Sanae Dekomori hated dairy products.
Most fried potato ball flavors contained cream,like the creamy red bean flavor Ais liked.
But
What were all those random things she was holding?
Seeing Shaka's confused expression, the stall owner explained with a warm smile:
"Dekomori-chan is just too cute. Everyone gives her something when they see her."
"And besides, she's Astraea-sama's child. Of course people are enthusiastic."
The potato ball vendor looked kind and friendly, but for some reason, Shaka couldn't remember his face clearly. If not for the stall itself, he wouldn't even be sure whether this was the same owner from yesterday.
A little too… generic, isn't he?
The man scratched his head sheepishly.
"Hehe, I just didn't expect Dekomori-chan to have such a big reaction today."
"Sanae Dekomori, what exactly did you do on the street yesterday?!" Shaka exclaimed in disbelief.
Damn it. He really wanted that kind of prestige too.
With great effort, Dekomori finally shoved the pile of items into Shaka's arms. She spat out the potato ball in her mouth and complained bitterly:
"Milk, the devil's food! I hate it the most, death!"
"Hey, don't waste food." Shaka flicked her forehead.
"This is an angel's curse, death!"
"Hah. You'll regret it sooner or later if you don't drink milk." Shaka glanced at Dekomori's unimpressive figure with open disdain.
But then
"Hey, what are we supposed to do with all this?" Shaka looked helplessly at the bags of goods in his arms.
"Won't this affect our patrol?"
Dekomori puffed out her chest proudly.
"These are offerings to Lord Dekomori!, accept them with gratitude!"
"Master, if you need anything, just call us"
Shaka's expression stiffened.
"My Servant, we still have a mission."
"Oh!" Dekomori's eyes widened. "Right death! There's a mission!"
Still, it was hard to let go of all that stuff.
After observing how warmly the merchants treated Dekomori, Shaka suddenly had an idea.
"Sanae Dekomori, no, Thunder Hammer Wielder!"
"I command you, in the name of Astraea, to patrol this street and investigate all suspicious individuals! Gather intelligence from the believers!"
Dekomori's eyes sparkled.
"Brilliant idea, death!"
She immediately rushed into a nearby weapon shop.
"King of the Frozen Abyss! The organization needs you once more! Death!!"
Before Shaka could stop her, loud laughter erupted from inside.
"Hahaha! Little Dekomori, did Cecil already make you a Thunder Hammer? If not, this Mountain King can help!"
"Really?!"
"Of course but it'll cost money."
"Huh?!"
Shaka overheard everything.
…Alright. It seemed Dekomori was extremely popular among blacksmiths.
Probably because she liked hammers.
Blacksmiths in the Swordsmith City weren't simple craftsmen. Processing materials for level-one adventurers required considerable strength. In an actual fight, even Shaka might struggle against them.
And if there was someone like Mia's mother hiding among them
That would be terrifying.
With that in mind, Shaka felt reassured.
They split up to investigate separately.
Shaka headed toward taverns, casinos, and bathhouses places mercenaries liked to frequent.
Good. These places definitely aren't suitable for Dekomori.
After walking around for quite a while, he still didn't spot any of the mercenaries.
Shaka patted his empty pockets and clicked his tongue.
"Tsk. If I weren't broke, I could've bought some information from a bartender."
Just as frustration set in, someone tapped him on the shoulder.
Shaka turned around to see an adventurer in black robes standing silently behind him.
"Who are you?"
"Shh come with me."
The figure lifted her hood briefly to show her face, then raised a finger and pulled Shaka into a narrow alley.
Shaka followed without much suspicion.
"Why didn't you leave the city?" Shaka asked.
The newcomer removed her hood, revealing a pair of tan dog ears.
[Mud Dog] Lulune—vice-captain of the Hermes Familia.
An adventurer who often worked in the gray zones and accepted unconventional commissions.
"That's a long story." Lulune put her hands on her hips.
"But what are you investigating? Based on your background, you shouldn't be involved with those people."
Shaka caught the key point.
"You know who I'm looking for?"
Lulune shrugged. "I've heard rumors."
Shaka understood immediately she wanted something from him.
"Enough beating around the bush. What do you want?"
"Haha, exposed already?" Lulune grinned.
"My target happens to be the same group. I'm wondering if you have any additional leads."
So she was fishing for information.
Shaka narrowed his eyes.
"I'll talk but first, tell me your purpose. And I want their identities and location."
Lulune pinched her cheek, looking troubled.
"My intelligence doesn't come cheap."
Shaka's calm stare made her sigh.
"Alright, alright."
She became serious.
"We received an order from the Guild to investigate a shipment that left Orario. We don't know what it is, but Hermes insisted we uncover the details."
The Guild can't command Hermes…
Then it must be Uranus.
What kind of shipment would make Uranus intervene?
Shaka shared what he knew.
"Yesterday, my companions saw them transporting black metal boxes into the city. It didn't seem unusual at first."
"But at noon, I was attacked by an enhanced Minotaur outside the forest."
Lulune frowned.
"What's the connection?"
Shaka stayed silent and returned the look.
"…Your turn."
Realizing the imbalance, Lulune sighed.
"Alright. Since our goals align, let's cooperate for now."
"I'll take you to their stronghold. In exchange, you tell me everything you know."
[Mud Dog] was officially registered as Level 2, but in reality, she was Level 3.
Outside the city, she was a local powerhouse. In a kingdom, she could easily be a knight commander.
If someone dared to smuggle goods from Orario and sell them…
They might be dealing with something even she couldn't handle.
"Deal."
Shaka extended his hand, and Lulune shook it.
At least for Astraea's sake, Shaka trusted that Lulune wouldn't betray him.
He briefly recounted the events of the past few days.
"…The Dark Faction," Lulune muttered.
She fell silent, weighing the risks.
Shaka smiled gently and nudged her.
"You know I'm still new. I can't handle this alone."
"You're not thinking of backing out, are you?"
"How could I?" Lulune said quickly.
"Ask around [Mud Dog] is known for her integrity."
She hesitated, then added, "After all… we're businessmen."
Your nickname already gives you away.
Shaka chuckled.
"With Lord Mud Dog here, those mercenaries are nothing."
Since Astraea's safety was involved, Shaka decided to uncover the truth as soon as possible.
If things went south, he could always fire a Cloud-Piercing Arrow to summon reinforcements.
Shaka was certain,
If news spread that Astraea was in danger, a certain elf would come without hesitation.
BONUS CHAPTER AGAIN TY FOR THE PS