My Villains Episode 186
43. Struggling (6)
A large palm gently brushed through his hair, and Munchhi’s eyes were half closed. She twitched the tip of her nose, concentrating on examining the touch.
“…poi sweat is better.” “Oh sorry. Does it smell?”
“Oh no, it’s a sloppy smile.”
When Phoenix tried to withdraw his hand, Mongchi hurriedly took about half a step forward.
For a moment, Phoenix smiled again and stroked Mungchi’s head.
“Did you make all those hooked arrows?”
“Yeah, it’s all the things you made.”
“The rope got tangled with the string and I was having trouble. How did you solve it?”
“It’s good when you offer it.”
Mungchi showed off a small crossbow slung from his forearm.
There was a piece of wood protruding from the back of the push-type trigger of the crossbow, but it looked like it was bluntly cut to prevent the string attached to the hook arrow from getting caught.
“Won’t it get in the way if I put something like this?”
“I can’t take it off the chamseummi.”
Click.
When Mungchi separated the pedestal with a simple action and reassembled it, Phoenix was impressed.
“Wow, did you make this yourself?”
“Yeah—”
She liked Phoenix’s voice. A voice as soft as cotton that no one can hear.
Phoenix had a cold face and a cold atmosphere at first glance, but he always spoke to Mungchi in a friendly tone. It was like that when she was a wild boar, and it was like that now—to a lesser extent—as a human.
I couldn’t help but like Mongchi, who complimented me on trivial things and poured out affectionate words whenever we met eyes.
“Hey, our bunch. Hand dexterity is also good.”
“swimming.”
When the calloused fingertips pinched his nose, Mungchi lowered his head and crossed his legs.
She liked the smell of Phoenix. A body odor that reminds me of a cozy blanket and well-roasted nuts.
It’s a secret no one knows, but Mungchi used to dig under Phoenix’s blanket every night. Whenever that happened, she was soaked in secret happiness, but on the other hand, she felt regret.
This is because of Phoenix’s habit of not going to bed without washing his body. Mung-chi was dissatisfied with the fact that the strong body odor was covered by the scent of soap.
In that sense, it was a very precious time for Munchchi. Because I inadvertently took half a step toward Phoenix’s arms, the faint smell of sweat and the strong body odor were fully conveyed.
I liked the phoenix that came together enough to feel the slightly heated breath being scattered in the autumn wind.
As she raised her hand to hide the reddened nape of her neck, Phoenix suddenly turned around. The place where his gaze was directed was the stone road extending from the Yeongju Hall.
“Ellen! Aren’t you going to walk?”
Ellen shuffled along the stone path. She was wearing a light linen top and bottom, and sweat was all over her body.
“I was *hehe* wrong. Go first-”
“…How many times did you say such a solemn line? Hurry up and run!”
“Ugh”
Ellen started running again with a teary face. It was a speed that was no different from walking, but Phoenix cheered her up by clapping her hands.
“Stretch your back and pull your chin!”
Finally stopping in front of the two, Ellen caught her breath on her knees. Phoenix raised her upper body and patted her on the back.
“I told you to open your chest and breathe deeply and comfortably.”
“It’s not *hehe* comfortable, so how can you *hehe* breathe comfortably, you idiot-” As
Phoenix giggled at that grunt, Ellen opened her axe eyes.
“funny? I feel like I’m going to *huu* die, but are you funny?”
“Is that funny?”
“Mr. Lee”
Ellen raised her two clenched fists and was about to fight, but Phoenix quickly subdued her and lifted her up.
“Uh hey-!”
“Hey, you’re still on your toes. Shall we run some more?”
Phoenix picked up Ellen, who quickly calmed down, and headed towards the ramp.
“Eh”
Mungchi, who had been standing in a daze, quickly followed the two.
Phoenix said good-bye to those who were basking in the sun on the ramp and laid Ellen down on the grass in the shade near the fence. Then he undid the sandbags he had tied around his waist, wrists and ankles.
“Here, lift one leg.”
Ellen raised her right leg in a very obedient manner. Phoenix loosened up the muscles and joints with a sincere touch.
Mmm.” After frowning for a moment, Ellen let out a pleasant moan as she closed her eyes at the cool sensation she felt from her legs.
Phoenix was happy with her reaction and continued the massage without noticing that the group standing next to her was sending envious glances.
Amias gang approached them. Leader Amias scratched his angular chin and opened his mouth.
“Aren’t you overdoing it these days? It seems a bit daunting to Ellen-sama…
Phoenix shook his head while letting out a snotty laugh.
“What is it that is too much? It’s far from worth his stats.”
“What are your stats?”
“…Well, that’s what it’s worth. Right Ellen?”
When Ellen frowned at the question and tried to open her mouth, Phoenix pressed her calf.
“Out ah it hurts!”
“It is very crowded here. I told you to do some stretching on a regular basis
.”
