Chapter 68 Lil ⑯
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
A lot has happened since the dust settled on that mess.
In the wake of the kidnapping incident involving Lil and Honoka, the “Shit Pig” known as Antonio has been officially declared “mysteriously missing.” It’s a fitting end; the man vanished into thin air from the heart of his own manor. His disappearance dragged a mountain of corruption and dark dealings into the light-though, in truth, nearly every resident in town already knew the score. He was formally stripped of his authority as the Master of the Servitude Merchant Guild ¹, and since the position was left vacant, the organization was absorbed into Merchant Guild Foxia ². Of course, that’s just the story for the public record. Behind the scenes, the reality was far more chaotic.
A few days after the incident, two figures sought me out at the hotel where we were staying. They were an elderly butler and a beautiful, sharp-featured maid: Sebastian and Lotte.
”Regarding the recent… unpleasantness, we are truly sorry,” Sebastian said. He stood perfectly upright, hands clasped behind his back. “Since the matter is sensitive, we cannot offer a public apology, but we have come to offer a token of our gratitude.”
The man left zero openings, his posture a fortress of etiquette. Lotte, standing like a shadow behind him, was exactly the same.
”Don’t sweat it. The only one at fault was that pig,” I replied.
”Your leniency is appreciated,” Sebastian said. “Though, calling him a ‘pig’… well, I find myself pitying the swine.”
”You’ve got a point. You can at least eat a pig. That man was a pile of filth you couldn’t even touch. Actually, even shit can be used as fertilizer, so he was lower than that,” I said.
”Indeed. He wouldn’t even make decent manure,” Sebastian said, a faint dry smile touching his lips.
We both shared a hollow laugh. The old man actually had a decent sense of humor.
It turns out the “dark side” of the city-the Assassins Guild-had been in total upheaval since Antonio’s exit. The guild had been split into two factions: the Traditionalists and the Antonio Loyalists. Apparently, the Antonio faction had been doing whatever they pleased for years. With their benefactor gone, every one of them became a target for a purge. Internal warfare had broken out within the guild walls.
Naturally, the leaderless Antonio faction collapsed in record time, and most were “erased” from existence. For the record, Fran was technically part of that group, but since she’s already my loyal Servitude, she was exempt from the bloodletting.
”But why are you telling me all this? This sounds like classified guild info,” I asked.
”There is a reason, Sieben-sama. We wish for you to become the new Head of our Assassins Guild,” Sebastian said.
Talk about a leap in logic.
”Huh? No way. Why don’t you just do it, Sebastian?” I asked.
”Regrettably, I lack the personal magnetism required. Besides, you seem to have a certain… effect on women. Francesca, who was once nothing more than Antonio’s puppet, has become utterly devoted to you. I simply must know what method you used to charm her. She’s become a total maiden in love,” Sebastian replied.
”You’re making me sound like some two-bit lady-killer,” I muttered.
”Hahaha, well, it certainly sounds that way, doesn’t it?” Sebastian said.
I shot him a look. At least try to deny it, old man.
”Joking aside, you are a man of undeniable caliber,” Sebastian said, his tone turning serious. “We still haven’t figured out how you disposed of Antonio’s physical remains. Beyond that, you possess a rare resistance to poison, and more importantly, you are upright.”
”You’re overestimating me. Besides, I have things I need to do. I don’t have the bandwidth for this,” I said.
”I see… and might I ask what it is you seek?”
”It’s nothing noble. Just Vengeance…” I said.
I looked over at Honoka, who was waiting nearby. She immediately averted her eyes, looking down at the floor.
”I see…” Sebastian said.
He watched the two of us for a moment, stroking his chin in thought.
”In that case, regarding this Vengeance of yours… perhaps we could lend our assistance? The payment would simply be Sieben-sama’s acceptance of the leadership,” Sebastian proposed.
The offer was tempting. With the reach of the Assassins Guild, gathering information would be trivial. Honestly, as capable as Fran is, there’s only so much one girl can do alone.
”…Fine, I’ll do it. But I’m not doing any of the actual legwork. I’ll leave the day-to-day business to you and Lotte. I’m just the one holding the reins. If you’re okay with that, we have a deal,” I said.
”That is perfectly fine. Antonio never worked a day in his life either,” Sebastian said.
I figured as much. That fat bastard didn’t look like he’d ever done an honest day’s labor, even while he was “running” the Servitude Merchant Guild.
Still, a Monster Hunter on the surface and the Lord of the Assassins Guild in the shadows… I have to admit, it scratches a very specific itch in my dark, chuunibyou ³ heart.
”Then I’ll be in your care from now on,” I said.
”Of course, Sieben-sama. Also, the manor where Antonio resided is the traditional home for the Guild Head. Please, feel free to make yourself at home there,” Sebastian said.
Just like that, I’d scored a mansion for free. Talk about plot convenience.
