Half a year has passed since being exiled from the Lindebauum family. I was quietly adventuring as an adventurer in the city of [Tormenas].
「Good job again today, Soma-kun. Here is your reward」
「Thank you, Mina-san」
The guild receptionistーwhose name is Mina Kleyraーhanded me the reward from the quest. In that moment, I was met with gazes from the male adventurers around, a blend of jealousy, envy, and a hint of killing intent, which made let out a wry smile involuntarily. I’ll hurry back to the inn and slep.
「Is something wrong, Soma? Ah! Did you fall for your this lady here??」
Mina-san’s smile was like the sun. That alone made this bleak and tasteless guild building bloom with flowers.
「Wrong. I’m just reflecting on how today’s quest went off withotu a hitch」
「Geez, Soma-kun’s such a tsundere. But, that part of you is so cute」
“Please listen to what people are saying” was the first thought that comes to mind, but there’s also a part of me that feels warmth and drawn into these kind of interactions.
There’s a reason why I’ve established my base in this city.
First, it’s far from the capital where my family’s from.
Pretty much everyone knows the youngest son of Lindebauum is incompetent and can’t use magic. Although my face and name are not known because it brings shame to the family, that’s not the case around the capital. Therefore, I had no choice but to pick a further location to survive.
The second reason is the advice from Fiona-nee.
After being told to be exiled. While I was despairing, only Fiona-nee stayed by my side until dawn. There, she told me she wanted me to live, even though it would be a bitter life, and gave me various things like weapons, books, and information to the guild. The place she recommended as a destination after leaving the family was here, [Tormenas].
She said that among the many cities in the kingdom, Lindebauum brought the least influence there, and although it might be difficult, an adventurer could still have reliable companions even if they couldn’t use magic.
And the third thing is Mina-san’s existence, to be frank.
The guild money she gave me was spent on the cost of moving to [Tormenas]. Later, I found out it was a rip-off, but at the time, I was still naive and didn’t notice.
Because of all this, I became penniless, and although I visited the guild to become an adventurer, I was hungry, lacking even a place to sleep or food.
Mina-san was the one who reached out to help me there. Without asking about my circumstances or background, she taught me how to accept quests, the basics of being an adventurer, and where to find cheap inns and places to eat.
She even suggested that we live together until things calmed down, but I politely refused. It’s troublesome that she sometimes invites me, as she still hasn’t given up.
By the way, an adventurer is a general term for lovable fools who joyfully jump into the dungeon, chasing wealth, fame, dreams, and romance, such as vagrants or outlaws. They have a poor compatibility with the Kingdom Mages’ Knights, who strive daily to pledge loyalty to the country and protect the people.
Since they gather such barbaric people, the guild tends to be harsh, and it’s even worse in the regional cities.
Among all that, Mina-san is like a single, lovely flower blooming in the desert, an oasis. For adventurers based in this place, she is the greatest treasure. In other words, she is a healing idol. If people found out that someone was invited to live with her, they wouldn’t just get beaten up.
「Seriously, be careful? Even if things are good now, if you keep operating solo like this, you’ll die someday.」
「Thanks for being worried about me. Well, I’m picking quests that won’t lead to that so it’s fine」
The quests I’ve done also involved in dealing with small monsters called lesser wolves that overflow from the Susto great forest, spreading in the outskirts. They were inferior monsters who had run away after losing in the harsh environmental competition, even when they fought as a group. Even I can handle them without issues.
「I’ve explained many times that that carelessness and arrogance are what kill adventurers, haven’t I? You still don’t seem to understand, so I’ll lecture you while we eat!」
Mina-san asked me to wait as she’ll prepare herself, then she left the reception area like the wind. I shrugged as I had no right to refuse, I sighed and looked behind me timidly as leaving me in this situation was too irresponsible
There were men burning with jealousy and anger there. Even among them, there were those who were reaching for weapons and seemed ready to attack, but when Mina-san smiled at them, the killing intent vanished in an instant.
「Give me a break」
I let out a sigh heavier than before. Fighting inside the guild building is forbidden. Conversely, if you step outside, it won’t be strange if you get cut from behind. That said, if roadside killings actually happen, the knights won’t remain silent.
「Thank youf or waiting, let’s go, Soma-kun!」
「What about work?」
「I’m already done for today, so it’s fine」
Saying “overtime is bullshit” with an expression that doesn’t suit her face, Mina-san smiled prettily and linked her arms with mine.
The air turned tense as her behavior and sense of distance feels like a lover. But for someone who had an older sister, I can tell… This is how one treats their younger brother. She definitely doesn’t see me as a man.
「Please keep the lessons moderate」
「Fufu… Unfortunately, I can’t promise that. Whether I keep it moderate or not depends on Soma-kun」
I was having a firm resolve not to let it go overnight as I walk towards the exit with Mina-san, who was on her way home from work and wants to lecture me, but the door opened wide.
