Chapter 9
The mercenaries disguised themselves as merchants from the outer city, adopting new identities and disguises daily. Within a few days, they had blended in with the local residents and even made some “friends,” like this tipsy Beta gentleman.
“You guys have good taste,” Uncle Ishino chuckled. “This tavern might look rough, but the owner’s homemade brew is something special. That rich malt aroma… honestly, there’s nothing else like it!”
Despite being a simple farmer, it was often people in humble trades who caught wind of the most gossip.
Liu Siruo nodded in agreement, sliding a few silver coins across the table. “You’re right. We have to try it today. Would you mind ordering two for us?”
She was petite, and after taking medicine to temporarily alter her pheromones, she perfectly embodied a shy Omega.
Liu Siruo leaned against Wakako with a gentle smile, the two looking like an ordinary couple deeply in love.
After Uncle Ishino left to buy the drinks, she softly asked Wakako, “How are you holding up?”
Heat cycles significantly impacted mercenary missions, so they often used suppressants. However, they couldn’t take them continuously for extended periods and needed to find opportunities for release, otherwise, it would be detrimental to their health.
Wakako’s heat cycle was due within seven days, but she had been on missions for almost half a year, her options for medication were limited.
The tavern was crowded and cramped, filled with a mixture of scents that made her uncomfortable.
Wakako shook her head, her face stiff beneath the disguise. “I’m fine.”
Uncle Ishino returned with the drinks, and the three of them chatted while drinking. They overheard snippets of an interesting conversation from the neighboring table: “Free… no charge…”
Most of the patrons in the tavern were poor, and their ears instantly perked up. However, the conversation at the neighboring table abruptly stopped.
How disappointing.
Uncle Ishino discreetly glanced around and lowered his voice. “They were talking about Lord Hyman. I’ve been supplying grapes to his estate for years and overheard a few things from the servants.”
He knew this young couple were merchants seeking connections with nobles to sell their fabrics and jewelry.
“Oh? Tell us more,” Liu Siruo said with a charming smile.
“Lord Hyman, the nobleman with all those estates, is marrying off his Omega daughter. He’s planning a grand wedding and even ordered a large amount of free food to be distributed outside for anyone to take.”
He clearly had more to say, but he stopped there, his eyes darting around.
Wakako knew what he wanted and placed two silver coins on the table.
Uncle Ishino quickly pocketed them.
“Lord Hyman has invited the king to officiate the wedding. Word from his servants is that the king will be bringing an Omega with him. They didn’t say her name or identity, only that everything should be prepared with the highest protocol. I’d bet we’re about to have a new Queen.”
Ordinary commoners like Uncle Ishino were unaware of the Saint and could only assume it was a future Queen. King Alva of the Eagle Kingdom had a Queen, but she had passed away two years prior. It seemed timely for him to remarry.
However, when this information reached Liu Siruo and Wakako’s ears, it took on a different meaning. An Omega worthy of the highest protocol…
What if it wasn’t the Queen?
Besides making significant prophecies for the Kingdom, the Saint also symbolized warding off evil and bringing good fortune. Many Saints throughout history had blessed newlyweds at noble weddings. Miki could certainly perform such a role.
They exchanged a knowing glance.
Liu Siruo asked, “When is this wedding of Lord Hyman’s daughter?”
“Tonight.”
Uncle Ishino spread his hands. “Ten silver coins, and I’ll sneak you two in. It’s full of nobles, you’ll definitely be able to sell your goods.”
***
Lord Hyman had a trusted, experienced steward named Mama Tamae. On occasions like this, she would turn a blind eye to the staff accepting bribes to sneak people in, earning a little extra on the side.
Seeing that Wakako and Liu Siruo were merchants, dressed in relatively fine attire, Mama Tamae personally led them inside, cautioning, “Be humble in front of the nobles and avoid offending them at all costs.”
Wakako was usually awkward in such settings, but Liu Siruo, quick to adjust, discreetly slipped a few more silver coins into Mama Tamae’s hand. “Thank you for the advice.”
The distribution of free food to the commoners had already begun. Even from afar, they could hear the boisterous crowd praising Lord Hyman’s generosity.
The main entrance was where guest registration took place, so Mama Tamae led them to the back entrance of Hyman Manor, allowing them to slip in unnoticed.
Throughout history, wedding banquets were often just a facade for conducting business, with each noble in attendance harboring their own agendas.
The main hall of the manor was bustling with activity, the air thick with a mixture of different pheromones that made Wakako slightly nauseous.
Servants scurried back and forth, refilling drinks and serving tea.
Liu Siruo quickly engaged a noble in conversation, all smiles and charm. Wakako stood behind her, playing the role of a quiet Alpha husband, observing the others while maintaining a polite smile.
During a lull in the conversation, they used their metal goblets to conceal their lips, silently communicating in sign language.
