The Villains I Taught Became Heroes

8 – Not Monopoly – 1

***

It had been about two months since he had settled in the eastern upper region.

While observing Sowol’s training as usual and returning to his residence to enjoy tea, Sojungyang called for him.

What could it be? It was rare for Sojungyang to call him, so there seemed to be some kind of problem.

Oh? Could it be an event? An in-game event?!

In the game, sudden events would occasionally occur, and clearing them often resulted in various rewards.

Thinking about it, he couldn’t afford to miss it, so he immediately went to find Sojungyang.

“Master, please come in. Haha. Would you like a cup of tea?”

It seemed like there was something to say, but he couldn’t bring himself to say it.

Why was he digging around like this before getting to the point?

Waiting for Sojungyang to speak, he sipped the tea he had poured.

Until he finished the cup of tea, Sojungyang didn’t say anything. Finally, he let out a deep sigh and opened his mouth.

“We received a request from the lord.”

“A request?”

The lord, wasn’t that the person from last time?

The one who had moved together when they defeated the Skull Sect.

Although there was not much closeness between Sojungyang and the lord, he had heard that the lord had been quite accommodating.

“There are signs of social activity within the territory,” Sojungyang said.

Certainly an event!

By the way, social activities… This could be a headache.

These social guys were not only secretive but also used annoying techniques, making them one of the annoying characters to deal with in the game.

He debated whether to just let it go, but still, an event was an event. Considering what he could gain, he couldn’t just ignore it.

“Where did you get that information?”

“I found it in the mountain retreat of the Skull Clan. They were also part of the social circle, it seems.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. Traces were found inside their retreat, offering sacrifices to the deity of the social circle. And in a letter discovered there, it was revealed that members of the social circle are active within our territory.”

Dealing with the social circle. Surely, from the perspective of a lord, it would be quite a troublesome matter.

The social circle conducts human sacrifices, undermining the security of the territory and the loyalty of its residents.

So having members of the social circle operating within one’s own territory would be quite bothersome.

“But why mention it to the Eastern Summit?”

“While executing the last operation, many guards of the territory were severely injured. They requested our cooperation due to a shortage of available forces.”

“I see.”

“So, the thing is… if you’re willing, could you take charge of this matter, my lord?”

Handling the social circle.

Certainly, there might be items to obtain when dealing with those social circle bastards.

Among them, there might be things that could help in the growth of Sowol, so it would be better to acquire them when possible.

“Sure.”

“Thank you. Then, the support…”

“No support is needed.”

Those guys.

I can handle them alone.

“My lord.”

As I returned to my residence, pondering where to start searching, Sowol, who has been coming to my place frequently these days, approached and casually sat in front of me.

“I need to go to the village. Would you like to come with me if it’s okay?”

I was already thinking of going there once.

If there are discussions about the social circle within the territory, that information must be gathered from the village.

“Sure.”

“Preparing for a drink might be a good idea, right?”

“You, kid. You’re quite observant.”

Lately, Sowol has been treating me oddly well.

Do I really need that compliment sticker?

Well, it’s just a mood.

“Oops.”

“You’ve understood the master’s heart well, so here’s a praise sticker.”

“Thank you!”

Sowol, peeling off the praise sticker stuck on her forehead, carefully placed it in her notebook, wearing a satisfied expression.

I rose from my seat in the meantime and left the room with her.

“But why are you going to the village?”

“It’s boring just to train. I thought I’d take a break and relax a bit… Is there a problem?”

With a bright smile and a playful flick of her tongue, she looked cute.

“No. It’s good to rest thoroughly when you’re resting.”

“If it were the master, he would probably say the same.”

Sowol naturally took hold of my arm as we entered the village together.

As she did, she smirked, tilting her head.

“The atmosphere in the village seems off today.”

She was right. Unlike usual, the movements of the villagers were not as lively.

Even though the notorious band of thieves, the Skulls, had been caught, the mood in the territory should have been better. Perhaps this was also influenced by social interactions.

“Let’s head to the market for now.”

“Sure.”

From Noble mtl dot com

Upon reaching the familiar Tanghuru restaurant, the owner, now a familiar face, greeted us with a smile.

But even in that smile, there was a shadow.

“I’ll have strawberry.”

“I’ll go with grapes.”

