The Kicked Out S-Rank Appraiser Creates The Strongest Guild - Chapter 55

Chapter 55   Moonlight

Expelling Gilbert and the Second Unit’s newfound compliance had significantly calmed the movement to oust Laurent from the Golden Hawk.

Dungeon management was proceeding smoothly, and Laurent was receiving a report from Claria in the guild master’s office.

“The management of the Demon Realm Dungeon is progressing well. We are likely to meet the target quantities for Chimera Feathers, iron ore, and silver ore.”

“And how is the Second Unit?”

“No problems. Sometimes they clash with the First Unit members, but when I say, ‘I’ll tell Laurent,’ they quiet down.”

“I see.”

Laurent had hinted to each unit that their performance in dungeon management could affect their budget allocation for the next term. As a result, they were careful not to damage their standing with Laurent unnecessarily.

(It looks like we can get through this term somehow. The real issue is next term.)

Ist and his team, challenging the Mine Dungeon, would likely suffer a crushing defeat at the hands of the Guardians of the Magic Tree. Laurent’s plan was to let the Alric Unit achieve merits while Ist’s team continued to fail. This would weaken the Second Unit’s influence, allowing him to further his reforms and solidify his position.

(Let’s see if it works out.)

Even if they suffered a crushing defeat, Laurent doubted Ist’s team would back down easily. If they felt their authority was being threatened, they would likely cause trouble again. Laurent needed to prepare to gradually restructure the Second Unit.

Additionally, he needed to make preparations for the Alric Unit. Elevating the Alric’s Unit’s status might cause them to become overconfident. To prevent this, Laurent needed to either strengthen his relationship with Alric or create mechanisms to control the Alric Unit’s authority.

(I can only trust Jill and Daevin. Until the S-class extermination unit is fully operational, I can’t let my guard down.)

Laurent couldn’t help but let out a dry laugh as he realized how accustomed he had become to the mindset of a power holder. In the Guardians of the Magic Tree, Lilianne had managed all these internal politics, but in the Golden Hawk, he had to handle it all himself.

Honestly, he wished he could focus on his primary duty of training and development sooner.

On the desk lay a magic book and a bottle of wine that enhanced magical power. The vanity held intricately decorated cosmetic bottles. The purple curtains bore mysterious symbols. In such a room that screamed “witch’s bedroom,” Lilianne basked in the moonlight streaming through the window with a dreamy look on her face.

She was in bed, but all her clothes were discarded on the floor. Her body was enveloped in a pleasant languor, a result of the love she had just shared with the man lying next to her. Though she thought it improper, her loneliness had led her to invite him over. In their long-awaited intimate encounter, she had clung to her beloved with all her might, relishing his affection to the fullest.

After savoring the afterglow of their intimacy, she now let out a wistful sigh, indicating that the flame of passion still smoldered faintly within her. A slight fan would make it blaze brightly again. Lilianne couldn’t handle this lingering desire on her own, so she reached out to the man who had made her so happy earlier, intending to seek more affection from him.

But she stopped halfway when she heard his quiet, steady breathing, signaling that he was sound asleep.

(Laurent, you’ve fallen asleep.)

Lilianne, feeling a pang of loneliness, retracted her hand. Instead, she gazed dreamily at Laurent’s face, illuminated by the moonlight. Tonight was the first time they could spend together after resolving the issues with the Golden Hawk.

Lately, she had felt especially lonely during her nights alone. Every night, she would lie in bed, unable to sleep, thinking about Laurent as she watched the moonlight streaming through the window. If possible, she wanted to be by his side like this every night.

Tomorrow, Laurent would not be able to come to her house again. The thought made her sad, and she shifted restlessly. If she wouldn’t see him for a while, she wanted to feel close to him now. She nestled her cheek against his arm to feel his presence more intimately.

(You work so hard, Laurent. But it’s okay to take a little more rest and spend time in my room.)

On a lonely night when even the faint moonlight was hidden behind the clouds, Monica, feeling a surge of unbearable sadness, made her way to Laurent’s house.

(Laurent, why do you always go to Lilianne? I was the top scorer in the battle, too. Sure, Lilianne may have met you first, but can’t you spend at least these lonely nights with me? Laurent!)

She had already confirmed via Hawk Eye that Laurent, Lilianne, and Jill had all returned home alone tonight. This skill, Hawk Eye, could be a very powerful stalking tool.

Holding a gift in her arms, Monica knocked on Laurent’s door.

“Yes, who is it? Oh, Monica?”

Laurent, emerging from his room, was wide-eyed at the unexpected visitor.

“Good evening, Laurent.”

“What’s up? It’s so late.”

“I just happened to be in the neighborhood and wanted to bring you a little something to thank you for always taking care of me.”

