"I will," Li Xi replied, his words carrying a weight of certainty that belied his sometimes casual demeanor.
Seeing that there was no room for further persuasion, Hermes did not insist. It was better to avoid earning Li Xi's disfavor. A month would pass quickly, and he said, "It's alright. Mr. Li Xi is the finest mercenary I have ever met, a true model for all mercenaries. Your word is your bond. Good wine is best savored slowly, and we shall await the month's end to share it with you, Mr. Li Xi."
"Thank you, masters, for your understanding. I will be there punctually," Li Xi assured them.
Hermes offered a slightly embarrassed smile. "Galidos is waiting outside. Mr. Li Xi, please follow me."
Li Xi was speechless. These two old gentlemen had completely ignored Galidos, not even mentioning him. If he hadn't insisted, he wouldn't have known Galidos was waiting outside.
As Li Xi walked out of the crystal-built grand doors of the Magic Guild, he saw Galidos pacing back and forth like a cat on a hot tin roof, his ears scratching in agitation.
Galidos's face lit up with relief when he saw Li Xi emerge from the Magic Guild, exclaiming, "Brother Li Xi, you're finally here! If you hadn't come soon, you wouldn't have seen me again."
After bidding farewell to Hermes, Galidos recounted the events. It was a simple matter of internal royal power struggles. The two princesses, lacking sufficient protective force, had no choice but to seek out Li Xi.
This was merely a pretense. No fool would believe the two princesses lacked adequate protection; a single announcement would have men lining up to protect them, filling Aisinger.
As for the roles Galidos and Philin played in this, only they knew for sure. Li Xi, however, couldn't resist the allure of an A-class mission and was unwilling to expose Galidos's lie. In these times, A-class missions were as rare as gold.
Galidos led Li Xi directly out of Aisinger. The two princesses were not residing on the floating islands or within the city itself. Instead, they were housed in a private castle outside the city, an area with the weakest guard presence.
It was an ancient castle, exuding a rich historical aura, with a few crumbling sections. Apart from a few visible guards, there were only ordinary servants. The castle's opulence was only hinted at by the valuable antiques, offering no clue that it was the temporary residence of two princesses. It might have been mistaken for the home of a fallen country noble. The collapsed walls clearly indicated that the castle had suffered an attack not long ago.
Li Xi met the Eldest Princess, Fimor, renowned for her exceptional administrative skills, in the study.
The Eldest Princess showed no signs of distress or fear from the assassination attempt. Instead, she was resolutely handling her official duties. Twelve attendants, tasked with serving her and relaying orders, followed her, waiting for her commands.
Princess Fimor, so engrossed in her work, didn't even lift her head. Her feather pen was flying across the parchment, and the pile of official documents on her desk was almost as tall as a person.
Galidos shrugged at Li Xi, indicating his helplessness, and said that they could only wait until Princess Fimor had time to see him.
Li Xi, unfazed, noticed from the princess's graceful posture that she was a rare beauty. Her exceptionally rare long black hair gave him a strange sense of familiarity.
Since arriving in this world, he himself had black hair. The original body, Mido, seemed to have Eastern ancestry, and his appearance was more akin to Easterners.
Apart from this, Li Xi had only seen black hair on Philin. To find that the Eldest Princess also had black hair, he deduced that the royal family likely hailed from a lineage with Eastern heritage. Her silky black hair cascaded down her fair, snow-like skin, without any jewelry to emphasize her power. Instead, it naturally highlighted her formidable authority.
The Eldest Princess seemed unaware of anyone's arrival. After three sandglasses of work, she finally looked up. Her face, a near replica of Philin's, lacked Philin's playful charm, replaced by a heroic, capable, and decisive demeanor.
Li Xi's expression showed surprise at the Eldest Princess's appearance. He hadn't heard that the Eldest Princess and Philin were twins, so why did they look so alike?
