Netori: Stealing The Hero's Party!

Chapter 204: Through A Busy Bazaar

A week had passed since the kingʼs death, and although gloom had taken over Elenaris, it felt like the peopleʼs hurt was not because of Zeilʼs death. Rather it was a lack of a competent ruler, like the titan that once kept peace in the kingdom.

But with him gone and his son murdered, the seat of the king lay empty with only one princess left to inherit it–had she not exposed her own crimes against the kings of crows and her siblings.

”Sheʼs in the dungeons now, not a word of complaint or any demands. Even the food we gave her has been just rotting in a corner,” Regalia, having been forced to return to her duty by the council, had come to inform Raven about what was going on in the castle.

Sitting under the shade of a tented stall, the duo had been conversing for a while with the others wandering the city and gathering as much equipment as they could for the fight against the monster clans. In the meantime, the only one keeping Raven company was Zoey as she knew the city streets well, the girls in the jewel, and lastly Regalia the wolf girl.

”What about our deal?” Leaning closer to her with a glass of ice-lime melting in his hands, he demanded an answer as heʼd kept his word, but Regalia was obviously trying to back out of it.

However, instead of being intimidated, her nose picked up his manly hint and only reminded her of the time sheʼd been fucked silly in front of an audience. Her cheeks were flustered red as he moved closer abruptly, and though her heart began to race and her stomach fluttered with pixies, Regalia manipulated her blood to calm her senses back to normal.

”Iʼm a royal guard–well, at least I used to be until all royals were either dead or imprisoned,” leaning back into her chair, the wolf-girl sniffed someone invisible slipping into the third open chair on their table. From the looks of it, Raven noticed it as well, but the duo decided to keep their guards up and not make a scene in a busy bazaar.

”Anyways, youʼre supposed to come with me to the council meeting being held right now,” trying to get Raven to walk off with her, she gave him a plausible but also true excuse.

However, the moment the duo tried to get up, their hands were grabbed by someone before the person finally revealed themselves. It was Lilith, the dark elf wearing her usual cloak to hide her wings.

Sheʼd been stalking the group for a while, even as they took some risky adventuring jobs for some quick change, and from what sheʼd seen, there was nobody more qualified for the job she had in mind for them.

”How long have you been following us?” Raven asked, sitting down beside her without even being asked.

Regalia, who was a bit hesitant, followed his lead as she had grown to trust his instincts.

”And why? Tell us now or Iʼm gonna slice your body in half,” staying calm despite the threats, Lilith took a deep breath and began to explain her situation in a whisper.

At first, when sheʼd begun following them around, she didnʼt expect them to understand much less offer her help, but upon realizing that they were trying to fend off the monster clans, she knew there was a line of mutual interest that could help her draw their attention.

”So you want our help?” Having judged her eyes with his lie-seeking ability, so far he hadnʼt sensed an ounce of deception out of the dark elf girl. ”Then why donʼt you just tell us what you know about the clans, we can take care of them without a hitch.”

”No, you donʼt understand. I–ZAGHH!” Her words were cut short with an agonizing pain shooting through her spine. The parasite was fighting her, it didnʼt want her to tell them everything as it would make her survival all the more plausible.

”Hey? Hey!” Witnessing Lilithʼs head flopping to the table and toppling the drink, Regalia reached for her head and attempted to heal her body. But no amount of her mana worked against the parasite as the more it was given, the more it took for itself without letting anything slip into the host.

”I-Iʼm fine…I-I just canʼt tell you everything…ta…take me with you and Iʼll show you instead, Iʼll help!” Composing herself again, Lilith wiped the white froth off her mouth and reached into her pouch to grab a potion. Until the contents of a mana potion were dispersed through her belly, something the parasite hadnʼt gotten a hold of yet, or else she wouldʼve been dead already.

”Just trust me...I can help.”

But of course, despite not sensing any deception, Raven didnʼt want to risk anything just yet. Heʼd only just met the girl, and she was offering everything they could ask for. A plan, a lesson in history, as well as the weaknesses and the strength of the enemy. Before he could trust her, there were still some things that required doing.

The first of which would be discussing the matter with the rest of his party.

”Tomorrow, Iʼll have your answer,” turning his attention from Lilith to Regalia, Raven motioned her to get up and lead him to the castle to give his testimony about the kingʼs murder. ”Zoey, you can go back home, Iʼll be a while.”

Nodding politely, the young automaton, did as she was told.

”Iʼll come with you too, Iʼve been lounging there for a while.” The very mention of the inn brought Lilith lewd memories, and even though she was in a dire situation it made her slimy-spine light up a blushing pink.

”Alright, we should get moving, the council is already low on patience these days,” and with those words by Regalia, the duo took their leave, leaving behind a girl so desperate that she was practically begging for help from strangers.

ʼHero…Thatʼs what they call you, right?ʼ She thought, her eyes growing blurry while watching the duo walking away.

”I hope theyʼre right.”