After stepping into the royal capital again, Aldis quickly walks to his first destination.

　It's an inn and tavern where Cesare the informer resides.

　The only sound in the kitchen is the sound of lunch being prepared. Cesare is the only customer in the restaurant.
　However, I don't know if it's right to call Cesare, who is an informer, a customer of the tavern.

'Yo.'

　Aldis called out in a light tone, and Cesare, who turned around, twisted his face blatantly.

　There was an expression of fright in his dark brown eyes.
　To him, Aldis was probably someone he didn't want to see if possible.

''What is it?''

How do you like to talk to your clients? What do you mean by "greetings to the client"?　Shouldn't you be a little happy?

How could I be happy? There was a lot of trouble after that.　They said I was in a trap with you or something, and it was a terrible experience.

　Apparently, Cesare had received retribution from the mercenaries Aldis had returned.

''What's that?　I thought I properly told you it was a lie at the end: ....... I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea. It's no wonder they never get any traction with that one.

''Even if it's ...... that one, I'm still a mercenary in King's Landing who's called a veteran.

　Cesare said he was intuitive and weak-witted in some ways, but he was competent.

'Hmmm, that one, so hey ......

　Aldis recalls the mercenaries he had dealt with a few days ago.
　But looking back again, the impression that remains is that they are 'third-rate mercenaries who are unable to measure the strength of their opponents'.

　Of course, it might have been a little better than Greche and the others whom Ardis had rescued in the grasslands, the students of Marieles Academy who had been rescued in the forest, and the new recruits of the Tria territory army.
　But in Ardis, Ted and the others, who were some of the best mercenaries in Tria, were the benchmark of strength, so at that level, it was not a subject for discussion of strong and weak.

''Well, that's fine, so let's get on with the business.

'It's not good for me, but ....... Does this business talk mean you have business for me as an informant?

　Cesare gives Aldis a suspicious look.

'What else could it be?'

No, I thought you had an axe to grind with me.

'You hold a grudge?　...... Oh, yeah. Yes, ......, it certainly wouldn't be pleasant if they did something like this last time. Because like I said last time, there's no next time.

　Cesare's cheeks were drawn up in contrast to Aldis, who said in a lighter tone.

'Duh, then: ......'

But I'm buying you as an informant. You had information that other informants didn't have, and the information itself was pretty accurate. That's why I trust what you do.

　Aldis is only evaluating Cesare's work and the information it brings to him. He is not evaluating his personality or his way of life.

'So?　Have you heard anything new about the female mercenaries since then?

.................. Two silver coins.

　Mentally giving in, Cesare reluctantly presented the information fee after a long silence.
　Aldis placed two silver coins from his pocket on the counter.

''The commotion in Trier is slowly beginning to reach the ears of the informants in the royal capital as well. The rumor is that he had a dispute with his guards and disappeared for now, but sooner or later the order to capture him will be given. The Marquis of Trier is desperately trying to cover up the rumors, but it's nighttime and it's in the city. I'm sure it's leaked to the neighbors.

Is there any sign of a manhunt in progress from Tria?

There is no official word at the moment. But there are people in King's Landing who are chasing after the female mercenaries, and sooner or later, someone who is under the influence of Marquis de Trier will arrive. However, there is a good news. It seems that only female mercenaries are being pursued by the Marquis de Trier and his army. They don't seem to be interested in their fellow countrymen. A mercenary with black hair, black eyes, and a violet-colored piece of cloth wrapped around his forehead.

　Cesare said, narrowing his eyes as he listed the same features as the boy in front of him and his appearance.

'I see,'

And the same goes for the twins. It seems that the Marquis of Trier is only targeting female mercenaries.

　Now it was Aldis's turn to narrow his eyes.

　This man is capable, after all. Aldis recognized again.
　In the past two days alone, he even obtained information about the twins that he would not have had last time.

'All right. Is that all the information you have?''

'Wasn't it enough?　I suppose it was worth two silver coins?

No complaints. So let's move on.

　Cesare's unexpected words bring up a question.

'What's next?　What is it?

"The female mercenary appeared in King's Landing about three days ago. After that, she drifted off to the Empire.

What is it?　That?

Information.

　Cesare showed a quizzical expression.
　I'm sure you'll find that the boy in front of you is not sweet enough to give you information for free.

That information ......, is it true?

'Wouldn't it be better if each person who got the information made an effort to find out the truth?

　While speaking irresponsibly, Aldis takes out a gold coin from his pocket and places it in front of Cesare.

'What is it?　This?

That's good for you to spread the word.

You want me to give false information?　Then it's as if--

Isn't that 'my cat'?

　Aldis preempted Cesare's words and spoke up.

'Yes,'

What is it about your cat that you don't like?

　Cesare's reaction was unimportant.

"I've been a stray for many years, and I'm proud of myself.

　The Tame Cats are the hands and feet of the rulers and authorities who work behind the scenes to keep them in the dark.
　They include spies, assassins, spies and informers like Cesare.
　The word "stray" in Cesare's mouth is in contrast to "domestic cat", which means a person who is not employed by anyone and works freelance.

　On the other hand, there is also the word 'domesticated dog'.
　This is not a code word, but rather a sobriquet to describe people who work in the surface world for the rulers and authorities.
　This includes knights, soldiers, civilian officials such as political officers and diplomats, but since it is nothing more than an act of contempt to say it to someone's face, it is usually only used for backbiting.

No one will help a stray when it's time to go. They could die at any moment. And if they do anything, they'll be dead in a heartbeat.

　Aldis laughs wryly, emphasizing the last line.
　As Cesare, who was spanked for pulling a prank on Aldis, he would not be able to remain calm in his heart.

''So you're saying you'll help me in a pinch then?

Why should I help you?

Because they want me to be their cat: ......

"I don't remember ever saying, 'Be my cat. 'What's not to like about your cat?' That's all I said.

　"I'll pay you," the dark-haired boy says matter-of-factly.

"I'm going to pay you. You'll do the job for the money. This is a business transaction. I'd like to continue to be a good friend to you if you weren't so hostile to me.

　Aldis is not buying Cesare's workman (personhood), but only his ability to gather information.

　No matter what he thought and felt inside, as long as he provided information that was worth the price, it was fine.

''So that's it then. Nice to meet you.

　After telling Cesare, who looked like he was about to cry, one way or the other, Aldis left the tavern.