Galidos bowed respectfully and quickly introduced, "Your Highness, this is Li Xi. His strength surpasses mine. It is thanks to Brother Li Xi that we were able to escape the Undead Plane alive. With him here, the safety of the two princesses is guaranteed."
Li Xi was momentarily stunned and then bowed, "Greetings, Your Highness."
Eldest Princess Fimor scrutinized Li Xi, her expression unchanging, as if a parent meeting a potential son-in-law for the first time. Her voice, like the singing of doves, said, "No need for formalities. We will trouble you for the next month, Mr. Li Xi. Galidos will inform you of the details. As long as the mission is completed successfully within a month, the reward is yours to choose, whatever you find in the royal treasury."
Without waiting for Li Xi to offer any assurances, the Eldest Princess saw attendants bring another pile of documents as tall as a person, waved for Li Xi to follow Galidos, and buried her head back into the endless stack of official duties.
As Li Xi left the study with Galidos, he realized they hadn't even had a proper conversation. What a cold woman, he thought.
"Brother Li Xi, don't be so formal. The Eldest Princess is usually busy with state affairs. Few people get to meet her, let alone speak with her. This is already a great honor," Galidos said familiarly, leading Li Xi to a small house near the castle entrance. Compared to the dilapidated ancient castle, this place was more like a shelter for wanderers. "Royal rules are strict. Only mercenaries with a certain level of strength are allowed to stay here. There are no assassinations during the day, only at night. You are also not allowed to roam freely."
The implication was that those with less strength wouldn't even get this dilapidated house!
Galidos continued to explain, "This is a process that all royal children must undergo. It was established by the first Emperor Caesar, meaning that future generations should always be vigilant and not become lazy or complacent. Over time, the meaning has changed. To speak frankly, this is simply the most convenient way for princes to eliminate rivals."
"The duration is one and a half months. Half a month has already passed, leaving only one month. We cannot act during the day, only at night, which is also a rule. No official troops can be deployed; only outsiders can be hired. That too is a rule."
"The current assassins targeting the two princesses are from the dark world's mercenary circles, the same people Li Xi encountered when escorting Princess Philin back. The only difference is that the current assassins are more powerful."
Li Xi chuckled upon hearing it was the same group. It was like a pillow arriving just as he was about to sleep. The dark world mercenaries had provided him with considerable support to advance from C-class to B-class mercenary! He hadn't expected to encounter them again so soon! He wondered if they could give him enough of a push to reach A-class mercenary.
Galidos opened the door, revealing three mercenaries leisurely cleaning their weapons. They all looked up simultaneously as the door opened. They were a burly warrior in heavy armor, a beautiful woman in light armor holding an iron fan crafted with mithril as its core, and an assassin whose full form was hidden in the shadows. Each of them radiated the aura of a top-tier Level Six professional, capable of breaking through to Level Seven at any moment. As Galidos had said, only those with a certain strength were qualified to stand in this dilapidated house.
All three wore diamond badges on their chests, signifying their A-class mercenary status. This was only one rank below S-class mercenaries, higher than Li Xi's ruby badge.
Upon seeing Galidos enter with a young man wearing a ruby badge, all three stood up in confusion. The threshold of this house, though dilapidated, was not low; A-class strength was required to cross it. "Lord Galidos."
Galidos smiled and introduced, "Allow me to introduce Mr. Li Xi, a B-class mercenary. I believe you are all familiar with his name."
The three instantly understood. Not only did they know him, but his name was legendary. Few mercenaries nowadays had not heard of Li Xi. First, his swift escort of Princess Philin back to Aisinger, capturing all the dark world mercenaries who attempted to assassinate her alive, not just repelling or killing them, but capturing every single one alive. This feat was beyond their capabilities.
Later, he escaped the Undead Plane with two S-class mercenaries and Archmage Hermes. Although it was an escape, sounding rather desperate, few throughout history had ever returned from the Undead Plane intact. They considered entering the Undead Plane to be a death sentence. This was a testament to his strength.
