第２５０掘：先輩の経験談 (Part2)
For instance, a request might simply state "Orc Extermination." Based on their experience, they wouldn't ask for details, just the location. They’d head out, finish the job, and return, only to find out the client didn't want proof of the kill—they wanted the actual carcasses brought back.
To Tori and her crew, orcs were valuable monsters whose entire bodies could be sold for a decent price, so they naturally wanted to keep the spoils for themselves. Meanwhile, the client had issued the request because they wanted the materials, just as they always did.
The root of the problem lay with the Guild. The village regularly put out requests for orc materials, so they had grown complacent, assuming that writing "Extermination" was enough for anyone to understand the intent. The staff member who processed the request for Tori’s group thought it was a bit odd for that specific village, but they processed it exactly as written.
This led to a bit of a dispute. Tori was indignant, arguing they had followed the instructions to the letter. However, Riel picked up on the client’s confusion and decided to hear them out. They eventually concluded that the Guild staff had oversimplified the request's details.
In truth, the reward had been three times the standard rate for a simple extermination. While Tori initially thought it was just a lucrative job, Riel had been a bit skeptical from the start.
In the end, they handed the materials over to the villagers and marked the quest as complete. When they reported the incident to the Guild, the staff member bowed in apology. Taking that lesson to heart, they made sure to verify every detail of a request from then on.
Hearing it now, it sounds like a "classic" blunder. But for those on the ground, whose livelihoods depend on every coin, it’s not something to be taken lightly. Tori admitted that she’d finally started getting used to being an adventurer back then, so she must have let her guard down. Riel also felt that, after that incident, she shouldn't leave everything entirely up to Tori.
Not that Tori’s tendency to go wild in combat ever really improved, though. It might come as a surprise, but Riel used to be the one taking the lead, dragging the naive Tori along. However, once they became professional adventurers, Riel decided that Tori was better suited for logistics and command, so she handed over the leadership.
Riel laughed it off as a story from her childhood, but she had been ostracized by her village and nearly killed in the end. Because of that, she had become far too tolerant—or perhaps numb—to malice. She used to accept things like pay cuts or being saddled with extra work as if they were perfectly normal. Seeing that, Tori decided to take over as leader when they started adventuring to protect her.
Looking back, it’s a failure they can laugh about now. But for me, the lesson is clear: always double-check the details. Also, I won't forgive the people who docked Riel’s pay or tried to kill her through ostracization. They might have had their traditions and reasons, but she belongs to me now; she’s my wife.
For the time being, Riel hasn't shown any interest in her old village, but one day, we’re going to go back for her mother. I’m certain people will try to interfere. Or worse, there’s a chance her mother’s grave or home won’t even exist anymore. If Riel cries, I think I’ll lose it.
Actually, considering that possibility is exactly why I haven't suggested going to get her mother yet. My other wives feel the same way. Every one of them is furious after hearing Riel’s story. Riel tells it with a smile, but it’s a truly gruesome tale. Tori even went as far as to say she might end up slaughtering her own kin, so we’re putting it off until Riel brings it up herself. After all, if we all lose our tempers, an entire village would literally be wiped off the map.
Anyway, I’m getting off track. The rest of the stories were about fighting in the forest and such. Since Tori and the others are beastmen, their senses are incredibly sharp. Especially their hearing.