Chapter 42 New Guild Master
{TL: By Creed}
By the time we returned to the town, the sun had completely set.
Straight to the inn.
And then, the next day.
We visited the guild.
"Excuse me."
"Oh, Mr. Stuart. And Ascart, too... and a fairy?"
The receptionist's eyes widened as she saw the floating Licorice.
A rare species and a fairy that disliked humans were together, which seemed to surprise her.
Not just the receptionist.
Other adventurers who happened to be at the guild were also sending curious glances our way.
However, they were merely curious observers. No one was scheming to capture Licorice for a quick fortune.
Although there had been cases of fairy hunting in the past...
Afterwards, most of those who participated in the hunt met a mysterious death.
Moreover, in a gruesomely prolonged and painful manner.
Whether it's true or not, it's said to be the curse of the fairy.
Since then, very few people hunted fairies, and their safety was ensured, on the brink of extinction.
However, that didn't mean everyone believed in the curse, and Licorice might still be targeted.
One had to be constantly vigilant in places like the town where everything seemed normal.
"Why is the fairy with you?"
"We became friends."
"I see...?"
"More importantly, I'd like you to arrange for a carriage."
The guild not only facilitates requests but also arranges for services like carriages.
You could arrange it yourself, but the guild with its connections was more efficient.
"A carriage? To where?"
"It's a bit far, but to Leafland."
Leafland is a bustling port town located at the southern tip of the continent.
Prospering through trade and fishing, it seems to be a lively city.
While enslaved by Sigurd, I traveled to various cities, but I haven't been to Leafland yet.
Why are we heading to Leafland?
Because Leafland is Sofia's second hometown.
Due to her parents' work, Sofia moved to Leafland at a young age.
Since then, she spent a long time there...
And then, she became an adventurer, set out on a journey, and here we are now.
Sofia apparently wants to introduce me to her parents, and I readily agreed.
After visiting Leafland, I want to guide them to my hometown.
It's also Sofia's first hometown, so they should find it nostalgic.
"Wait, Mr. Stuart and Ms. Ascart, are you leaving the town?"
"Yes, that's right."
Sofia smiled, but her response was cold.
Considering the various incidents that happened in the guild, she probably doesn't have a good impression of this town.
Maybe deep down, she's thinking, "Serves them right."
However, the receptionist is not to blame, as she can't defy orders.
I hope she won't be too mean to her.
"I see, that's unfortunate... Okay, understood. So, about the carriage, what rank are you looking for?"
"It's going to be a long journey, so I'd prefer a high-rank one. The cost doesn't matter."
"Understood. I'll arrange for two or three, then. As it's a long-distance carriage, it may take some time, so please wait for a few days."
"That's fine."
"Then, if you could come back in about three days... Oh, and, do you have time right now?"
The receptionist asked us as if she remembered something.
"I have time, but..."
Whatever it is, I glanced at Sofia.
The receptionist, looking like she recalled something important, asked us.
"Well, you see... the other day, a new guild master took office, and I thought they might want to greet you both..."
"Let's go, Fate. We don't have extra time for this."
"S-Sure, please wait! If it's about what happened before, I apologize as much as you want! But, but, I couldn't resist the pressure from above, ah, no, anyway, I'm sorry!!!"
The receptionist desperately tried to stop us, appealing for mercy.
"Sofia, rather than listening to her..."
"Naive. As sweet as pancakes drizzled with powdered sugar, condensed milk, and honey. A receptionist dealing with adventurers can't handle it with an ordinary heart. All this pitiful behavior is an act. She'll do anything to stop us if it means keeping us here."
"Is that so...?"
If that's the case, it's quite something...
However, I felt there might be some sincerity mixed in as well.
"But, we'll be staying in this town for a few more days, and we might not come back. If we can meet the guild master, it might be better to go. Dealing with things you know versus things you don't know requires different approaches."
"Well... yes, you're right. Okay, let's hear what they have to say."
"Thank you, thank you!!!"
Certainly! Here's the updated text with the correction:
Escorted by the receptionist, who continued to express gratitude, we moved to the guest room.
While sipping tea, we waited for about five minutes.
"Sorry for keeping you waiting. Did I make you wait too long?"
The one who appeared was a laid-back man wearing glasses.
If the previous guild master was a warrior, this man gave off the vibe of a bureaucrat.
He seemed more suited to holding books than a sword.
"I'm Cliff Hagen, the new guild master of this town. Nice to meet you."
"Um... yes, nice to meet you."
"...Nice to meet you."
I was taken aback; he didn't seem like a typical guild master. On the other hand, Sofia seemed to be on guard, creating a tense atmosphere.
Sofia, who never got swayed by the words and actions of others, was indeed dependable.
"So, you mentioned wanting to greet us... Is there something you'd like to discuss? We don't have anything to offer from our side."
With an air of, "Be prepared for a boring conversation," Sofia half-glared at Cliff.
A bit intimidating.
Because she's the Sword Saint, her pressure is quite impressive.
However, without being overwhelmed by Sofia's momentum, Cliff remained nonchalant.
"Well, well, don't be so cautious. Oh, by the way, I brought some donuts. Want to have some? They're from the best donut shop in town and incredibly delicious."
"I'm fine."
"I might take some?"
"Fate, really?"
"There's no harm in food, and besides, they do look delicious, don't they?"
"Well, that's true, but there might be poison."
"It's okay. I've consumed things akin to poison during my days as a slave, so I have some resistance."
"Is that something to be proud of...?"
Sofia sighed as if exasperated...
And then, reluctantly reached for a donut.
"If there's anything in it, I won't take responsibility, you know?"
"There's nothing like that. I promise. I bought these out of my pocket to treat you both. Well, it's not a considerable amount of money, even if it is out of my pocket."
"...Thank you."
Cliff's carefree attitude and Sofia's dignified demeanor.
These two are like water and oil.
"So, what's the talk about?"
"Apology and request, these two things."
TL Note: New Guild Master = New Arc.
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