Year 141_Keireki Era_Spring/08
Yo.
Here I am, trying to indirectly rack up some good karma by helping out the virtuous.
On the way back after escorting Kagnat.
It could have been a series of battles or a dramatic journey worth telling stories about.
… Had it been like that, my inner resolve might have looked more dignified.
But in truth, it was utterly peaceful.
Peaceful enough that the most eventful thing was exchanging casual greetings with a patrol knight we passed by.
If it hadn't been peaceful, maybe that knight would have had to come to our rescue.
The area where the bandits were lurking seemed to be in a gap between the patrol routes of the knights.
When we shared this information during our brief chat, the knight said they’d report it to their superiors to consider extending patrols there.
When I was part of a gang, I thought knights were like grim reapers or omens of misfortune. But seeing them from the perspective of an adventurer, they appear incredibly reliable.
After quite a bit of walking, we finally made it to less than halfway to Luluciette.
Since continuing without a break would be risky for both stamina and focus, we decided to rest along the way.
When Kagnat set down her luggage, it made a sound that hinted at a significant weight.
“Phew... It’s hot, isn’t it? Summer shouldn’t be here for a while yet.”
Back then, I couldn’t immediately tell if Kagnat was a boy or girl due to the distance and her clothing.
She was dressed in thick layers to prevent the heavy luggage from cutting into her shoulders.
On top of that, she wore a hood during the journey. No wonder she felt hot.
When she removed the hood, her face was pretty—not exactly graceful but more adorably charming.
Her brown hair was simply tied back.
It was well-maintained and shone beautifully.
Of course, she’d hide her face under a hood. Walking through dangerous places alone, she’d attract trouble otherwise.
Although, even with the hood, she got into trouble, so she’s probably realized how risky it was.
“The patrol knights always seemed like they were everywhere, but it’s surprising that such a prominent road could escape their watch.”
“They’ve mentioned they’re understaffed and struggling.”
“Oh, I see.”
It did seem like they were everywhere, but given that bandits could operate safely if they tracked patrol schedules and routes, the shortage makes sense.
If they had enough manpower, the security wouldn’t be as terrible as it is in so many places.
“They need to be able to ride horses, have ample combat skills, and not only knowledge but also proper manners, I hear.”
“Are people like that even out there? … Or is the lack of such people why they’re short-staffed?”
Bandits keep cropping up endlessly.
Patrol knights are vastly outnumbered.
It seems like a long time before the security situation will improve.
“Oh, isn’t that one of Gadvar’s juniors? And... oh, uh, g-good work!”
The gatekeeper addressed me, who was with Gadvar before, but he stumbled his words the moment he saw Kagnat.
“Yes, thank you for your hard work.”
Kagnat didn’t seem particularly concerned.
… Could she be someone important? Then again, if she were, she’d have an escort, right?
Even if I ponder it, I won’t find an answer, and even if I did, it wouldn’t change anything now.
Once inside, we’re safe.
Kagnat went to her client, while I returned to the Adventurers’ Guild.
She insisted on expressing her gratitude, but since carrying her luggage around was a hassle, she first went to deliver it.
She said she’d drop by the guild once she’d wrapped up her errands and headed off.
Now then... here’s the problem.
I broke my promise to Iserina.
There were unavoidable circumstances, and there are witnesses to back me up.
But a broken promise is still a broken promise. That’s all there is to it.
Back when I was a bandit, my boss would often lash out with unreasonable demands or anger, and I got used to it.
It didn’t bother me.
But this time feels different.
I need to explain properly and accept whatever scolding comes my way.
I stepped into the guild.
Taking a moment to observe the inside.
The guild isn’t just for accepting requests; it also has a counter for serving meals, doing laundry, and handling various errands.
From the outside, it looks like a four-story building. The directory near the entrance indicates that the second and third floors have rooms for rent.
This facility might be designed to cover almost all aspects of an adventurer’s life.
The ground floor is lined with a considerable number of tables and chairs.
There must be seating for at least 200 people.
Considering the fights that could break out over a simple bump of shoulders or sword sheaths, the tables are generously spaced.
It’s huge. Just massive.
As I walked toward the counter where Iserina was waiting, I felt like everyone here was evaluating me.
But that’s just my imagination, right?
… Except for the few whose stares are very obvious. And they all have the aura of being able to crush a bandit horde with a flick of their pinky.
It stirs up some old instincts from my past life, making my stomach churn.
“Welcome back, Vi.”
“Ah... I’m back.”
“You seem uneasy.”
“Yeah, probably because I feel uneasy.”
Iserina is stunningly beautiful.
It’s understandable why even bandits would lose control and act rashly around her.
And when someone like her looks at you quietly, what happens?
If you’re someone like me, with guilt in your heart, you start sweating bullets.
There’s no way I could admire her beauty right now.
“...S orry. I broke our promise and fought.”
That sharp gaze of hers had already seen through my broken promise.
Not because of some special ability, but likely due to her experience as a guild receptionist.
“You’ll give me a full report, won’t you?”
“Yes.”
I had nothing to hide.
I explained everything in detail, from start to finish.
When I mentioned Kagnat’s name and suggested she could corroborate my story, Iserina’s hand, which was writing my report, paused.
“Kagnat?”
“Yeah. She’s about 140 cm tall, around my age, with beautiful brown hair. Oh, and she mentioned she does more than just trading—”
“... I see. My apologies. Please continue with your report.”
I continued recounting the events, ending with Kagnat’s departure and my return here.
“Can you provide proof?”
“This should do, right?”
I handed over the proof item in its pouch.
“Once the authenticity is verified and the report is stamped, we’ll give you the rest of your reward. If it takes longer, we’ll notify you.”
“Got it. Should I wait here in the guild?”
“Yes, that would be helpful.”
She didn’t scold me.
Maybe she’s disappointed.
If so, that stings a bit.
I shouldn’t let anyone see me looking dejected, so I forced myself to walk briskly.
I’ll find a free seat and sit for now.
“Hey, kid!”
A loud voice rang out from one corner.
“You there! The kid with black hair!”
It was directed at me.
Looking for the source of the voice, I spotted a burly man waving energetically.
Red-brown hair and a matching beard.
Thick arms, legs, and body. Even his voice was thick.
He was a dwarf—a race often called “stumps” by elves, though that’s probably just because elves are so slender.
Judging by his stature, he was around 160 cm tall.
Since he called me, I had no choice but to go.
He’s probably a senior in this field.
“I heard from that Gadvar guy that you helped out Iserina! Come, come, sit down! Are you hungry? Even if you’re full, eat! Drink! It’s on me!”
And so, I ended up with a free meal.
That’s nice of him, but... why?
What do you think about this chapter?