“Do it gently!”
Phoenix, who ran Ellen with a smile, turned to Amias.
“Did I interrupt your rest? We sit and don’t mind.”
“…Hmm, Phoenix-sama. It’s not like that.”
“huh?”
As Amias showed signs of hesitation, Steedman stepped forward with an even worse grip.
“Amias has something important to tell you.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Well, wouldn’t that stuffy guy have to open his mouth to find out?”
As Phoenix looked at him with a puzzled expression, Amias swallowed dry saliva and opened his mouth.
“I want to marry that Genesa.”
“uh?”
Amias’s words were a bit surprising, so Phoenix blinked his eyes.
“Why are you getting married all of a sudden?”
“Actually, it wasn’t all of a sudden, we had already promised each other the future.”
As Amias briefly explained their love history, Phoenix listened with interest and nodded.
“…I had no idea. well anyways it’s good congratulations.”
“So… we’re trying to settle down in Longville.”
“Here?”
“yes.”
Phoenix frowned as if he didn’t understand.
“Genessa is from Lavalton and you are from Leadburn.”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“But why are you settling here? What are you doing to eat and live?”
“Actually…
Amias continued with his lower lip wet.
“I got a good offer from the training leader.”
“Training leader? Chester?”
” yes.”
“Why is that old man suddenly?”
“Looks like you liked me during this war. He asked me if I was interested in working as a sergeant.”
“sergeant?”
“yes. Even though he said he would like to hand over his seat when the opportunity arises…
When Amias was speechless, Phoenix nodded and asked a question.
“So you want to do it?”
“yes. It’s a bit difficult right now, but it has a good chance of developing in the future.”
Amias’ gang was one of the few people who knew that there was a gold mine in Mount Graduil. So it was not unreasonable to expect Longville’s prospects to be bright.
“You and Cole had a hard time in the army. Are you still trying to become a soldier again?”
“You’re not a low-end soldier like back then, are you? I’ve heard that the army is also being increased, but if you’re lucky, you might be able to serve as a commander.”
“o uh w — n .
After thinking about something for a while, Phoenix smiled broadly.
“Yeah, that’s good.”
“….”yes?”
“Good. I was thinking about what to do with Genesa, but if I marry you, I won’t have to worry.”
Perhaps because Phoenix’s reaction was different from what he expected, Amias made a confused expression.
“That word. Are you saying I can stay in Longville?”
“huh? of course. What’s the matter?”
“No, that would give permission so easily.”
This time, Phoenix’s expression became strange.
“…Is there anything I can do without permission? If you want to stay, stay.”
“Um, that’s it.”
As Phoenix and Amias did not understand each other’s meaning, the conversation went round and round, and the freckled Mira intervened.
“Amias means that he owes Phoenix-sama something, and he is sorry for being left on his own.”
“I just gave you money as much as you worked, so what is there to do other than owe each other?”
“Umm, if you say that, our consciences will prick a little… When
Mira blurted out her words, Archer Cole opened her mouth instead.
“There is no employer who teaches or trains martial arts to Phoenix-sama mercenaries.”
“Just what did you do with the exercise?”
Cole glanced back at Amias and continued.
“We definitely received grace, and Amias is giving up on that. It is natural to be shy.”
After that, Amias closed his mouth and lowered his head. After a moment of silence, Phoenix opened his mouth with a confused expression.
“…No, what are you talking about? Amias
didn’t do anything bad either.”
“And what great favor I have done. You guys almost died a few times, but if you pay the risk allowance, you barely made it.”
“But Phoenix-
sama,” Cole tried to say something, but Phoenix quickly intercepted his words.
“Oh stop. I’m fine, but why are you throwing up?”
“O”
“Anyway, well thought out. It’s far better to settle down and live a life of peril than a dangerous life as a mercenary.”
Phoenix said so and patted Amias on the shoulder.
As Amias thanked him with a small smile, Phoenix suddenly looked back at the other mercenaries, namely Steedman and Mira Cole.
“Come to think of it, I was pampering without even asking. What about you? Will you keep following me?”
At the lightly asked question, the three mercenaries exchanged heavy glances among themselves. Steedman was the first of the three.
“I am going.”
“Where are you going? Are you following me?”
“yes.”
“Didn’t you say that forming a mercenary army was your dream? With the money I’ve saved up, I could start small.”
Steedman shook his head resolutely.
“It is better to gain experience in the big water than to gather minnows in a pond and act as heads. In my mind, I want to stick next to Poi Nix for about 10 years, and then gather a large group of mercenaries when I turn 30.”
“Wait, what?”
Phoenix asked Steedman back with a shocked face.
“What if you stick around for 10 years and turn 30?”
“…yes.”
“How old are you?”
“I’ll be twenty next month.”
“On that face?”
When Steedman shut his mouth with a poop-chewed expression, Mira stepped forward this time.
