The appearance of the Likas mercenary group did not match well with the cheerful festival.

Bright flower petals and paper confetti scattered and stuck to the men’s dark clothes. It seemed as if they could melt naturally into the darkness at any moment.

Passersby glanced back at the sight of these unfamiliar men, enough to turn their heads.

Though ordinary people might not have noticed, there were also several weapons hidden inconspicuously inside their clothes. It was certainly not attire for enjoying a festival.

Among them was Eddie, who had previously come to the capital with Lebel. He looked around the lively streets with quite an excited expression.

“Wow, the southern festivals really are different. Bright and cheerful atmosphere. After being stuck with gloomy men all the time, coming out like this feels like a breath of fresh air.”

“This Eddie kid. Are you complaining about our mercenary group’s atmosphere?”

“Can’t I say something nice? You’re being too harsh, really. Your eyes are on the women over there. I saw it all. I’ll be sure to tell your wife later…”

“Someone shut Eddie’s mouth.”

“…Eddie. Be quiet.”

“Luth, you’re enjoying it too! It must be your first time in such a big capital, so enjoy yourself to the fullest until the mission starts.”

“Look at him acting like he’s been here many times when it’s only his second visit. Luth, don’t you ever become like Eddie.”

All the men except Lebel were in high spirits. Just as they were about to get swept up in the pleasant atmosphere they hadn’t experienced in a long time, Lebel cautioned them.

“We’re here to work. Everyone, stay focused.”

“Yes sir, we know.”

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

“That’s right.”

“What a strange request. It’s the first time I’ve heard of being asked to deliberately cause a moderate disturbance.”

“Captain, do you think there’s some meaning behind this request?”

“…I have a rough idea.”

“Really? What is it? Let us know too.”

“It’s a secret.”

Damn it. The spirits of the three men instantly deflated. Mastering his deflated feelings, Eddie grumbled and added a complaint.

“You’re still as secretive as ever. Please just open up and talk to us.”

“Eddie, that’s exactly what makes our captain charming. By seeming like he might reveal something but then not, he keeps people on edge and that’s why they’re drawn to follow him.”

“Captain Lebel, Lailo is badmouthing you.”

“Hey man, how is this badmouthing!”

It was truly a perfect ratio. Two were perfectly chatty, while the other two were terribly taciturn.

Maintaining a balance between silence and speech, the group blended naturally into the crowd of people. As they walked, the attention of those in the square focused on them.

“Judging by their attire, they must be mercenaries. They’re surely sniffing around for war contracts.”

“Those people who only care about money…”

“Be quiet, they can hear you.”

Sometimes words that shouldn’t be heard stick like daggers.

Eddie observed the people’s reactions. The staring gazes hurt more in the silence.

“It was like this last time we came too…”

“Is this your first or second time experiencing it? Ignore it. They’re distracted by the festival anyway, so they’ll forget all about it in an hour.”

Lailo patted Eddie’s shoulder a few times to comfort him.

Lebel walked quietly towards their destination. Cheerful music played non-stop along the way.

**

The Clover Tavern was the busiest among the nearby establishments.

Not only was it where the most conversations took place, but it also had a unique history built up over its long existence.

The bell hanging on the door was said to have been passed down since the tavern first opened. The owner’s voice would swell with pride whenever he told the story of that bell’s history.

Now that bell was ringing loudly and fulfilling its role admirably thanks to the influx of customers.

“Welcome… Wait, why are you here again?”

“Come on, manager. Your mouth is smiling even as you say that.”

“Wh-when did I smile!”

“Honestly, you like it! You’re thinking to yourself, ‘Now that Allen’s here, today’s sales will double.'”

Allen joked as he squeezed in and sat down near the bar. Sarah, a waitress, approached Allen with a bright expression.

“Allen, it’s been so long. Would you like to start with a beer?”

“I welcome any drink Sarah gives me.”

“You’re impossible, I swear.”

At Allen’s appearance, the women in the tavern let out excited exclamations and gathered around him.

The Clover Tavern was filled with Imperial soldiers and mercenaries enjoying the festival. Occasionally, mercenaries with connections to officers would exchange various information or make subtle requests, saying “Please take good care of me.”

The main topic of conversation among the mercenaries was “Who will get a direct contract with the Imperial family?”

Most only managed to get one contract and couldn’t secure more. It was because they failed to properly catch the Emperor’s eye.

However, just the fact of having a contract with the Imperial family instantly raised a mercenary group’s status. That’s why mercenaries tried their best to maintain good relationships with the Imperial soldiers.

The only ones sitting without doing anything were the Likas mercenary group.

“Those guys have no pride.”

Eddie clicked his tongue after witnessing a mercenary discreetly passing a bribe to an Imperial officer. A mercenary should raise their value through skill, but to resort to bribes…

“Sometimes there are things that can’t be solved by skill alone.”

Lailo patted Eddie’s back with a bitter smile. As one of the senior members of the Likas mercenary group, he was used to comforting the younger members, but seeing such realities still left him feeling uneasy and bitter.

Lebel quietly adjusted his hood and waited for people to become more intoxicated and lose their senses.

Drunk humans tend to lose both judgment and self-control. It was a situation where any kind of incident could occur without seeming strange. Lebel was waiting for that moment.

As spilled alcohol on the floor began to emit a pungent and unpleasant odor, a man, perhaps caught up in the excitement, climbed onto a table and began playing the violin.

