Chapter 120

120th Episode

Samaritan of the Black Rock Mountain

120 – Samaritan of the Black Rock Mountain #1

The Holy Maiden sat across from us on the sofa placed in her private room. Then, she crossed her legs that were stretched out underneath her open-sided dress.

There was a sense of ease—perhaps one might call it seasoned poise—that made her appear exceptionally dignified. Would Luna, for instance, be able to create a similar atmosphere if she performed the same action?

Luna would probably look cute.

“The reason I’ve summoned you both to this private room is none other than this. You two are the epitome of masculinity among Mars’ warriors, and I am a woman of Venus. Therefore, the only reason we’ve gathered here is for this.”

“Indeed, I see, oh Holy Maiden. This Malco lacks experience but shall certainly try.”

Malco began to untie the knot at his waist and attempted to remove his pants. Confused by what this foolish one was up to, I was startled.

I then realized that this place wasn’t just any ordinary shrine but a temple responsible for all forms of hedonism. So the Holy Maiden invited us to this private room for this reason?

Perhaps she is not a ‘Holy Maiden’ but rather a ‘Venusian Maiden’? The cultural difference-induced shock left my mouth feeling numb.

Swish.

She uncrossed her legs, switching them over to the opposite side, seemingly reacting to Malco’s pants-lowering movement.

“You are truly a man with a prominent nose. According to common lore, a man with a large nose is also supposed to have great masculine pride, but I would prefer you didn’t confirm that fact.”

“I see… I actually thought it was strange.”

Malco pulled his pants back up and tightly retied the knot. He was quicker on the uptake than I thought.

“Well, the reason I’ve called you here is because there is something I’d like you to do for our Venus Shrine.”

“An errand, you mean?”

At my question, there was a “Hmm” followed by the clinking of bells.

Observing the various paintings on the walls, the bells appeared to be depicted hanging from the neck. Thus, it seemed as if the Holy Maiden had shaken her neck.

“Yes, it’s as you think. Traditionally, the adventurers of Mars Guild carried out some tasks for us. However, due to Pluto Cultists’ raids, the building collapsed and their members are now busy. As a result, Venus Shrine’s requests have fallen further down on their priority list.”

I was somewhat aware of the close collaboration between Venus Shrine and Mars Guild. However, this unexpected commission from the Holy Maiden, the head of the shrine, was somewhat perplexing.

“The famous Samaritan whose songs are celebrated far and wide, along with your personal bard—such credibility should be sufficient for me to entrust this task to you. Of course, I wouldn’t dare to request your services for free.”

Swish.

Clank.

The Holy Maiden seemed to bow her head toward us. I closed my eyes tightly, fearing even a brief glance at her face.

When the clinking bells finally receded behind me, a small scroll appeared on the table.

Malco noticed it first.

“Oh my goodness, is that not an invitation ticket to the Venus Priestess Ball? I’ve heard that even the nobility struggle to secure one!”

Seeing Malco’s reaction, it was evident that this ticket to the Venus Priestesses’ Ball was indeed a rare and valuable item. The Holy Maiden let out a “Hmph.”

“Indeed, you’ve proven yourself quite discerning. For the Samaritan of the battlefield, let me present this.”

She then extended a small glass vial towards me.

A Small Glass Bottle.

To be precise, it was a transparent glass bottle, slightly larger than a thumb, containing reddish liquid that swirled gently. At first glance, I thought of nail polish or lipstick but realized it was something else entirely.

I carefully examined the vial handed to me.

“What exactly is this?”

“It’s an essence extracted from the oil found in the beak feathers of a male Thunder Mandarin Duck. Not the counterfeit available on the market, but a true rarity that only someone of this caliber could obtain.”

Male Thunder Mandarin Duck essence?

Giving me this as compensation? This Holy Maiden clearly doesn’t understand people well. I prefer money over such fancy perfume-like things.

While I was seriously pondering how to request money without upsetting her, the clanging bells signaled the Holy Maiden continuing her speech.

“Thunder Mandarins. A symbol of Juno, the Goddess of Marriage and Family. Did you know that they aren’t actually as faithful as they are reputed to be?”

