Chapter 155: Once Dreamed of Roaming the World with a Sword, Lost Two Companions Right Outside the Village
"My stomach is so hungry!!"
On the streets of the lower town in the Imperial City, a young man and a young woman walked aimlessly along the road, looking utterly listless.
Judging by their attire, it was clear that these two had come from outside the Imperial City, as both of them were carrying weapons.
The young woman had a bow strapped to her back, while the young man carried a sword and wore a white cloth tied around his head, almost as if he were in mourning.
However, compared to the young man's rustic and rather tacky appearance, the young woman was exceptionally eye-catching.
Her sleek, jet-black hair flowed gracefully in the wind, and her large, flawless eyes were filled with a mix of helplessness and awe at the Imperial City's bustling prosperity.
The floral accessory adorning her dark locks added a touch of liveliness and playfulness to her demeanor. Although she hailed from the countryside, her simple, kind-hearted beauty attracted the attention of many men. A few lecherous noblemen had already begun eyeing her with unmistakable intent!
Listening to the cries of street vendors hawking their goods, the two curiously glanced around, taking in the lively scene.
But as the aroma of food wafted from the nearby shops, their stomachs couldn't help but growl incessantly.
"Hey, Ieyasu, we've made it to the Imperial City, but what do we do now? Where are we going to stay tonight? And what about food?"
"Don't ask me, I have no idea either. It's all because of those damned bandits we ran into on the way! If it weren't for them, we wouldn't have gotten separated from Tatsumi! Damn it, now we don't even have enough to eat!"
As he spoke, the young man named Ieyasu grew so agitated that he began stomping his feet in frustration.
One night, not far from the Imperial City, the three of them—who had left the village together—were suddenly ambushed by bandits, causing them to scatter completely.
The bounty they had earned from hunting Danger Beasts along the way was all with Tatsumi, and the little money they had left had long since been spent on their journey.
At this thought, the young woman traveling with him, Sayo, couldn't help but shoot Ieyasu a resentful look and complain:
"Honestly, isn't this all your fault, Ieyasu? Who told you to cause such a scene at the recruitment office?"
"How can you blame me for that!"
Ieyasu looked at his companion in disbelief and exclaimed:
"If that guy hadn't looked down on us and insisted we start as the lowest-ranked soldiers! Sayo, with our skills, we could easily have become squad leaders!"
That's exactly what happened—after causing a commotion at the recruitment office, the two of them were promptly thrown out.
As a result, they were now stranded on the streets with empty stomachs and nowhere to stay for the night.
Though, sleeping on the streets wasn't exactly a big deal for them.
"Hey~ It seems you two are in quite a predicament."
Just then, a cheerful female voice called out from behind them.
Instinctively turning around, they saw a provocatively dressed blonde beauty greeting them.
"Wh-what a beautiful big sister!" Ieyasu exclaimed in astonishment.
So this is the Imperial City?
Her clothes are so revealing!
Especially those prominent "buns"—they were practically impossible to look away from!
"You idiot Ieyasu, where are you looking!"
Seeing the boy's fixed stare, Sayo couldn't resist giving him a sharp knock on the head, immediately snapping him back to reality.
"Ahaha, no worries, no worries. But judging by your appearance, you seem to be facing quite some difficulties. Let big sister guess—you came here from the countryside to pursue romance in the Imperial City, right?"
"How did you know?"
Compared to his companion who was only focused on the woman's figure, Sayo remained highly vigilant.
"Ma, no need to be nervous. Having lived in the Imperial City for so long, I can spot dream-chasing outsiders like you at a glance. And I suppose you've just been rejected by the recruitment office, right?"
"That's absolutely incredible!"
Ieyasu couldn't help exclaiming, as if he'd found a kindred spirit. He stepped forward complaining, "It's all because those people have poor judgment! With our skills, we shouldn't have to start as bottom-ranked soldiers. Don't judge us by our appearance—we're actually really strong!"
"Along the way, Sayo, Tatsumi and I have taken down countless first-level Danger Beasts! We've even hunted several Earth Dragons!"
