Chapter 26

Here’s the English translation of the provided novel excerpt, adhering to the given glossary terms:

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Episode 26

Nemea’s Cat

026 ? <Nemea’s Cat #2>

The slums of Sodomora’s western district.

The client who requested me by name was said to be there. But given that I hadn’t even been in this city for a week, there was no way I had any acquaintances here.

Moreover, I wasn’t some standout figure who’d warrant being personally named for a job. No matter how much I racked my brain, I couldn’t figure out who’d give me work like this.

“Wow, not many get personally requested for jobs in the Iron Tier. Hassan, you’re really something!”

Unlike me, who was utterly puzzled, Luna was fussing around as if she’d been personally honored. The request was mine, yet her confidence was skyrocketing—it was almost comical.

“So, who is it? Is there no name? What’s the job about?”

“Just the location is written.”

The parchment I received from Daphne only had the client’s address and the assigned payment amount, with no further details.

It was frustratingly uninformative, but complaining wouldn’t help in a society where proper systems were lacking.

I didn’t know the job details or who the client was. Yet, the reason I was heading into unfamiliar territory was because of the number written on the parchment:

『Base payment: 2 silver. Additional compensation possible based on work duration.』

Two silver.

Two whole silver coins!

Whatever the job was, the base pay alone was 2 silver. Passing up such an opportunity was out of the question. Two silver was a massive sum—equivalent to 200 copper.

For someone like me, who’d just spent 5 silver on protective gear, the prospect of earning enough to cover living expenses for a while was thrilling enough to make my heart race.

“S-So, Hassan… W-We’re a fixed party now, right? There’s something I forgot to mention earlier…”

Luna, walking beside me, was hesitating like never before. Every time she acted like this, it usually meant something shocking was coming. d*mn it, what now?

“What?”

“It’s important… D-Don’t get mad or misunderstand. I’m just stating this objectively.”

“Spit it out. Your tongue’s tied like it’s on strike.”

“…I forgot to discuss how we’d split the earnings.”

“Oh.”

Now that she mentioned it, I hadn’t thought about profit-sharing in a party. I’d assumed it’d naturally be split equally, like guild-assigned requests.

“I-I’m fine with just 40%…”

“40%?”

I’d vaguely assumed a 50-50 split, so Luna’s timid offer was surprising.

“You’re sure about 40%?”

“W-Well, 30% then…”

Wait, why’d it drop further?

“A-Anything below 30% might be tough for me…”

She looked utterly pitiful, fidgeting like I used to under Elpride’s enslavement. That damned witch Elpride would’ve whipped her without hesitation, but I wasn’t some uncultured elf. I was a civilized 21st-century man.

“Okay, deal. 30%.”

“R-Really? sh*t! You promise?!”

“If you perform well, I might toss in a little extra.”

“W-Wait, extra?! You’re lying! Who’d fall for that?!”

d*mn it. Even kindness gets doubted. This world was harsh—free favors were rare, and most who offered them had ulterior motives.

“S-Swear on the River Styx, Hassan!”

“Huh?”

Hell no. I wasn’t reliving that stomach-cramping nightmare. The title “Hassan the Shitter” loomed over me like a specter.

“N-No need for Styx oaths…”

“Right… Carelessly invoking divine laws might bring curses. But Hassan, if you go back on your word…”

“I won’t. We’re a fixed party now. Trust matters.”

It felt cultish to preach trust without a contract, but I held the leverage here. Luna had no choice but to follow my lead.

Not that I planned to exploit her. I just hated making promises—they were binding.

With that, the profit-sharing issue was settled.

Luna kept muttering, “Hmm…” and “Ah…” as if something still bothered her, but she didn’t press further.

By the time we neared the client’s location, circling the area, she suddenly asked:

“D-Do you… like me?”

“What?”

The unexpected question caught me off guard. I schooled my expression and repeated, “What?”

“I just thought… you might like me. You’re being too nice otherwise.”

“Uh.”

This was the first time I’d been asked this since elementary school. My brain overheated.

Had she mistaken basic decency for romantic interest?

Before I could respond, she added:

“B-But Hassan… I might not be able to return your feelings…”

What the hell? Rejected without even confessing? A 0-confession, 1-rejection ratio—my KDA was a joke.

“I-I’ve sworn a vow of chastity to Nox, the Mother of Night. So I can’t date or be with men…”

“Ah.”

I’d heard of chastity vows—pledges to gods for blessings or gratitude. But seeing it firsthand was new.

“So you’re sworn to Nox?”

“Y-Yeah… If you touch me, Nox’s punishment will follow. Probably…”

Her uncertainty was palpable. Given last night’s events, I wondered if Luna was Nox’s daughter. A mother guarding her daughter’s purity?

No wonder this airheaded girl could wander around unscathed.

“Anyway, you’ve got the wrong idea. Let’s talk later. We’re here.”

Conversation made the trip feel short. Arriving at the destination, I recognized the place instantly.

A creaking wooden sign swayed in the wind, bearing a strange drawing—a flask or a vial of some odd potion.

“Welcome, friend.”

The woman who emerged from the rusty door wore a pointed hat, fiery red hair, and a chest like giant watermelons. Unforgettable.

“I’ve been waiting. Come in.”

[Author’s Note]

The weekend’s over TT… This week, I burned through ~25 episodes in a whirlwind. Thanks to that, we hit #2 on Tobe! TT…

I can’t promise “guaranteed fun,” but I can* promise no hiatuses and a steady long-term story!

So please, leave likes and comments! Heheh.

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This translation maintains the original tone, glossary terms, and stylistic elements (e.g., casual speech, humor, and cultural references) while ensuring readability in English. Let me know if you’d like any refinements!