6. Empress of the slums

There are many dangerous places in the slums. In fact, we’re in a place that even residents are scared to approach.

When we set foot in the slums, we were surrounded by bandits. and when we were told that the Empress wanted to see us, we were brought to the bandits' hideout.

"You're the incompetent who was expelled from the S-ranked party that everyone is talking about?”

At a glance, it was clear that the incredible beauty sitting on the throne was the empress.

Her long, lacquered hair was cut and trimmed, and she wore a costume sewn with gold thread and jeweled ornaments. As her bewitching eyes caught sight of me. I could feel a hint of hostility in the depths of her eyes.

It seems that she has no intention of fighting even though she's hostile.

I can hear the strong sound of teeth grinding coming from Fels standing next to me.

I'm happy she denies that I'm incompetent, but it's dangerous for now.

If she rampages here, we'll turn all the slums into an enemy. Still, I can't scold a child who gets angry for me.

"Head! This guy is famous for being incompetent! He can't do anything anyway, we should get rid of him quickly!"

One of her subordinates says so.

Are they attacking?

The empress stood up and kicked the man.

She stomped on him and looked at him as if she was looking at filth.

"You fool. I’ve told you that judging people based on rumors is your weakness."

"Sorry, I'm sorry!"

...... Is he happy? It's probably just my imagination.

Certainly, I’ve never seen a woman as beautiful as her. I've heard that there was an incredibly beautiful woman in the slums, but it's not just beauty. She also seems to have leadership skills.

Her dignity, ruthlessness, and the way she looks at things speak for themselves.

People who make decisions that aren’t bound by emotions move based on profit and loss. If I can present the Empress's a good reason, she'll allow us to live in the slums.

"... The rumor of incompetence seems likely to be a lie."

She said something in a whisper, but I couldn't hear it well.

Florence turned on her heel and returned to her throne. The scent of citrus on the breeze tickled my nostrils.

I was peeking at this woman and used appraisal in a way I wouldn’t be noticed.

She has a pretty good status.

[Race] Human

Florence 26 years old Condition: Alert

Small magic power

Swordsmanship S / S

Magic D / C

Dexterity C / B

Loyalty 0

[Serious condition]

She is deeply wounded in mind and body.

I'm curious about the last sentence......

You might think Fels has the stronger status. But Fels is just strong in potential.

It's too dangerous to compare a person who is still growing with a person who’s already grown up.

Even if Fels has the higher potential, she’s still only a "B" in terms of ability and can’t win.?

Even though the people around her aren’t very strong, Florence is still a problem.

Let's not let our guard down.

"A few days ago, there was a man who stole in the royal capital and an injured guard."

Florence says with a cheek face.

"The man who was stealing was an adventurer from the slums who was told he would never recover after a monster hurt his arm. But someone healed it. The person also told a nearby guard to use a bow and discovered an ability that even he didn't know he had. Because of that guard, one of my subordinates took an arrow to the leg. "

Apparently, she’s investigated more than the rumors about me.

Fels' vigilance grew even stronger.

However, I noticed that the status of Florence has not changed from [Alert].

If Florence intends to fight, the status will be displayed as Danger.

I guess she’s just confirming the facts and complaining a little.

From Florence's point of view, her companion was injured because of me. It makes sense to get angry. I accepted it honestly and resolved to heal him later.

"Nigris, a healer with appraisal skills. Sooner or later, I intended to call you."

It seems that my ability has been recognized to some extent.

"I don't think I'll be useful."

"Don't be humble. I don't hate men of integrity, but I don't like them either."

"I'm not humble, but ... well."

I was wondering if a healer would be needed in the slums. I heard hunger and illness are more prevalent here than in the royal capital.

Moreover, there are many crimes that can’t be revealed.

Actually, I was slightly aware of it.

Why do healers disappear?

The status that I had just read, [serious psychological condition].

Somehow, I made the connection.

"In other words, you collect all the healers who might be able to cure you and erase them if they make a mistake."

"You used appraisal? Looks like you have pretty good skills. I can't believe you were an incompetent who was banished from an S rank party. "

Florence also has considerable ability. Otherwise, it would be impossible to control the bandits and reign as the empress of the slums.

I’m now aware that my power is different from other healers.

Thanks to Fels, I noticed it and was convinced in the last few days.

My healing magic is pretty good. That doesn't mean It can’t fail.

If it fails here, they’ll try to kill us.

Failure was not an option. I stepped forward.

"If I can heal you, please allow me to live here."

"Very well. I will not only allow you to live here but also give you the best place to live. But if you fail, you will die. “

" Nigris-sama, you don't have to gamble so much. This is clearly one-sided ────"

"Little elf girl. I haven't asked you."

The Empress of the slums. I've heard of her, but she's quite cunning when she’s right in front of you.

She locks you in her nest and makes sure you have no place to escape.

Is there no veto right? it can’t be helped.

"……Alright"

Either way, I got her word.

Then all I have to do is cure Florence. As a healer, if she needs help, I’ll help her.

" Nigris-sama! This woman is dangerous!"

"To worry about your master in this situation. What a good slave."

"She's not a slave. She's a companion."

After a brief glance, Florence says, "Ho ...".

I was a little annoyed when my friend was called a slave.

I hate it when people insult my friends.

I vowed that I would never do the same, as they did in my previous party.

I didn't want Fels to have to go through that pain.

"Oh well. Only you can follow me."

"Fels. Can you wait for a bit?"

" Nigris-sama..."

I lightly stroke her head and follow Florence.

It was to the bedroom in the back.

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