The Most Satisfied Reincarnate

After catching sight of the barrack, an inexplicable force seemed to pull all the carriages in that direction. However, before a single wheel could turn, the mercenaries engaged in a hushed conversation with Vesta, causing their movements to come to an abrupt halt.

*knock*

At the first sound of the knocking, Desmond instinctively recognized it as the mercenaries. He cast a quick glance at his maids and gestured for them to tidy up the room.

"Please hold on," Laura called out from inside, as she swiftly lifted the storage chest and discreetly placed it beneath her bed. Meanwhile, Annie diligently cleaned the soiled plates and glasses scattered across the table.

After a few minutes of meticulous cleaning, Laura finally swung open the door, revealing Ray and Veronica standing outside.

"We've come to bid farewell to Master Desmond," Ray was the first to break the silence, prompting Veronica to cast a perplexed gaze his way.

"I see. Thank you for your dedication. I will inform Master Desmond, though he is still slumbering, as he got carried away last night engrossed in numerous books," Laura replied, bowing respectfully to them. Out of the corner of her eye, she briefly glanced at Veronica.

With a warm smile, Laura commended Ray and his mercenaries for their unwavering commitment, for they had faithfully adhered to their agreement without demanding any additional rewards, despite her young master's intentions to tempt them.

Such selfless individuals were a rarity amidst the current sea of selfish mercenaries.

"Why don't you and your comrades indulge in the feast we've prepared?" Laura extended a gracious invitation, maintaining her smile even as she noticed some of Ray's men casting lecherous glances her way.

"Thank you for your kind offer, but we must decline," Ray politely declined, his response eliciting disappointment from his comrades. They momentarily glared at their dense leader before collectively shaking their heads.

"In that case, I bid you farewell," Ray continued, his countenance remaining stoic. Though their relationship was that of a master and guardian, he had duly informed Desmond of his impending departure, fulfilling his role as the protector in this mission.

There was no need to prolong their association, for Desmond's identity held utmost importance to the kingdom.

The final task before him was to visit the Guild and confirm the mission's status. After all, this was a private assignment personally entrusted by the Guild, without ever being posted on the public board.

Veronica, on the other hand, observed Ray's departure with bated breath, eagerly awaiting this opportune moment. Finally, she found the courage to speak.

"I-I came here as per the agreement with Master Desmond," her voice trembled with unease. She had only just discovered and witnessed firsthand that the Corps of Teleknights didn't seek any additional gains for their labor, unlike her own mercenaries.

Veronica felt a deep sense of shame and embarrassment. Even though Ray remained unaware of their arrangement, she couldn't help but feel as if he could see right through her, penetrating her very core.

Did she regret her decision? Yes, but what choice did she have? The agreement had been made, and without it, her comrades would not have assisted in clearing the path.

As she pondered this, a wry smile formed in her mind.

"I understand. Please come inside," Laura's smile faded, replaced by an air of indifference as she locked eyes with Veronica. Opening the door wide, she ushered Veronica in before swiftly closing it behind her.

Unlike Ray and his mercenaries, Veronica arrived alone, simplifying matters significantly.

Veronica's entrance into the carriage left her in awe of its vastness. Although she had heard of wealthy individuals purchasing such luxurious carriages, this was the first time she had laid eyes on one in person.

"Please have a seat, Ms. Veronica," Desmond greeted her, holding a cup of tea in his right hand, his gaze fixed on the bewildered Veronica.

She was taken aback, her maids' hints about him ringing in her mind. Glancing at them, she noticed their lips tightly sealed.

"Hello, Master Desmond," Veronica managed an awkward smile as she settled across from him. Before her, only an empty glass sat, devoid of any accompanying food.

Is this what I get? Despite her disappointment with the lackluster arrangement, she couldn't forget that she had shamelessly bargained for this agreement.

Her frustration waned, replaced by guilt for him, yet she couldn't find a way to make amends. The memory of her comrades eagerly anticipating her return weighed heavily on her.

Should I abandon the mercenaries? The thought flickered through Veronica's mind. Her comrades had displayed their avarice, even in the midst of mourning their fallen friend.

Aware of the mercenaries' reputation for selfishness, she couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness. Her once loyal friends had changed.

Is it just me? As she delved deeper into her thoughts about her companions, melancholy enveloped her. Nevertheless, she had a duty to fulfill as their leader.

"Let's make it quick," Desmond interjected. From his peripheral vision, he caught sight of a gray figure approaching his carriage from the direction of Vesta's.

Desmond glanced at Laura, who nodded, clutching a bag of coins.

*Thump*

Veronica furrowed her brows at the sight of the small bag of coins. However, upon opening it, she was taken aback. Her eyes widened as she looked back and forth between Desmond and his maids.

"Take it, quickly," Desmond urged, his demeanor unchanged.

Without any sense of decorum, Veronica snatched the bag and hastily tucked it into her pocket. Noticing his expression, she promptly stood up.

"Thank you very much, Master Desmond," she uttered, only managing a single sentence despite the multitude of words she wished to say.

She truly was shameless and thick-skinned. As Alice's former guardian, if she witnessed Veronica's behavior, she would surely be disappointed.

Filled with regret, Veronica swiftly exited the carriage without bidding farewell.

"Puff," Desmond released a sigh of relief. Seeing the gray figure on the map retreat, he felt a sense of gratitude. He had no idea who it was, but given their approach, they must have been suspicious of his carriage.

He used to criticize his family for obstructing the path of ordinary people, yet now he found himself doing the same.

They had only come to bid farewell, not expecting the encounter to prolong. How troublesome. He hadn't anticipated the mercenaries rushing to complete their mission, and the Steel Legion audaciously demanding compensation right in the middle of the road.

This isn't a sprint we're running here! Desmond thought to himself, inwardly complaining about their behavior. He felt deeply ashamed on their behalf. Vesta had been waiting for him for quite some time.

Their reputation for selfishness had been starkly proven in this situation.