“Huh?”

“Most people don’t know this, but the male mandarin ducks are philanderers. Despite their reputation, they have relationships with many females.”

“…I see.”

I had no comprehension of why this woman was explaining these things to me. What did her discussion of mandarins and their behavior have to do with me?

While I was pondering this, she continued.

“Samaritan, surely you must have a lover, yes?”

“Wha- what did you say?”

“Judging by your startled reaction, you must. When one gains the opportunity to witness the most beautiful face in all creation, the ones who turn it down are inevitably those who have lovers.”

“H-Huh.”

“Because, after encountering my beauty, looking at your lover’s face would make them seem like a Pakisephalo Squid, causing even a thousand-year bond to cool. Samaritan Hassan of Samaria, you refused my advances out of loyalty to your lover, didn’t you?”

I had no idea how to respond. Should I just tell her that I was examining the panties on the floor? If I did that, wouldn’t the Holy Paladin from earlier burst in and twist off my neck?

So, I simply nodded in agreement.

“H-Hmm, something like that.”

“Indeed. This is for someone like you. The essence from male mandarins is particularly efficient in erasing any traces of other women that may linger on your person. With this, you can freely engage in infidelity without any risk of being found out.”

An item designed to erase the scent of another woman’s perfume on my body so that my spouse would have no suspicion. Is this essentially what I understood?

d*mn, I don’t need this kind of thing.

Nevertheless, I decided to keep it in the inner pocket of my leather shirt to prevent it from breaking. I might try it later.

In truth, I’ve been worrying about how to explain my visit to Venus Shrine, filled with women’s fragrance and perfume, to Luna, who has an exceptionally sensitive nose.

Luna wouldn’t believe an excuse about a field study of their religious activities, even considering her rather innocent nature.

If her increasing strength gets the better of her, she might just bite my neck off.

Anyway, d*mn, everything’s fine.

“So, if you’re giving us such valuable things, what exactly do you want us to do?”

I’ve always believed there’s no such thing as unreciprocated kindness in this world. Receiving valuable items as commission fees likely means we’re tasked with something difficult.

Thus, I became somewhat wary of receiving items emphasized as rare treasures.

She laughed, her bells ringing, “The gifts were just that—gifts. The proper compensation for the job will be given once the task is completed. I digressed. The job I wish to entrust you with is this.”

She extended a glass towards us, filled with black liquid. Malco’s expression hardened as soon as he saw it.

“Is that… Black Spring Water, Holy Maiden?”

“Yes, you certainly seem knowledgeable for someone who travels and enjoys the world. It’s not something easily encountered unless you’re a Priestess of Venus.”

“Hmm…but this spring water…”

“It’s situated on a mountain imbued with strong Pluto energy. A gloomy valley where ominous d*ath energy flows. Located in high and treacherous mountainous terrain. There are also rumors of Pluto Cultists frequently emerging these days.”

Gaaaah…

I could feel intense piercing eyes targeting the crown of my bowed head, as if my skull might crack under the pressure.

d*mn, she’s not planning to turn me into a rock, is she? My mind has indeed become dull from not using it much lately.

“You’ve defeated the Plutonian Paladin, the schizo of split personalities. Surely with someone like you, this task won’t be difficult. Well, that’s assuming the rumors aren’t exaggerated.”

d*mn, it’s clearly going to be tough. I was preparing to decline, but then…

Ching.

A small, shiny round object was extended towards me, and for a moment, I almost cried out loud.

“The advance payment is one gold coin.”

Pauper Hassan…

Finally, I am walking the path of gold.

The sight of that gleaming gold coin unleashed five hundred flying ducks in my mind.

Cu-Cu-Ruu-Ck.

*

“Brother, we’ve taken on a ridiculous job it seems. The ‘Black Spring Water’ is usually a task for Bronze adventurers nearing their Silver Tier upgrade.”

After stepping out of the Venus Shrine, speaking with Malco as the sky gradually turned golden with the setting sun, the word ‘gold’ kept resonating.

