Chapter 9: Can't you become an adventurer?
{TL: By Creed}
"I'm sorry! We can't accept Fate-san's adventurer registration request..."
The next day, Fate immediately went to the guild to become an adventurer. But as soon as he gave his name, he was refused.
"What does this mean? Depending on the answer..."
"Uh,"
Sofia glared at the receptionist, who seemed frightened.
"Calm down, Sofia."
"But..."
"Probably, it's not her fault. She seems to be apologizing and reluctant."
"Yes... as Stuart-san says. The Adventurer's Guild is always in need of new talent. Since the jobs are very dangerous, there aren't many hopeful candidates... So, normally, we would welcome you, but the Guild Master..."
"...Let me explain from here."
An older man appeared from the back. He had white hair and a beard, but his body was not that of an old man; he seemed like a seasoned warrior.
"Are you the Guild Master?"
"Yes, I'm Aizen. Nice to meet you."
"I'm Fate Stuart."
"I'm Sofia Ascart."
"Since we shouldn't stand around chatting, let's go to the back room."
They were led by Aizen to a guest room. The receptionist brought tea, and Aizen began to speak.
"I don't like beating around the bush. So, I'll be straightforward. The one who ordered to refuse Stuart's adventurer registration is me."
"Why is that?"
"Because you were a former slave."
Aizen continued speaking as he sipped his tea.
"Being a slave can have various circumstances, including being a punishment for a crime. So, if that is not clarified, we cannot approve your adventurer registration. Stuart, why did you become a slave?"
"Well..."
Fate explained that he was deceived by Sigurd and forced into slavery.
"Hmm... Why didn't you mention this before? Didn't you consider seeking help?"
"I was forbidden by Sigurd and the others. Slaves cannot go against their masters' orders... You know that, right?"
"I see. So, Sigurd and the others claimed they made you a slave through proper procedures, but it was all a lie. If that's true, we need to think about what to do."
Aizen put his hand near his temple and let out a deep sigh. Sigurd seemed to have the ability, but he was considered a troublemaker.
"It's true... Do you not believe me?"
"We've just met. I'm sorry, but I can't judge everything based on one side of the story. If possible, I'd like to hear from Sigurd and the others as well, but they seem to be gone somewhere, and I can't question them. Can you prove that you were forced into slavery?"
"That's..."
"You can't. You don't seem to be lying, and I want to help somehow, but adventurer registration is still difficult."
"Didn't you hear Fate's story? If there were evidence like that, Fate would have taken care of it by himself. But he was in a situation where he couldn't even do that."
"Don't get angry. I understand that I'm saying unreasonable things. However, registering someone with an uncertain background is not allowed. This is a rule."
"It's a pointless rule."
"I understand your feelings, but please don't blame me. I'm the Guild Master of just this town and not the head of the association so I'm not in charge of making the rules. Besides, breaking them is not an option."
"You're inflexible..."
"Well, then, I can never become an adventurer?"
Not being able to fulfill the promise to travel with Sofia...
It felt like getting lost in the darkness and losing sight of the path.
"No, it's not like that."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"If there was concrete evidence of a criminal record or something similar, registration would be impossible. But this time, it's not the case. When things are unclear, registration can be achieved by providing a recommender."
"Recommender?"
"It means, 'This person is okay. I vouch for them. If anything happens, I'll take responsibility.' It's a kind of contract. However, if it's not someone of reasonable status, having a recommender won't mean anything. Asking just anyone won't work."
"In that case, I'll be the recommender."
Sofia volunteered immediately.
"Is it okay, Sofia?"
"Of course."
"But if I mess up in some way, it would inconvenience you, Sofia..."
"Fate, we've been childhood friends. And we made a promise for the future. Please let me be with you not just in good times, but also in tough times."
"...Thank you."
He was truly grateful to her.
Someday, he needed to express his gratitude, but could he ever repay such a great favor?
"Ah... Sorry for interrupting while you're having a good time, but Ascart's recommendation alone won't be enough."
"Why is that? I don't mean to brag, but I am the Sword Saint. I have a strong reputation with the guild, and I believe there should be no issues with me."
"There won't be any issues. However, we need two recommenders."
"...Can you make an exception and arrange one more person?"
"No, it's against the rules."
"You're stingy."
Sofia pouted, her cheeks puffing out.
Her gesture was the same as when she was a child.
Finding something nostalgic made him a little happy.
"In that case... Aizen-san, would you be my recommender?"
He boldly proposed.
Aizen seemed to anticipate those words and smiled wryly.
"Not only are you serious, but you also have courage. I don't dislike guys like you. I'd welcome you as a newcomer to our group... but that's only regarding your personality. As for whether you have the ability to survive as an adventurer, I don't know."
"There won't be a problem with Fate. He'll definitely make it as an S-rank."
"Haha, that's impressive."
"Mm."
Aizen chuckled, thinking it was a joke.
Sofia seemed displeased with that response.
But that's a typical reaction, right?
Even if it's Sofia's words, I can't completely believe them myself.
"Anyway, I want to see what Stuart is capable of. If I can convince myself, then I'll become your recommender."
"Really?"
"I won't lie. I won't break my promise either."
"Understood."
And so, Fate was about to undergo Aizen's test to register as an adventurer.
TL Note: Who will test who?
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