Especially when the Magic Guild and Galidos themselves stood behind him, supporting his marriage to a princess. He might only be a B-class mercenary now, but tomorrow he could be a Duke and consort to a princess. From a penniless urchin from the slums to soaring to the heavens, Li Xi embodied the protagonist of every bard's tale.
All these earth-shattering events had happened within a single month, all involving one mercenary. It was enough to shatter everyone's worldview. Frankly, even an S-class mercenary couldn't accomplish so much.
Especially when rumors began to spread that Li Xi was the most likely candidate to become the fifth S-class mercenary, countless proud B and A-class mercenaries wanted to challenge him. However, Li Xi's reclusive lifestyle made it difficult for many to track his whereabouts. To meet such a legendary figure here was unexpected.
The word "genius" seemed to have been invented specifically for people like him.
The three exchanged curious nods with Li Xi, showing their goodwill. If someone of comparable strength were to question him, it would be a different matter. But this was clearly a tiger entering a wolf pack; caution and avoiding offense were the best course of action.
Li Xi nodded in return. Mercenaries present here were undoubtedly exceptional individuals. While the ancient castle appeared sparsely populated, an unknown number of guards were hidden outside.
Galidos immediately introduced them to Li Xi, pointing to the warrior in heavy armor. "This is Bruce, the leader of the Mammoth Mercenary Group. A Level Six Undefeated Warrior, whose defense is difficult for even Level Seven professionals to breach."
"A pleasure to meet you, Leader Bruce," Li Xi said, as amiable and easygoing as ever. As a B-class mercenary, he felt it was appropriate to greet an A-class mercenary first.
Of course, Bruce and the others didn't treat Li Xi as an ordinary B-class mercenary. Anyone could see from the way they looked at him, as a son looking at his strong and seemingly omnipotent father, filled with admiration.
Bruce bowed, his smile shining even in the dim light. "It is my honor to meet you, Mr. Li Xi."
Galidos then pointed to the lightly armored beauty holding the mithril iron fan. "This is Alisha, the leader of the Red Rose Mercenary Group. She is a Level Six Whirlwind Dancer, and her iron fan is more formidable than any man's."
"Greetings, Leader Alisha."
Li Xi took a second look at the beautiful woman, whose walk seemed to twist her waist almost to breaking point. He hadn't expected her to be a dancer, such a niche profession.
Dancers were originally merely performers who traveled with theater troupes. However, after rigorous training and becoming professionals, dancers displayed unimaginable power. Their attack styles were unpredictable, and their physical flexibility was astonishing. As an all-female group, they often surprised those who underestimated them, leaving them utterly defeated. This had happened more than once.
Alisha stepped forward slowly, her enchanting, sparkling eyes seemingly capable of electrocuting Li Xi. "Mr. Li Xi, after the mission is completed, my Red Rose Mercenary Group would be honored to have you visit and offer guidance."
There was nothing wrong with the statement itself; it was a mere pleasantry. But Alisha winked and added, "My mercenary group consists entirely of women, and many of them are single. They greatly admire legendary figures like yourself."
The temptation was palpable!
Li Xi hadn't expected Alisha to propose such a group activity on their first meeting. He had enjoyed himself immensely with Aisewei'er and the other two. A group of over a dozen would surely send him soaring to the sun!
"Cough, cough," Galidos quickly cleared his throat, chiding slightly, "Alisha, stop talking nonsense, or I'll remove you from the mission."
"Tsk, an old man like you, what do you know of youthful passion?" Alisha retorted, not backing down, and continued to cast alluring glances at Li Xi.
Galidos pretended not to see. These people were not his subordinates, and he had no authority to order them around.
He then pointed to the assassin hidden in the darkness. "Ivan, leader of the Shadow Mercenary Group. Level Six Shadow Assassin. He speaks little but is the most reliable companion in the darkness."