“Plainly speaking, it’s an insanely dangerous mission. That valley—”

The allure of gold is such that it makes one’s heart race. Just gazing at it can feel somewhat satiating.

Gnash.

I took a bite of the golden coin I received, testing its purity. The golden coin bent where I bit, indicating high quality.

d*mn, a gold coin.

The thrill of acquiring my first gold coin was overwhelming. Was this how Luna felt when she earned her first single cent?

It’s like how thirty silver coins seem to allow one to do a lot of things,

But one gold coin is like magic. What exactly can we do with it?

d*mn, besides buying five hundred ducks, I can’t think of much else at the moment.

“Hey, Malco, what can you do with a gold coin? If I gave you one, what would you do?”

“A gold coin can make a person bark like a dog. Arf Arf Ruff Ruff! With two, you could make them crawl on all fours.”

“d*mn, that’s impressive!”

It’s like a powerful magic item that allows you to control others! I toiled as a slave for two years to save up 30 silver, but now, within a month of being an adventurer, I’ve already acquired my first gold coin.

Could this be the peak of my life? Thinking that all this hardship was for this gold coin made the pain somewhat bearable.

I must show this to Luna.

“Brother, we’ll meet at the west gate tomorrow morning, then. Hmm, perhaps I’ll be able to witness firsthand another story filled with the potential for new songs.”

“Alright.”

After parting ways with Malco with a casual but heartfelt goodbye, I rushed to the little cottage where Luna was waiting for me.

I wanted to see how Luna would react when she saw this gleaming gold coin. Imagining her reaction kept me running despite feeling out of breath.

Knock-Knock.

As I entered, there she was on the first floor, seated on a rug grinding grains with a small millstone. Her pink backside showed that she had been busy.

“Hey Luna, I’m back!”

“Hotasan, I thought you were studying. You weren’t at the library though. Where did you go? I even stopped by there, hoping we could come home together.”

“Erm, uh, that is-.”

Before I could make up a flimsy excuse, Luna stood up silently and approached me. Then, to my surprise, she sniffed my nose.

Of course, I had anticipated this.

This is why I had earlier received a vial of thunder mandarin duck essence from the Holy Maiden of the Venus Shrine to mask any traces of women.

It was almost like a strange charm to wipe off any scent!

Yet, in my excitement over the gold coin, I had completely forgotten to spray it on myself!

d*mn, I’m an idiot!

Sniff.

“Rose smell. What kind of fragrance is this? And where have you been? The scent makes me think… There’s also a hint of pigeon fragrance.”

…d*mn.

With her closing in, my mind went blank, and I knew I had to try something. I furrowed my brow excessively, just like I did earlier with the Holy Maiden in the Venus Shrine, bowed my head, and covered my eyes.

“Ow, it’s blinding! Luna, I can’t look at your face, it’s so blinding!”

“…What are you talking about all of a sudden? Is Hotasan feeling sick?”

“Ugh, Luna, your face is so blinding I can’t even look at it! What happened out there…?”

“Ah, really? I tried makeup with Paranoi using White Ash Powder. I thought it was mild enough that you wouldn’t notice, but Hotasan always catches it! Can you tell any other changes?”

Upon Luna’s inquiry, while pretending to squint lazily, I looked at her face.

Now that I observe closely, there’s indeed a light dusting of powder on Luna’s usually pale face.

But she was asking about any other noticeable changes. At that, I panicked.

“Did you cut your bangs…?”

“That’s right! Paranoi said I wouldn’t notice, but you always do!”

Seemingly moved by my observation, Luna tightly hugged my waist. Considering her small build, I thought it wouldn’t be that tight,

GAH!

Was it due to recent accumulation of karma? The strength overwhelmed my imagination, and I felt my breath being choked off.

“Still, even with all that, this is different. Hotasan, you’ve been to the Venus Shrine, haven’t you? It’s excessive!”

“Commission… Gold coin…”

[Author’s Note]

The value of a single gold coin is roughly equivalent to ten million won.

Ten million won…

Isn’t that enough to make a person bark?

I, Michuru, would bark even for a valuable support coupon worth 100 won.

Bark Bark.

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