The Former Holy Knight. Having Lost My Job and Childhood Friend, I Decided to Start a Dark Guild

On the very day, we delivered the requested holy relic to the LeBlanc Ducal Household and received our payment. The reward for this quest was twenty gold coins.

The reward for the cat search that the Michino Family is still undertaking pales in comparison. Despite some losses incurred due to Nadale’s extortion, this month ended with the largest profit margin ever.

I want to install a bath in the mansion right away, but I’ve decided to first give some money to Fatty Pitt.

Pitt has been sobbing every day since his proud brewery was blown up. The pot where he saved his money was destroyed in the explosion, leaving him nearly penniless, and now he’s being pelted with stones by resentful townsfolk. I felt bad for him since the Gambino’s retaliation was our issue.

I thought that if I gave him money under the condition that he properly learns to brew, he might change his ways. After all, his parents were decent brewers.

There are also former blacksmiths and goldsmiths living in this town who couldn’t keep up with the craftsmen guild’s policies or were chased out of their jobs due to some disputes. It’s a waste to let their skills rot away, so I intend to support them in restarting their work in the Loser’s District if they wish.

Of course, this isn’t a charity. It’s all for mutual benefit. If commercial activities in the Loser’s District, our territory, become more vibrant, the number of requests will naturally increase. The development of the town is essential for the guild’s future.

However, this kind of work seems beyond my capability. I’ll need her help.

Once I had a moment to spare, I headed to Pornai to meet Sofia Gracier. Even though I’ve been to La Bohème numerous times since taking on the bodyguard job, it never gets easier.

Especially since recently, whenever I visit, Seneca and the other bodyguards, along with the women working in the brothel, greet me at the entrance, making me incredibly nervous.

Today, too, I was led into the brothel, bowing to a large group of men and women. Really, it’s as if I’m the Don of a Dark Guild. Well, actually, I am.

Seneca led me to a room at the very back, where Sofia received me with a respectful demeanor.

“Don, congratulations on the successful completion of your request. Please, make yourself comfortable on the sofa.”

Although Sofia is officially a member of the Michino Family, she’s also a business partner. With beauty similar to Cecil’s and an enchanting aura, she’s always been a challenging person to deal with due to her uncanny ability to read people.

And today, I felt a different kind of tension. Above Sofia’s head floated ancient characters.

The loyalty that was 30 the last time we met is now 50. It seems the successful completion of the recent request has increased her loyalty. Because of this, Sofia’s demeanor towards me felt more intimate than usual.

Once alone, Sofia placed two glasses on the table and poured some wine.

“With this, it seems we’ll be able to secure the support of the LeBlanc family.”

“Yes, we’re going to be busy. The agreement day with the LeBlanc family is approaching, and besides that, I want to develop our territory’s commerce. I need Sofia’s help for both.”

“I’ll assist you in any way I can, with one condition.”

Suddenly, Sofia sat on my lap and gently stroked my head. “Please don’t look so sad in front of me. Did something happen with that special someone?”

“That, well…”

I hesitated at Sofia’s words. Any attempt to gloss over the truth would be transparent in front of Sofia.

Perhaps it’s because I’m with Sofia, who resembles Cecil. Indeed, I was thinking about Cecil. Not just about what happened at the Giant Stone Castle but also about the meeting arrangement I had made with Bumpy. Despite her busy schedule, I had given her several dates, but so far, none had worked out.

Sofia stroked my head and said, “Then, shall I perform the service I’ve been practicing to soothe you?”

“You’ve been practicing to soothe me?”

Before I could grasp what was happening, Sofia brought her lips close to my ear.

“Leon, shall we do something naughty, as if I were the captain?”

I jerked in response to Cecil’s voice suddenly whispering in my ear. “What are you talking about!”

Sofia chuckled. “I’m glad. You finally reacted to me. It was worth practicing the Saintess’s voice imitation to cheer you up.”

Saying that, Sofia pulled my face into her soft chest and hugged me. “After completing such a big task, you deserve some enjoyment.”

Unable to resist any longer, I stood up, lifting Sofia in my arms. “…Anyway, I’m counting on you for the deal with the LeBlanc family. You’re the only one in our family who can handle it.”