episode_0140

000

“Hello! Good morning to you today too! Is your physical condition alright?”

A girl who used to belong to the assassination organization with Perdia, but is now working as an apprentice receptionist at the Adventurer’s Guild desk in Elesia, greeted her regular adventurer energetically.

Although she was only 12 years old, she was smart, quick with calculations, and always showed a bright face, so she was well-regarded among senior staff and adventurers alike, and there were many stories that her future was promising.

Moreover, she was an exotic beauty whose appearance was slightly different from that of people in the city or kingdom. Thanks to this, boys in the city who were of similar age to her had recently started saying that their future dream was to become an adventurer.

The one receiving her greeting was a young man with brown hair and green eyes. He wore plain but reliable light armor that protected the important parts of his body, and a steel longsword that fit perfectly in his hand, made by a skilled blacksmith who only thought about function and practicality rather than design, hung from his waist. In addition to that, another sword on the opposite side of his waist.

He had wrapped his precious silver, beautiful sword in a scabbard worthy of it, and those who had adventured with him said that they had never seen him draw this sword.

“Yeah. It’s thanks to the medicinal herbs you told me about.”

“I’m glad~. Per- Ahem. The doctor sister told me about it!`

The young man was a nobleman who had fallen from grace due to an incident some time ago. He was now making a living as a day-laborer adventurer, far removed from the life of a nobleman.

For the first few days, he was viewed with suspicion by others in the guild due to his past actions and the adventurers’ prejudice against nobles, but after a little over a month, his attitude, which had abandoned arrogance, and his not-bad attitude. And thanks to his sincerity in trying to learn anything, he was gradually gaining recognition from those around him.

In particular, the receptionist girl in front of him had become so close that she could be called a partner within this short period, starting with the fact that she helped him place his first request as an adventurer on the day he started his new life.

There were those who looked at the young man with envious eyes, but most of the adventurers, who were struggling just to make a living, did not have the luxury of paying so much attention to other people’s good relationships. This is because, in the morning, they are all busy looking at the bulletin board in order to secure a request with good conditions.

“The quest you achieved yesterday received a good evaluation, so the guild can now arrange a higher-level request for you, Eustace! Congratulations.”

The young man nodded at the girl’s words, who was happy as if it were her own business. A smile also came to his lips.

“Then, immediately, the next rank request-”

“Ah. I’m sorry, but for the next few days, please arrange the requests of the rank I was originally performing. I’m happy that I received a good evaluation, but I want to develop my basic skills a little more in the lower-level requests.”

When Eustace said that, the girl blinked her eyes two or three times, then smiled with a voice as if she was impressed.

“You’re so solid…! You’re the first person to say something like that!”

“Well. I learned the hard way that adventure requires caution. If you’re excited, even requests that you could succeed in will fail.”

“You must have met a good mentor!”

At the girl’s words of mentor, the image of a gorilla flashed through Eustace’s mind. However, he soon shook his head and recalled the tall female adventurer with beautiful jet-black hair and black eyes like the shadows of the night. She freely wielded a greatsword that was about the same size as his height, but when she held a rapier, her swordsmanship was so beautiful.

He had only carried out a request with her once. Furthermore, he had not met her since then, nor had he heard stories from other people who had seen her. Leona’s adventure was an incident that completely changed Eustace’s life.

“…Yeah. A figure of admiration.”

Eustace continued his adventurer life today, hoping that one day his name would reach Leona’s ears, who was adventuring somewhere.

“The requests that I can introduce to you right now are the ones on this list. Collection of medicinal herbs, reconnaissance of monster groups….”

“Hmm… I’ll take this one today-”

Just as Eustace was about to say that and choose a request from the list, a bell rang from the direction of the bulletin board.

Then, the gazes of the adventurers gathered in the guild turned to that side at once.

There, another guild employee was holding a green request scroll, looking as if he was waiting for everyone’s attention to gather.

The green request scroll was, so to speak, a request scroll for support requests. It was a request from a guild in another branch, not the Elesia guild where the adventurers were currently located, for the dispatch of manpower.

“A support request. There are a lot of them these days.”

“Well, monsters are rampant everywhere, so.”

The adventurers talked about their respective impressions while waiting for the guild employee’s next story.

“Everyone. This time too, a request for support has come. This time it is a request for support from the royal capital `Elkerdo`.”

“The royal capital…? It’s a place with a huge guild, so why a request for support….”

