Chapter 50: The Legend of the Eight Greed Kings

                                    

                                          
In the bustling central market of Tepno, carts trundled by, voices clamored, and dust from the grimy ground dispersed into the air. Old farmers carried their loads through the streets, while vendors of all kinds shouted at the top of their lungs to hawk their wares. Stalls lined the streets from end to end, displaying a dazzling array of colorful goods.
A peculiar adventurer group weaved through the market, stopping now and then at stalls to browse merchandise. Leading the way was a solemn-faced girl in black with short hair, incongruously carrying a giant sword on her back.
Beside her walked a tall, muscular middle-aged man with a longsword at his waist, his sharp eyes and steady gait marking him as an elite adventurer. Following behind was a young man with a bow and arrow, his cheerful demeanor occasionally punctuated by witty remarks as he glanced at the cleric girl beside him.
The cleric girl, with her beautiful features and dressed in a lovely white cleric uniform, held the hands of two adorable blonde girls. The twins were so alike in appearance they could have been carved from the same mold.
"Did the princess issue some kind of secret task?" Barrett turned his head towards EeDeChi and asked.
"Someone might be planning to assassinate her, so she hopes to hire us for protection," EeDeChi replied nonchalantly, strolling through the market.
"And you agreed to this?" Barrett exclaimed.
"Of course I did."
"Good grief, couldn't you have consulted us first?" Barrett sighed, "Not to mention Sean and Stella, the two from the Baharuth Empire."
"It's not a bad thing," EeDeChi glanced at Barrett, "Besides, if someone's out to harm Princess Renner, I can't just stand idly by!"
A carriage temporarily blocked their path. Barrett halted and shook his head. "Princess Renner may be kind-hearted, but she clearly wants to win you over and make you work for her.
"I was drinking at the Adventurer's Guild tavern yesterday, and word has it that the old king's health is failing, worsened by the tragic death of the eldest prince on the battlefield a few years ago. After a serious illness, his health has deteriorated greatly. It wouldn't be surprising if he kicks the bucket in a couple of years.
"Although the second prince is the designated heir to the throne, Princess Renner's influence is deeply rooted and she holds significant sway in the people's eyes. This greatly affects the second prince's power and status. Don't forget, just two days ago a suicide assassin attempted to kill Princess Renner. In my opinion, we shouldn't wade into this murky water."
The bustling market was crowded with people coming and going. EeDeChi glanced around and asked, puzzled, "You openly criticize the Kingdom and comment on current political affairs, yet no knights have arrested you?"
"What do you mean?" Barrett scratched his head. "Adventurers should try to stay out of mainstream disputes, especially power struggles among the elite. It's a consensus among all adventurers. This could spell trouble, and once you're involved, it's hard to get out. We should steer clear of this mission."
"I've already sorted things out with Princess Renner," EeDeChi waved a hand, signaling an end to the discussion.
"But," Barrett persisted, "we're adventurers who battle monsters, not..."
"She's paying each of us three gold coins per day."
"Well, actually, this mission isn't too bad. We'll work for a hundred days and then leave, how about that? Just three months," Barrett looked at EeDeChi with a hopeful expression.
EeDeChi glared at the money-loving guy who'd do anything for a buck, then turned away, ignoring him. She strode forward a few steps and stopped at an apple stall, beginning to pick out the bright red apples on display.