Show Me Your Stats!-Chapter 86

Ayra did not immediately agree to the request. She glanced down at the still-quiet pebble resting on the back of her hand and said,

“But haven’t you joined hands with High Priest Aterra?”

“Joined hands, huh. Just because those kids call me boss, does it sound like I told them to go extort people? I can make that much money just by taking out a few tens of thousands of big ma-beasts.”

This chapter is updat𝙚d by freeweɓnovel.cøm.

Hera’s words made it sound like she had knowingly turned a blind eye to the chaos caused by the skinheads. Or perhaps she had deliberately stirred up unrest in the city just to strike a deal with Ayra. Either way, what mattered was that this woman considered Ayra a more useful ally than Aterra.

‘Well, of course. There’s no way Act would help someone like Hera.’

Hera was the sort of person that a sacred, high-ranking priest like Aterra should have rightly shunned.

“If you help me out, I’ll tighten the reins on those wild brats real hard. And on top of that—”

Despite her casual tone and laid-back mannerisms, there was something unsettling about the way she smiled like a friendly old neighbor.

To Ayra, this woman looked like a seasoned drifter who’d been through countless battles—someone who wouldn’t hesitate to get blood on her hands or break the law if that’s what it took to get what she wanted.

She had already let unrest sweep through the city under the pretext of marrying her lover. She joked that the kids called her boss just because she smacked them around a bit, but was that really all there was to it?

“If you, Lord Ayra, are willing to look after my lover... then as long as Wolf and I live in this land, we’ll give everything we’ve got to support you. What do you say?”

What did she say? Based on her Stat Window, Hera was clearly someone who could be classified as a dangerous figure. But she had a clear goal and someone precious she wanted to protect. A faint smile touched Ayra’s lips.

Just because someone was strong didn’t automatically make them a threat. After all, even that Labyrinth Mage was living quietly without committing any crimes. Well, not that he hadn’t broken the law ever—but everyone tosses trash on the street at least once in their lives...

This woman was an excellent asset, no doubt about it. The moment Ayra came to that conclusion, the quest window popped up.

<Quest!>

[Recruit Your Third Retainer]

The wandering mercenary Hera dreams of marrying her beloved and settling down in peace!

Help her marry successfully. (Not yet fulfilled)

⚠️ Warning: If the quest fails, public order and approval rates will plummet, and Solar’s only popular restaurant will vanish. :(

Reward: Retainer recruitment, public order stabilization, approval rate increase

“Alright. It’s a deal.”

As Ayra extended her hand in firm agreement, Hera gripped it tightly in a strong handshake. Her wide grin was full of expectation, and Ayra responded with a smile of her own.

Finally, the time had come to play the hidden card Ayra had been saving.

❄

“Greetings, Lord Ayra.”

An elderly man and woman bowed deeply, then cast a cautious glance at Ayra. Having rarely appeared in public due to her busy schedule after her succession, the young lord was met with both wariness and confusion—why had they been summoned? Ayra pretended not to notice and greeted them naturally.

“Pleasure to meet you. I’m Solar Sing Ayra, newly appointed to govern this estate as of this year. I’ve heard you two are widely respected in the community, and I’d been hoping to meet you—though I must apologize for the delay. There’s been much work to do.”

“Not at all, my lord. With all the important affairs on your plate, we should have been the ones to visit you first.”

Seeing Ayra’s friendly demeanor, the couple’s tension began to ease. Realizing they were being recognized by their lord, their anxious expressions lit up with joy.

“I invited you here because I need the advice of people who truly understand this land. If you aren’t too busy, would you be willing to join me for a meal and conversation?”

“Of course! Dining with you, Lord Ayra, would be a great honor.”

Wolf’s parents beamed. Though they were affluent and respected members of the community, they were still commoners without a noble surname. Being treated kindly by the rightful heir of the ruling family—especially within the lord’s castle, a place few could enter—was more than enough to make them feel elated.

Ayra led them to the banquet hall. Seated at a grand table with attentive servants at their side, steaming and savory dishes were brought out in elegant sequence. Overjoyed by the food and lavish treatment, Wolf’s parents turned visibly flushed with happiness.

Throughout the meal, the young lord asked about the state of the territory and their thoughts on local affairs, all with sincere curiosity. Proudly, the couple shared everything they knew. Gradually, the conversation turned personal.

“Seven children—you’ve really accomplished something remarkable.”

“Yes, thanks to the blessings of Morunka, they’ve all grown up, built their own families, and are leading productive lives.”

“I’m not married yet, so I wouldn’t know, but raising your children so well must bring you tremendous joy.”

Smiling gently as she sipped a warm drink, Ayra posed a question with a knowingly innocent look.

“Then... are all your children married?”