“Any suspicious individuals?” Liu Siruo asked.
“None,” Wakako considered. “But something smells off. Give me a moment.”
The crowd was too large and diverse, making it difficult for her to discern whether she had detected a specific scent or if it was just a figment of her discomfort.
After a while, Wakako gave her answer. “Saionji Saburo. He’s here.”
Saburo was a few years older than her and had presented earlier. She had a vague recollection of his pheromones.
It was thanks to Wakako’s naturally sharp sense of smell and specialized training that she could recall it.
Liu Siruo raised an intrigued eyebrow. “Interesting. What about the Saint? Did you smell her?”
Wakako shook her head. “No.”
Liu Siruo took a sip of her wine, her gaze distant with thought. “What if the Omega being treated like royalty is Saburo, not the Saint? That could still be useful.”
Suddenly, she became excited. “Let’s head towards Saburo. I want to see him. If I can memorize his appearance, I can disguise you as him next time.”
Wakako glanced at her. “Senior,” she cautioned earnestly, “He’s quite far from us. It’s too risky.”
“The one who left our Junior Sister behind in the Eagle Kingdom’s royal palace doesn’t have much room to talk about risks,” Liu Siruo replied with a cold smile. “Don’t forget, I’m in command, and you’re to follow my orders.”
Wakako was speechless.
She had indeed promised to follow orders.
So Wakako slowly made her way towards the source of the scent. Liu Siruo followed behind, continuing to socialize with the nobles and promote the jewelry she carried, indistinguishable from a genuine merchant, arousing no suspicion.
A noblewoman took a particular liking to the ruby she offered and expressed her desire to purchase it on the spot.
Liu Siruo smiled graciously. “Thank you, madam. If you have any friends, please recommend them to me, and I’ll be sure to offer you additional gifts.”
“Of course,” the noblewoman readily agreed. “You should speak with my friend, Lady Molly.”
She glanced around and pointed to a conspicuous figure in the crowd. “Do you see the person in the maroon dress? Lady Molly should be around there.”
Liu Siruo thanked her with a smile and took Wakako’s arm. Her conversation with the noblewoman had been a mere pretense; her true objective was to locate Saburo. However, she was surprised when Wakako paused for a moment and then led her directly towards the person in the maroon robe.
“What are you doing?” she asked in a hushed tone, maintaining a smile on her face. “Is that the direction where Saburo is?”
Wakako’s heart pounded in her chest, forgetting to explain.
“That person is wearing a maroon robe,” she said quickly. “All those who serve the Saint must wear maroon robes that reach their ankles. It’s the rule.”
She was all too familiar with this.
Liu Siruo paused. “But the Eagle Kingdom hasn’t had a Saint for a long time. They don’t strictly follow these customs.”
“Look, the servants’ attire at today’s banquet deliberately avoids maroon robes,” Wakako discreetly surveyed the room. “None of the nobles are wearing white, which is reserved for the Saint. Clearly, someone has given specific instructions.”
Liu Siruo examined the scene and confirmed Wakako’s observation, offering no further objections.
Just as they were about to follow the maroon figure, they both suddenly trembled.
In an instant, a rich Omega pheromone swept through the entire banquet hall, forcefully invading everyone’s nostrils. It was like the sweet scent of cherries, fresh and dewy, with a hint of alluring sensuality.
It was so intoxicating and captivating that it sent the Alphas present into a frenzy, their hearts racing and bodies flushed. The young nobles who had recently presented were particularly affected, their hands slipping, causing them to drop their glasses and spill wine on themselves.
Yet, the scene didn’t descend into chaos, and no one dared to make a rash move.
Because within that pheromone lay an immense pressure, so powerful that it even suppressed fellow Omegas, forcing them to cling to nearby tablecloths to maintain their balance.
The Beta servants at Hyman Manor seemed to have anticipated this, calmly maintaining order and ensuring everyone remained in their places.
Liu Siruo had taken anti-sensitivity medication beforehand, so although she felt some discomfort, she remained clear-headed. Even though the cherry scent might disrupt her pheromone disguise, the hall was in such disarray that no one would notice.
She turned to look at Wakako.
To her alarm, Wakako’s face was flushed deep red, beaded with sweat that dampened her forehead. Her breathing had become rapid. In her sensitive state, her reaction was far more intense than other Alphas. If this continued, she would surely lose control.
Liu Siruo considered giving her suppressants, but Wakako had already taken too many recently. Taking more would have irreversible consequences on her body, which would be fatal for a mercenary…
Wakako gripped her wrist tightly and whispered a few words with all her might, but Liu Siruo couldn’t hear her.
The source of the pheromone was at the far end of the main hall. Those tables were reserved for the most elite among the nobles.
Behind the silk curtains, where the king was supposed to be seated, the candlelight flickered.
A glimpse of a white cloak could be seen.