Ugh… I really don't like this type of guy…Momonga stifled a yawn behind a polite smile as the uninteresting noble rambled on beside her.
His name was Philip Dayton L'Eyre Montserrat.He was the third son of a very minor baron family. Because it was his birthday month, he had begged his parents for money and come to E-Rantel for "sightseeing."
According to him—His brilliant advice alone kept his family's territory running.His father and siblings were backward fools.He was destined to become a great leader.
Momonga kept smiling, but internally she was dying.
He kept sneaking glances at her chest, too. And yes—she could feel it. Women were sensitive to that kind of attention.
Yep. 100% just likes Albedo's body.
She sighed inwardly.
Annoying as he was, he was a noble. She couldn't simply walk away without causing a scene. She had agreed to share a drink only because she thought it might be a quick networking opportunity.
She regretted it deeply.
Every word out of Philip's mouth was either bragging, belittling someone else, or spouting delusions about how he would "reform the kingdom."
Finally:
"Oh! I never asked your name, did I? My apologies!" he said, having only just realized it.
Momonga smiled politely while screaming internally.
"…My name is Momon."
"And your family name?"
"I… do not have one. I am just a commoner."
"I see! Then you must be the daughter of some large merchant firm? Your dress is very fine."
"No, actually… I'm an adventurer."
He froze.
The surrounding diners mentally shouted: There is NO WAY she's a mere copper-rank adventurer!
"A-adventurer…?"
"Yes. I registered today, so I am copper-rank."
Again the silent chorus: ABSOLUTELY IMPOSSIBLE.
But Philip accepted it instantly, without question—because it fit his worldview.
"I see. So you are a poor commoner, then. Copper adventurers can hardly earn enough to live."
Momonga forced an awkward nod, not wanting to escalate things. Nearby diners grimaced with sympathy.
Then Philip leaned in triumphantly.
"In that case, why don't you become my concubine? I can guarantee you a much better life."
"Um, no, I—"
"No need to be shy. I understand. This is a public place, after all."
He genuinely believed she was turning him down out of embarrassment. Because in his mind, any commoner woman would cry with joy if he took her as a mistress.
He moved even closer.
"There's a nice private room nearby. Just the two of us. We can discuss your future… thoroughly."
"W-wait—"
"Wonderful! Then it's settled."
He reached for her hand.
Gasps rose across the room.
Before anyone could intervene—
SPLASH.
Philip staggered backward, face and clothes soaked in wine.
He blinked stupidly, taking several seconds to process what had happened.
"You… you… YOU—!!"
His face turned beet red.
"You filthy COMMONER! How DARE you embarrass ME in public!? I am Philip—"
His fury burned high—
But then he saw her eyes.
Cold.Empty.Razor-sharp.A predator's gaze.
His rage vanished instantly, replaced by primal fear.
He felt the phantom brush of a scythe across his neck—Death's warning.
Momonga spoke, voice like sharpened steel:
"A filthy wretch like you should not dare lay a hand on this body. Have you no shame?"
Her tone alone froze the blood of everyone nearby.
"You—y-you dare call ME… a wretch… you—! A COMMONER—!"
She laughed scornfully.
"I don't care what your so-called noble title is supposed to mean. Look around you. Everyone here is dressed beautifully. Unlike you. You want to escort a woman? Then groom yourself properly. You are—simply unpleasant."
The men in the room swelled with pride—The women stifled giggles—Philip's face turned purple.
"H-how DARE—"
She silenced him with one frosty glance.
"Leave. Now. Before you disgrace your family name any further. If you insist on staying, feel free. The shame will be yours, not mine."
The surrounding patrons glared daggers at Philip.
Another outburst and someone would punch him.
Philip stomped, sputtering in incoherent rage, until the staff bodily dragged him out—kicking and screaming like a toddler denied candy.
Silence fell.
Momonga suddenly felt dozens of eyes on her.
Oh no… I drew too much attention… embarrassing…
Face flushed, she bowed quickly.
"I—I'm terribly sorry for disturbing your meal. Please excuse me!"
Immediately, applause erupted.
"Splendid!""Well said!""That punch I was holding back can stay holstered now!""So brave!"
Red to the ears, Momonga bowed repeatedly, then fled upstairs—while the applause continued behind her.
The legend of "the beautiful newcomer adventurer Momon" would spread through E-Rantel's noble circles by morning.
Outside, Philip shook with humiliation.
"That woman… I will MAKE her regret this! I SWEAR IT!"