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🕑 Added 2025-05-04 01:48:53 +0000 UTCEP.80 [The Blacksmith Woman Mina in Front of the Mirror.]
"Damn it,"
The thick curses of a man echoed against the dark wall adorned with the fur of a white wolf, the backdrop for Kail, the vice-leader of the White Wolf Mercenary Group.
"Brother, why don't we just launch a surprise attack? After all, it's not about numbers in a full-scale battle. Let's kill them all and leave Pangea. With our skills, we can thrive anywhere else."
Kail, who had been humiliated again by Mina at the Blacksmith's Forge, returned to headquarters and complained to his brother, Kasim. The humiliation was inflicted by Eugene Schneider.
Kasim, who had promised to avenge his brother, scolded Kail for his foolishness.
"You idiot brother. Are you going to abandon this foundation? Don't you want to become the best mercenary?"
Kasim, sitting in a chair under the white wolf fur, looked at Kail with disdain. Unlike Kail's robust build, Kasim was about 178 cm tall with an average physique, exuding a world-weary demeanor.
"My brother said that public opinion is like a reed; it bends. If we defeat the Red Foxes, we'll receive a greater reward. So, wait, you fool."
Kasim spoke with insight, matching his appearance.
"By the way, it's interesting. Hearing about that barbarian woman makes me think of a pretty good item."
With a sly smile, Kasim mentioned Mina, his mind racing with ideas.
---
In the evening, the Red Fox Mercenary Group began their planned gathering at the D'Gol Mercenary Pub. They occupied their usual corner table in the shape of a "ㄷ" (di), where the officers sat, while other mercenary groups enjoyed their drinks at nearby tables.
"Hmm, I've heard about Kail's behavior from Thomas and the leader, but I didn't know it was that bad. It's infuriating, even though I only heard about it indirectly."
Ivan, slightly drunk, became serious and leaned back in his chair. He had heard about the incident at the Blacksmith's Forge from Eugene.
"Perhaps we should strengthen our vigilance against the White Wolf Mercenary Group? Enhancing security just around Eugene personally might not be enough, even if he's a sword user."
Thomas also shared his opinion in a low voice.
The pride of a mercenary group is its momentum. Showing too much fear would make them look weak. Therefore, the Red Foxes decided to observe Kail and Kasim's movements without overreacting, as they might use any reaction to their advantage.
However, since they had attempted to infiltrate the Blacksmith's Forge to set up an attack on Eugene, Thomas considered this a more serious matter.
"I'm fine. Honestly, I don't feel much threatened. So, I suggest we enhance our mercenary group's security or, if possible, offer help to the Blacksmith's Forge. It's because I've received their favor, and without it, I'd be distracted and unable to focus on other tasks."
Eugene waved his hand in response to Thomas's suggestion. From Eugene's perspective, as a sword expert, personal threats were minimal. However, he publicly mentioned this because he believed Kail could affect not just him but the entire Red Fox Mercenary Group. He also wanted to help Mina, who had been targeted by Kail.
"Indeed, our Captain Eugene is overflowing with chivalry and knows how to repay favors! Haha!"
Ivan praised Eugene, whose actions were driven by a sense of justice, which had led him to become a mercenary and continue in that path.
"Then, I, Ivan Igor, would like to propose a plan to officially discuss measures following our Captain's suggestion. It's about protecting the Blacksmith's Forge."
Ivan politely asked for permission from Zanne, the leader. Since Mina was an outsider to the Red Foxes, helping her was a sensitive matter.
"Repaying favors is crucial. If we don't, it would be our greatest loss. People informed us about Kail's actions because we kept our word. Therefore, I believe we must protect Mina."
Zanne spoke seriously, having led the group with her own conviction and recently achieving the desired plus level.
Moreover, Mina was their primary blacksmith, making it sensible to protect her from a business perspective.
Zanne accepted Ivan's proposal.
"Ha ha! Then I'll share my thoughts, Leader. Since my lodging is close to the Blacksmith's Forge, I'll keep an eye on the area whenever I can. This way, we can efficiently support Mina without disrupting our operations."
Currently, Eugene commutes from a distant noble residence to the mercenary quarters, making it difficult for him to personally care for Mina. Ivan, with his combat skills and proximity, offered to help.
"That's a good plan. Especially since you've performed escort quests with the Bronze-level mercenary group."
Zanne mentioned Ivan's past experiences, and he smiled, pleased that she remembered.
"Thank you, Ivan. For supporting my request."
"Ha ha! What are you talking about, Eugene? We're comrades who fight together! The glory of clearing this quest and achieving plus level is largely thanks to you. It's only natural to repay favors! Come on, Thomas! Let's drink more and enjoy this lively night!"
Eugene expressed his gratitude, and Ivan, feeling proud, called out to Thomas to bring more drinks.
"Wow... Our Captain is quite skilled at winning women's hearts, isn't he?"
At that moment, the atmosphere became lively with more drinks and laughter. Sophia, the secular priest, placed her large breasts on the table and drank, sticking out her tongue.
"Do I win women's hearts?"
Eugene looked puzzled at Sophia's comment. He was trying to win Zanne's heart but thought Sophia wasn't referring to that.
"Mina seems gentle and kind, but she doesn't easily open up to men. She's a type who doesn't cross certain boundaries."
Sophia was actually referring to Mina and Eugene's relationship.
"She shows her deep affection to children, but not to me or the leader. As a woman who has survived as a blacksmith in this mercenary quarter for so long, she's careful about her relationships with men."
Few men consider a serious future with Mina due to her slum background and barbarian heritage. However, many are attracted to her beauty and physique.
Meanwhile, Mina stood naked in front of her mirror, thinking of Eugene.
