Conquering The Novel

"...Are you sure that you'll be able to defeat her this time, Master?" I inquired, looking directly into Mika's eyes.

"I believe I can fight Tania on equal terms until she uses her transformation," Mika said, pausing for a moment.

'Now, even my most precious disciple is doubting my strength?

...No, it's not his fault. It's my weakness that has made him worried about me,' Mika thought to herself, with a pained expression.

When I saw Mika's expression, I knew what was going through her mind. But I had to show her that she wasn't strong enough to fight Tania yet, before it was too late.

If Mika won, it would be great, but if she lost again, I didn't even want to imagine what she might do to herself. I've seen many prideful people like Mika get destroyed after they couldn't overcome their loss.

I was pulled out of my thoughts by Aegis.

"...So, how are you going to deal with Tania when she transforms?" Aegis asked anxiously.

"I'm searching for a strong skill or ability stone to counter her transformation," Mika replied.

"Isn't it hard to find a skill or ability stone suitable for someone of your strength, Master?" I asked.

"You're right, it's not easy to get my hands on a skill or ability stone just by spending some money," Mika acknowledged. "But I'm planning on entering a recently discovered S-Rank inheritance dungeon."

"WHAT? Why didn't I know about this?" Aegis exclaimed.

"Oh, I just received news about that from that bitch," Mika responded with a nonchalant tone.

Triiing!—

The sound of a ringing phone interrupted the conversation.

"Excuse me for a moment, I need to take this call," Mika said before stepping away from the table to answer the phone.

"...From that Bitch? Is she talking about Jessica or Helena?" I queried, my gaze fixed on Aegis.

Because Mika frequently refers to every other woman as a bitch and every other guy as a bastard.

"....."

"Of course, it's Helena," said Aegis. "Why would Jessica let someone like Mika to enter an S-Rank dungeon?"

"Can you tell me which dungeon she's referring to?" I asked, curious.

"I don't know the details, but it seems the dungeon was discovered by the organization Helena is in. They already sent five high-ranking individuals to clear it, but only two of them returned alive," Aegis explained.

"So, Helena wants Mika's help to clear the dungeon? But you know that even if they succeed, the organization won't just let Mika keep whatever they find, right?" I stated.

"Right. And I don't think Mika is unaware of this. In fact, both Mika and Helena know the risks. I don't understand why they're still planning to enter the dungeon," Aegis complained, rubbing her head.

"Well, if they're going together, I think we don't have to worry about them. They've probably thought it through. They wouldn't risk their lives unnecessarily," I stated.

"...And who said I was worried about them?" Aegis looked at me with a blank expression.

"Uh...?" I was puzzled.

"Of course, nothing will happen to them. I'm worried about myself. They're planning to drag me in with them," Aegis said in a frustrated tone.

"And to make matters worse, they want to enter the dungeon on the premier day of my favorite anime," she exclaimed.

"....."

"...I think you should go with them. Why waste time watching anime? You could at least be useful to them in the dungeon," I said with a hint of sarcasm.

"Ugh. You don't understand. What's the point of me earning so much money if I can't even enjoy my favorite things?" Aegis retorted.

"How did you get rich, anyway, with that kind of attitude? You're too lazy. You're exhausted just making potions for Mika, while other famous potion makers serve entire kingdoms," I made a nonchalant remark.

"Okay, let me clarify a few things. Firstly, the potion makers you mentioned are forced to make potions for the Kingdom, so they don't have much of a choice.

Secondly, there are also potion makers who make potions for the sole purpose of making money, but I don't understand their motive. They can't take their huge amount of money to the grave, can they?

And thirdly, and most importantly," Aegis paused for emphasis, "I make potions not only for Mika but also for Helena and an ungrateful bastard named Ares." She shot me a blank expression, triggered.

"Haha, why so serious? I was just kidding," I chuckled.

"Hmph," Aegis pouted, "it's a good thing you were just joking, or else I would've stopped making potions for one less person." She added, averting her gaze and folding her hands.

"By the way, when are you going to let me know the details about that disguise potion I asked you about?" I asked shamelessly.

"I'll check on it when I get back to the mansion and let that ungrateful Ares know," she said, still pouting.

"You're acting like an anime character who's angry with her boyfriend," I said with a smile.

"W-What? What do you mean by that? Boyfriend?" Aegis stammered, her cheeks turning red.

'C-Cute? Boyfriend? What is he saying? Why am I blushing?'

Fuuuu~

'Poor girls, having to deal with him on a regular basis without being charmed by his smile,' Aegis thought to herself, trying to calm down.

"Ahem, where's your demon slave? I don't see her around," Aegis asked, trying to change the subject.

"I sent her away to handle something. I don't want Mika to find out about her just yet," I replied.

"Oh right, I forgot that Mika still doesn't know about Irethiel," Aegis said, realizing her mistake.

"When do you plan on telling Mika about her? You can't keep it from her forever," she added.

"I haven't decided when to tell Mika about it yet," I said, shifting in my seat.

"Tell me what?" Mika asked, her brows furrowed as she approached our table.

Both Aegis and I were caught off guard, as we hadn't noticed Mika's approach.

"Are you guys keeping something from me?" Mika asked, taking a seat at the table.

"No, no, we're not hiding anything from you, Mika. It was just a minor thing," Aegis said, trying to dismiss the situation calmly.

"Oh, okay then," Mika said, looking suspiciously at both of us.

Just then, the sound from the news on the screen in the center of the restaurant caught our attention.

***

[Breaking News: Tragedy Strikes The Elven Kingdom!]

[The Elven kingdom was shocked to hear the news of the destruction of the famous Althaeon Pharmacy.

The pharmacy, located in the town of Lunaris, was renowned for its unique blend of traditional Elven remedies and cutting-edge magical remedies.

It was managed by a group of skilled Dark Elves who were known for their expertise in the field of potion-making.

However, the once-thriving Althaeon Pharmacy was now nothing but a pile of rubble after a mysterious and devastating attack.

Eyewitnesses reported that a powerful blast had rocked the pharmacy, completely destroying the building and leaving no survivors.

The exact cause of the blast remains unknown, but rumors suggest that it might have been an act of sabotage by rival factions who were envious of Althaeon's success.

The loss of such a valuable resource in the town of Lunaris has sent shockwaves through the Elven community, and many are worried about the future of the kingdom's health and well-being.

The authorities are investigating the incident, and the kingdom has declared a state of emergency in response to this tragedy.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.]

***

!?

When I saw the news, a wide smile spread across my face.

I couldn't help but think, 'She didn't take long to get her revenge, did she?' My gaze was fixed on the screen, showing the burning building.

Of course, I knew who was behind it. It was me who had directed her to that pharmacy.

"I'll be waiting for your return, my maid...Meira!" I whispered to myself.