"Ahaha, is that so? That's quite impressive indeed."
The blonde beauty nodded, placing her hands on her hips. "Oh right, I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Leone."
"Hello, big sister Leone! I'm Ieyasu, and this person beside me is..."
"I'm Sayo."
"Oh, hello there! Very pleased to meet you."
Leone laughed heartily, though her eyes lingered on Sayo for a moment. Deciding she wouldn't be easy to fool, she shifted her gaze to Ieyasu.
"Hey there, Ieyasu boy, I know a way to quickly become an officer. Want to hear about it?"
"Really?!"
"Of course it's true! Let me tell you—though I might not look like it, I actually know someone important in the Imperial City. If I put in a good word for you, you could directly enter the military department. Becoming a squad leader or something similar wouldn't just be a dream!"
Seeing her target taking the bait, Leone switched into her deception mode.
She had lost count of how many country folks she'd given this "lesson" to using this exact routine.
It couldn't be helped—she was desperately short on money.
Though her monthly income wasn't low, it was never enough to cover her expenses, not to mention the mountain of high-interest loans she owed, with creditors constantly chasing after her.
And technically, her words weren't entirely deceptive—she did know an important figure: Mahiro, the minister of the secret security department.
She even guarded his front gate!
Though she hadn't shown up for work in half a month, with Sheele covering her shifts the entire time.
"Then please help us, big sister Leone!"
"Hey, Ieyasu!"
Watching Ieyasu bow respectfully toward the woman, his companion Sayo couldn't help but jab his arm, hoping he'd show at least some caution.
Unfortunately, it was useless.
The naive Ieyasu was already lost in fantasies of joining the military, becoming a squad leader, achieving great merits, rapidly rising to become the Imperial City's great general, then marrying a beautiful noble lady from a wealthy family to become a winner in life!
"Haha, of course no problem! But before that, how about treating big sister to a meal first!"
"Ah?!"
Ieyasu froze in disbelief.
Sayo couldn't help but massage her temples.
Just as I thought...
"What's this? Big sister here helps you become squad leaders, and you won't even treat me to a meal?" Leone puffed her cheeks slightly, putting on an adorable angry expression.
Surprisingly, it had a certain contrast charm.
"Ah, no..."
Ieyasu wore an awkward expression, his eyes darting nervously.
If they had money, would they have ended up starving on the streets?
But just then, another voice slowly sounded from nearby.
"Of course it's no problem. It's just one meal, right? My treat."
"Really...?!"
Upon hearing this voice, Leone immediately broke out in goosebumps and began trembling all over, as if she had encountered something terrifying.
"But let's forget about it, haha... Next time, next time..."
As she spoke, Leone tried to make a run for it, but as soon as she took a step, a large hand landed on her shoulder, rendering her immobile.
Then an extremely handsome face slowly came into view.
Only, it wore a gentle smile that filled Leone with fear, and he spoke to her in a soft voice:
"Why wait until next time? There's no time like the present. How about I treat you to some grilled lion meat? Consider it a reward for skipping half a month of work."
"Wah... Lord Yotsuba, please spare me! I know I was wrong!!!"
Leone immediately surrendered.
There was no helping it—in the Imperial City, including Night Raid, there were only two people Leone didn't dare provoke.
One was Night Raid's boss Najenda, the other was Mahiro of the secret security forces.
If you crossed the former, you'd get beaten up. If you crossed the latter, not only would you get beaten up, but you'd also get your pay docked.
Comparing the two, Leone felt that Mahiro was probably even more terrifying than Najenda.
"Do you really understand your mistake?"
"Really..."
"Will you still dare to use my name to swindle people outside in the future?"
"I won't, never again..."
"Alright then, I'll forgive you this time. Hurry up and go back to relieve Sheele, and do your job properly. Otherwise, I'll have Mine dock your pay!"
"Yes, yes..."
Leone didn't even dare to refute, her attitude completely respectful and deferential—entirely different from the confident, sunny big sister from before.
