Make Dark Fantasy Great Again

Chapter 107 The Saint. An eccentric who treats the illnesses and injuries of the powerless and poor in the Back Alleys for free. In the beginning, stories about him were treated as nothing more than trivial rumors outside the Back Alleys. The affairs of the backward and dangerous Back Alleys were none of the outside world's business, and they didn't face death from lack of money to heal minor wounds and illnesses like the Back Alley citizens did. However. At some point, rumors about The Saint began spreading through Bondaless high society. Into a world filled with people who would feel ashamed to receive free treatment. -The Saint? Ah, that person who goes around treating people for free in the Back Alleys... -That's right! -I didn't know you had interest in such matters. -Of course I'm not interested! -? -But I've become interested? And I think you'll soon become interested too? -What on earth happened? -You know Julina, right? -Ah, our Julina. How could I not know her. The Bondaless encyclopedia of handsome men. Why? Did Julina receive treatment from that Saint? -That's not it, she happened to witness The Saint treating someone else, and that Saint was so- -Mystical? -Handsome! -? -Let me quote Julina's exact words. "I'm going crazy, going crazy! Going crazy!!! I've never seen such a magnificent man in my life! Bronze skin, sky-blue eyes, deep golden hair, and above all, the white teeth that peek out when he smiles contrasting with his bronze skin... But most of all, that mysterious atmosphere! That atmosphere where masculine strength and feminine elegance coexist! No other words are needed. A noble prince. More princely than any Noble I've ever seen!" -...Julina said all that? The reason the high-ranking Young Ladies of high society showed interest in a Back Alley celebrity. It was none other than his much-rumored beauty. The Saint's name, which had only circulated within the Back Alleys, began to spread through word of mouth in the respectable world as it passed through the lips of Noble Young Ladies. Then one day. An incident occurred that would make The Saint the primary interest of all Noble Young Ladies. Caria Dendro, the Young Lady of Bondaless's largest Great Trading Company 'Golden Barley'. The Saint had come to stay as a guest at her Mansion. From Young Ladies to married women. Various women visited the Dendro Mansion to encounter The Saint whose beauty was the talk of the town, and there they were captivated by The Saint's mysterious atmosphere and beautiful appearance. The number of visitors grew day by day. Before long, The Saint became the most talked-about figure in Bondaless high society. Countless women opened their ears and purses to win his favor. Under that Influence, the Eastern Back Alleys of Bondaless became thoroughly The Saint's domain. This was how The Saint came to be reborn as a big shot of the Back Alleys. Even after he became The Saint of the Back Alleys, not much changed significantly. He still stayed at the Dendro Mansion, making connections with various visitors and expanding his Influence. Today too, countless women made their way to the Dendro Mansion to meet him. *** The Saint. Everyone who faced him was overwhelmed by his mysterious atmosphere and beautiful appearance. He was always the one moving others' hearts, and there had never been a single exception to this fact. High society figures would talk about such a Saint. The Saint who maintains equal distance with everyone and treats everyone with equal courtesy. Could there be someone he truly feels affection for? "He smiled...?" The expression he showed now might perhaps be the answer to that question. The Saint who had only smiled perfunctorily at the massive gift offensives from Noble ladies and never opened his heart. His entire face lit up with joy. 'To think that person could make such an expression...' This was the sentiment felt by most people in the venue. They followed The Saint's gaze with intense jealousy and curiosity. To find the owner of that expression. "Excuse me for a moment." "Ah, Lord Eron!?" At that moment, The Saint left the side of the curly-haired woman beside him- Caria Dendro's side and moved forward. The crowd that had surrounded him parted to make way. 