The Ice Wolves and the Adventurers' Guild in Action
Rumaja seemed to have come specifically to stop me.
But why did Rumaja come in person?
While I was wondering, Rumaja continued the story.
"At first, it was just the testimony of one adventurer, so we couldn't verify its authenticity. However, merchants and adventurers returning from the western highway also reported being attacked by Ice Wolves. Thinking there was something to it, the Adventurers' Guild decided to warn all adventurers heading towards the western highway."
So that's how it was...
Huh?
All adventurers?
What about ordinary merchants and travelers?
When I asked about that, Rumaja answered bitterly.
"... The knights and guards of this country aren't paying any attention to this matter. Therefore, the highway has not been officially closed by the state."
"I see. But if the damage is that severe, shouldn't a survey team be dispatched?"
"Normally, that would be the case, Marquis Vardmoi. However, the high officials of this country have ordered the Adventurers' Guild to investigate without providing any reward."
"I see, the 'Adventurer Emergency Cooperation Agreement,' huh."
"Hmph, that agreement works by paying cooperation fees in peacetime and also paying when problems actually occur. This country hasn't paid the cooperation fee for four years. If they don't pay for five years, the agreement becomes void. They're making a request without investigation fees just before the deadline, so there's no reason to comply. Well, they did issue the request, though. For a reward of 0 Rubies."
A reward of 0 Rubies means there's no reward no matter what you discover, right?
And yet, they have to go into the dangerous forest, so no one would take it up, right?
"In any case, that's the current situation. I felt it would be wrong to let Lily go without knowing this, since we had caused trouble for you before. That's why I came directly."
"I see. However, wouldn't this disrupt the flow of goods between Vardmoi and the Capital again?"
"There's nothing that can be done about that. I've arranged for birds to fly and warn merchants and adventurers coming partway, convincing them to turn back. The same message will go to the Vardmoi Adventurers' Guild. At this point, it's a standoff between the Royal family and the Adventurers' Guild."
Hmm, it's tough for those caught in the middle.
But if I act as an adventurer and anyone gets hurt, it would be terrible...
What should I do?
What do you think about this chapter?
