Chapter 31: Huh? Going to Jail?

With Johnson by her side, no one bothered Rita anymore.

Rita felt like a druid with a giant bear, unable to resist praising him. “You’re something else. One appearance, and they all scattered.”

“Nah, they don’t know me.” Johnson rubbed his bald head.

“Then why…”

“They’re bullies who pick on the clueless. They’re not scared of me—they just don’t mess with locals.”

Oh, so I’m an easy target who doesn’t know who to report to?

Speaking of, Rita had heard “the Lady” mentioned more than once. She seized the chance to ask. “Who’s this Lady? Sounds powerful.”

“She’s the queen of Solus City’s underworld. Not just the black market—she controls all the gray areas. No one knows her true identity, and she doesn’t want anyone digging.” Johnson replied.

Rita pictured a glamorous woman wielding a long whip.

Ugh, no thanks. After that quartet of skilled women, she was off mature ladies for a while.

She wanted to ask why Johnson was here, clearly familiar with the place.

But the black market wasn’t exactly wholesome. Best not to pry.

Johnson didn’t ask why she was in such a sketchy spot or how she got into trouble with two groups. They were even.

The winding path she took coming in was quick with Johnson leading. Rita mentally noted the route. Soon, they stopped at the alley’s entrance.

“This is far enough.” Johnson halted.

Walking with a muscle-bound guy made Rita uneasy, like she was radiating weakness.

Compared to big sisters or hulks, Cecilia was better—grumpy, but small and soft.

Small is good, good is small!

Rita pulled her hood back on, bowing slightly to Johnson.

“Thanks for the help. I’ll head off now.”

Before she could straighten, rapid footsteps closed in from behind.

They followed me? This is outside the black market, so they waited here.

Rita’s eyes hardened, spinning around—only to see fiery red twin-tails blazing into view.

You?

Bandaged Momoka screeched to a stop, her shoes scraping the ground, then looked up at Johnson.

So she’s after him.

Rita relaxed, but Momoka’s puzzled gaze landed on her, making Rita tug her hood lower.

Momoka’s surprised voice came first.

“It’s you! I’ve been looking everywhere! I couldn’t catch you after the exam, you vanished, and I went to the city lord’s mansion, but the maids said you were out! I thought I wouldn’t see you for days!”

Even without naming her, Rita knew Momoka recognized her.

If Johnson spotted her instantly, Momoka—who’d fought her hours ago—definitely would.

Rita had grabbed Momoka’s spear on impulse. No wonder Momoka was hunting her down.

Running off like this? It’s like fleeing a crime.

“Uh, the spear… I-I’ll return it.” Rita shakily removed her hood.

“Phew, good.” Momoka exhaled. “Come on, let’s go.”

“Huh?” Rita’s jaw dropped. “W-what, am I going to jail?”

“Jail? No, a party!”

Momoka’s “party” was at a small, refined tavern—no rowdy drunken adventurers or flirty types hitting on people.

Rita figured even if there were flirts, Johnson’s wall-like frame would deter them.

The gathering was small—just five, including Rita.

Johnson sat beside Alber, the dual-wielder. Rita was next to the gray-haired swordswoman Promi. Momoka sat alone near the aisle, all around a small square table.

Rita doubted she’d have much in common with them. Being the mood-killer would ruin things, making her uneasy.

“Everyone.” A server brought drinks. Momoka stood, raising her oak mug, golden liquid swirling inside. “I’m honored none of my invitees missed this.”

Four pairs of eyes turned to her—Alber’s intrigued, Rita’s confused, Promi’s expressionless.

“You’re all top performers from the first round. We haven’t talked much and will soon be rivals, but I’d rather we become friends!” Momoka continued.

Hearing they hadn’t interacted much, Rita relaxed.

“And…” Momoka seemed to want to say more but faltered, finally raising her mug. “Here’s to a wonderful night! Cheers!”

“Cheers.”

Alber and Johnson raised their mugs high. Rita hurriedly followed. Promi only sipped lightly but drank deeply like the rest.

The liquor slid down, rich malt filling Rita’s mouth, like drinking alcoholic wheat syrup.

No wonder two mugs cost a gold coin. Without Momoka’s invite, Rita would never splurge like this.

Sitting down, Momoka started the conversation, mostly about the exam. Alber and Johnson joined in, while Rita had little to add, and Promi drank silently.

Promi being here was surprising. Rita thought she’d be too serious for fun or socializing.

Momoka, too—Rita pegged her as stiff, but she was full of energy.

“Rita, Rita.” Momoka called her name as Rita thought of her.

“Huh?” Rita blinked.

“Spacing out? I asked you a question!” Momoka puffed her cheeks.

“What question?”

“Those moves you used to beat me—I’ve never seen them. Where’d you learn them?”