As we ordered and waited as usual, I glanced at the Tanghuru decorations and asked casually.

“Is business going well these days?”

“Ah, it’s a mess. A complete mess.”

“Is something happening?”

“In the past few days, there have been missing person cases. It’s causing a stir. People are disappearing left and right, regardless of age or gender. So these days, not many people venture outside. That’s why business isn’t doing well. Normally, I would have sold at least twenty by now, but you two are only the third customers today.”

After hearing his words, I glanced around the market.

The usually bustling place now had a distinct feeling of being about half-empty.

“There are stories that ghosts appear there every night. Some even say they snatch people who wander around at night… The night market can’t even dream properly. The harvest festival is approaching, but what are we supposed to do… Tsk, tsk.”

Sighing deeply once again, he handed me a bowl of hot stew.

Eating it with So Wol, I surveyed the market.

“Similar stories are circulating in other shops too.”

“That’s true.”

Chewing on the hot stew, I mumbled as So Wol and I headed towards the tavern.

“Oh, Master!”

It was then. A voice filled with joy reached my ears.

Turning around, I saw a female knight in armor running towards us with soldiers.

“Oh… it’s Ann, right?”

“Yes! You remembered me!”

She wasn’t freckled, nor was she slender, but I remembered her because of her red hair.

She was one of the knights of the territory who had participated in the skeleton eradication operation last year.

“Miss So Wol too… It’s been a while.”

“Yes, it has. It’s been a while.”

Ann’s gaze towards So Wol wasn’t particularly friendly.

So Wol seemed the same.

Was it because of the tense atmosphere between the two women who stared at each other?

The already heavy atmosphere became even heavier.

“But what’s going on? Wearing armor and everything. Are you going on some kind of mission?”

Trying to change the mood with a word, Ann sighed bitterly and spoke softly.

“Recently, there have been many unsettling rumors circulating within the territory. Do you know about it, Master?”

“If it’s a missing person case, I know about it too.”

“It’s not just that. It’s related to the skeleton gang…”

“I know about the investigation into the skeleton gang and the rumors about its connection to socializing.”

“That’s right! As expected of you, Master!”

Well, it’s not that impressive.

Looking at me with sparkling eyes, Ann subtly turned her gaze to So Wol.

“If that’s the case, may I inquire whether you’ve come to the village to resolve this matter, Master?”

“I cannot deny it. The Lord personally requested the Eastern Exalted One to intervene, and so here I am, lending a hand.”

“Ah, I see! That works out well! I’ve been investigating the matter myself. If it’s alright with you, would you consider joining forces?”

Join forces? Really?

I raised my head, glancing past her to the soldiers behind her.

This matter doesn’t require the involvement of several people.

There’s no need to complicate things and share the rewards among many.

“…Is that so? Then, will you be working on this matter together with Miss Sowol?”

“One could say that, I suppose.”

I gain items, Sowol gains experience.

For both of us, this is an excellent opportunity, and we can’t afford to let it slip away.

“…Why?”

“Hmm?”

“It’s nothing. Anyway, if Master here is going to resolve this matter, it’s truly a fortunate turn of events. I suppose there’s no need to worry.”

She awkwardly smiled, bowed to me, and turned away.

As she and the soldiers distanced themselves, Sowol lightly grabbed the hem of my clothing.

“That woman. She seems hostile toward me.”

“That seems to be the case.”

“Do you know why?”

It was from the incident that happened before.

After dealing with the Skeleton Clan, Ann came to find me a few days later.

Despite her young age, she had obtained the title of a knight, and her pride was inflated. She challenged me to a duel.

Naturally, I dismissed the challenge as accepting wouldn’t be proper etiquette. The next day, she came to me, expressing her desire to become my disciple.

Of course, I refused.

With talent comparable to Ann’s, it would be difficult for her to reach the level I desire.

Her talent wasn’t lacking, slightly above average, but that wasn’t what I was looking for.

“…I see.”

Upon hearing my explanation, Sowol smiled slyly. Why does she look so pleased?

Come to think of it, it suits her well.

I acknowledged the overwhelming difference in talent, so I suppose.

“If that’s the case, then you’re the only disciple of the master.”

“For now, yes.”

Sowol’s smile became even brighter at my response.