Chapter 36: The S-Rank Dragon Slayer’s Invitation

Not?

Eileen rubbed her eyes.

Were it not for the crystal emblem she wore and the ruby-bright crimson pupils that gleamed from her face, Eileen would have truly believed that Faltis Calibot had appeared before them.

The moment the young woman appeared, the boisterous tavern instantly fell silent.

Even the B-rank Dragon Slayers, who had been mid-brawl moments before, obediently returned to their seats, their hands trembling slightly as they clutched their drinks.

‘How did an S-rank Dragon Slayer suddenly arrive?’

‘We never received any intelligence about this…’

Fortunately, the young woman’s target was not them, and they quickly departed the scene.

The injured Dragon Slayers lying on the ground were also carried away by the tavern staff for treatment.

“Why are you so quiet?” The crimson eyes fixed on Eileen, and the young woman reached out, as if to take Eileen’s hand.

However, Eileen instinctively took a step back, maintaining her guard. “Who are you?”

“S-rank Dragon Slayer, Falute. And you?”

“C-rank Dragon Slayer, Eileen Ca—” Just as Eileen was about to continue, Setia nudged her with her staff.

“—Caslana,” Eileen quickly corrected.

‘Calibot’ was a surname belonging to dragon nobility, and it was a name forbidden to humans.

“Eileen? That’s a lovely name.” Falute took a step forward. “Would you honor me by joining me for a drink?”

“Why me?” Eileen asked.

“Because you are adorable, beautiful, and I find myself very fond of you.” Falute licked her lips.

‘Oh no, is this S-rank Dragon Slayer a pervert?’

Eileen retreated another step. “I must respectfully decline.”

“Why? It’s just one drink; nothing untoward will happen,” Falute stated.

“I am Miss Setia’s servant. Without her command, I am not permitted to do such things,” Eileen explained.

“Oh? It seems you are truly quite ‘loyal,'” Falute said with a half-smile.

“This is simply what a servant ought to do,” Eileen replied.

“Alright, alright, how uninteresting.” Falute sat down at the counter and ordered a glass of red wine.

Eileen looked up.

It was Liana, dressed in a sharp suit adorned with a golden emblem. She was once a Dragon Slayer herself, appearing incredibly capable with her sleek, short black hair.

Liana offered Eileen a smile. Undeniably, Liana’s smile was quite handsome and charming, but it held no sway over Eileen.

“May I ask what you two would like to drink?” Liana inquired.

“I’ll just have a plum wine. Miss Setia…”

Setia lowered her voice, feigning a husky tone. “A Bloody Mary.”

“?”

Eileen couldn’t help but glance at her. While such a drink was certainly normal for a necromancer, still…

“A Bloody Mary? I understand.” Liana turned to prepare the drinks.

Eileen leaned closer to Setia, whispering, “Do you really want to drink a Bloody Mary?”

Setia merely nodded, saying nothing more.

“How long have you been a Dragon Slayer?” Falute asked.

“Two… two years.” Eileen subconsciously almost answered ‘over twenty years.’

“Two years? That’s a curious way to put it.” Falute didn’t seem to mind.

She swirled her wine glass, Eileen’s reflection shimmering on its surface. “So, your purpose in coming here this time is to be promoted to a B-rank Dragon Slayer squad?”

“Yes, something like that,” Eileen nodded.

“Then you’ve certainly chosen a good place.” Falute drained the wine in her glass.

The empty cup no longer reflected Eileen’s image.

She rose and departed.

Eileen watched Falute’s retreating back. It felt somewhat familiar, yet mostly strange. What was that person even talking about? It made no sense.

“You two are very fortunate.” Liana presented them with their drinks. “After you finish these, leave this place. Return to the Empire, or go to another town for supplies.”

“Why?” Eileen asked.

“There is no why.” Liana didn’t wish to tell Eileen too much, as she didn’t want innocent people to get involved.

“So, why?” Eileen placed a golden gem on the table.

Liana waved her hand, swiftly pocketing the gem. “It seems I misjudged you.”

“Follow me.”

The two followed Liana into a back room.

“Who are you?” Liana asked.

“Eileen Calibot, maid.”

“Eh? Eileen, you weren’t like this before,” Setia suddenly interjected.

“What was I like before?”

“‘Eileen Calibot, the Silver Dragon Maid exclusively serving Her Majesty, the Golden Dragon Queen Faltis Calibot…’ Like that,” Setia recited.

Eileen felt goosebumps prickle her skin. This was no different from someone publicly recounting her embarrassing past.

“Lady Faltis’s exclusive maid?” Liana scrutinized Eileen. If that were the case, she had indeed heard snippets of information regarding it.

“And you?” Her gaze shifted to Setia.

“You can pretend I don’t exist.” Setia hid behind Eileen.

Liana seemed to understand. “This mission is primarily for you to complete, right? You invited her along just to avoid suspicion?”

“Mm-hm.” Eileen nodded.

“I see.” Liana took a step back, leaning against the wall. “This mission is also quite simple.”

However, Liana’s very first statement made Eileen feel a surge of disbelief.

“As you can see, Grant Town is currently being ruled by Dragon Slayers.”

“How is that possible? Aren’t Dragon Slayers’ targets dragons? Why would they attack humans? Could it be—” Eileen suspected they might have been exposed, prompting the Dragon Slayers’ actions.

“There’s no ‘could it be,'” Liana’s tone was full of confidence. “It’s precisely because of this that we chose to join Lady Faltis.”

“The reason for this situation is also quite simple: we were exiled by the Empire, bestowed upon an S-rank Dragon Slayer.”

“An S-rank Dragon Slayer? That’s even more impossible! S-rank Dragon Slayers would never do such a thing!” Eileen exclaimed.

“You seem to know a lot about Dragon Slayers?” Liana asked.

“No… This is just information I’ve gathered from those corrupt Dragon Slayers. Becoming an S-rank Dragon Slayer is not easy.”

“No, now it is very simple. The S-rank Dragon Slayer who commands this town is the one who killed Kassim and was granted the title of S-rank Dragon Slayer. Perhaps you don’t know who Kassim was, but he once held a title: the Empire’s Strongest Dragon Slayer.”