“Suspicious…”

As soon as the story of the royal capital came out, the adventurers showed negative reactions. Perhaps the staff member had expected that to happen, as he gave a bitter smile and continued the story.

“It seems that the manpower for a large quest being carried out by the royal capital guild has recently become insufficient. It seems to be a fairly urgent matter, so the story has come down to this point. The other party has requested that the detailed contents of the request be disclosed only to those who respond to the support request, but….”

“Ha. As expected, the guys in the well-off royal capital have many secrets….”

There are two main reasons why adventurers feel aversion to the royal capital.

One was due to the policy of the royal capital guild, which frequently passed requests to the provinces without considering the circumstances of the provinces. No matter how much it was the headquarters, it was only natural that they did not like the arrogant attitude towards the adventurers under its command.

Another reason is simply that many nobles live in the royal capital.

Most of the martial artists of the nobles aim to become knights rather than adventurers. Even if there is no war, they can receive a salary if they become knights, and they do not have to live an unstable life like adventurers. In addition, knights are required to have dignity and etiquette that are different from those of adventurers, and most of them did not like adventurers who lacked these qualities.

Unwelcome gazes from the noble and knight classes. Thanks to this, there were many cases where radical adventurers fought with them, but most of them ended with a conclusion that was favorable to the powerful party.

So, adventurers try to keep their distance from them as much as possible and not get involved. In that sense, the adventurers of the royal capital were unique in the eyes of adventurers from other regions, and they did not think of them as the same adventurers as themselves.

“Is there anyone who will respond to the support request?”

“Sis. That request is impossible. There won’t be any guys here who want to go to a place like the royal capital.”

“We know that well, but…. We have rejected several support requests in the past, so there’s even talk that headquarters may impose penalties on our guild or send an investigator….”

Damn, damn it, curses flowed out from among the adventurers.

“That’s a big problem… …Mr. Eustace?”

Eustace listened to the story quietly, looked over there, and stood up from his seat and approached the bulletin board.

“I’ll go to that support request.”

As soon as Eustace said that, the surrounding adventurers became agitated. Of course, the staff member looked surprised but relieved.

“Hey, buddy. Are you serious?”

“Of course. I originally lived in the royal capital. I have less aversion to the royal capital than the others here. Of course, about nobles and knights too.”

When Eustace said that, the other adventurers who knew his identity nodded their heads, hmm….

“In addition, if the guild might be disadvantaged. Someone needs to step forward. I will practice noblesse oblige in my own way.”

“That’s a great mindset, but…”

Before the adventurers could say anything else and bring down Eustace’s motivation, the staff member took him and dragged him to the office upstairs.

“Thank you. Mr. Eustace. Thanks to you, the guild and other adventurers will not be disadvantaged.”

Eustace nodded, answering as if it was nothing, and then asked her.

“Well. So, what is it that I have to do in the royal capital?”

“That is-”

001

Clyon and Kuon finished their activities at the temple and were walking back to the mansion with light steps.

Clyon was a little happy to meet his benefactor after a long time, so his expression was a little softer than usual, and Kuon also talked to the Pope, who was the object of admiration for the clergy, and she could hardly believe that she had even handed over the holy tool she had made to her.

Even so, the sun was still above their heads. The sunlight fell between the clouds, but the time was a little past the usual lunch time.

“Kuon. Would you like to eat out before we go back?”

“Yeah. Sasha said that today she was going around the royal capital with Caliburn, so there’s no need to go home quickly.”

[Caliburn… that kid seems to be wandering around outside too much with Sasha.]

Galatea said that from his waist.

Of course, both Sasha and Caliburn are children in appearance, but Caliburn is a sacred sword that wields powerful power, and Sasha is a hunter with excellent archery skills comparable to those of an adult. In addition, the security of the royal capital is much better than that of Elesia as long as they don’t go into the back alleys, so you can rest assured.

[Not really… I wasn’t worried about Caliburn or Sasha. I was just a little concerned.]

[That’s what you call worrying. You’re not honest either.]

[Shut up.]

When Clyon put his hand on Galatea and smiled bitterly, Kuon tilted her head. However, she soon looked around. The city streets of the royal capital were lined with various shops no matter where you looked, making it even more complicated than the city streets of the academy.

“There are so many restaurants that I don’t know where to go….”

When Kuon said that, Clyon also agreed and nodded his head. Of course, a high-end restaurant with a good atmosphere was also okay, but Clyon, who had experienced such a restaurant once with Aruru at the academy, felt a little uncomfortable there.