The tavern patrons clapped their hands and cheered, with some pairing up to dance. The clamorous sound of heels filled the Clover Tavern.

The noise was so loud that even the bell sound above the door was drowned out.

Ilarid and Lynette, who were just about to open the door and enter, hesitated for a moment at this sight. The manager noticed the two women opening the door and gestured for them to come in.

Most of the patrons were quite drunk and didn’t pay much attention to those entering through the door.

But it never hurts to be careful. Lynette whispered as she pressed Ilarid’s hat down even further.

“Your Majesty the Empress, shall we just go somewhere else?”

“No. This kind of atmosphere is nice, it’s been a while.”

Ilarid seemed even more excited. Lynette was led into the Clover Tavern by Ilarid.

They made their way through the crowd and reached the bar. Allen, leaning against the bar, glanced at the two hatted figures but soon turned his attention back to the women crowding around him.

“Hello. Two beers, please.”

“…They won’t suit the taste of such an esteemed lady.”

“I’ve had them before. Don’t worry, I came here recalling that memory.”

Unable to ignore the aura they gave off, the owner glanced at Ilarid and seemed to realize something.

Lynette nervously grasped Ilarid’s arm. She was prepared to flee with the Empress if necessary.

“Here you are.”

But the owner simply placed two beers down with his characteristic indifferent expression.

It was unclear whether he was pretending not to know while actually knowing, or if he truly hadn’t noticed. Either way, it was a fortunate thing.

“Phew… I was so nervous, thinking we’d been found out.”

“You seem more nervous than me?”

“Of course. If I make even the slightest mistake in escorting Your Majesty the Empress, I won’t be able to close my eyes even in death.”

“…Don’t talk about dying. And I’d prefer if you didn’t use titles here. How about we call each other by name like in the old days?”

“I’d rather you cut my salary.”

“Then… how about ‘miss’?”

“That’s perfect. I understand, miss.”

It really felt like going back to those times. The thrill of experiencing the festival atmosphere with her whole body for the first time.

Memories of wandering the streets holding Lynette’s hand. Faint recollections of secretly enjoying the festival and getting caught up in commotion in the alleyways.

“You miss it, don’t you?”

“…I can’t say I don’t.”

The strong beer pooled near her mouth before disappearing. The memories were sweet, but the taste left in her mouth was bitter and somewhat astringent.

Still, Ilarid’s expression as she looked at the boisterous atmosphere seemed brighter than ever.

“If it could improve your mood even a little…”

Before Lynette could finish speaking, a loud noise filled the tavern.

Along with the sound of breaking glass, a woman’s short scream was heard. The overflowing music stopped abruptly, and everyone’s attention turned to where the commotion had occurred.

“I told you to sit next to me and pour me a drink, why are you talking so much? When I tell you to do something, you should just do it!”

“Let go and then we can talk. I’m an employee here, not someone who serves drinks.”

“Do you know who I am?”

She did indeed. Ilarid’s brow furrowed involuntarily. Judging by the man’s uniform style and the unique metal badge, he was an officer of the Imperial Guard.

She quickly surveyed her surroundings.

Most of the mercenaries whispered among themselves and avoided the officers’ disturbance. They must have realized that if they intervened carelessly and offended the Imperial family and nobles, it would be to their disadvantage.

Only one group of men was closely watching the Imperial Guard officers’ disgraceful behavior. Ilarid’s eyes narrowed as she looked at them.

‘It must be them.’

Ilarid was certain those mercenaries had seized their opportunity. Even if a dangerous situation arose, they would resolve it as per their request.

However, she didn’t want to simply let the Imperial Guard’s pathetic behavior slide.

The Imperial Guard were supposed to be the ones serving and protecting the Emperor from the closest position. Although they were said to be selected from among Astrid Empire’s top elites, the current state didn’t look very good at all.

What kind of foolish idiot would get drunk while in uniform and harass the Empire’s citizens?

“He’s completely wasted. What a nuisance.”

Lailo snorted and glanced towards where Lebel was sitting. He had been working with Lebel for several years now. By now, he could guess what this young captain would do just by following his gaze.

‘Intervening in this situation would immediately put us on the Empire’s bad side, but… he must have some plan.’

As always, Lailo decided to trust Lebel. He quietly drew his weapon, ready to spring into action if necessary.

Lebel quickly assessed the situation. It was the perfect opportunity to start their mission. There were many witnesses watching, listening, and ready to spread rumors. There was no better place for rumors to spread quickly.

And the opponents were the Emperor’s Imperial Guard. They were suitable targets for causing a disturbance and drawing attention.

Moreover, the officers were being extremely rude. Weren’t they raising their voices, grabbing the waitress’s wrist and demanding she pour drinks? It was reason enough for them to step in.

All the members who confirmed Lebel’s signal exchanged glances. And just as they were about to stand up and confront the Imperial Guard…

“How incredibly rude.”

A powerful voice came from the bar area. The eyes of everyone in the tavern turned to where the voice had come from.

Ilarid’s deep yet clear eyes shone brightly from beneath her hat. Lynette looked back and forth between the Imperial Guard officer and Ilarid with a troubled expression.

Before Lynette could stop her, she strode purposefully towards the table where the Imperial Guard had gathered.

The unforgettable, familiar voice pierced Lebel’s ears. He momentarily halted his movement and stared at her as if entranced. With each step of the stranger, a familiar scent spread.

It was a gentle and nostalgic scent he had encountered somewhere in his past.