On that day, I had a visitor since this morning.

Well, I wanted to see Carlo-samas sword skills with my own eyes.

I should show you the arena sometime soon. Well, theres no better place to go to see a match, right?

Youre right, hoho

In front of my eyes was Viscount Gerg.

Even if our social status is different he isnt my vassal, but because theres a huge difference in economic structure his territory is included in mine.

Viscount Gerg seemed to be in his early 60s and was a gentle person.

When he was laughing his eyes would become thin lines this also made him seem rather kind.

Inwardly he also seems to have that kind of character, he gained the peoples respect by giving the poor. (TN: I dont trust him =__=)

Though, because hes a viscount he isnt a high-ranking noble but despite being of an old aristocratic family hes close to Carlo whos an emerging aristocrat.

Id like to take care of this relationship so that I can use him as a fighting force in the conflict with the major aristocratic families.

Well then, I shall return soon. Please take care of your body in the future because it will grow cold soon.

Right back at you, Gerg. Take care of your body.

Thank you, Carlo. Then I shall take my leave.

After Gerg left I chose a suitable reason to leave the mansion and went to the hideout.

I put on my mask, just to be sure and entered the hideout where Pick was waiting.

Whats the matter, Pick? Did something happen?

When I asked Pick with my mask covering my face to hide my identity, Pick answered with a difficult expression.

Its from big bro Drum and Bass. Strange things seem to happen recently for some reason.

What are those strange things?

I didnt really understand it that well, but there seems to be some guy putting the blame for crimes on the Rabbit Group.

What the hell?

I decided to go to the Rabbit groups hiding place together with Pick first.

So, what do you mean?

I dont really get it either. Just that theres some guy doing vicious things under our name.

Bass answered my question but he didnt seem to know what happened.

Drum, what does that mean?

Yes, even though he assumed our name its not the Rabbit group name. These guys seemed to perform kidnappings repeatedly and call themselves Highway thieves.

Tha, thats right. They only kidnap beautiful women and take ransom money but never return the hostages. However, if you dont pay the ransom youll find the kidnapped woman murdered somewhere.

Highway thieves, you said? That was the name you used before, right? I just want to verify one thing, none of you did that, right?

O, of course, we didnt! Ever since we follow head Akatsuki we stopped doing things like killing or kidnapping.

I ask because my seniors have a criminal record.

Well, anyhow, it doesnt look like they were lying.

So that culprit is calling himself Highway Thief?

Thats right. So, what in the world shall we do?

Well, you reap what you sow.

Because they are like a backbone for my illegal actions.

I understood the situation. Go search for the perpetrator of the kidnappings. However, dont do anything more than that.

Understood!

Apart from that, hows the relay road?

Like this, we can earn a lot. As you told me I bought some horses and made several stations along the main road to the capital. When you use these you wont even take 2 days to the capital.

Hoh, up until now a messenger would take at least 3 days so this is rather fast.

Because its like this we can use it as a business. Things like love letters or medicine, things people want to send quickly, we can charge them with a high price.

Naturally. What about collecting information?

Other than the information about the wheat I told you before there isnt anything else at the moment. Its just that the atmosphere between the royal family and the influential nobles grew more dangerous.

I see, then it might be good to come in contact with the royal family soon and press for the engagement with the princess.

Hows the matter of attacking the caravans who dont hold a bill going? (TN: The caravans who have paid up to go into the city get a bill)

About that, Head, look over there.

When that guy Bass said so he joyfully brought out a black cloth.

In reference to Heads mask we all made this.

As he said so he put on the black cloth.

It resembles a wrestling mask.

If we attack the caravans like this theyll get so scared theyll immediately hand over the money. Because those guys dont have a bill theyll try to avoid the checking stations by using other roads other than the highway so theyll immediately know what awaits them.

Thats fine and all but you completely look like a combatant of an evil organisation when you put that on, senior.

How is it? Dont you think it looks pretty cool?

Ye, yeah, they look pretty good

Right? If we work under the Head we have to have masks after all!

Oh well, as long as my seniors are happy with it then lets settle with this. (TN: The evil Rabbit organisations combatants are born~)

After I left the Rabbit Groups hiding place I looked around the adventurers guild.

Unusually she didnt wear her Breastplate over her light clothing but you still could see her valley like always.

Yo, Mister Akatsuki. I waited for you

What is it, Crescent Moon? Do you have any business with me? (TN: Bye bye money again?)

I got some rather interesting information. I think this might interest you.

Hoh, what kind of information?

Slow down there, I wont tell you for free. Give me five gold coins. If you dont I wont tell you (TN: Yep, bye-bye, money again)

She wants five gold coins again.

I took out five gold coins and handed them to Crescent Moon.

Thank you! The truth is (TN: I just wanted your money and will now run away? I actually love you? Im Felicia?)

Crescent Moon suddenly lowered her voice and brought her face closer to mine.

I suddenly became worried whether my breath smells bad.

Recently a guy came over and asked me to do some absolutely confidential work. Looks like he heard that Id do anything for money.

I brushed my teeth this morning so it should be fine. (TN: You have toothbrushes?. I mean, listen to her. Ill hit you)

So I can tell you what kind of job it is but I cant tell you the details. The reward was at least 10 gold coins and hed pay me more depending on the results.

Still, Crescent Moons breathe smells pretty good.

Aah, and her lips look really soft. (TN: You paid money for this so listen up!!!)

So I thought a little and asked him if I could bring a friend who would do anything for money like me and can keep his mouth shut

Besides, there are those wonderfully round lumps in front of my face.

They completely looked like tender rice cakes, no, like two mirror rice cakes. (TN: So itsmochiandkagami mochi. I believe he meant one kagami mochi though and also, youre an idiot)

How is it? Its interesting, right? So I thought about taking you with me. Want to do it?

Thats right, I want to eat rice cakes again after this long. (TN:face palm)

Hah? What the hell? Even though a person is talking seriously here you are thinking about food? Listen properly!

Aah, sorry. I listened properly. Of course, Ill do it. Thissmells kind of fishy. (TN: You actually listened?.)

Hmpf, well, fine then. Okay then I will contact the other person today so come back here tomorrow.

Mmm, when she got angry they bounced.

What a splendid view.