Chapter 371 – Angry Fox.

“Is there a problem, Sir Wayland? Did my Isis pique your interest? She is usually off the table but perhaps for such a man of stature, we could work something out~”

Madam Natasha couldn’t help but chuckle as she observed Roland. His helmet was concealing his face and tipped in the direction of Isis who was actually using a completely different name. The truth was unveiled when he explored her hidden status, exposing her true identity.

As Roland continued to observe the woman, his suspicions grew stronger. It seemed that the person he should truly be negotiating with was not the Madam, but this mysterious Hanako. Her class combination was unique and hinted at her true abilities. An Enchantress with expertise in both combat and trickery, she possessed the power to manipulate magic and deceive her opponents.

Numerous thoughts raced through his mind as he attempted to decipher the purpose of this deception. The individual assuming the identity of Isis appeared to possess a significantly higher level compared to the person known as Viper. He had anticipated the snake-faced man to be his primary concern, yet in terms of power, he was closer to Kabir. Kabir’s level did not surpass two hundred, and his classes were nothing extraordinary either.

Did they purchase this woman as a secret bodyguard for their own protection? Her name didn’t even appear on his list of suspects. In the city, there were only four prominent bosses who controlled the pleasure district. Two of them were already imprisoned in the city dungeon. Once he dealt with those two, the trial could finally proceed.

‘Viper as expected is just a nickname… but wait, there was a fifth person… could she be…’

As the gears in his mind began to click, a realization dawned upon him. There had always been a fifth individual operating within the crime syndicate, known as the Thieves Guild Master. The identity of this person, who led the guild, remained a mystery even to the four bosses. It seemed highly likely that the person standing before him, Hanako, was actually the Guild Master in disguise.

To the uninformed, the Enchantress class could have been confused with a crafting profession like the Enchantsmith. However, the two shared very few similarities. Roland possessed only basic knowledge about it, understanding that illusory magic played a significant role in its repertoire. With tier 2 classes like Blade of Illusion and Magical Trickster at her disposal, Hanako would undoubtedly engage him in a battle of confusion.

“Work something out?”

He was out for but a second but Madam Natasha made quite the proposition that took him by surprise.

“Mhm. Isn’t that right dear Isis? I’m sure you wouldn’t be against entertaining someone like the Knight Commander~”

Natasha’s response only added to the confusion. Was the Guild Master truly the mastermind behind everything, or was she attempting to deceive him and gain access to his bed for a quick assassination? It was difficult for him to fathom the leader of the guild willingly engaging in such activities. The Madam on the other hand appeared pleased at the idea of establishing stronger connections with someone of Roland’s high position.

“If that is what the Madam wants…”

To his continued surprise, the woman in question was not against it at all. Then quickly after the whole situation got even stranger. The Madam clapped her hands together and on the sides, a few sliding doors opened up. From each side emerged a woman in revealing clothing with prepared alcohol.

“Splendid! Sir Wayland, how about we postpone our chat for later, the night is only beginning~”

“I uh…”

Roland surveyed the room, now filled with an intoxicating scent emanating from the alluring women surrounding him. Isis, ever attentive, poured a glass of wine that materialized out of nowhere. It became clear to him that these individuals intended to indulge him in alcohol and pleasurable encounters. They hoped that once he succumbed to their debauchery, he would emerge as a more favorable Knight Commander. However, Roland was not so easily swayed. He recognized their tactics as an attempt to manipulate him, to cloud his judgment with temporary pleasures. He understood that they sought to exploit his desires and vulnerabilities for their own gain.

However, this didn’t mean that he would refuse. It was an opportunity to personally examine this woman. Now that they had given him the chance to speak with her privately in a room, they had made a mistake. They probably assumed that their leader would be able to charm and deceive the unsuspecting Commander with her enchanting skills. It was highly likely that his encounter with her would be nothing more than a vivid dream, similar to the cult relic he had encountered before.

As Roland found himself surrounded by the seductive women, he knew he had to tread carefully. He couldn’t let himself be swept away by their allure, but he also couldn’t afford to reveal his suspicions just yet. He needed to play along and gather more information. While gathering some strength and hoping that Elodia never found out about this, he decided to give it a try.

“Very well, Madam Natasha,”

He replied, his voice laced with a hint of intrigue.

“I shall indulge in your hospitality for now…”

“No need to be shy, please relax but isn’t that helmet a bit stuffy?

Madam Natasha said with a playful tone, her words dripping with seduction. She started urging Isis to take it off which led to a bit of an awkward moment of him having to raise his hand to stop this act. While his willpower stat was quite high, if he removed his helmet then he would become more susceptible to mind-affecting spells and skills.

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

Thanks to his extensive research on the abyssal relic, Roland knew that his helmet provided ample defense against illusions and mind-affecting spells. It was a crucial safeguard that he needed to maintain. Not only did it shield him from the enchantments and manipulations that might be present in this place, but it also had a built-in air purification system. This feature allowed him to breathe comfortably even in toxic environments, like the strange perfumed air that filled the room.

He suspected that the perfumes were laced with mind-altering drugs and aphrodisiacs, an attempt to weaken the willpower of unsuspecting guests. Roland was well aware that the group had likely realized his immunity to these effects, as he showed no symptoms of succumbing to their allure.

“I appreciate your concern, Madam Natasha.”
Roland replied with a hint of amusement in his voice.

“But I prefer to keep my helmet on for now. It’s a symbol of my duty and commitment.”

“A symbol, you say? How intriguing.”