Requests to Defeat Ogres Along the Main Road
It had been about a week since we defeated the Ogre General, and we were back to our usual Ogre hunting routine.
However, what caught our attention was the fact that High Ogres were now mixed in with the regular ones.
We reported this to the Adventurers’ Guild along with the materials we collected, so they would probably notice any unusual activity.
There was a period when I was thinking about such things…
“They want us to join in on the Ogre hunting along the main road?”
“… Yes, I’m very sorry, but it’s an emergency request specifically designated for the Wildcat Claws.”
We had returned to the Adventurers’ Guild as usual to report to Melanie, and that’s when she mentioned an emergency request.
Why would they issue an emergency request to the Wildcat Claws, the group that was hired for my protection?
“Is this supposed to take precedence over my escort request?”
“Umm, it’s just that the contribution points for this request are higher than for a normal one. Or rather, the remuneration is something that could make any Red-ranked adventurer to consider taking on this request.”
“This is giving me a headache. We have no intention of taking on such a request.”
“Well… it’s a Guild Master’s authority request, and if it’s refused, your adventurer rank will be lowered…”
What’s this? They issue requests as they please to suit their convenience, and then threaten you with a demotion if you refuse.
But everyone from the Wildcat Claws’ was wearing a pained expression.
Is this one of those requests that we have no choice but to accept?
“Tell me, are there really that many Ogres along the main road that require our presence?”
“No, we haven’t received reports indicating such a situation. It’s true that there have been more incidents of attacks, but merchants and others who have hired sufficient protection have been able to repel them.”
“So, it’s affecting those who hired insufficient protection, I presume.”
“Yes, that’s correct. Merchants who skimped on their protection have been targeted.”
Hmm, it sounds like the situation might be quite dangerous.
However, it’s hard to believe that they would issue a request to the Wildcat Claws based on this alone.
“Frankly, I think it’s a way of getting back at you for refusing the Adventurers’ Guild’s previous requests. Securing the safety of the main road can serve as a righteous cause for mobilizing higher-ranked adventurers. However, considering there hasn’t been any chance of voicing your opinion from your side regarding this matter, it’s safe to say that the Guild Master lacks foresight.”
In other words, they expect to be able to meet our demands as well.
I wonder what kind of demands we can make?
“I see… First of all, it’s clear that we won’t have enough members to handle this alone. Can you make it an emergency request for Blue-ranked adventurers and above?”
“Of course. Given the suspicion of the presence of higher-tier Ogres, it’s an obligation to have participation from Blue-ranked adventurers and above. What about Green-ranked adventurers?”
“If we’re participating, it won’t count as an achievement for them. Let’s allow them to join freely. However, any materials we didn’t collect ourselves should be shared with the Green-ranked adventurers.”
“What about Magic Stones?”
“We’ll keep all the Magic Stones. Also, the Wildcat Claws will be participating primarily as Lady Lily’s escorts. If there’s any emergency, we’ll prioritize that. That’s all from our side, but what about the others?”
“Green-ranked adventurers will need to sign a waiver accepting self-responsibility for their participation. We don’t want them causing trouble later.”
“Do we need the same for Blue-ranked adventurers?”
“I think it’s unnecessary~? We’ll be primarily acting as Lady Lily’s escorts, so we’ll be splitting up most of the time~”
“Please make sure everyone signs a contract to submit the Magic Stones. We don’t want anyone trying to sneak them away.”
Hmm, it seems like the Wildcat Claws has quite a few demands as well.
But without these conditions, it would be hard for them to agree.
After all, everyone from the Wildcat Claws is here primarily as my escort, not as freelance adventurers.
“Understood. We’ll accept all of those requests. What about the reward?”
“We want the rewards to be raised to the base amount reasonable for Red-ranked requests. We don’t want to set a precedent where Red-ranked adventurers are hired at low rates for a job of this nature.”
“That’s fine as well. When do you plan to depart?”
“Early in the morning, five days from now, for a two-night, three-day trip. This is non-negotiable.”
“We’ll make it work. Is there anything else you’d like to request?”
“If I had to mention one more thing, it would be to ensure that Lady Lily’s constant presence with us is well-known. We don’t want her treated the same as ordinary Green-ranked adventurers.”
“That makes sense as well. Is that all?”
“Yes, that should cover it.”
“Very well. Then let’s proceed with these conditions.”
“In that case, please issue a new request sheet, and we’ll come to the Adventurers’ Guild in about three days. Thank you.”
“Rest assured, I’ll do everything I can to accommodate your demands. Well then, until next time.”
Melanie seemed confident, but I hope everything will be okay.
Despite some initial doubts, when we visited the Adventurers’ Guild three days later, a new request had been prepared with all of Keuko’s conditions met.
It also included a special clause stating that I would be accompanying the Wildcat Claws.
The reward had also been significantly increased.
I wonder if the Guild Master is in a really bad mood now?
Not that I would care, though.