「Excuse me. Can I put up a request here?」
A woman’s voice, a straight and dignified voice, like a sword.
She seems to be in her late teens, like me. A fair, and beautiful face, with a trace of immaturity. Her flaxen hair, tied back in a single bun, shimmers with a brilliance as vivid as silk threads dyed with starlight. Her amber eyes, carrying a strong will, held a power so potent that a single glare could make a petty crook faint.
She has a slender physique, but it’s not delicate, rather, it can be seen that she’s been properly trained through daily rigorous practice. The armor that envelops her body looks great, but it’s a heavy, silver armor issued only to the knights of the kingdom’s mage’s order, which exudes a strict atmosphere. The presence of two guards wearing the same armor a few steps behind her suggests that she’s a person with a considerable status.
「Err, and you are?」
Mina-san regained her senses quick, and asked the female knight. Needless to say, there’s multiple meanings contained in that question.
「Excuse me. I’m Alize Heart from the Arclumina kingdom’s Mage’s order.」
The kingdom’s mage’s order. Hearing that name, I can’t help but frown. The Mages’ Order is one of the two major fighting forces the Arclumina Kingdom boasts, and my two older brothers serve as its commander and deputy commander.
「I’ve come today with a request for the adventurers」
As I was recaling my family who had cut me off a year ago, Alize-san bowed her head. It seems this knight is a straightforward person who can’t tell a lie, much like a portrait of seriousness.
If you call her knightly, she is knightly. It might be fine where she usually is, but the nature of the people gathered here is the complete opposite.
「Tch. What’s the mage’s order asking for?」
「We’re not free you know」
「It’s rare for a knight to come for a request. Maybe some out-of-season snow will fall later?」
The adventurers laughed heartily. It’s not exactly mocking, but in comparison to Alize-san’s response, their manners are bad. However, no one criticizes this arrogant attitude, and Alize herself probably expected this, showing a face like someone who has chewed up a bitter worm, but saying nothing more. Instead, the two guards emit killing intent and intimidate them.
Nevertheless, this is a very ordinary sight. They mutually insult each other: knights who fight for the nation are ‘slaves,’ and adventurers who live freely are ‘lawless people.’ Therefore, the Knights Order rarely makes requests to adventurers, and their pride won’t allow it.
「Oh hey. I was just thinking how noisy it was but to think that it’s Lady Alize here」
The one who called out to Alize with a cheerful smile was Gold Bartland, the leader of this [Tormenos] Guild. He is a powerful man with white hair and a muscular build, a veteran whose reputation for being the strongest in this city remains high even after retirement. He retired after sustaining serious injuries while clearing dungeons in his youth, but no one knows where or when he suffered such a serious wound.
「It’s been a while, Gold-san」
「You must’ve been busy, don’t worry about it. That aside, what business does the elite from the kingdom’s mage knights have in this place?」
Gold-san prompts Alize-san, who bows her head as she speaks.
「I’d like to request help with a guard mission. It’s a somewhat dangerous job so the reward offer is also appropriate」
「Hahaha, that’s a rare one, Miss Alize. Since when did the kingdom get short-staffed?」
「The knights are always short-staffed. Putting that aside. I want help guarding the barrier set in the Susto Great Forest」
「Oh, come to think of it, it’s that time again? Wait a minute, miss. What do you mean by “Help guarding”?」
Gold-san’s expression, who was speaking with enthusiasm, became stern, and his tone of voice dropped another level. The adventurers who were listening also became restless. That’s normal. Even though I’ve been in this city for less than half a year, I feel a sense of unease about Alize’s request.
In the Kingdom of Arclumina, which has a vast territory, the Susto Great Forest is a forest that has, so to speak, been abandoned for any pioneering.
It is filled with magical particles that create monsters, and the deeper you go, the more concentrated they are, and powerful monsters roam there. It is said that if such monsters emerge from the forest and rush into the city, Tormenas will be devastated overnight, and danger will reach the royal capital.
However, the reason why this has never happened since the founding is that a barrier is erected over the entire Silent Great Forest, which seals monsters with a certain amount of Mana within the forest—who, when, and how it was built remains unknown.
「Maintaining the barrier is the Knights’ important job. And to ask adventurers for help, even as escorts, isn’t it about prestige?」
Gold replies not Alize, but the knight standing to her right.
「That’s true, but this year is a bit of an exception, or an abnormal situation… The knights stationed in various places have been ordered to assemble for the royal capital, and they don’t have enough manpower to help.」
The barrier is maintained by a key stone in the center of the forest, and the troops need to be properly organized to travel safely along the way. If you can’t do that, then you shouldn’t go.