“This is… an aged wine!”

Laurent’s eyes lit up as he looked at the wine bottle.

“Yes, I hope it suits your taste…”

“Not only will it suit my taste, but it’s one of my favorites. Thank you.”

Monica had already done her research on Laurent’s favorite wine brands.

“And, also, this…”

Monica handed Laurent a basket filled with bread, meats, and other foods that paired well with the wine, all of which were Laurent’s favorites. Laurent couldn’t help but smile. Seeing his smile, Monica felt relieved. When he first came to the door, he seemed a bit tired, but it didn’t seem like she was bothering him. She decided to take the next step.

“Um, Laurent, if you don’t mind, would you like to celebrate?”

“Huh? Celebrate?”

“Yes, Laurent, you’ve just been promoted, and I haven’t had the chance to congratulate you properly.”

“Speaking of celebrations, I haven’t congratulated you yet either. You were the top scorer in takedowns.”

Monica’s heart warmed knowing Laurent remembered her achievement.

“Everyone’s so busy that gathering everyone is difficult, but at least the two of us could celebrate together…”

“Of course, that sounds great, but…”

(Going out for drinks now would be a bit much.)

The nearest pub was still a considerable distance away. Despite the cute invitation from his subordinate, he hesitated to go out again with his tired body.

“Laurent, if it’s alright with you…”

“Hmm?”

“What if we celebrate at your place?”

“At my place?”

“Yes. Only if you’re okay with it, of course…”

(Please, Laurent, don’t say no.)

Monica, with a prayerful heart, pleaded inwardly.

“Ah, well, that’s fine, but…”

Laurent remembered that his room wasn’t particularly tidy. Was it really okay to invite a girl, even if she was a subordinate, into such a room? Sensing Laurent’s unease, Monica quickly reassured him.

“It’s okay. I don’t mind if the room is a bit messy. My room is always a bit messy too.”

“Really?”

“Yes, so please don’t worry about it.”

“Well, if you say so…”

(It’s going to be busy for a while. She worked hard and deserves some reward. It’s better to celebrate while we can.)

“Alright then. Come on in.”

“Thank you!”

“But please forgive the mess.”

“It’s fine, really. I’m sure my room is messier.”

Monica said as she entered Laurent’s room. To her relief, it wasn’t as messy as she had feared. Clothes were scattered on the bed and sofa, but it was manageable.

(Great. This is no problem at all.)

She had worried about it being too dirty, but a little tidying up would suffice, and it wouldn’t ruin the romantic atmosphere.

“Laurent, I’ll prepare the food.”

“Thanks. I’ll tidy up the room then.”

They split up, with Monica heading to the kitchen and Laurent starting to clean. Monica set the table with plates and glasses, while Laurent folded the clothes. Soon, they both sat on the sofa in front of the table.

“Well then, congratulations on being the number one in defeated enemies,” Laurent said, raising his glass.

“And congratulations to you, Laurent, on becoming the Guild Master of the Golden Hawk,” Monica replied.

They clinked their wine glasses together and started to eat and chat pleasantly, discussing various topics including next season’s dungeon strategies.

“I heard that the Golden Hawk’s second squad will be handling the Mine Dungeon next season,” Monica mentioned.

“Yes, that’s correct. I intend to assign them to conquer the Mine Dungeon,” Laurent confirmed.

“Is that okay? We are also planning to take on the Mine Dungeon next season. If I may say so… I don’t think the current Golden Hawk can compete with us.”

“You’re right. They will be utterly defeated by you,” Laurent admitted.

“Is that really okay? You just became Guild Master, and if they lose to us, won’t that undermine your position?” Monica expressed her concern.

“Don’t worry about that. Just focus on doing your best as always in the dungeon,” Laurent reassured her.

After saying this, Laurent realized something.

“What I just told you, don’t tell anyone else.”

“Of course,” Monica promised.

Laurent felt relieved. He trusted Monica to keep the secret.

“It’s not something I can say too loudly, but I’m deliberately pitting them against you knowing they’ll lose.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Honestly, I don’t want to send them into such a pointless battle either. But I have no choice. If I don’t, they’ll keep interfering with me—complaining, ignoring orders, defying me. And what do they want in the end? To request a losing battle themselves,” Laurent sighed.

Laurent felt a weakness in himself. Normally, he wouldn’t complain to a subordinate like this. The good wine and having a cute girl as company probably contributed, but the real reason was his growing frustration with his job at the Golden Hawk.

Monica listened quietly, understanding the weight Laurent was carrying.

“I don’t want to say this, but they chose the path of self-destruction. It’s their own fault,” Laurent said, then scratched his head in self-loathing.

“Sigh. What am I doing? Giving a budget to subordinates who are trying to self-destruct. Maybe I shouldn’t have accepted the position of Guild Master of the Golden Hawk after all.”

