16 – Competition (2)
“…Like going on a date.”
“Then wouldn’t the money that I could receive disappear?”
If that’s the case, I’d rather go with Iria,
Why would I go on a date with that brat who has such a troublesome personality?
But mentioning money again was nothing short of annoying.
As a competent mediator for the Manticore, the influence that could be exerted on me was not insignificant.
“Although minor, there was damage to our vehicle – still, damage occurred.
Intermediate machine gun ammunition, 200 rounds.
Well, if it’s Mr. Chul who is handling it, it should be enough to cover the expenses… But isn’t it a bit much to go through all that trouble and only spend money?”
“If you know so well, then take a look.”
“Who says that? If you’re good at something, don’t do it for free.”
“So, you pay a fee.”
“Mr. Taehyuk, you really have no sense. You don’t understand a lady’s heart either.”
Why do you act like you don’t know my feelings?
In the seemingly endless argument, my head throbbed.
If you’re rejecting, we’re rejecting too.
‘Mr. Taehyuk.’
With a blunt expression, puffing up the cheeks and turning the head – a posture reminiscent of a character from a cartoon –
Ilia’s message appeared.
‘I’ve identified the mercenary contract requested in the Incheon Commercial Zone.’
‘The contract was public, and according to the regulations, to receive the contract fee, you just need to submit a legal video.’
‘I already have the video recording. Shall I send it as a file?’
However, if evidence could be secured without using the vehicle’s black box, the story changed slightly.
The more I went, the more I liked Ilia.
“Send it.”
“What is it?”
“I didn’t tell you. I asked my android colleague for a favor.”
Haru’s eyes blinked upon hearing that.
The video file that started from the moment he got out of the vehicle covered his frowning face.
“…What do you want?”
“Nothing much, just the record of the skirmish in that street.”
“What did you say?”
Oh dear, did I hit a nerve?
While hearing the muffled gunshots, I turned my head to the gloomy Haru.
“Well, if I do this, I might as well submit the evidence to the commercial district myself.”
Of course, I had no intention of doing that.
Instead of taking a commission, Manticore provided benefits for every contract they facilitated.
It was a system where the more mileage you accumulated, the more services you could receive.
Starting from the glove vehicle, which Manticore had called for.
If I accumulated more, I could even call for an air transport at a surprisingly low cost.
Whether I would receive requests enough to make use of that was uncertain –
Still, the additional benefits were undoubtedly tempting.
Under the assumption that I would continue to operate as an independent mercenary.
“Ugh, ugh…”
“I’m not trying to be too harsh. Just – you know. Dating is out of the question.”
In my heart, I wanted to handle it indifferently, but doing so might cause difficulties in receiving future commissions.
If I choose my words carefully and find a compromise, the job might end relatively smoothly.
“…You used a heavy machine gun. The records there would be much more helpful.”
‘I am sending additional files.’
Another window popped up.
It was the video Haru mentioned.
“That too is with me? He was the one manually operating it.”
“Uh…”
It felt like tears might come.
However, the eyes glaring at me with reddened eye sockets were quite satisfying.
I’ve always been on the receiving end, so should I call it a sense of giving a hit.
“I haven’t said I won’t listen to your request yet.
After I receive a recommendation, I’ll have a drink with you.
Is that acceptable?”
“…It’s a promise.”
It seemed like he couldn’t push me any further.
As a mediator, there were tasks waiting for me to attend to all day, so clinging to me was not an option.
The guy who turned away with a leap on my screen organized the incoming requests, distributing them among the mercenaries.
Some left their seats satisfied,
While others, rejecting, sipped their drinks in front of me.
Then, he would sort out the returning mercenaries and distribute them among those who were still there.
In doing so, some of them immediately emptied their cups and stood up.
“Mr. Taehyuk. Are you in a contractual relationship with Tanaka Haru?”
As I took a moment to catch my breath, it seemed to be Iria’s turn this time.
When I glanced ahead, Haru was busy moving around, looking like he had no spare time.
But if I were to say something, it felt like I would be interrogated in no time.
Because those fleeting eyes were clearly conscious of me.
“That’s right. Haru is a mediator here.”
“It seems that Tanaka Haru is causing you a great deal of inconvenience, Mr. Taehyuk.”
“Shall I send a complaint email to Manticores?”
“No need for that.”
Was that the part that bothered him?
Laughter escaped through my lips.