「That doesn’t sound sane. Not only what the people of the royal capital are thinking, but the nerve of trying to enter the forest, despite knowing about the personnel shortage, are incomprehensible.」
「In the first place, if it were as usual, wouldn’t it be a few months later when we were heading to repair the barrier of the Susto Great Forest?」
Gold-san and Mina-san both agree. That’s an obvious point, but Alize frowns and shakes her head.
「We understand what you two are trying to say. However, this is an order from the capital. Go repair the barrier with the personnel currently in the city.」
「Honestly…They’re all being absurd. Both the capital who issues such an order and the young lady faithfully obeying it. You’re going to die」
「That’s why I came asking for help. It doesn’t say that we cannot hire adventurers based on the order」
Alize-san smiled and laughed. From her expression, you can tell that she’s not in despair. Rather, you can feel a strong will to overcome this hardship. However, the expressions of the escorting knights behind her are stern. Gold-san scratches his head and lets out a great sigh.
「Haaaah, okay then. In that caseーSoma! Help out Miss Alize」
「Huh?」
As he suddenly called my name, I let out a dumbfounded sound. Alize glances over, and the knights under her openly show their irritation. I get how they feel. Because among those present, I am the most unsuitable as an adventurer appointed by name.
What is required for this request is numbers and fighting strength. If it were someone with the ability like Marius-niisan, it would be a different story, but adding one loser like me means nothing.
「What are you talking about, Guild Master? Out of everyone here you picked Soma-kun? Shouldn’t you dispatch the strongest A-rank party in our guild? The Red Lion’s Claw?」
「Hey now. What are you talking about Mina-chan? If we’re going to the Susto Great forest with the knights, nobody’s much more suited in our guild apart from Soma, right?」
「No, absolutely not! I swear to gods! Soma-kun’s not suited for this!」
Being denied that strongly feels hurtful, but putting that aside… Adventurers, whether or solo or party, have a rank.
Based on the number of requests completed, contributions to the guild, and simple combat ability, starting from F, they rise to E, D, C, B, and A.
New adventurers who have just started are F rank. By completing requests, if they rise to E or D, they are recognized as competent and receive requests for appointments, and if they reach B, their living situation stabilizes and the quality of their equipment improves.
On top is the A-rank, they get looked up by envious gazes by those around them, the requests come from the country, and it’s the peak that many adventurers aim for.
Just as there’s an exception to everything, there’s also one rank above A, the S rank. Those who reach this rank are truly abnormal and unique, their strength is undeniably strongest. They have the power to slay monsters that can destroy a city and to clear high-difficulty dungeons. In some cases, they can speak directly to the countries. Since the founding of the Arclumina Kingdom, only five people have reached this rank.
Let’s get back to the topic.
Among those registered in this Tormenas Adventurer’s Guild, the party that is highest ranked and strongest is composed of five A-rank adventurers called the Red Lion’s Claw. If it’s a request as a knightly order, it is safest and most certain to leave it to them. Mina’s point is absolutely correct.
「Uhm, Gold-san Is “Soma” this person?」
Mina-san protests to Gold-san instead of me. Alize-san interrupts, looking puzzled at the exchange.
「Oh, let me introduce him to you, this is Soma. He doesn’t have an official rank—there are some… circumstances behind that—but when it comes to one-on-one combat, this kid is the strongest in our guild!」
Saying that, Gold-san forcibly pulls me away from Mina-san and puts an arm around my shoulder. I’m happy to hear the guild master’s evaluation, but it feels like he’s exaggerating about me being the strongest.
「No, don’t listen to him. Gold-san is just exaggerating about me. I’m just an idiot who can barely use magic」
「You can’t use magic?」
The moment I answered that, one of the companion knights, the long haired slender knight standing to my right sent me a fierce glare.
「Hahaha, you can joke another time. You’re the only one I know who can make a living as an adventurer even though you barely use magic」
Gold-san laughed heartily. Drawn by him, the adventurers also agreed saying “That’s right!”
「The bottom line here is, if you take those who form parties, you can’t coordinate. That’s why, miss Alize. If you’re taking someone, take Soma with you」
While hitting my back repeatedly, Gold-san said, ‘This guy by himself shouldn’t have any problems coordinating anyway.’ You’re ignoring my opinion hee. Don’t just proceed without asking me.
「Alize-sama, I’m against this. Adding an incompetent baggage to this expedition will affect the honor of the knights. And as for some brat of unknown origin—that’s completely out of the question! Especially since they can’t even use magic!」
The slender knight, having reached their limit of patience, shouted. Veins are bulging out of their forehead, glaring at me with such intensity as if they’re about to strike.
「Besides, we don’t need to hire such selfish and vulgar adventurers; we are enough! These people sell their comrades for money! They will betray us and cut us from behind」
His grandiose way of speaking leaves me not just surprised, but half-exasperated. To think that they address their comrade from the same knight order with such respect. Are they perhaps worshipping Alize-san? The person herself gave a wry smile.
