The Strongest Villain Sets Out: Reincarnated into a Merit-Based Clan, I Become the World's Strongest Swordsman - Chapter 89: I'm Not a Demon, Am I?

By chance, I saved Ana, a rabbit beastwoman girl who was about to be kidnapped.

She was the beloved daughter of one of the Zora Federation’s councilors. An important person’s daughter. That means I can expect some reward, right?

I knelt on the ground and tried to meet her eyes as she lay collapsed.

Hehehe. There’s no need to be so afraid, you know? I’m on your side. I’d like to build up some goodwill with the Zora Federation, and that’ll come in handy later. Even if not, she might become a trump card for both the coup faction and the councilor faction. I won’t easily break such a delicious piece.

Even though I was speaking to her gently with such thoughts, Ana’s complexion remained poor for some reason. She asked me with a trembling voice.

“A… favor, you say…”

“Yeah. If you’re saying you don’t want to return even one favor to your lifesaver, then that’s fine too. Don’t worry. I guarantee your safety.”

For now, at least.

Useless cards are best discarded carelessly. I could even kill her while making it look like the coup faction’s doing. Or handing her over to the coup faction wouldn’t be bad either. They seem to have better paying ability.

Though she couldn’t have heard my inner thoughts, Ana’s expression suddenly turned from blue to black. A very anxious complexion.

“I-I’ll repay it! Rabbit beastmen always repay received favors!”

“…Mm, good. I like children who understand manners.”

Golden eggs—I mean, kind children are my policy to treasure. Utility value is really important, isn’t it?

I smiled brightly. Even though I’m said to be a peerless beauty, to this rabbit beastwoman I apparently look like a demon. Her complexion never improved.

Moreover, from behind:

“Hmph. Does Luka prefer such shorties? More than me?”

I felt Cornelia’s killing intent. It wasn’t directed at me but at Ana in front of me. Her body stiffened even more and she shook rattling. Poor thing.

“Hey, Cornelia. Don’t scare my tool—ahem. Don’t frighten her. Rest assured, you’re more important.”

“Eh… r-really?”

Cornelia blushed and started fidgeting bashfully.

“Really, really.”

Ana has replacements, but Cornelia doesn’t. At worst, if Ana dies I can just kidnap—invite other councilors’ sons or daughters to play, but Cornelia is different. She’s a precious companion.

“Then that’s fine. Lucky you, rabbit-chan. But don’t cause too much trouble for Luka, okay? I don’t know what I might do.”

Ana nodded her head vigorously at Cornelia’s smile. If she shakes it that much, her head might come off. That would be a bit interesting to see though.

“Well then, let’s get back to business. What will you give us? I’d prefer if you could introduce me to your father.”

“To… father? Why?”

Oh? Even this timid rabbit beastwoman seems to care about her father. Her expression changed completely from before, becoming serious. At least she’s wary of me.

“It’s nothing major. I just have some business to discuss with your father. Really important business.”

“………”

Ana stared intently at my face. In her eyes, the words “I can’t believe it! Absolutely suspicious!” were clearly visible.

How rude. There’s no one more sincere than me, you know? I’m kind (to those I can use), aren’t I?

“I… understand. I just need to let you meet father, right?”

“That’s helpful, you catch on quickly.”

Nice. They really are called clever for a reason, rabbit beastmen.

“Is such a trivial request really okay? Luka. I don’t think it matches the value of saving a life…”

Lucia made a puzzled face behind me.

“I understand your feelings, but I wouldn’t be happy receiving money or goods anyway.”

Then it’s better to gain an advantage in the coup. Information and preparation are more important than anything.

“This girl has more utility value. If I use her father, I should be able to have some fun.”

For example, getting us inside the central building as guests.

If I could also gather internal information about the councilors who’ll be attacked, that would be excellent. The original story didn’t include detailed information about that. I could use that for blackmail too.

Kukuku. No matter how it turns out, there’s profit for me.

“Please… don’t make father suffer too much.”

“Hmm? I won’t do anything strange. As long as your father opens his mouth honestly.”

“What if he doesn’t talk?”

“Well then… I’ll have to work hard to make him want to talk.”

I’m good at conversation, you see. I can get information through various methods. Really, really hard work.

“………”

“It’s too late to regret now, Ana. You’ve already taken my hand. Besides… if you talk honestly, I’ll protect you. From anyone who gets in the way.”

I don’t really care if one or two councilors die, but the position of benefactor isn’t bad. After this event ends, it might be worth having them show me the ruins in the Zora Federation.

Really, I’m glad I was able to save her. I truly think so from the bottom of my heart.