Since the moment I became aware of my reincarnation, a persistent thought has haunted me.
It revolves around how to persuade the numerous protagonists of various templates, those who can be deemed exceptional candidates for my journey in the [Planetarium].
The people inhabiting this world—they differ in name, appearance, and gender from the characters I know from the game.
However, there are aspects that remain unchanged.
Regardless of gender, the *Heir of the Red and Blue Blood* will be troubled by the deep grudges and responsibilities entwined with their lineage.
No matter their appearance, the *Proud Barbarian* will act in ways befitting their pride as a member of their tribe.
Then, what about the *Nameless Demon*?
The *Nameless Demon* isn’t born of extraordinary lineage, nor do they possess a strong sense of allegiance to a particular faction.
With nothing to their name, they are simultaneously the most liberated template.
But I pondered.
A being who shoulders nothing, bears no obligations, and isn’t forced by anyone to dive headfirst into the countless risks of this world—could this *Nameless Demon* not be the most greedy template of all?
In fact, even more so than the *Greedy Debauchee*.
“-An insatiable desire for improvement. That is the characteristic of the *Nameless Demon*. If so, then I shall present a path to fill that void.”
“What do you mean by ‘high places’?” Ligret asked, puzzled.
I replied, “Currently, I’m one of the candidates for the heir of the Midas Family. But I don’t intend to stop there.”
For instance, even if I manage to win the head of the family’s favor and become the designated heir of the Midas Family, would my life thereafter be peaceful and secure?
Of course not.
I know of the terrifying numbers of bombs lying dormant in this world.
For example, a mad prince who would stain his own country with blood out of greed for power.
Or a dungeon that will lead to the destruction of the surrounding area if not conquered within a given timeframe.
Or perhaps, artifacts of the demonic kind that incessantly provoke urges for slaughter within their owner to regain their true form.
I can’t be the type to think casually, hoping someone will take care of the ticking time bomb’s countdown echoing right next to my house.
Even if it’s not a world-level threat, just my Midas bloodline alone would be enough to attract a truckload of people harboring grudges against me.
In a life where stagnation isn’t permitted and where I have no intention of giving up easily, isn’t the answer already laid out for me?
I must run like hell.
“In two years, I’ll be going to the Empire’s Academy. In the most powerful nation on the continent, I’ll be in a place created to cultivate the best heroes for the next generation.
Monstrous beings from the Barhart Empire, Spero Kingdom, Morian Kingdom, Nahat Duchy, and various other places will gather there.
I will seize power, connections, wealth, and honor.”
“……”
Ligret didn’t respond.
However, I couldn’t miss the peculiar sparkle beginning to shine in her eyes.
“It’s not going to be an easy path.”
There will definitely be guys stronger than an ordinary mercenary girl there.
There will certainly be individuals wealthier than the youngest scion of a newly rich family.
I might face life-threatening situations or experience significant humiliations. But—
I smiled.
“Shouldn’t that level of difficulty be worth the challenge?”
What value is there in obstacles everyone can overcome?
What sense of accomplishment comes from achievements garnered easily and simply?
At least, I knew that the girl before me was not of that ilk.
I extended my hand.
“You don’t intend to stop as just an ordinary mercenary, right? Let’s go together. I need your strength.”
This might be a con job.
Even without me, and even without joining me, Ligret might be able to grow stronger on her own over the next two years, knocking on the doors of the academy without any support.
She might shine brilliantly there, soaring to greater heights.
Just like the *Nameless Demon* did in the game.
But so what?
“Just because you can do it alone doesn’t mean it’s better to do it alone.”
I am the *Greedy Debauchee*.
At the very least, I possess the template that excels at empowering other companions.
More than what Ligret can achieve alone, I can lead her to greater heights.
Ligret quietly gazed at my outstretched hand.
Over ten seconds, then a minute, then more than ten minutes passed, and I patiently waited.
She was choosing an option that could decide her life.
Finally, she spoke up.
“I have three conditions.”
“What are they?”
Ligret fixed her eyes on me.
Her deep brown irises beautifully tinted by the sunlight.
“First, you shall not involve or use the *Brown Wolf Mercenary Group* in any way within this contract.”
In other words, don’t pull any hostage tricks.
Given how reasonable this was, I nodded.
“Even if you refuse the contract, it won’t harm them. Conversely, if you move with me, it won’t affect them either.”
Ligret stated her next condition.
“Second, if you lose your will to ascend any further and hesitate, I will leave as well.”
This was also an acceptable condition.
Though I wonder if this world will give me such a choice.
“Fine, I won’t try to hold you back then.”
I asked for the last condition.
“What’s the third?”
Ligret answered.
“I have no complaints about the escort duty. I will protect you, and you shall provide payment.
But that doesn’t mean I’ll accept you as my master. Publicly speaking, don’t treat me like a mere convenient subordinate.”
“Hmmm.”
I pondered.
Not because I was dissatisfied with the conditions, but rather about how to respond in a way that best conveyed my position.
The answer quickly came to mind.
“Can I add one condition as well?”
With a frown yet a hint of encouragement to say it, she raised her chin. I continued.
“Call me Chrome. Not ‘you’ or ‘young master’ or anything like that. If we’re equal partners, it’s only fair we address each other by name, right?”
At my words, Ligret’s eyes widened for a moment, then she smiled and took my hand.
“Nice to meet you, Employer. I mean, Chrome.”
“Looking forward to working with you, Ligret.”
If this world had a game status screen, something like this would probably pop up right about now:
[Successfully recruited the *Nameless Demon* as a companion.]
Now, the real beginning starts.
<><><>
As the two youths made a rather unique vow for the future, a man lurking nearby let out a faint chuckle.
“Seriously, I was hoping for some sweet love confession to keep that scatterbrain in check…”
Not only was that not happening, but they seemed to be pouring gasoline on the fire instead.
It seemed unlikely that, in just half a year, a dungeon would spring up with unexpected traps or that they would have to face a monster capable of turning an entire village to ruin. Looking ahead, perhaps that would be the better path after all.
Clark, the head of the *Brown Wolf Mercenary Group*, found himself briefly contemplating whether he should stop a girl, brimming with the vitality of youth, from venturing down a dangerous road. But he quickly shook his head.
Despite her cute appearance, he knew well enough that her willfulness was nothing to be trifled with.
Once she’d made such a significant decision after deep consideration, she wouldn’t pay a bit of heed to outside opinions.
And forcibly stopping her? Setting himself up to be marked by the youngest son of the Midas family was one thing; there was a chance Ligret might come after him herself.
He still bore the trauma from how she had bested him—after mimicking a drill instructor to help her hone her skills, he had suffered an unthinkable seven consecutive losses after a promising three-win streak, beaten black and blue.
“How am I supposed to soothe those foolish fellows who want revenge on whoever hurt their leader?”
It was the temptation to create new details that made it tiring; perhaps he could just concoct a story that the youngest Midas heir had a crush on her and confessed? Those clueless guys would likely buy it outright.
Chuckling to himself at the anticipated reactions of his comrades, Clark moved on silently.
Though it wasn’t the way he expected, it didn’t seem like Ligret would walk such a lonely path after all.
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