Chapter 20

The next day, I slowly walked through Melromarc. Glancing around at some of the people I passed by, most of them shot me dirty looks. It seems my friendship with Naofumi has finally given me a bad rep. Oh well. It's not like I care about this country's opinion anyway.

They can all burn. Starting with that redheaded bitch and her piece of shit father. Only reason why I even tolerate this place is because I know damn well they'd blame the Shield Hero if I caused trouble. Probably say some shit like "the Shield put him up to it."

"Merc?" a voice suddenly called out. "I thought you were leaving for good. What made ya change your mind?"

"Motoyasu..." I said softly. At this point, I began to not give a damn. Turning around, Motoyasu strolled up to me, placing his hand on my shoulder as if we were old friends reuniting. Hell, in his eyes, he probably saw it that way seeing as how he can't take a hint.

Looking at his hand as if it were contaminated, I glared at Motoyasu. Behind him stood Myne and the rest of his party.

"What d'you want, Motoyasu?" I asked.

"I was curious if you wanted to grab a quick drink with an old pal. Y'know, to celebrate your return." Motoyasu said.

Yep. I was a hundred percent right.

"We're not friends." I told him as I pushed his hand off my shoulder. "What is it you're looking to gain anyway?"

"I'm not looking to gain anything." Motoyasu replied.

"You should be honored sir Motoyasu even acknowledges your existence." Myne growled at me.

"Jesus Christ." I rubbed my forehead. "How can you deal with a banshee screeching in your ear all day, man? Get her ass a muzzle."

Myne grew infuriated by my insults. "What did you call me?!"

"Well, she isn't bad once you get to know her." Motoyasu said.

"Yeah, no, I believe that." I said with plenty of sarcasm. "I bet she has a heart o' gold. She won't steal my shit and claim I raped h- oh, wait."

"Naofumi did attempt to rape Myne!" Motoyasu growled. "She told me so!"

"Oh, because there hasn't been countless false rape claims to get guys in trouble before." I said as I crossed my arms. "Nah, not a single one. Wake the hell up, man."

"Naofumi is a criminal!" Motoyasu growled at me.

"You don't wanna believe me? Fine." I turned my back to him as I felt my blood begin to boil. "Don't say I didn't warn you when that two faced bitch stabs you in the back."

"Merc-" Motoyasu placed his hand on my shoulder.

In the blink of an eye, I drew my dagger and slashed his hand, splattering blood across the ground as he stepped away, clutching his fist. "Don't touch me again."

"What the hell, Merc?!" Motoyasu growled at me.

Myne stepped forward. "You dare strike sir Motoyasu?!"

I used my cloak to wipe the blood from my weapon. "Technically, he assaulted me first. What I did, simply put, was act in self defense."

Motoyasu glared at me. Drawing his spear, he held it at the ready. His eyes were narrowed, and he didn't seem to want to be friendly anymore. Figured it'd take this much to get the idiot to understand.

"I challenge you to a duel, Mercury!"

Closing my eyes, I twirled my dagger, holding it backwards. "Glad to see you are man enough to challenge someone other than Naofumi. This is going to be fun!" grinning, I hadn't felt this much joy since I was first summoned here.

End of chapter 20