A five-star quest? As far as I know, the entirety of the mercenary guild only has a handful of five-star quests.

The vast majority of high-level missions were four-stars. To put it into context, one of the five-star quests from Joshuas past life was dragon reconnaissance.

Dont be so anxious. This is a straightforward escort request, with a substantial reconnaissance component.

Funny how an escort quest got rated five stars.

Are you going to take it?

Joshua nodded after a moment of silence.

Ill take care of it. When can I depart?

Right away. Its in the eastern regions of Tripiawhere Count Rebrecca lived.

Joshuas eyes widened. Now that I think about it! He grimaced as old memories came to light.

If I succeed, youll explain your relationship with her?

No problem, as long as you finish it. But I acknowledge your request.

Hmm Oh. Joshua smiled. Another thing.

Aiden had a bad feeling. That grin was oddly familiar.

A test, and a missionthere has to be a reward, right?

I

Im fairly certain you wont be stingy about it. Joshua shrugged.

I remember now. Aiden groaned inside. That middle-aged guy with the short hair. Not only did he work with excessive amounts of money, but he was also an expert at fundraising. He had the smile of a gold-eating monsterthey called him the gold ingot of Avalon.

Well its a test and a mission, so I do intend to compensate you. However, since this is a personal request, the pay wont be that large

You already know what I want, dont you? This is the hardest a quest gets, short of un-starred missions. I dont think Im asking for too much.

Its Laypone, isnt it.

Joshuas grin widened and Aiden felt the urge to grab his head and shake it. He acted like the continents greatest bully, not its greatest talent.

Wouldnt it be best to leave it in the hands of someone who appreciates it? Its value hinges on how valuable people find it in the early stages of testing.

The creator has no intention of commercializing it at this time

Inventors always want to see their devices used well.

Joshua had a knack for thished make for a good businessman, in Aidens opinion. Aiden found himself unable to answer, even though the boy was less than a third of his age. Of course, he had no idea that Joshua had an entire life behind him already.

She holds complete authority over Laypone, as Im sure youre aware. Also, my artifact is customized, so I dont

Arranging a meeting with her is sufficient, because, as far as Im aware, youre the only one who can. Ill handle the rest.

...Thats probably true. He smiled bitterly. Okay. Ill take care of it.

I appreciate it.

Aiden shook his head, flabbergasted by Joshuas casual demeanor.

Youre something, you know that? You Did you know I come from Avalon? You remind me of a nobleman I know. They call him the gold ingota real gold-eating monster.

Ah, Cox von Wagen? Not exactly the most polite-sounding nickname

I know. Aiden smirked. In any case, weve been talking for quite a while. You will attend to my request, Baron Joshua Sanders?

Right away. Joshua tugged his robe back up and smiled. By the way: its not Joshua Sanders, Avalon aristocrat, its Ash, the mercenary.

Achoo!

Huh? Did you catch a cold, Cox? Charles cocked her head at Cox as he sniffled.

No, Im fine. I think someone is cursing me, though.

Charles snorted and giggled.

I wouldnt be surprised with how you usually act.

She lost all sense of humor after her father died, Cox thought. Its such a relief to see her like this, rare as it is.

No, she hasnt found her sense of humorshes found herself. He smiled. We owe it to them.

They really are incredible. Sir Cain has already taken to training our family, and Icarus remains shut in her chambers, plotting her next move. Its clearly someone elses business, but theyve taken to it with aplomb.

Cox was extremely grateful, even though he considerably outranked both of them. He nodded appreciatively, especially thankful for the young man who sent them.

Yes, Charles agreed. We are forever grateful. They ought to be rewardedwe are not a great family for nothing, after all.

Just the two of them? Cox smiled menacingly.

What? Charles shivered.

All Im saying is that theyre just following their masters commands. Their prize should account for him, too.

Oh Charles flushed. Of course. We owe him our thanks as well. However, even if we succeed, the cost of rebuilding the family and our finances would be considerable. Monstrous, even. A princess with no sense of money wouldnt understand, she already has more than she knows what to do with!

True but if everything goes well, well swallow all of their business, too. So the reward

You seem optimistic, but it seems to me like its only possible because of his help. Besides, do you think money is a joke?

Coxs eyes widened.

Dont you understand how money works? We need to rebuild everything from the ground up, Charles berated. Even if our family is a giant and we somehow win the war, we still have to regain the trust of our customers.

Well

We need money to make money. Its going to be a long time before its smooth riding again.

Its a manufacturing plant, so itll be extremely profitable even if left alone, so

Enough, Cox. I know.

Then dont talk about money so casually.

The reputation of our family as merchants is our top priority. If we ask for help without paying it back, how are we to earn our prestige back?

Who said there would be no compensation? Cox gave her a wide-eyed look.

...Isnt there?

I brought up money as an example but Im certain that Young Master Joshua isnt concerned about such things.

This coming from a man who loved money more than his own life.

...But?

Cox grinned at her.

Without money, theres only one option isnt there? Put your whole body into it.

Charles stared blankly at Cox for a moment.

C-Cox! She flushed bright red. What are you saying?

A relationship with the man who saved you Its like a fairytale!

Getget out! This money pinching man!

A Pontier aide burst in, interrupting Coxs teasing.

This is serious! The Crombells are on the move.

Charles and Cox locked eyes, and went scrambling out the door.