'What? This atmosphere. What has that girly Rona been up to-' Risir, who was at the end of that path, was flustered by the sudden situation but was willing to respond to the reunion with his companion. Just as he was about to step forward with a welcoming smile. "Lord Eron!" A Noble woman right beside him pushed past Risir and rushed ahead. It was the urban Noble Marcelin Lavallia, who had just performed the Nobles' characteristic subtle evasion on Risir when he was looking for The Saint. She, who naturally carried off elaborate makeup and adornments, was a person of considerable influence in Bondaless high society. The new accessories and clothing she showcased when attending social gatherings would soon become new trends in Bondaless. Thanks to this, Marcelin could enjoy the privilege of having particularly many contact points with The Saint in high society. Based on this, Marcelin was convinced. 'He was looking at me! The gift I gave him before was effective!' Marcelin stood before The Saint, filled with anticipation. Her companions followed behind her with greatly excited expressions. "Isn't that Miss Marcelin?" "Could it be that Miss Marcelin and Lord Eron...?" The audience also easily accepted the situation where Marcelin was claiming to be The Saint's woman. They watched The Saint and Marcelin facing each other with fascinated eyes. As if they wouldn't miss a single thing that happened from now on. But there was something they missed. "..." The fact that when Marcelin pushed past some man, The Saint's expression briefly contorted. The Saint was wearing his usual mysterious smile as if nothing had happened. He bowed to Marcelin and spoke. "Miss Marcelin. Are you having a good time?" "Yes, thanks to you!" Marcelin answered with great excitement. Was it because she had approached with quick steps? Her breathing was quite elevated. Then, The Saint's hand moved toward Marcelin's face. "Uh...?" The Saint carefully removed a strand of hair stuck to her lips while leaving the flustered Marcelin behind. His sky-blue eyes looked directly into Marcelin's eyes. "That's pleasant to hear. I too had a good time thanks to Miss Marcelin." "Lord Eron..." Marcelin's eyes instantly filled with moisture. Just as she was about to continue the conversation with anticipation. "But you know, Miss Marcelin." "Yes? Ah, yes! Please speak!" "About the gift you gave me before." "Ah, yes! "I think I should return it after all." "What? Why- You clearly said you liked it then-" The Saint didn't bother to explain. He just smiled bitterly and shook his head. "Ah..." Marcelin stood dazed for a moment. Then she hurriedly looked around. The gazes of those who had been looking at her with envy just moments before had turned cold. Finally, Marcelin couldn't bear it and fled from the spot. Her companions also glanced around briefly before following after her. An awkward silence flowed through the venue for a while, but it didn't last long. The Nobles calmly approached The Saint and struck up conversations as if nothing had happened. There was even a hint of relief visible in their demeanor. It was relief that The Saint's woman didn't exist yet. "Eron. What was that gift Miss Marcelin mentioned just now?" The person feeling that relief most strongly right now. Caria Dendro, the Young Lady of the Golden Barley trading company, spoke to Eron as if blocking those who were approaching. Those who had intended to speak to Eron grimaced with dissatisfaction, but that was all. With The Saint staying as a long-term guest at the Dendro Mansion now. The person closest to him was undoubtedly Caria. *** 'What are you going to do by glaring like that?' Caria felt deep satisfaction as she glanced at them sideways. Having a merchant who led a Great Trading Company as her father, Caria was an extremely calculating person, perhaps due to her father's influence. When she spent money, it had to be worth more than its price for her to be satisfied, and if that wasn't the case, she had to use every means possible to make up for it before she felt at ease. For such a Caria, luxury was a story from another world. She couldn't understand other young women who indulged in luxury, and even found them pathetic. To consume items priced higher than their value just to stimulate vanity and provoke others' envy. Could there be anything more foolish and meaningless? Caria was confident that she would never become part of them. The Saint. At least until she met him. The first meeting between them, which came about when The Saint accepted her father's invitation to stay at the Mansion, delivered an intense shock to Caria. -Miss Caria, what's wrong? -What? Oh, it's nothing, I was just thinking about something else for a moment- By the way, there seem to be many people who want to talk with you, is it okay to keep staying by my side? With someone as boring as me. -Of course. You're the most important person to me at this gathering. -What? -The person who invited me as