“I will follow.”
“but. Don’t you still have enough money to open a store in a big city?”
Mira smiled and nodded, and Phoenix suddenly asked her a question.
“But why are you here?”
“yes? What do you mean?”
“Hayla?”
“…ah. I’m drinking tea with my butler’s grandmother. Beldin and Bunny together. We kept talking about trivial things, so I wanted to get some fresh air.” As
Phoenix silently scratched his eyebrows, Mira closed her mouth. Then, with a slightly awkward expression, he said,
“Umm, I have to go in now. Of course, it hadn’t been long since he came out, but he said just in case…
and then disappeared toward the Yeongjugwan.
Phoenix looked at his back and smiled bitterly, then turned to Cole.
“you?”
I will follow you.” When Phoenix cast a blank gaze, Cole quietly wet his lips.
“I want to be strong.”
“…You want to become stronger?”
“yes. I want to become strong like Phoenix-nix or Hatanka-san.”
Cole added words with a hard face to Phoenix’s strange expression.
“So I will follow you.”
“Why do you want to be strong?”
“…I’m a man. Do you need a reason to want to be strong?”
Phoenix laughed at Cole’s question
.
‘I thought you were the smartest guy, but you say the stupidest things’,
he thought, and tapped Cole on the shoulder.
Then another party on the ramp approached them. The party’s identity was the magician brother and sister of the Rao family and the druid Janavas magic swordsman Simos.
“Sir Phoenix.”
“Ms. Siren.”
The big-eyed female wizard, Shi Ren, looked over Amias’ gang and opened her mouth.
“Are you discussing your future journey?”
“You heard me.”
“Oh, I didn’t overhear on purpose.”
Phoenix smiled as if he was okay, and Siren smiled at him as well.
“Actually, I got a letter last night.”
“What if it’s a letter?”
“A letter from the family.”
After speaking, Siren let out a small sigh.
“If you don’t run to ‘Radenki’ right away, they’re going to dig your family register.”
“…Isn’t Radenkey a port city on the Southern Shore? Why are you there?”
“Because ‘Baden’, where my family is located, is too far away. It’s an order that the magicians from the Radenkie family will come, so join them and return.”
When Phoenix made a puzzled expression, Siren hesitated for a moment before opening his mouth.
“Actually, it’s as if we ran away from home.”
“…Running away?”
Phoenix still didn’t understand, and Druid Janavas stepped forward.
“I persuaded Siren and Ethan, who were out on an outing at Earl’s Castle. Because I foresaw Karamek’s evil deeds through my long-sightedness, and I needed strength to stop it.”
“So you’re saying that Miss Siren came all the way from the north just by hearing that?”
“Thankfully, yes.”
After saying that, Zanavas met Siren’s eyes. It was not difficult to notice something affectionate in those passing gazes.
“…everyone’s making a pair, so it’s not too fussed.”
After Steedman’s small grunt, Siren spoke again.
“So there is something I want to ask Lord Phoenix.”
“Ask for it?”
“I heard that your colleague, Sir Langbolt, and his party are heading to the Southern Shore.”
“Yes, it is true.”
“If it’s okay, I’d like to join the group. Since Sir Langboldt is an unknown knight and also the son of Count Lytton, I thought the journey would be safe…
“I guess so. I will pass on the word to Lord Langboldt.”
“Ah, thank you.”
Phoenix, who readily accepted the request, suddenly looked back at the magic swordsman Simos.
“Are you going too?”
Simos stiffened for a moment at the sudden question. However, he soon opened his mouth with a calm expression.
“…I’m still thinking about it.”
“Oh, I see.”
Phoenix was silent for a moment, then smiled.
“It would be really reassuring if an excellent swordsman like you could help me.”
As Phoenix stared down at him, Simos swallowed dryly and smiled awkwardly.
“okay.”
“Are you worried?”
“…yes.”
“Until I speak to Lord Langboldt, I have to make a decision. Well, I’d like you to tell me at least tonight.”
“…I understand, Phoenix-sama.”
The moment the people gathered around felt awkward at the strange air current flowing between the two, the freckled mummy ran this way.
“Phoenix-sama!”
She came shouting with a strange expression on her face as if there was something urgent.
“The baron, the baron is back!”
“… Baron?”
Mira, who came running at speed, nodded without stopping to catch her breath.
“Your baron!”
“Who are you talking about?”
At Mira’s words, not only Phoenix, but everyone gathered on the ramp looked shocked.
“Baron Mallory, here Lord of Longville!”
“…what’?”
“He came back alive!”
Phoenix made a confused expression, then took Ellen and Mungchi around and headed for the permanent residence.
A moment of silence passed between the mercenaries left on the ramp. For a moment, Steedman opened his mouth with a dejected expression.
“…Is Baron Mallory alive? Then why the hell did the X-arm war happen?”
No one answered the murmur.