But with this, the Clan finally had a headquarters. All that was left was fame and funding. Fame would come eventually as long as I kept working as a Monster Hunter. As for the money, I had a plan, but I wasn’t sure how to execute it yet. That worry, however, didn’t last long. Because…
* * *
Two days after Sebastian’s visit.
I’d told Sebastian to take all the gaudy, tasteless junk Antonio had collected and sell it off. I wanted it replaced with something chic that actually fit the manor. I’d walked through the place once and nearly gagged-a four-poster canopy bed? Who did that pig think he was, royalty? I didn’t want a single thing he’d touched staying in my house.
Seriously, who would even buy a bronze statue of that fat fuck? I had the thing sent to the smelter immediately. Because the place was currently a construction zone, we were stuck living in the hotel.
That was when we received another visitor. This one was a messenger sent by Georg Farandole. The name sounded familiar, and then it clicked-it was Marguerite’s surname. Her father. He apparently wanted to thank us for the rescue.
I wanted to tell him that if he was so grateful, he should have come himself, but he’s the Master of Merchant Guild Foxia. He’s so swamped he’d only just managed to carve out time for this meeting, and apparently had a packed schedule right after. Since it couldn’t be helped, we boarded the carriage he’d sent and headed for the Foxia Guild.
We picked up Mime and her sisters on the way; they’d been summoned as well. When we arrived at Merchant Guild Foxia, I realized that if the Monster Hunter Guild was a bank, this place was a high-end department store. The main gate was crowded with people, so we slipped in through the rear employee entrance.
The door opened, and as expected, Marguerite was there to greet us.
”Ah! Darling! Big Sis!” Marguerite cried out.
She practically tackled me, pinning me with a hug.
”Darling, Darling! Ma-ru was so lonely! Every single night, I had to spend the hours… comforting myself… all alone. Come, let’s get started quickly!” Marguerite said.
”Whoa, hold on a second!” I shouted.
The girl has absolutely no filter. The people nearby were literally recoiling in shock.
”We’re here because Georg-san invited us,” I said.
”I don’t care about that! Come, let’s go… we can even do it right here!” Marguerite urged.
”Give it a rest already!” I snapped back.
I couldn’t help but clap back at her. Honestly, she’s exhausting.
Eventually, we were guided to the office. The messenger knocked, and a deep, refined voice called for us to enter. Inside was a well-dressed, middle-aged man with distinguished silver hair. The picture of a gentleman. This had to be Marguerite’s father, Georg Farandole.
”So, you are the ones who saved my daughter. Thank you. Truly, thank you!” Georg said, giving us a deep bow.
”Actually, the ones who did the saving were the masked guy and the dog-eared-” Mime started.
”Wolf,” Lil corrected sharply.
”-the wolf-eared lady over there,” Mime finished.
Mime corrected herself after Lil’s intervention. Lil is usually fine with being called my “bitch” when she’s in heat, but I guess she’s picky about the terminology otherwise.
”Oh? Is that so?” Georg asked.
”Yeeees~ if anything~ we were the ones~ who needed saving too~” Mime added.
”So really, there’s no need to thank us that much…” I said.
”I see. Very well. And you must be the one who saved my daughter…” Georg said, looking at me.
”Yes. My name is Sieben Totzünd. And this is my wife, Lil,” I said.
Lil gave a polite bow.
”Sieben-kun and Lil-san, then. Now, as for your reward…” Georg began.
”In that case, I’ll just become Sieben-sama’s… I’ll be Darling’s wife!” Marguerite declared.
”I see, I see, Ma-ru will be Sieben-kun’s… WAIT, WHAT?!” Georg shouted.
The man’s brain practically short-circuited. I can’t blame him; I was just as stunned.
”Wh-wh-wh… Sieben-kun! Just what did you do to my precious Ma-ru?!” Georg demanded.
”Look, no matter what you think happened…” I started.
I couldn’t exactly tell him we’d had s*x to cure her. But Marguerite had other ideas.
”Father, I have given my body and soul to Darling. It was… so sweet. Truly wonderful…” Marguerite said dreamily.
”Marguerite! Please, for the love of god, stop talking!” I begged.
”Oh? You want to keep what happened between us a secret? How romantic~desuwa,” Marguerite said.
A secret? Lil and the sisters were literally in the room.
”Sieben-kun… is what she’s saying true?” Georg asked.
He was glaring at me now, veins throbbing in his forehead and his eyes completely bloodshot. Great. He’s one of those doting, overprotective fathers.
”Come now, Darling. Let’s relive those dizzying nights again…” Marguerite whispered.
”Alright, Sieben-kun. Start talking. If you’re lucky, I might let you keep your life!” Georg roared.
Both of them were spiraling out of control. Like father, like daughter. They were identical… wait, no they weren’t.
”Goddammit, both of you, **CALM DOWN!**” I commanded.
…Crap. I used Royal Authority ⁴ without thinking. But I didn’t have a choice. The conversation wasn’t going to progress an inch while they were screaming.
”Ugh! …My apologies. I seem to have lost my composure,” Georg said, shaking his head.