a guest to this Mansion is your father, isn't he? -Huh? Ah! That's, that's right. -And why do you say you're boring? -Why? I'm not really interested in dressing up like other kids my age... and whenever I bring up topics, it's only about money or business... -I don't think that's bad. -What? -Being conscious of it but not dressing up means you have confidence in your natural appearance, doesn't it? And there aren't many things as beautiful as confidence. -Kyaak!? Wh, what- -Ah, excuse me. I was bothered by your hair being disheveled. Did it make you feel bad? -N, no... I wonder if I should say it felt bad... -And I'm listening to your stories with interest. -What? -To already have a vision at that age and be planning your own business and future. Isn't that amazing? -...You're the first person to say that to me. -That's strange. What about your father? -What? Ah, my father said the same thing but- -Ah, I understand. The people who recognized your true worth are just me, excluding your father? -Uh... -In effect, I can consider myself as having my discernment recognized by a merchant, right? How honorable. Though I have no experience in that area, if a moment comes when I need to make business choices, I can confidently trust my judgment. -... The conversation she had shared with him. And the envious gazes directed at her from around while she conversed with him. It was an emotion Caria had never felt before. The feeling of becoming an incomparably special person. Caria understood the emotion she felt then by connecting it to two things: luxury and ostentation. Caria was completely captivated by that emotion. And she was completely captivated by The Saint, who was the source of that emotion. Thus, Caria came to have a strong belief. That only she, the Young Lady of the Great Trading Company head 'Golden Barley', could enjoy the luxury of monopolizing such a man. She was prepared to do anything as long as she could maintain that privilege. At this very moment of conversing with The Saint. Caria was absorbed in the situation where everyone's attention was focused on her. Perhaps she was absorbed in The Saint, the person who created all of this. Traces of adornment appeared all over the Young Lady's body, who originally had no interest in decoration. Her clothing, which had only considered practicality, gained splendor, and her plain appearance for a lady was enhanced with careful makeup. In fact, Caria was already not greatly interested in the attention of those around her. The Saint. She was only interested in the reactions he showed toward her. Perhaps that was why— "Hmm...?" She sensed that The Saint's attention was directed elsewhere during their conversation. Then, The Saint spoke. "Caria, I'll go talk with someone else for a moment." "What if I say no?" Caria spoke with a playful tone hiding a bit of sincerity. Of course, it didn't work on The Saint, who had easily stirred the hearts of countless women. He just smiled lightly and left his spot. "..." Caria's dissatisfied gaze followed his retreating figure. 'Where is he going?' Just when she thought he might be talking with someone else in the garden, The Saint left the garden entirely. "I'll be back in a moment." Caria left her guard warrior Rok behind and carefully followed The Saint. Eventually, The Saint entered the back of the Mansion. The sound of footsteps stopped. Caria leaned against the Mansion wall and listened carefully. -Is your body feeling better now? Then, she heard some shy female voice. 'Who is it?' Caria felt something was off, but focused on the conversation between The Saint and the woman. -Yeah, thanks to you. You took care of me while I was unconscious, right? 'Huh?' However, what she heard wasn't The Saint's voice but another male voice. The Saint was nowhere to be found, only the voices of a timid woman and a man could be heard. -...Who did you hear that from? -Ah, there's that kind of thing. Anyway, thank you, Rona. I'm indebted to you again. -...No, I'm the one who's indebted. -Hm? Ah. Come to think of it, you've been doing well lately, haven't you? Lord Saint. -...Shut up. "...!" Caria's eyes widened greatly. The unease she felt from the timid woman's voice took on substance. The androgynous, confidence-filled beautiful voice. That was The Saint's voice that Caria knew, that everyone knew. That's why she couldn't even imagine it. 