However, just as she was about to leave, she couldn't help asking: "Um, Lord Yotsuba, how did you know I was here?"
"Heh."
Mahiro glanced at her disdainfully. "What else would a slacker like you do during work hours besides going out to scam people for drinks and money?"
Leone left speechlessly.
She never realized this was how Mahiro saw her, though the description was quite accurate.
In reality, he hadn't known Leone was here—he had just happened to run into her.
Mainly, he had heard there was some trouble at the recruitment station and came out of curiosity to check, only to stumble upon this scene.
However, when his gaze shifted to the two of them, he found them staring straight at him.
"So handsome..."
"Really cool..."
"What is it? Is there something on my face?"
Mahiro's question immediately snapped them out of their daze, and they quickly shook their heads and apologized.
"No problem, no problem." Mahiro waved his hand dismissively and asked, "You two were the ones causing trouble at the recruitment center just now, right?"
"Well... sir, actually it's like this..."
"Yes, sir! I did it!"
Just as Sayo was about to explain, Ieyasu directly interrupted her, even admitting it quite frankly and explaining:
"You see, sir, the people at the recruitment center looked down on us. Even though we're both very capable, they shouldn't make us start as low-ranking soldiers. We just wanted to begin as squad leaders to show them our skills, but that person threw us out instead!"
This reason...
Mahiro nearly laughed out loud upon hearing it.
Why does this feel strangely familiar?
And their appearances also seem somewhat vaguely recognizable...
Just as he was pondering this, the young man across from him spoke up again: "Sir, you must be a high-ranking official, right?"
"Mhm, you could say that. It mainly depends on how you define 'high-ranking official.' I'm Yotsuba Mahiro, head of the Imperial City's Secret Security Department."
"Perfect!"
Ieyasu immediately beamed with joy and said bluntly: "Lord Yotsuba, we're truly very capable! Please give us a chance—we really want to join the military and become squad leaders!"
Who knows if this kid is straightforward or just foolish.
Back in his day, at least he knew to bribe his superiors. But this young man in front of him only knows how to talk.
But such passionate youths were quite interesting indeed.
Mahiro suddenly grew interested: "Of course, no problem. As long as you can pass the assessment, making an exception to give you squad leader positions wouldn't be an issue."
"But first, tell me your names."
"Yes, sir! I'm Ieyasu!"
"I-I'm Sayo, sixteen years old this year."
Compared to her earlier composure and calmness, Sayo now clearly showed more shyness and reverence.
Upon hearing their names, Mahiro was momentarily stunned and blurted out without thinking: "The ones from 'Once dreamed of traveling the world with sword in hand, lost two companions right outside the village gate'?"
"Huh? What does that mean?"
Both of them looked utterly confused.
"Never mind. Since you're so eager to advance, come with me. I'll take you for the assessment."
With that, Mahiro led them back to the recruitment station.
Seeing the two of them enter again, the recruitment officer immediately wanted to order them thrown out—how dare these country bumpkins cause trouble here!
Until he noticed Mahiro following behind them.
"L-Lord Yotsuba, what brings you...?"
"Go call Nahashu over."
"Yes, Lord Yotsuba!"
The man immediately turned and left with utmost respect, making Ieyasu's heart surge with excitement, his eyes gradually lighting up.
He hadn't been wrong—this person was indeed a high-ranking official!
Even the person who had just bullied them showed such respectful attitude!
After a while, a cold-faced blond youth approached.
"Lord Yotsuba, you called for me?"
"Yes, you'll be responsible for these two's assessment next. Use the squad leader standard, you understand?"
"I understand. Please leave everything to me, Lord Yotsuba."
Nahashu first spoke respectfully to Mahiro, then turned to the two: "You two, come with me."
"Y-yes, sir!"
They answered in unison.
Ieyasu in particular was completely mesmerized.
If Lord Yotsuba gave him a feeling like warm spring breeze with subtle authority of a superior, then this youth before him who wasn't much older gave off a sharp, chilling aura.
The powerful pressure emanating from that cold, handsome face made it clear his strength must be extraordinary!
