Chapter 652

At the Catastie Trade Guild
The old lady would come to Vardmoi once her preparations were finished.
I needed to get things ready on my side as well.

Now that the morning’s plans were done, the afternoon was set for a meeting with the Trade Guild’s Guildmaster in Catastie.
I wondered what the matter was this time… hopefully nothing dangerous.

“We’ve been expecting you. Our Guildmaster, Otto, is waiting. This way, please.”

“Yes.”

Naturally, the receptionist guided us to the finest negotiation room.
But in front of the door today stood eight guards.
Four wore matching equipment and were clearly Trade Guild personnel, while the other four were all geared differently—likely hired adventurers.

So even the Trade Guild’s own guards weren’t enough?

“Lord Otto. I’ve brought Young Lady Lily.”

“Understood. Let her in.”

After the receptionist confirmed and opened the door, I saw guards and adventurers inside as well.
Just how strict was their security this time?
At the desk sat Otto and another man.
He looked more rugged than merchant-like.
Who was he?

“Thank you for coming. It’s been… about four years since we last met face-to-face.”

“Yes. It’s been a while, Lord Otto.”

“The same to you. By the way, I was told there were three others with you when you entered Catastie, aside from the branch manager of Lumite Company?”

“Oh, I left them at the inn. They’re still Green adventurers, so this might have been a bit too much for them.”

Ula and the others were staying behind.
I wasn’t lying, Ula and Elsa had looked a little pale.
Shelche seemed fine, but the other two clearly weren’t up to it, so they remained at the inn.

“I see. Well then, let us sit.”

The ones seated were myself, Otto, and the rugged man.
Plum and everyone from Dark Green Sprout remained standing as guards.
Talat and the Kiblinki Saltas positioned themselves on either side of me.
The Kiblinki Saltas served as my mental-communication guide.
Subtle acting was beyond me.

“First, allow me to introduce him. He is Mourou—a Silver adventurer and also a Silver-ranked merchant. He’s an artist as well, making his fortune by slaying monsters and turning them into mounted specimens on the spot.”

“A pleasure to meet you, Lady Lily.”

So he really was an adventurer.
But why introduce such a person to me?
I couldn’t think of any reason I’d need an adventurer introduced.

“And now, to the request. We would like you to create equipment for him.”

“Equipment… as in leather armor?”

… Huh?
I only work with women’s gear.
Mourou is a man.
As the Guildmaster, Otto should know full well that I specialize exclusively in women’s clothing.
So why bend that rule to ask me for this?

“No, I am well aware that you only handle women’s clothing and equipment. What we want from you is clothing, or accessories, with enchantments.”

“Clothing?”

“Yes. Something worn beneath armor. As long as it allows easy movement, design is not an issue. Of course, we will not publicize that it was made by you. Would you consider hearing us out?”

Hmm…
If he knows that much and still asks, then there must be a reason.
I should hear a bit more.

What do you think about this chapter?