“You’re not to blame, Laurent,” Monica said softly.

“What?” Laurent looked at her, surprised.

“There are always people who want to dig their own graves. So even if they lose, get embarrassed, or get hurt, you shouldn’t feel responsible for it,” Monica reassured him.

“Monica…” Laurent felt a bit of peace wash over him.

“Thank you. I feel a little better now, thanks to you.”

“It’s nothing compared to what you’ve done for me,” Monica replied modestly.

“Haha, hearing that from you makes it all worth it. Anyway, back to the topic. You don’t need to hold back against them. Don’t let your guard down or sympathize with them. Just focus on your success as an adventurer.”

“Understood. I’ll crush the second squad thoroughly,” Monica declared.

“Yes, please do,” Laurent nodded.

“I’ll take care of anyone who tries to drag you down, Laurent,” she said with determination.

“Haha, thank you. You’re such a good and honest girl,” Laurent said, looking at her with the same admiration a teacher would have for a stellar student.

Being treated this way by Laurent made Monica feel very comfortable.

(Oh no. What should I do? I want to stay like this with Laurent forever.)

She wished she could continue this teacher-student-like relationship indefinitely. However, if she remained silent, Laurent would go to either Lillian or Jill.

(Monica, you need to make up your mind. It’s okay. If you imitate Euphene, Laurent will surely…)

“Laurent, your glass is empty. Here, let me fill it,” Monica said, pouring more wine into Laurent’s glass.

“Ah, thank you,” Laurent said, savoring the wine Monica had poured.

“Phew, it’s so hot in here,” Monica remarked as she took off her jacket, revealing a sleeveless, thin outfit underneath.

Seeing her, Laurent felt his self-control slipping. Her figure, visible through the thin fabric, was just as impressive as Jill’s.

“Is something wrong?” Monica asked, looking at Laurent curiously. She leaned forward, giving Laurent a clear view of her chest.

“Uh, no, nothing,” Laurent stammered, quickly averting his eyes.

Throughout the evening, Monica continued to touch Laurent’s shoulder, brush against his arm, and sometimes press her chest against his arm. Laurent didn’t seem to mind this playful interaction, even touching her shoulder in return.

Each time Monica felt Laurnet’s touch or touched him herself, she blushed deeply but felt relieved at the same time. It seemed she wasn’t disliked on a fundamental level, at least not the kind of person he found repulsive.

(Thank goodness,) Monica thought, feeling a deep sense of relief. If she had been rejected at this point, she might never have recovered.

Now, the question was how much Laurent would reciprocate her feelings.

“Oh, it’s already this late?” Laurent said, checking the clock and realizing how much time had passed. They had been talking for hours, and it was now well past midnight.

“It’s about time to wrap things up. Let me walk you home,” Laurent said, noticing his body swaying slightly.

(I must have drunk too much.)

“Laurent, don’t push yourself. Let’s enjoy a bit more,” Monica said, taking his arm and trying to guide him back to the sofa.

If she could keep him a bit longer, it would be harder for him to ask her to leave.

“No, you should really be heading home…” Laurent insisted.

“I’m completely fine. Really,” Monica replied.

“But still…”

“How about I stay over?” she suggested.

“Huh?” Laurent looked at Monica as if seeing her for the first time.

“It’s okay, I’m an adult,” she reassured him.

“But even if you are an adult…”

“Come on, it’s okay to let loose a bit. Or do you not want to be with me?” Monica asked, a hint of sadness in her voice.

“No, it’s not that I don’t want to…” Laurent started.

“Laurent, I like you,” Monica confessed, her face turning bright red.

“Monica, you’re putting me in a difficult position…” Laurent said.

“I know you’re dating Lilianne. So, I don’t mind being second,” Monica replied.

“What are you saying? Calm down a bit.”

“Laurent, can’t you find it in your heart to love me?” Monica asked, tears streaming down her face.

“I’m sorry. It’s not that I dislike you. It’s just that… I love Lily. She was there for me when I was going through the hardest times. I want to cherish her,” Laurent explained.

“Sniff, sob…”

(If I had known you were suffering, I would have come to support you no matter what. I wish I had told you how I felt sooner. I wish I could turn back time to when we first met.)

Monica continued to cry quietly for a while. Laurent stood by her side, offering silent support.

When her tears finally dried up, Laurent gently helped her up.

“Are you okay? Can you stand?”

“Yes. Laurent, I’m sorry for tonight. I was being selfish.”

“It’s fine. I’m the one who should apologize. I didn’t realize how much you were struggling. Let’s get you home. You need to be your usual self tomorrow,” Laurent said.

He walked Monica back to her place, and they parted ways without further incident.