That being said, going to a store where you can drink alcohol from the daytime with Kuon-

Thinking so, they slowly searched around and moved their feet.

“…Clyon?”

When he turned his head to the low male voice calling him, there stood a bald man with a huge build.

His height was easily over 2m, with muscular physique all over his body and a thick jawline. And a macho man with a bald head.

Giving the impression of rough rock, a veteran warrior who cannot even imagine how many battles he has experienced.

He, who looked to be about 50 years old, was looking down at Clyon while wearing mismatched square horn-rimmed glasses.

“Lampert?”

“As expected, it’s Clyon! You’ve gotten so tall!! Wuahahaha!!”

The man called Lampert messed up Clyon’s hair indiscriminately and laughed. Kuon was a little embarrassed by his sudden actions and the appearance of a man who seemed to know Clyon, and Clyon escaped from Lampert’s hand and sighed, `Huu`, while touching his head.

“This is… Lampert. He’s a veteran adventurer who was in the Elesia Adventurer’s Guild before Kuon came to the Adventurer’s Guild. I also learned about adventure from this person.”

“Oh, I see…. Hello. Mr. Lampert. My name is Kuon.”

When Kuon bowed her head and greeted him, Lampert smiled and received her greeting and said to Clyon.

“Oh. Clyon, you’re doing quite well too. To make such a girlfriend. Well, my wife is the best though!”

He said that and showed off the ring he was wearing on his ring finger.

“You’re still the same…. I see. Lampert transferred to the royal capital guild.”

“Yeah. Did you forget? That’s disappointing.”

“Sorry. I’ve been busy in many ways….”

When Clyon said that, Lampert laughed it off as if it was okay and grabbed Clyon’s hand. Clyon’s body had grown in many ways compared to the old days, but even so, his hands were still much bigger than Clyon’s.

“But. You were also in the royal capital. I haven’t heard that an adventurer like you has transferred here?”

“I didn’t come as an adventurer. It’s for another matter.”

“I see… Oops. I’ve interrupted the young people’s date.”

Lampert spoke with a slightly regretful expression, then looked at Kuon once again before letting go of Clyon’s hand. He said to Clyon as if he was sorry, and Clyon shook his head and replied.

“No. I’m glad to see you after a long time…. I’m meeting old acquaintances well today.”

“Huh? Who else did you meet besides me?”

“Ms. Eska.”

“Ah. His Holiness the Pope. I see. Because Lesia’s group are all acquaintances…”

Lampert nodded as if he understood. He too was a human who had been active in Elesia in the past, one of the people who had rushed to Elesia as soon as Lesia created the Adventurer’s Guild in Elesia. He was a veteran among veterans who had been active as an adventurer even before that.

“There are many stories piled up, but. Let’s do it later. I don’t want to be resented by that young lady over there.”

“Ah, no! It’s okay!”

When Kuon said that in surprise, Clyon looked at Lampert and said.

“Actually, I was looking for a place to have lunch from now on. Lampert. Do you have any recommendations?”

“Oh. Was that so. Hmm. I see…. I know a place that’s reasonably priced and not bad tasting.”

“If it’s a recommendation from a local, I can trust it. Where is it?”

When Clyon said that, Lampert smiled and turned his body.

“Follow me. I’ll guide you directly.”

Saying that, he took the lead and walked down the streets of the royal capital.

002

“…He said he would guide us to a restaurant.”

“What are you talking about. There’s definitely a restaurant inside, so it’s a restaurant.”

The place Lampert took the two people to was none other than the `Royal Capital’s Adventurer’s Guild`. Here too, like the Elesia Guild, there was a rest area and restaurant for adventurers inside, so many adventurers often ate a meal with cheap food from the guild rather than looking for a restaurant in the city.

“Sorry. Kuon. I shouldn’t have trusted Lampert. But I thought I could expect a little since he’s married.”

“This guy has become even more arrogant than when he was a child….”

Kuon shook her head at Clyon’s words and smiled.

“Uh-uh, no. When I think about it, it was natural for us to eat at the guild when we were in Elesia. In addition, it’s a strange story, but it’s quieter than other restaurants.”

Certainly. As Kuon said, the number of people in the guild was very small even considering that it was lunch time. In addition, most of the guild members who could be seen were women. Female adventurers were not that rare, but even so, this gender ratio was strange enough to be felt.

“Oh. That’s right. Actually, there was a guy I wanted Clyon to meet. I’ll bring him since he’s probably organizing documents upstairs. Order whatever you want in the meantime.”