It had been a while since I had been concerned by others like this.
In the current Incheon, where everyone was entangled in money or profit relationships –
Shooting bullets at mercenaries and security guards.
The days of fighting with employers briefly came to mind.
When I thought about it, there was no one who did things for me.
It felt like all I had were the little comforts I received from Iria.
That’s why I brought her back to life.
“If it’s difficult for you to get involved with the other party, I can personally send a complaint email.”
“Don’t do that. I’m fine, Ilia.”
“Has Mr. Taehyuk been subjected to such behavior frequently?”
I wondered if he was really angry, Hari.
Or maybe he’s getting angry for my sake.
Does this guy even have emotions to begin with?
Or is it an extension of my request to act according to our relationship?
…It doesn’t matter.
“It seems like he’s been through a lot.”
“Then why aren’t you responding?”
From Noble mtl dot com
“Too much stress can have serious negative effects on health.”
“His skills are undeniably good.”
“The conditions presented by Manticore are also acceptable.”
“I don’t want to create unnecessary trouble and worsen the current situation.”
“Well, at least I want to help you relieve the accumulated stress.”
I see. Stress, huh…
I had definitely shown a side of myself that I wouldn’t show outside.
My head was throbbing, and my stomach was a little unsettled. It wasn’t a good sign.
“Then shall we move to another place for a while?”
After sending the last message, I got up from the chair and started moving.
“Just a moment. Where are you planning to go, leaving me behind?”
A sharp, piercing voice struck my ears immediately.
There was that Chihuahua among the dogs. Come to think of it.
It was exactly like that.
If you didn’t give it attention, it would bare its teeth and bark, but it was so small in size that it wasn’t much of a threat.
“It might take a while. I’m going to the lounge to rest my eyes for a bit.”
“You’re taking the android with you too?”
“Didn’t you say the private lounge was fine as long as it was kept tidy and quiet?”
“What do you plan to do with it if you take it with you?”
I didn’t want to engage in any more conversation.
I felt like I might really explode if I kept going like this.
‘Consistently not responding is also a way.’
A message came to mind.
…Well, I did have a tendency to grumble even more every time I received it.
“You do your work, Haru.
I’ll go and rest.”
With those words, I quickly moved my feet.
Iria followed behind me and seemed to briefly look at the one glaring at me.
“Let’s go. While we’re at it, you should also recharge for a bit.”
There was no response or reaction.
It seemed as if he were fixed on the counter for a day.
“Ilia?”
“Yes, I’ll follow.”
The lad responded only after being called again.
…Do even artificial intelligences get stressed?
Suddenly, that thought crossed my mind.
If anything, it seemed like even AIs could tire out if it were a day.
It was a baseless conviction… a strange feeling.
Especially when I looked at that brave little face.
***
Accumulated mileage, upgraded status, and a personal lounge earned through endeavors.
Since I didn’t have many opportunities to use it, it was kept rather tidy.
Some even said they resolved their meals here.
That’s how spacious and comfortable it was.
A bed larger than my own at home.
Next to the work display were various EXP chips for training or entertainment, but I had no use for them.
Except maybe Ilia.
“Well, then – um -“
The first thing I felt upon turning around was the warmth and softness of his body.
With that firmly in my grasp, I was pushed onto the bed.
The back sunk into the resilience of the bed, right around the time when the body was buried somewhere between firmness and softness.
“Relax your body, leave it to me.”
The one whose eyes momentarily sparkled blue promptly locked the door.
The semi-transparent door was covered with blackout, and yellow letters were displayed.
[Resting: Do not disturb]
[DO NOT DISTURB]
The satisfaction derived from the softness felt even on the bedspread.
As I tried to lightly place my hand on the guy’s back while experiencing it, he raised his upper body.
Then, he immediately took off the helmet and dropped it to the ground,
completely discarding the black cloth that covered his body.
“We cannot remove the blackout of the room without a separate request.
You can rest assured.”
As if it were obvious, he unzipped.
In an instant, the flesh tone filled my sight.
And, the helmet that obstructed it was effortlessly removed.
“I’ve detected a rapid increase in Mr. Taehyuk’s excitement.
Please ease your mind. I will serve.”
For some reason, at this moment, I didn’t feel like holding back the guy.
As I met those approaching eyes, I released the tension that had entered my eyes.
Feeling the sensation spreading snugly through my body.