Chapter 50: Stare off

'Should I tell the other two?' she thought about the upcoming ambush.

Honestly, nothing would change even if the two knew. After all, it was impossible for these random rabble to pose a threat to them, even if they mount a surprise attack. Savine would also have to explain how she knew these things. Savine decided not to worry about it.

On the contrary, Savine was wondering how she could benefit from this attack. If the baron was connected to Marquis Luckner, then she might be able to make a profitable connection. After all, Vevian was only active in the Magicracy and he still hadn't sent his daughter to the Sovereignty yet. But even if she came, it would take her a long time before she could establish herself.

But Marquis Luckner had an extensive reach over all the Sovereignty.

Savine could only hope that the boss was important enough to work as a chip against Luckner.

'Also... I guess I should prepare my alibi as well…'

Instead of making a mana motor like she always did with her mana, Savine worked on something else.

Finished with that, patiently, she waited for the next day's midnight.

Time passed quickly.

At the dispatch center, Savine and the others found that there were many other people waiting there. They all seemed rich and of high birth. There was an air of subtle arrogance to them. Group by group, they entered the Teleportation Circle and went their ways. Occasionally, someone would be teleported in as well.

Savine guessed that the people who pay triple were teleported at night, after all the cargo and whatnot were finished delivering.

The fat boss noticed the three of them and walked over, all smiles.

"Ya'll's turn is last. Sorry for the bother."

Eliseline and the duke nodded along cluelessly, but Savine knew it was because the boss had ulterior motives.

'I guess I should at least tell them to be wary,' Savine thought and whispered to Eliseline and the duke to have their Vasas ready.

The two were surprised, but both put their hands in their pockets and stole glances around. After doing so, they realized that there were quite a few people dressed as workers, seemingly just staring at the people leaving. In total, there were around 20 men. Including the boss, two of them were mages. Savine assumed that it was baron Lant.

Savine was surprised that the commoners dared to hunt nobles, but thinking about it, with the boss teaching them, they'd realize that mages aren't that omnipotent as they thought them to be. Their spells took a lot of time to cast and, without their Vasas, they were completely helpless.

Savine explained these points to the other two as well.

Duke Fest was about to immediately resolve the problem, but Savine couldn't have that.

"Let it happen," Savine added. "I might be able to rope in a bigshot if we're lucky."

"And what? Just stare as we get targeted by these lowlifes?"

"Yes. Trust me."

Savine walked up to the boss and made conversation.

"Since you operate the Circle, you must be a noble of some sorts, right?"

"Nah, I'm just a spare receptionist," he replied.

"Really? Everyone here calls you boss, though?"

The boss was somewhat surprised at Savine knowing that, but he soon shrugged innocently.

"It's just my nickname here."

"So I should call you Boss?"

"Yep. A bit embarrassing, I know, but it is what it is."

He didn't seem to be lying.

"Then who is the real boss?" Savine asked.

"Duke Erst, naturally."

"Ah. Are you close with him?"

"I wouldn't say so."

"Just a boss and his subordinate, nothing more, nothing less."

"Yep."

"…"

"By the way, where are you from, young lady?"

"Fest Duchy."

"Fest Duchy?"

"Yes. I'm a Countess from there. Countess Savine Lorelei."

"What?"

"Did I say anything odd?"

"How old are you again?"

"12? 13? I forget."

The boss frowned, hearing Savine speak.

"What happened to your parents?"

"Never knew them."

"Then how are you… How did you become Countess?"

"I bought the title. I was actually a commoner in the Magicracy before then."

"..."

"…Hah, it's not good to mess with your adults, young lady, no matter how low they stand."

He seemed to decide that Savine was joking with him. Savine shrugged and did not continue the topic.

"By the way, are you familiar with Marquis Luckner?"

"He only comes to delegate orders."

"Personally?"

"Not after the first time. He's a busy man."

"Any chance I can meet him? I have some unique wares to sell."

"I'm afraid to disappoint you, young lady, but unfortunately, I can't contact him even if I want to."

Savine sighed.

"So you're not close to the duke and the marquis…" Savine made a show of thinking. "Then… I wouldn't have to worry about anything if you were to die here tonight… right?" she then whispered to herself, barely audible.

"What did you just say?"

"Hm?"

"No, I thought you said something under your breath."

"You must've misheard," Savine smiled gently.

"…"

Boss went silent. He was deep in thought, but the shock and confusion in his eyes were clear as day. He definitely heard Savine's mutterings.

"I'll wait patiently for our turn," Savine said and walked away.

A group of people on the teleportation device disappeared to their destinations. The next group stood on the Circle and waited for their turn. After them, it would be Savine and the rest's turn.

For twenty minutes, Savine stared at Boss. Eliseline, the duke, and the rest of Boss's group were subtly preparing for battle, but Savine and Boss were in the middle of a staring contest. Savine wondered if he would call off the ambush, but the latter showed no intention of doing so.

Only, his expression changed gradually. The shock and confusion were no longer there, replaced by a look of anger and hurt pride. He looked offended that Savine was openly threatening him like this.

Savine, on the other hand, was no longer thinking about Boss. Since he decided to go along with the attack, there was nothing she could do to change his mind. Instead, she was wondering how she could keep threatening people like this if Jibril was not allowing her to do so. It wasn't the first time she was casually describing someone's death.

It truly was a mystery, the kind of seal that Jibril put on her.

But, twenty minutes passed and Savine's group was the only one left near the Teleportation Circle. At this point, it was obvious that both sides knew that they were about to battle things out.

Savine was the first to break the silence.