were firmly assured, the bartender pointed out the officers of the Imperial Guard and spoke in a clear voice.

“Those people there were the first to grab my hand and harass me. The mercenaries over there intervened to stop them.”

“But they hit us first……!”

“The ones who first swung their fists were you officers. I saw it clearly with my own two eyes.”

Allen testified convincingly. It was true that the officers had instigated the fight. However, they were so weak that they didn’t inflict a single wound on the mercenaries, making them seem like pitiable victims.

The officers looked utterly wronged, but their pleas fell on deaf ears. After some back-and-forth arguments, the door burst open, and military police rushed in.

“We received a report of unauthorized possession of a firearm.”

Everyone in the room pointed to one person. The accused’s face turned pale as he stammered out a response.

“It was self-defense. Those mercenaries started the altercation and became violent.”

“The fact that an Imperial soldier pointed a gun at civilians leaves no room for excuses, right? The ones who harassed and joined in the fight should all be held accountable.”

Allen sneered with his arms crossed. The military police silently took away the officers. The once noisy space fell into a brief silence, and it almost seemed like someone sang ‘Bright and Beautiful Solitary Confinement.’

“Now that we’ve sorted out the dispute and established who’s at fault, it’s time to release these people.”

“We were planning on doing that anyway. We didn’t keep those Imperial Guard folks because we liked them.”

The patrolmen had always had friction with the royal military due to social status differences. They felt a certain satisfaction in seeing the mercenaries who had taught the officers a lesson. They had long harbored grievances against the officers, and now it seemed like a fitting end.

One of the patrolmen shrugged and unlocked the cell door.

“Oh, so we can leave now?”

“We still need to write a report, so please come this way.”

The release of the mercenaries didn’t take long, thanks to the witness who stayed until the end.

Stepping outside the police station, dawn was breaking.

“Um… Allen, right? Thank you. You must be tired after staying till the end.”

“There’s still a lot of prejudice against northerners in the south. I was worried you might be unfairly treated. Well, a well-behaved man with a curfew should excuse himself!”

Allen, slightly embarrassed, scratched his head and walked away. It was time for him to return to his mansion and transform from ‘Allen’ to ‘Alice.’

“We’re late in saying thanks. We really appreciate your help.”

“We have a principle of not standing by in the face of injustice. Those Imperial Guards might come back for revenge, so…”

“If those Imperial Guards try anything, call us immediately. We’ll help for free.”

The words of Lauro and Eddie sounded reassuring. The bartender and the mercenaries exchanged grateful nods before heading into the dawn.

The sky was turning blue in the distance. Soon, the sun would rise.

“To think we’d be tied up until this time.”

“…Tired.”

“I thought they’d keep us for days, being from the north and all.”

“Honestly, your good looks played a part too, right?”

Despite Lauro’s teasing, a crisp sound echoed as he was hit on the back. His lamentations about being pitied even when he spoke the truth continued, and Rebel lightly ignored him.
“Didn’t you notice the way people were looking at you in the tavern, Commander? Even the patrolmen seemed mesmerized when they looked at you.”

“I’m not interested.”

“Just admit it. People like me, who look like obvious thieves, will never get that kind of attention.”

Rebel chuckled at Lauro’s comment and gave a brief order.

“Let’s go back.”

“What? But we didn’t even get to enjoy the festival.”

“The mission is over, we need to return.”

Now, the Rickas Mercenary Group had two options: return to their original post near the Rickas Mountains or stay in the capital to look for contract work.

‘The latter seems unlikely now.’

Eddie, feeling somewhat disappointed, kicked at the remnants of fireworks on the ground. They had just tangled with the Imperial Guard, directly under the Royal Household, so they were sure to have made some high-profile enemies.

But starving was unlikely. The continent was in a period of turmoil, with wars and development in full swing. There was no shortage of work.

“We better pack up as soon as we get back.”

The thought of traveling back north seemed daunting. They would probably leave as soon as day broke, so catching some sleep seemed wise.

Though all the members looked exhausted, Rebel was the exception.

He was still thinking about the woman he met at Clover Tavern.

‘Could it be…’

How could he forget? He had tried so hard to hold onto her memory through countless brushes with death.

Why She Is Still Unmoved (Female-dominant)

One-line summary: He uses various methods to seek her affection, but she remains unmoved.

Synopsis:

Si Qingyu is a doctor who has saved countless lives and enjoys tranquility.

Luo Shaoxuan is ruthless, deeply scheming, and the top young master in the capital. He admires Si Qingyu.

Luo Shaoxuan: I want to be the only one in your eyes and heart.

Features a cold and calm female lead vs A noble and scheming male lead.

There will be both sweetness and torture towards the male after their marriage.