Just as Clyon was about to ask Lampert something, he got up as if he had remembered something and went up to the upper floor of the guild.

Clyon quietly watched his back as he left, then shrugged his shoulders and ordered a meal with Kuon, waiting for Lampert to return or for the meal to come out.

Soon, Lampert and another person walked down the stairs.

“Oh my.”

“What…!”

It was the face of an acquaintance that both Kuon and Clyon knew.

The young man Lampert brought was dragged by Lampert with a slightly tired face and stood in front of the table where Clyon and Kuon were sitting. Then, he finally saw the faces of the two and he too looked surprised.

“Eustace…!”

“Magicsword Clyon…! And, the one who was in the guild at that time….”

“What. You know each other. He said he came after receiving a support request from Elesia. I heard he recently became an adventurer, so I thought he would be your junior, but. Still, it seems like the period of activity overlapped a bit?”

“No. Should I say it overlapped….”

Lampert asked `Hmm?` with a question mark on his face at the story of Clyon and Kuon, who were not saying much, but Eustace also sighed and made an awkward expression.

“I can’t believe I’d meet you guys here. Is it a trick of the god of fate?”

“I think the same thing…. By any chance, have you met Rubella too?”

When Clyon said that, Eustace’s expression hardened and he looked around. And he asked in a small voice.

“…Could it be that Rubella is also in the royal capital right now?”

“Yeah. He’s working as a servant for the Tromea family…. You probably won’t have to go there, but it’s best to be careful.”

Of course, Rubella himself had no intention of doing anything to Eustace. It was certain that it was not a relationship that would make you feel good if you met face to face.

“What. Tell me a story that I can understand too.”

“It’s a story you don’t need to know. More than that. It seems like you’re properly active as an adventurer.”

At Clyon’s words, Eustace blushed a little as if he was embarrassed and replied.

“W-well… I’m doing my own noble duties. You have to take responsibility for what you’ve done.”

It was an answer that he could not have imagined when he first saw him, but that answer was proof that he had grown. Clyon nodded, once again realizing the practicality of shock therapy.

“I see. That’s good. I’m glad that you seem to be getting recognized by others too.”

“…Ugh….”

At those words, Eustace swallowed. Then, he stared at Clyon’s face.

“What, what is it.”

“No…. The more I look at you, the more you look alike.”

“…Look alike?”

“Yeah. The female swordsman who gave me the opportunity to come to my senses…. Leona I’m talking about.”

“Puhueup!!”

Kuon, who was drinking water while listening to the two people’s story next to him, spat it out in a grand manner.

Regardless of that, Eustace was completely immersed in his own world and nodded his head, hmm….

“Come to think of it, it was said that most of the Black Magic Clan’s whereabouts are unknown and their numbers are very small. The overall impression is similar too. Even the fact that you use a sword…. Even the names, `Clyon` and `Leona` are a bit similar, aren’t they? The age range seems similar, but, Clyon. You look a little older than her.”

“…W-well, since we’re from the same clan, it could just be a coincidence.”

Eustace closed his mouth for a moment at Clyon’s words, then looked at him and replied with a confident face.

“No…. I see, I understand. Hmph, don’t worry, Clyon. No. `Brother-in-law`.”

“──Huh…?”

A foolish sound flowed out of Clyon’s mouth.

“Clyon. You are Leona’s older brother? No matter how much you’re from the same clan, you and Rubella don’t look that alike. But if you’re related to Leona…. Yes, if you’re her older brother, everything is explained!”

“… …”

“To think I didn’t realize such a simple fact…. Please Clyon! Tell Leona that this Eustace is working hard every day to become a great adventurer by following in your footsteps! Until the time I achieve my goal, I don’t deserve to meet her, so.”

“Hmm…”

Clyon turned his head to Lampert. Lampert knew Clyon’s childhood, so he knew that Clyon did not have a younger sister. Please correct this fool’s misunderstanding. It was a look in his eyes asking for the same help.

“Leona~ I haven’t met her in a long time.”

However, he was a man who knew how to read the atmosphere.

“Ms. Leona. Where are you now?”

Kuon was the same.

“…Could I ask you a favor? Clyon?”

And, a fool.

“… … … … I… I see.. I’ll tell, her….”

“Thank you! You’re my benefactor! No, from today we’re friends!”

Clyon’s shoulders slumped heavily at the feeling that his karma had come back to him.

His head ached at the sound of Galatea laughing her head off.