Chapter 88: Debt 88 - My New Assistant

In a way, Ryan had already grown accustomed to the constant competition the girls had for his attention.

To the point where, even though they made him angry on occasion.

He also enjoyed it being that way; having them act like that made him forget all the problems he was involved in.

But now it was time to decide which of them was the most suitable to accompany him on this trip.

And how they would go about it was also something they needed to discuss.

’The village matters can’t wait any longer; several things need to be resolved today. And it’s possible that I’ll be gone for a long time on this trip. So, at the very least, I must leave the village in a stable state.’

Ryan began to think, remembering that the former king’s relic still hadn’t been transferred to his ownership.

While it was true that he had to leave the village to go to the city of the elves.

He was also cautious, knowing he couldn’t leave until the relic was recharged.

Then Helen planted herself in front of Ryan, snapping him out of his thoughts.

"Isn’t it obvious? I am the strongest of everyone. I’m going with you to the village."

Mirian protested.

"No, you want to be number one in everything. Stop being so selfish, Helen... you only think of yourself." Mirian positioned herself in front of him, looking at him with the eyes of a sad puppy.

"Stop acting like that! Do you want to fight? Huh? Mirian."

"Well, if there’s no other choice, I’ll gladly put you in your place."

The rest of the girls didn’t dare to intervene or even get close.

Except for Irina. Trying to calm them down, she approached.

"Hey... I don’t think you should be fight—"

"You shut up, you spoiled little elf," Helen grumbled.

Irina looked down and slumped her shoulders.

"Neither of you is hopeless..." Ryan pushed Helen and Mirian aside and walked between them.

He walked to the edge of the bed and sat down.

"Neither of you is going!" he exclaimed sharply.

"But Ryan... why?" Helen asked in confusion. "I’m supposed to go with you. I’m the strongest."

"And also the most impulsive and problematic. But that isn’t the reason you aren’t going." Ryan directed his gaze toward Beatrice.

"I have no idea how demons grow stronger, but I want you to stay here and train with Beatrice."

He placed one foot on the bed and rested his elbow on his knee, letting his jaw rest on the back of his hand.

"But Ryan..."

"No buts. That is more important, and I think you’ll do well. Beatrice has epic weapons now, and I want her to train enough to, if possible, surpass the powers of a Principality."

Beatrice approached timidly, as if trying not to draw the attention of those who were fighting just seconds ago.

"I promise I will become much stronger by the time you return," she said with a smile, looking only at Ryan and no one else.

For a moment, he seemed to blush—not out of embarrassment, but because, somehow, that expression on her seemed very tender to him.

Then Mirian approached.

"Okay, I understand why Helen isn’t going, but what about me? Besides Helen, I’m the only S-rank. I’m sure I’ll be very useful on this trip."

Ryan sighed.

Then he looked at her intently.

"Mirian... you just answered that yourself."

She looked at him, confused.

"What do you mean?"

"Well... if Helen and Beatrice are going to be training, you’re the only S-rank who can watch over the village while I’m gone."

"It’s not fair. Even Karol, although she’s not S-rank, has a lot of magic power. She could kill anyone. She could handle the village without problems."

Karol tried to intervene but remained silent as she saw Ryan continue speaking.

"Mirian, it’s true that Karol is very powerful, but if I’m not here and she runs out of mana... I mean, have you even thought about what would happen?"

Mirian tried to speak, but.

He stood up and placed his hand on her shoulder.

"Do you understand what I’m trying to say? I can only trust this very important task to you."

She looked at him with glowing eyes.

Then she turned away, blushing.

"W-well... if you put it that way, there’s no other choice. Count on me. I assure you I won’t leave anyone alive who dares to come around causing trouble."

Ryan nodded.

"So, as you’ve probably realized, only Karol, Irina, and I will be going to the dwarven city."

After the conversation ended, everyone went to have breakfast.

Irina prepared food for everyone.

A few hours later, Helen and Beatrice went to the dungeon to train.

Although she had initially suggested another place because the dungeon’s mana hurt her.

Helen refused and forced her to go there until she got used to it; they would do that as part of the training as well.

Irina, who had gone out earlier, returned with someone. And she met with Ryan.

"So, who is she?" he asked curiously.

"She is, well... she’s the one I think can do an excellent job as an assistant."

Ryan looked at the girl closely.

’A tail... wolf ears? Is she one of the beastmen?’

"But I thought you said you’d look for an elf."

"Yes, I intended to at first. But the beastmen race feels bad because they haven’t done anything to help so far, and you’ve only been protecting them."

’Though I hadn’t even seen them until now...’

"But Your Majesty, don’t worry. I assure you she is very capable. Even Alfred, who was in charge of the village’s financial affairs, said this girl’s potential is impressive," Irina exclaimed, bowing her head.

"Please... Your Majesty, I beg you to give me the opportunity to be your assistant. I swear I won’t disappoint you."

"Well, if you’re so confident, and it’s Irina who suggested it so insistently, then I’ll trust that you’ll do a good job."

"Yes!" both shouted in unison.

Knock Knock Knock

There was a sound at the door.

When Irina opened it, it was the alchemist who entered.

"Your Majesty. I’ve brought the Chimera weapons you ordered."

She was laughing to herself as she looked at the box she was carrying.

"And I assure you, I have never been so proud to forge such a powerful weapon. This is my best creation; you won’t regret it."