”I’ve also shown an unseemly side of myself. I am sorry,” Marguerite added.
They both apologized. The room finally settled into a manageable silence.
”Now, once more-regarding the reward. What is it you desire?” Georg asked.
”Actually… I want a connection. I want a pipeline to you. There’s something I’m planning to do,” I said.
”Oh? If you don’t mind, tell me the details,” Georg said.
”Sure. It’s like this-” I started.
I told him the plan I’d been brewing since before I even set foot in this city. A way to rake in the massive amounts of gold I’d need for my Vengeance. I laid out the entire vision for Georg.
”…Ho. You certainly come up with fascinating ideas. Very well, I’ll provide the funding. I’ll also introduce you to several other key contacts. By the way, where can I usually find you?” Georg asked.
”I’m usually out on jobs as a Monster Hunter, but… in a few weeks, I intend to set up residence in the manor Antonio used to occupy,” I said.
”I see… so you’re the one… no, I’ll stop prying. After hearing what you’ve said, I’ve decided it’s in my best interest not to have you as an enemy,” Georg said.
It seemed he understood exactly what that manor represented. That makes things easier for me.
”I appreciate the pragmatism. We’re done here,” I said.
”Yes, Darling! Let’s head to our new castle of love!” Marguerite cheered.
”Hey! Ma-ru! Where do you think you’re going?!” Georg shouted.
”To live with Darling, obviously! Besides, Father, didn’t you just say you didn’t want to make an enemy of him?” Marguerite countered.
”Grk…” Georg groaned.
Marguerite had him backed into a corner. He couldn’t even manage a rebuttal.
”Shall we go, Darling?” Marguerite asked, a beaming smile on her face as she linked her arm with mine. Lil just watched us, a small, knowing smirk playing on her lips.
”Listen, Marguerite,” I said.
”Call me Ma-ru, Darling. That’s what my loved ones call me,” she replied.
”…Ma-ru, look, the place is still under renovation. We’re still living at the hotel,” I explained.
”Oh, is that so? Well then, I’ll just stay there with-” Marguerite started.
”Go home to your own house,” I said flatly.
”…You’re so mean~desuwa,” she pouted.
She complained, but she finally listened. I really didn’t need any more drama. Of course, I didn’t realize that the moment the renovations were finished, she’d show up with all her luggage, ready to move in.
Regardless, I now had the connections and the influence I needed. Within three months, the business I’d pitched to Georg was thriving. It was the perfect bait-and I knew one person in particular who wouldn’t be able to resist a bite. One more month passed.
Finally, they bit. They were caught in the net. The moment I’d been waiting for had finally arrived.
It was time for Vengeance.
—
Summary:
Following the kidnapping incident, Sieben is recruited by the Assassins Guild to be their new figurehead. He also negotiates a business partnership and funding from Georg Farandole, the master of a major merchant guild. With a new headquarters and stable funding, Sieben sets a trap for his next target of vengeance.
—
Trivia:
- Sieben explicitly refuses to do ‘practical work’ for the Assassins Guild.
- The ‘Shit Pig’ Antonio’s mansion is the traditional seat of the Assassins Guild head.
- Sieben used ‘Royal Authority’ to stop Georg and Marguerite’s argument.
- The next target has a connection specifically to Reese.
- Lil is protective over being called a ‘wolf’ rather than a ‘dog’
—
Character Insight:
Sieben shows strategic growth by securing both a base (Assassins Guild) and a financial pipeline (Foxia Guild). Marguerite’s obsession moves from gratitude to aggressive pursuit, while Georg proves himself to be a pragmatist who values profit and power over petty grudges.
—
TL Notes:
Notes:
• Antonio – Slaver Guild Master. Obese, pig-like features, wearing gaudy clothes.
• Honoka – A member of the relief team with healing magic. Despite her cute, short, ‘transistor glamour’ appearance, she is cold-hearted and mocks Sasaki, now a bound slave to him.
• Lil – One of the heroines. Height 166 cm, B-W-H: 90-56-90. She is a top-tier beauty with long indigo hair down to her waist, a large scar on her abdomen and sharp golden eyes. She has wolf ears and a tail.
• Lotte – A maid in her late 20s who is a high-level combatant (Level 50+).
• Sieben – Young man with black hair and a mask covering his eyes. He purchased Honoka and Ria.
• Francesca – Female assassin, Level 28. Young with a sharp-featured face that dissolves under arousal. Has small body, medium silver hair, modest breasts, and is skilled in spying and assassination.
• Marguerite – Young girl with long, pale blue hair in a catatonic state. Possesses ‘slight’ buds for breasts. Daughter of the Master of Merchant Guild Foxia.
• Georg – Master of Merchant Guild Foxia, silver-haired middle-aged gentleman.
• Mime – Former mercenary with short red hair, cat-eyed warrior, wheat-colored skin, and a toned, athletic build with visible abdominal muscles.
• Reese – Jessica’s sister, currently asleep. Identified as a ‘beautiful blonde lady’ by Alice.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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