Even though she knew the answer, she pretended to be unaware. The couple’s bright smiles dimmed slightly.

“Well, there’s still one child who hasn’t married. We’ve been searching far and wide for a good match, but for some reason, nothing ever seems to work out. They’re nearing forty now, and we worry we might never see them settle down before we’re gone.”

“Oh dear...”

Clicking her tongue in sympathy, Ayra suddenly fell silent, as if struck by a thought. The couple glanced at her with curiosity as she quietly contemplated something.

“If it’s alright with you, would you allow me to arrange a suitable match?”

“Pardon?”

Their eyes went wide at the unexpected offer. Ayra continued with an expression of genuine concern.

“I happen to know a woman nearing forty as well. She’s had trouble finding a partner too. But she’s saved up a decent amount of wealth, is in good health, and is a devout follower of Morunka. What do you think?”

Faced with the lord’s suggestion, the couple hesitated. But then, perhaps afraid of letting this opportunity slip away and dooming their son to lifelong bachelorhood, they eventually nodded. Ayra smiled with satisfaction.

“Her name is Hera. I think you’ll like her once you meet her. She’s wise and capable.”

“To go so far as to help arrange our son’s marriage... We’re truly grateful, my lord.”

“Consider it a small gesture of thanks for all the helpful advice you gave me today. Now then... let’s see... when should the two of you meet?”

Ayra arranged to invite them back to the estate for a proper introduction to Hera. And a few days later, when Wolf’s parents returned, they brought an unexpected guest: Aterra te Act.

‘I knew this would happen.’

Ayra frowned, making no attempt to hide her displeasure at the surprise visitor. Of course, she had anticipated this outcome. The couple were not only prominent community figures but also devout followers of Morunka. It would have been stranger if they weren’t tied to the Aterra family.

Ayra had deliberately scheduled the meeting a few days later, giving the couple plenty of time to share their news—and their “debt” to the lord—with the High Priest.

“High Priest Aterra. What brings you here? As I recall, you weren’t invited.”

Her voice was cold and accusatory. Dressed in dazzlingly white priestly robes, Act smiled serenely.

“I must apologize, Lord Ayra. These two are as close to me as parents. I simply couldn’t refuse their request. If it pleases you, I’d like to join in this joyous moment of welcoming a new potential family member, and bestow my blessing as High Priest.”

As expected from someone whose job was preaching—his words flowed like water, smooth and practiced. The couple bowed deeply, murmuring that they had begged him to come, all while sneaking glances at Ayra.

Even though they knew this was impolite, they had clearly prioritized their relationship with the High Priest over their loyalty to the lord.

Ayra silently stared at the three of them, then reluctantly nodded her approval of Act’s presence.

The meeting place Ayra had prepared for introducing Hera was a sunlit reception room. Hera, already waiting, stood to greet the incoming guests with a polite bow. She was dressed more tidily than usual.

“Hello. My name is Hera. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Wolf’s parents greeted her, but a faint hint of disapproval flickered across their faces. Her brown hair and eyes made it obvious she was a foreigner, and her attire didn’t suggest wealth either.

Ayra, pretending not to notice the awkward pause, cheerfully introduced her.

“Well? This is the woman who may soon become part of your family.”

An odd discomfort settled over the room as Ayra and Hera smiled brightly, with even Act showing a faint grin. Only the couple responded with a reluctant “Yes,” and a slight nod.

As the attendants brought in tea sets, the group sat at the table. Wolf’s parents exchanged glances and sipped their tea quietly, until finally one of them asked in a cool tone,

“So, what about your family? Any parents or siblings?”

“I’m a complete orphan. No family to speak of.”

“......Then what do you do for a living?”

“I hunt ma-beasts. Never had trouble getting by thanks to that. There’s always enough mana stones.”

With her background and occupation offering no points of appeal, Wolf’s parents could no longer hide their °• N 𝑜 v 𝑒 l i g h t •° discontent. But there was no glaring flaw they could use to outright reject her, either.

As they wrestled with the dilemma of whether to sacrifice their youngest son to maintain favor with the lord, Aterra—who had been silently stroking his teacup with a faint smile the entire time—finally spoke.

“Lord Ayra, I must say... this is not right.”

Gone was his gentle smile; his face now wore a stern, grave expression.

Ayra, who had been calmly sipping her tea, placed her cup down with a sharp clink.

“What exactly do you mean by that?”

“How could you subject such kind, devout people to such suffering? To introduce such a scoundrel to their precious son?”

At the word scoundrel, the couple—who had been trying hard to mask their discomfort—visibly flinched.

Aterra let out a deep sigh, then slammed his palm on the table and stood up. His wide sleeves flared as he dramatically pointed a finger at Hera.