Chapter 67: The Noble Squad (V)

The constant delays were already making me irritable, and now, with my hand cut, my mood soured even further.
But considering I’d need Captain Chriss’s connections to get out of the city later, I had to suppress my restless heart for the time being.

“…Um… I’m really sorry. I was way too worked up earlier.”

Seeing me silently bandaging my hand, Chriss gave an embarrassed look and apologized again.
“…It’s fine. Just help me smooth things over at the south gate so I can get out of the city, and we’re good.”

I paused for a moment before laying out my intentions clearly to Chriss.
“I’m just an adventurer. Blackshine City is in chaos, and the other races are about to break through, so I want to leave for the train station and get out of here. I have a pass, but with the current situation, I don’t know how much trouble it’ll be. If you, Captain Chriss, could help me out later, that’d be perfect.”

“…That… If you have a pass, it shouldn’t be an issue.”

Chriss blinked, clearly surprised by how straightforward I was about my needs, but she nodded slightly.
“By the way, how do you know my name?”

“Before I found you, I helped rescue a group of heavily armored city guards. They’re your subordinates and recognized you—that’s how I knew your name.”

I answered directly.
“I see… Got it.”

Chriss nodded, then glanced toward the street outside, where the sounds of battle still echoed.
“Speaking of which, what’s your name?”

“I’m Su Mengmeng, a pharmacist and adventurer.”

I replied simply, finishing up bandaging my hand before standing.
With my recovery ability, the cut on my hand should heal quickly, but just to be safe, I’d keep it wrapped for now.

I thought to myself, then started paying attention to the noises outside.
The sounds of fighting were growing fainter, and the blood zombies’ roars were dying down.
Finally, with a soft boom and an angry shout from a man, the street outside fell quiet.

Though I figured the noble squad and city guards likely drove off the golden-rank blood clan swordsman, I didn’t let my guard down.
Gripping my dagger, I stayed near the restaurant’s entrance.
Chriss, barely able to stand after regaining a sliver of strength, propped herself against a counter, holding the same dagger she’d pressed to my throat earlier, also on alert for any blood clan rushing in.

A moment later, the restaurant door was slowly pushed open.
“Yo! Ladies, relax, relax! That d*mn blood clan bastard’s been chased off!”

A girl with dark eyes and a brown ponytail poked her head in.
Seeing Chriss and me on guard, she grinned and spoke.

It was the noble squad member who wielded dual blades.
She looked young, maybe around nineteen, with a vibrant smile that screamed endless energy—a lively girl who seemed full of drive every day.

“Phew… It’s over, then?”

I let out a breath, looking at the girl and asking.
“All done! Come on, you two, let’s head out and talk while we walk. Oh, by the way, I’m Nico! What’re your names?”

The girl calling herself Nico grinned at Chriss and me.
“…Su Mengmeng, an adventurer and also a pharmacist.”

“Chriss, captain of Blackshine City’s First Heavy Infantry Brigade.”

I gave my usual brief introduction, while Chriss, lightly wiping her face, responded to Nico.
“Nice names, both of you!”

Nico winked, then turned to leave.
“Come on, our squad leader wants to talk to you two.”

“…”

Nico walked off toward the street, and Chriss and I exchanged a glance.
I moved to her side, helping her up to leave the restaurant.
“Thanks.”

Chriss, still weak, quietly thanked me.
Carrying her heavy weight, I couldn’t help but grumble inwardly—what did I do to deserve this?

Chriss could barely walk, her strength only enough to stand.
That idiot Nico didn’t even think to help and just left, so I was stuck supporting Chriss out of the restaurant.