Rather than that, what’s more problematic is they mocked the adventurers within the guild. As proof, those who were joking around fell silent, emitting a wrathful aura that would erupt at any moment.
「Instead of asking the adventurer’s guild, let’s request for reinforcements again~」
「Mind your words there Theodore. Didn’t you come to the guild because the capital doesn’t want to send their reinforcements? They’re also forces that protect this city you know」
「No! We can’t entrust our backs to these lowlives! We’ll prove that we’re enougー」
“ーEnough” he says as he puts his hand on the sword tucked to his waist. All the adventurers, including Gold-san, were releasing their killing intent in an instant. If this goes on, a fight will break out. Thinking that, my body moved on it’s own.
「ーYou better stop there」
I move behind Theodore and firmly press the hilt of my sheathed iron sword against his back. Most of the people present were surprised by that. Except for Gold-san, who was grinning slyly.
「Are you looking for a fight?」
「Boy, you underestimated me! Know your place! A lowlife like you shouldn’t point your sword at me!」
Theodore grinds his teeth. The hand resting on the hilt was trembling, and he could pull it out at any moment. I broke out a cold sweat.
「Stop, Soma. Even if it’s self defense, it’s trouble if you get involved with a knight you know?」
「Let go of your sword, Theodore. That’s an order」
「Understood」
It was clear he was not convinced, but given that the words came from Alize-san—whom he held in such high regard—Theodore had no choice but to relax his body and let go of his sword. However, his gaze, glaring at me with a look of distaste, was as if he were looking at filth.
「I apologize for the inconvenience, Gold-san. Soma-kun too, sorry, and thanks」
「Oh, I didn’t do anything…」
「If you’re so curious about Soma’s abilities that you just can’t help but wonder, how about a mock battle? As long as it’s not a fight to the death, I’m fine with it」
「No, there’s no need for that. The recommendation from none other than Gold-san, the guild master, and his movements just now was enough」
Alize-san shook her head and looked at me again. My heart skips a beat as I find myself gazed at by eyes that are at once lovely, dignified, and powerful.
「Soma-kun Will you accompany us?」
Alize-san smiles and extends her hand. ‘No,’ Mina-san appeals with all her might, and Gold-san is making a mischievous face, like a naughty kid whose prank has succeeded.
「There’s no way you’re gonna say now, are you, Soma?」
Finding the true meaning of that feels eerie. Geez, the guild master is too mean to threaten the adventurers with secrets.
「Haa, I never had the right to refuse from the start?」
I sighed, released Mina-san’s restraint, and shook Alize-san’s hand. Mine-san lets out a soundless scream, but I don’t care.
「I’ll help you out a bit. If anything happens, you can send your complains to Gold-san」
「Don’t worry. That’s not necessary. It wasn’t just Gold-san, everyone here seems to know you. They trust you」
「Please be moderate with that trust」
Although it’s just our first meeting, being burdened with such great expectations and unconditional trust makes me feel uneasy, scared, and ticklish. This is my first time to have someone expect from me.
「See you tomorrow. We’ll meet at the castle gate. Don’t be late, okay?」
「Okay」
Saying that, Alize-san and the others left the guild. Watching their backs, I glared at the person who had brought this troublesome situation upon us.
「You’ve done it, Gold-san」
「Don’t sulk. If it weren’t for this, nobody would take the request from the Mage’s Order, don’t you think?」
「Well, there’s truth to that, still, Gold-san. DO you know Alize? Is she a noble lady?」
I threw the question everyone’s been wondering about. Setting aside myself and other adventurers—who don’t exactly hold the Order of Knights in high regard—the fact that even Mina, a receptionist who stays well-informed about current affairs, is unaware of this suggests only one possibility…
「Alize’s a lady sent from the capital. Moreover, since coming here, she’s only been doing menial tasks and hasn’t left the barracks. Her abilities are impeccable, so what are those higher-ups thinking…」
「Being sent away means they want to get rid of her. To be pushed away from the center of the kingdom, a position in the royal capital… what did she do?」
Mina-san, who had just regained her composure, asked on my behalf. The Magic Knights are meritocratic. Among them, being in the royal capital, the center of the country, means her ability is top-notch. It must be something significant to push someone like her to the adventurers’ town.
「Who knows. I don’t know the details either. After all, all I was told by someone in the royal capital was to ‘take care of her’. This is the second time we’ve talked in person today」
「Is that so?」
「Either way. Take care of her tomorrow, Soma. Come back alive, will you?」
「Sure, I’ll try」
I let out a sigh for the umpteenth time. After all the help that Fiona-nee did to me. There’s no way I would just die here.
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