The Crazy Mage Reincarnated into a Fallen Family

Chapter 59: Bounty Hunter

[Translator - Hestia][Proofreader - Prøks]

Chapter 59: Bounty Hunter

Daisy muttered in disbelief.

"That's an exaggeration."

The chief officer smiled understandingly.

"Haha, I knew you wouldn't believe it. Even I didn't expect it to be this much."

"Are you out of your mind, Chief? Even if it's true, it's as much as the entire Merchant Association."

"The Leon Merchant Association as a whole doesn't possess an unimaginable amount of money. There's a limit to the cash they have on hand. This amount is definitely not something to be underestimated compared to their wealth."

"..."

I observed the expressions of the executives for a moment, gauging the situation.

Their reactions made it clear that the amount was substantial, and the executives had no idea Shepiro had been stashing away this much.

However, from my perspective, it wasn't particularly surprising.

Collecting tolls is inherently profitable.

If he had been extorting money from all the merchants passing through the city and keeping it all for himself, it's no wonder the money piled up so quickly.

"Well done."

Clap clap—

As I abruptly started clapping, the executives finally joined in with pleased expressions.

The third-rate chief officer, thinking he had finally earned recognition, raised both hands and shouted.

"We, we're rich now!"

"We?"

As soon as I questioned him, Daisy swiftly turned her head and landed a quick blow to the back of the chief officer's head.

"Are you crazy? Why are 'we' rich? Isn't that right, boss?"

I responded with a serious expression.

"Embezzlement is a serious crime. As the employer, I'll be confiscating all the embezzled funds."

While the executives were confused, unable to comprehend my response, I looked at the chief officer and asked.

"Do you know the Hamad Merchant Group?"

The chief officer, clutching the back of his head, replied.

"Yes, I do."

"Were they part of the Merchant Association?"

"No, they weren't active in Leon. But they were a large merchant group, so I occasionally encountered them in Leon. Although they're no longer around."

"Could we acquire Hamad with this money?"

At that moment, as if an idea had struck him, the chief officer gulped and answered.

"...If it were the Hamad of the past, maybe not. But the recent Hamad? It would be more than enough."

"I see."

I briefly surveyed the surroundings and then issued orders to organize the situation.

"First, Chief, find a wagon and load the gold bars. Get the most dilapidated one you can find. And make sure the gold bars aren't visible. Don't load too many, just a reasonable amount."

I then looked at the other executives.

"Everyone, keep doing your jobs well. And fix that front gate properly. What is that, all tattered? The messenger, make sure the kids keep their mouths shut. Daisy, wait until the chief is done organizing, then come to the Merchant Association with the wagon. I'll go ahead."

"The Merchant Association?"

I lifted a small pouch lying to the side and said.

"I have to go collect the bounty."

I walked through the manor and turned back at the front gate.

The mercenaries were greeting me with bright faces.

"Farewell!"

As soon as I crossed the front gate and took a few steps, I heard Daisy shouting from behind.

"These idiots are grinning like fools. Have you ever heard of a crazy bastard? The boss is a master of disguise. You never know when the guy next to you might turn into the boss. Don't let your guard down, not even when you're peeing or sleeping. Got it?"

The mercenaries shuddered at Daisy's words.

* * *

The Merchant Association was located at the edge of the southern Leon district.

In terms of location, it was the furthest away from the Dark Soul headquarters.

They occupied an entire towering building, with men in martial attire guarding the exterior.

As I approached, one of the men blocked the entrance and inquired about my business.

I held out the bundle and said,

"Shepiro's head."

"What?"

A man who appeared to be the leader hurriedly approached from the side, looking suspiciously back and forth between me and the bundle.

"... You say it's Boss Shepiro's head? May I confirm?"

I handed him the bundle without a word. He untied the knot, checked inside the box, and then responded with a surprised expression.

"Please wait a moment."

While the man rushed inside, I struck up a conversation with those standing nearby.

"Are you locals?"

Having seen the severed head inside the box, their attitude towards me had become noticeably more respectful.

"No, we've been hired for a few months."

"Ah."

It seemed the Merchant Association had paid outside mercenaries for protection.

At that moment, the entrance opened, and the man who had gone inside reappeared along with a merchant dressed in fine clothing.

"Please come inside."

The interior was impeccably clean.

The merchant led me to a reception room on the top floor, ordered refreshments from a servant, and then took a seat in the place of honor.

"Please, have a seat."

As I sat beside him, the merchant scrutinized me and then spoke.

"Excuse me, but may I ask your name?"

"I'm Ruin. Has Shepiro's head been confirmed?"

"... Of course. By the way, you look young, but you're quite impressive. Even renowned hunters failed at this task."

"You flatter me."

The merchant leaned back and let out a sigh.

"We've been through a lot over the years. Shepiro's tyranny was so severe that we've been deeply troubled until recently. But I never imagined someone would bring Shepiro's head in this manner."

When I didn't respond, the merchant asked with an awkward expression.

"If you don't mind me asking, how did you kill him?"

"It was nothing special. Shepiro seemed to have a sudden urge to relieve himself and ran off in a panic, so I simply took care of him from behind."

"... Ruin, may I inquire about your family name?"

"It's Samael."

"Samael?"

The merchant paused,

"A-Association Head, I apologize for this sudden intrusion."

Michel managed his expression and replied,

"... What brings you here? Do you have business with the Merchant Association?"

The man shook his head and spoke urgently,

"The Association is not the priority. Please inform all the merchant groups in Leon. There should be no merchant groups heading to Khaoto for the time being."

"What?"

"War has broken out in Khaoto."

[Translator - Hestia]

[Proofreader - Prøks]