'This is Eron's voice...?' *** ──────────────────── [Title: Base Activation? What's this again?] Content: Is this different from regional deactivation? -: It's literally making one region your base -[OP]: What's good about making it a base? -: Random events occur concentrated in your base making it easier to manage -: Hero candidates come to your base and Star Festival is held at your base and stuff -[OP]: Star Festival? -: Yeah roughly like a martial arts tournament to pick the strongest among late-stage masters if we're talking martial arts -[OP]: Oh lol -[OP]: So how do you activate a base? -: Seeing base activation for the first time, is it Bondaless? -[OP]: Yeah -: Roughly clear all Fate Quests to deactivate the region then raise regional conquest to 80% -[OP]: Conquest rate? Does it go up when you clear Fate Quests? -: No no, you need to raise group reputation and favorability with characters belonging to groups -[OP]: I don't know what that is but I can tell it's fucking annoying -: Big cities with Magic Towers like Bondaless are a bit tough -: Can I spoil? -[OP]: What is it -: Usually the base system first appears in Bondaless so people try to make it their base but most give up trying to make Bondaless a base and make the next city their base instead because reputation and favorability work is much easier -[OP]: Oh really? Thanks, almost suffered like hell -: Ah spoiler shit -[OP]: What, are you also working on Bondaless? -: No, that guy spoiled it so you won't waste time in Bondaless shit -[OP]: Are you a bastard? -: No but this is my 3rd playthrough and I still can't make Bondaless a base lololololol -: For real that place is geomantically an insane location -: City Council< How the hell do you deal with these old fart bastards? -: City Council is honestly easy mode yeah Merchant guild and high society are the real walls of despair -: Merchant guild Caria< this bitch's gift requirements for real lololol -: Is Caria that one? Whose preferred gift is gold coins -: Yeah -: No matter how many gold coins you give her, favorability doesn't go up, what's up with that? -: Translation error yeah -[OP]: What was it originally? -: Fucking tons of gold coins -[OP]: ? -: She's not interested in anything but money but she has so much money that ordinary amounts don't even register as money to her ㅠㅠ -: Went bankrupt trying to fill Caria's favorability yeah It's right to just skip her ──────────────────── *** ────────── [Regional Conquest Rate: 77%] ────────── *** "Eron!" Caria ultimately couldn't overcome her mental confusion and revealed herself before them. There stood a person named Risir whom The Saint had brought. And- "Caria?" The Saint, who had changed from an androgynous handsome man to just one feminine Young Lady, was also standing there. Caria cried out, consumed by a sense of betrayal. "You, you were a woman!?" Then The Saint's appearance changed completely. He returned to his androgynous handsome form and approached Caria. Then riding that momentum, he cornered Caria against the wall. "Did you secretly follow me?" Caria trembled and was startled but immediately resisted and shouted. "Th, that's not what's important right now!!!" "...Right, that's not what's important." The gorgeous beauty who could draw favor regardless of age or gender brought their face close to the plain curly-haired Young Lady who had tried hard but clumsily to dress up. "Do you dislike it?" "Uh...?" "Do you dislike me now?" The beauty smiled provocatively. They placed their finger on the Young Lady's chin, making her gaze meet theirs directly. "..." Caria's eyes trembled mercilessly. Eventually, she lowered her head and murmured. "N, no..." At that answer, the beauty smiled with satisfaction and gently stroked the plain Young Lady's cheek. "..." Undisguised joy appeared on the plain Young Lady's expression. After calming and sending away the plain Young Lady, the beauty turned their gaze back to Risir. "...Uh, where were we in our conversation?" With a shy appearance that retained nothing of their previous demeanor. *** ────────── [Your reputation resounds throughout all of Bondaless!] ────────── *** Rumors. They are water droplets overflowing from a swaying vessel, fragments of information that have fallen away from truth. Recently, the gossip enthusiasts of Bondaless had been spending increasingly busy times collecting those fragments. Such interesting and stimulating rumors circulating simultaneously could be counted on one hand. "This is about right." A gossip enthusiast. The middle-aged man who was also a member of the information guild organized the information he had deduced through rumors. He wore a strange smile as he looked at the organized information. "Where did all these talents suddenly flow in from in droves?" He couldn't even imagine that all those many rumors originated from just one man.