CHAPTER 42 THE SLY WOLVES

Merc had been aware of their presence since she left the Adventurers Guild. The people who were following her were most likely adventurers who had been keeping an eye on her since she entered the Guild.

I guess these guys must be the robbers that Nano talked about.

Merc could feel the presence of three people. Because they all had low magic power, their chances of being magicians were little to none.

If Mercs opponent was a skilled magician who could conceal his magic power, she would have a difficult time, but given how easy she had discovered them, that wasnt likely the case.

Merc had also stowed her admission ticket and recommendation in the inner pocket of her coat, making them difficult to steal. They wouldnt be able to steal them if they didnt touch her directly.

I guess Ill cover my body with Mana Hardening just in case.

Merc decided to cover her body with hardened mana just in case of an unexpected attack. The hardening of Mercs mana happened so naturally that it would have gone unnoticed if someone hadnt been watching her Mana from the start. Even if someone had seen it, they would have immediately known that someone with such a high level of Mana Manipulation wasnt someone to trifle with.

Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, the individuals pursuing Merc were most likely unable to see Mana.

While paying attention to her rear, Merc continued to aimlessly walk around the City of Ende. She didnt think strolling like this, alone and at her own speed, was all that bad. She took advantage of the opportunity to look at various things that piqued her interest.

Im getting hungry

Merc hadnt eaten since leaving the village, so she made her way to the nearest stall and purchased a rabbit skewer. She felt a little apologetic because walking while eating was deemed inappropriate, but even so she continued wandering about the city with the skewer in her hand1.

Hello, young missy. You dont seem like youre from here.

Im not Could you tell?

A middle-aged man approached Merc from the front as she was walking. The man in front of Merc most likely wasnt a thief, judging by the fact that he approached her in the middle of a crowded area and without malice. He was most likely just flirting with her.

Of course. Youve been looking around everywhere, its quite obvious. What do you say about coming with me? I know a pretty nice place.

Thank you, but Ill pass. I prefer to walk alone.

Dont say that. It wont do any harm to join me. I simply want to show you around.

The man said as he tried to forcefully grab Mercs hand.

Didnt you hear what I just said?

Merc said, swiftly moving away. The man was taken aback when he saw Merc dodge, but he refused to give up and instead smiled deviously.

Its polite to accept other peoples kindness, you know? And just so you know, this area is quite dangerous so I doubt youll be safe with only that wooden stick of yours.

Im strong, so you dont have to worry about th What?

Merc noticed a difference in her rear as she was pondering how to get rid of the obnoxious man in front of her. Two of the people who had been following Merc up to this point quickly moved ahead.

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Merc thought it odd that they would attack her in the midst of so many people, but she tightened her hand anyway in case she needed to retaliate.

And just as she did

Hey, old man. Why dont you buzz off!

Two men came out of nowhere, directly between Merc and the middle-aged man2.

W-Who are you two?

Right back at you. Who the hell are you? Dont you think youre a bit old to be hitting on young girls? Shes clearly irritated so why dont you leave her alone?

What a geezer.

The middle-aged man clenched his fists in panic after being confronted by the two young men.

J-Just so you know, when I was younger, I applied to be an adventurer! If youd like some of this, then co

Eat this!

Hyaa!

One of the young men swung his fist and came to a halt just in front of the middle-aged mans nose. The middle-aged man fell back and fled away with his tail between his legs after seeing the fist in front of him.

Hah! Thats what you get!

Are you okay, miss?

With smiles on their faces, the two young men turned around to ask Merc after scaring the middle-aged man away. Merc sensed something wasnt quite right the moment she noticed their smiles.

These two are planning something.

They wouldnt have followed Merc all this time if they hadnt been plotting something.

Merc couldnt trust them, despite the fact that they had assisted her in getting rid of the obnoxious middle-aged man, and despite their sincere smiles. That was Mercs belief.

Thank you. You really saved me there.

After Merc thanked them, one of the men said, Do not mention it. It must be difficult being this pretty3.

The man looked at his partner and made a face as if he had just remembered something after saying that.

Thats right. We might as well act as your guards since were already here, miss. I dont have anything else to do all day, and I wouldnt want something like this to happen again.

Thank you, but

Hm Its a bit troublesome, but I guess youre right. I wouldnt be able to sleep at night knowing that some other bastard would try to hit on her. Okay. Then miss how about this. We know a pretty good place, so how about you come with us?

No, I

Its settled. Come on, miss. Lets go!

Both men began to walk forward after forcefully leading the conversation. For a brief moment, Merc considered turning around and fleeing. However, if they found her again, she would most likely be forced to accompany them.

It would also be inconvenient for Merc if they pursued her back to her inn. Merc realized the men were small fry now that she had met them up close. Rather than fleeing and hiding, Merc reasoned that it would be more convenient to demonstrate her might so that they would never attempt to tamper with her again. That way she wouldnt waste that much time.

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Whats wrong, miss? Arent you coming?

Arent we your saviors4? It wont hurt to keep us company for a little while, would it?

Both men said to Merc, who was just standing in place, with smiles on their faces. They were probably unaware, though, that their eyes were not smiling at all.

If youre going that far, then I have no choice but to accept.

Merc said, having chosen to go along with the mens charade. She walked forward, quickly closing the distance between them.

Hehe. Great!

Well take you to our special spot!5

Both of them burst into laughter. Each one was assigned to Mercs side in order to defend her, or more precisely, to keep her from fleeing. As the men laughed, Merc just strolled alongside them, holding the skewers wood stick in her mouth.