Chapter 48 – Ursphere (2)

Rebuge led us to her office. It wasn’t a large room, but it was crammed with bookshelves and a desk buried under paperwork.

Does she really work in this suffocating space? I wondered, clicking my tongue as I looked around.

Meanwhile, Rubia and Rebuge were busy bowing to each other, exchanging apologies.

“I apologize for our inadequate measures. I’m truly sorry,” Rebuge said.

“No, it’s fine. I was the one who acted rashly. I also apologize,” Rubia replied.

After a moment’s hesitation, I bowed my head as well.

“It’s no excuse, but… I haven’t trained Schur properly,” Rebuge added.

“I found her lively and charming, actually,” Rubia chuckled.

As they raised their heads, they continued their polite, slightly insincere conversation.

It was typical adult talk. Seemingly meaningless, but probably full of hidden meanings… like those noble conversations!

There was no way I could join in. Just listening gave me a headache…

But I still wanted to understand, so I wracked my brain trying to keep up. It was impossible. I couldn’t follow the flow of the conversation at all…

I gave up and began daydreaming about what the wild raspberry jelly might taste like when suddenly—

“That aside… Noah, you’re quite different from the rumors,” Rebuge said, turning to me.

Finally, the attention shifted to me!

“Ah… uh, um…” I stammered, unprepared.

“All those rumors… they’re nonsense,” Rubia interjected.

“I’m relieved to hear that. According to what I’ve heard… you’re a demon who drinks the blood of both people and beasts without distinction,” Rebuge explained.

“Pfft—” Rubia stifled a laugh.

…What?

“W-What do you mean…” I muttered.

“Well, you know how rumors are. The more they spread, the more exaggerated they become,” Rebuge said.

Even so. I don’t drink human blood…

As for beast blood… sometimes when I’m hunting, it accidentally gets in my mouth, and I just… swallow it without meaning to!

It’s not on purpose!

“Well then, let me formally introduce myself. I’m Rebuge, the head of the Ursphere Adventurers’ Guild,” she said, bowing with dignity.

“Yes, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Rebuge,” Rubia replied.

Rubia removed her robe, letting her hair flow freely. “I am Rubia, priestess of Erden.”

Unlike Rebuge, Rubia didn’t bow. I suppose she thought this was a situation where maintaining authority was necessary…

Rubia is so smart! Not to mention, she looks so majestic… and cool… and charismatic.

In that case, I should—

“I-I’m Sh-Shin Noah… it’s a p-pleasure…!” I stammered.

I’ve ruined everything. My voice, my tone, my actions… I was awkward in every possible way.

Compared to Rubia, I was pathetic… I should’ve introduced myself first…

“Pleased to meet you. Though I may be the guild head, I’m also an adventurer, just like you, Miss Noah, so please feel free to relax,” Rebuge said, suppressing a slight smile.

“A-Ah… y-yes…” I mumbled, embarrassed.

“Now that introductions are done, shall we discuss the bounty?” Rubia asked, straightening her posture.

“Yes, please,” Rebuge agreed.

Rebuge went over the details of how the bounties were distributed, including Heinzel’s donation to Roholon and Luchi’s contribution to Hablon. Finally, she slid a pile of documents toward us.

“The remaining bounties for Miss Noah and Miss Rubia amount to… this much.”

Rubia reviewed the papers and nodded. “Yes, this is just as we were told.”

She then whispered the amount to me, reminding me not to be shocked.

“Wh-What…?” I gasped. It was way more than the amount Jure had told me back in Roholon.

After signing the documents, Rubia set down the pen with a sly smile. It looked like the smile of a con artist.

“Yes, we’ve confirmed everything. Now, about the next issue—” Rebuge began.

“Shouldn’t we discuss the materials from Carpeng first?” Rubia interrupted.

“Excuse me…?” Rebuge and I both tilted our heads in confusion.

“M-Materials…?” I asked.

“Yes. Carpeng’s materials are top-grade, so we need to talk about how they’ll be distributed,” Rubia explained.

But I thought the central guild had already taken them? I wondered.

“But… um, weren’t they already…”

“It’s fine. Just trust me, Noah. I’ll make sure we get what we deserve. After all, who am I?” Rubia said confidently.

This is dangerous…! I thought, noticing how her robe strained against her chest.

“U-Um… P-Priestess…” Rebuge stammered.

“Yes, so just sit back and watch closely,” Rubia whispered to me. “Watch what I can do.”

My face grew hot. “W-What… are you…”

“S-Stop teasing me…!” I protested, remembering the emotional moment in Roholon.

“I’m not teasing you. It was such a cool line. I almost fell for you. Maybe I already have…?” Rubia poked my cheek playfully.

“I… I can hear everything you’re saying…” Rebuge interrupted, looking bewildered.

Rubia then launched into a discussion about the Hablon disaster, the isolation of Roholon, and the blockade of trade routes. I couldn’t follow most of it, but in the end, Rubia had clearly won the negotiation.

“Alright then, Miss Rebuge, no need to overdo it. We’ll just need enough materials to forge a greatsword and a light armor set. Thank you,” Rubia concluded.

“…Understood,” Rebuge replied, her shoulders slumping.

I felt a little sorry for her, but the thought of Carpeng’s materials was too exciting.

“How about that, Noah?” Rubia asked.

“Rubia… you’re amazing… so cool…” I pulled her into a tight hug. “I’ve really fallen for you… Rubia, you’re the best…! Hehehe…”

“U-Um…” Rubia’s body suddenly became very warm, and her pulse started racing.

“Rubia… are you feeling okay…?” I asked, concerned.

“N-No… it’s just that… well, there are people watching…” Rubia gently pushed me away.

Ah. She probably didn’t want her image to be ruined after dominating Rebuge so spectacularly, I realized, backing off to help her save face.

Rebuge then pulled out a letter. “Congratulations on reaching Gold rank, Miss Noah.”

“W-Wait… G-Gold…?” I was absolutely stunned.

Rebuge read through my impressive record of completed requests, including the eradication of around 14,000 beasts in Roholon.

“And… more impressive than all your previous achievements… no, this is a monumental feat,” Rebuge said solemnly. “The Nightmare of the East. The Crimson Wolf, Carpeng.”

She knelt on one knee and bowed her head toward me. “Thank you. For protecting Roholon. For reclaiming Hablon… And for giving humanity hope… I am deeply, deeply grateful.”

“You are… A hero,” she declared.

“Ah… uh…” I stammered, overwhelmed.

In the game. It was just text on the screen. A voice through the speakers.

But hearing those words in person… feels strange.

Like my heart is growing soft…

“Sniff… huff…” I couldn’t hold back my tears.

“Noah…? Why… why are you crying?” Rubia asked, gently wiping my eyes.

“Sniff… Rubia… why… why am I crying…?” I sobbed.

Rubia pulled me into a tight hug. “You’ve been through a lot, Noah. Truly…”

She slowly stroked my hair, strand by strand.

“Sniff… hic… I-I feel… strange… sniff… hic…” I cried, unable to control the flow of tears.

But at the same time, there was a warmth. It felt so familiar and comforting.

I didn’t try to stop the tears. I welcomed the feeling, the tears streaming from my eyes.

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