Is this what military personnel are like?
They seem so impressive...
Behind him, Sayo's dark eyes seemed filled with even more curiosity, thinking both this boy before her and Lord Yotsuba were so handsome, unlike Tatsumi and the others from their village.
However, her cute little face showed more nervousness, since this was her first experience with such an impressive situation after coming to the Imperial City from the countryside!
As for Mahiro, he naturally followed behind them.
After all, this was his arranged scenario—how could he not go watch?
But upon entering the backyard, he discovered that not only was Nahashu there, but Cornelia and Tsukushi were also present.
Due to manpower shortage during military recruitment, Mahiro had assigned Nahashu and Green here, but didn't expect the others had also come along to join the excitement.
The girls noticed Mahiro's figure and immediately showed delighted expressions, trotting over.
"Lord Yotsuba, what brings you here?"
"Just checking if you're all working hard, and by the way, watching a show."
"A show?"
Mahiro gestured toward Nahashu, and when they turned to look, they saw him retrieve two weighted vests from the warehouse and toss them before them, saying coldly:
"Put these on, then run ten laps around the courtyard within ten minutes."
Ieyasu looked up to survey the courtyard and estimated that one lap was about four hundred meters. Even ten laps would only total four kilometers.
This test seemed far too simple for him.
But after putting on the weighted vest, Ieyasu stumbled, nearly losing his balance and falling, and found it almost impossible to take a step.
The reason was that a single weighted vest weighed as much as forty kilograms!
If he struggled this much, Sayo had it even worse, barely managing to hold on.
"Sayo, you mustn't give up," Ieyasu said through gritted teeth, his tone serious.
"Yes, we have to fight for the future of our village!" Sayo's eyes shone with determination.
Their eyes brimmed with fighting spirit, so the moment they heard the signal to start, they charged forward instantly.
In truth, their test wasn't overly strict—many standards had been lowered.
After all, when Nahashu and the others became squad leaders, they trained with weights exceeding fifty kilograms, and even the weakest among them, Seryu, could manage it.
A few minutes later, the assessment ended.
Without exception, both of them failed.
Ieyasu fared slightly better, at least completing half the distance, while Sayo completely ran out of steam after just two laps.
"Well, are you convinced now?"
Mahiro stepped forward, watching the two as he asked.
Both fell silent, unable to speak. They had thought it would be simple, but they never expected it to be so difficult.
Is this what the squad leaders of the Imperial City are like?
They're really strong!
"Since you're convinced, you'll start as rookie soldiers. Nahashu, this young man is yours; Cornelia, you'll take charge of this girl."
"Yes! Lord Yotsuba!"
Nahashu led Ieyasu away, and the passionate young man naturally had nothing to say.
However, when Sayo saw Cornelia and the girls following behind Mahiro, she was stunned.
The girls were incredibly beautiful!
Especially the girl with golden-brown short hair and the one with black short hair—though around her age, they were as pretty as idols!
"Hello, I'm Cornelia. You can usually call me Sister Cora. Starting today, you're one of my squad members. I'll introduce you to the others later."
As always, Cornelia showed a gentle, sisterly smile.
This warmed Sayo's heart.
"H-Hello, Sister Cora! I'm Sayo. Please take care of me from now on!"
"Hmm, Sayo~ You're quite pretty. No wonder Lord Yotsuba made an exception to bring you here for the assessment." Cornelia's tone carried a hint of something inexplicable.
"Huh?"
Sayo looked up at her, puzzled.
But Squad Leader Cornelia was even more beautiful than her!
At the same time, Mahiro, having finished watching the play and arranging his work, left the recruitment center. Just as he stepped out the door, he sneezed.
"Which despicable bastard is cursing me behind my back! It must be that fat pig Honest! Yes, definitely!"
Honest had innocently become the scapegoat.
But Mahiro couldn't be bothered to dwell on it. He looked up at the sky already half-painted red and murmured:
"Whatever, it's getting late. I should go see Akame."
This was the main thing he needed to do today.