第４０８堀：模索する未来と残っているモノ (Part1)
Chapter 408: Exploring the Future and What Remains
Side: Dressa
Ah, it’s hot.
Still, it’s better than the heat at the beach.
The way the sun reflects off the sand makes you feel like you’re being roasted from all sides.
Here, the park is filled with lush green grass, and I feel like if I just found a patch of shade and rolled around, I could take a wonderful nap.
But I’m here for work, so I have to stay focused.
"Hey, girl! I’m dropping the branches now!"
"Got it!"
*Thud.*
I’m currently working with the team leader, helping with tree pruning.
As soon as I answer, the branches he’s cut fall down.
My job is to repeatedly cut them into sizes that are easy to pack into bags and then stuff them inside.
The others are cleaning the grass and such, and they look like they’re having a tough time with their backs bent over.
I’ve heard that searching for shellfish for long hours like that is grueling. I used to see the fishermen and their wives rubbing their lower backs all the time.
For me, the worst part is just that my back gets sunburned, which stings later.
"Alright, that’s enough for today. Hey, everyone, get ready to pack up!"
" " "Yes, sir!" " "
While I was clearing away the branches, the team leader climbed down from the tree and called out.
"Wait? Isn't there still an hour left until the promised time?"
"It’s this heat. The higher-ups told us not to push ourselves, and we’ve finished today’s quota. ...Ah, don’t worry. I’ll sign off on your quest completion. But that’ll be after we head back and wash our bodies and clothes. You’re meeting with Yuki later, right? I can’t have you showing up to see him all dirty. Besides, it’s a requirement of this job."
"I know that."
I wouldn't dream of going to such a stylish cafe covered in sweat and grime.
I quickly gathered up the bags of trash I’d filled.
"Good, you didn't leave any trash behind, right? If you did, there’d be no point in cleaning. ...Alright, let’s head back."
Once the team leader finished his check, we headed back toward the government building.
This cleaning contractor seems to be an organization under the direct control of the government, and they have quite a bit of authority.
I mean, they have their own building, incinerators, and even private shower rooms and laundry facilities.
The team leader says it’s to prevent pathogens from getting out or something. I don’t really get the complicated stuff.
I’m just a part-timer, after all.
"Good, you’re all cleaned up. Here, I’ve signed off on your quest completion."
"Thank you very much."
It seems that while I was showering, he signed the documents I had left with him.
For these types of odd jobs, the system is that you receive the paperwork from the guild, and then it’s accepted once a supervisor like the team leader signs it.
Apparently, there was an idiot in the past who tried to manage things personally, never showing up to the workplace and signing the papers himself.
Naturally, it was discovered immediately, and Milly told me that this current process became the standard.
"Also, take this."
The team leader handed me a small amount of money. It was enough to buy a drink at a cafe.
"Um, I’ll be getting my quest reward from the guild, though?"
"I know that. You’re heading to the cafe to meet Yuki, right? It was hot today, so consider this a personal bonus from me. Don’t worry about it, just take it."
"……Thank you."
"Yeah. It’s hot out, so be careful on your way. If it’s that cafe, they won’t complain if you stay until evening as long as you order one drink."
No, I wouldn't be that shameless, and I’m not exactly destitute.
But there’s no reason to refuse the team leader’s kindness, so I accepted it gratefully.
"Come back if you get the chance. We’d welcome you anytime, girl."
"Yes. Excuse me then."
With that, I finished the cleaning quest and headed toward the cafe.
I can report to the guild tomorrow.
For children attending school who take on adventurer guild quests, reporting the next morning has become the norm.
If they didn't, since they often take jobs starting in the afternoon, they would end up finishing late at night.
Aside from dungeon exploration, most of the work involves helping out with Weed’s maintenance, and there’s a concern about the dangers of letting children walk around at night.
The guild is also busy with regular adventurers returning to settle their accounts and drink at the taverns, so for that reason too, morning reports for children have become standard in Weed.
Because there’s so much coming and going from the outside, there are many adventurers who try to mess with the child adventurers.
Since I started working alone like this, I’ve been teased by idiots two or three times myself.
Well, Milly from the guild showed up immediately and beat them to a pulp...
It’s hard to believe she was actually pregnant at the time.
Lost in these thoughts, I arrived at the cafe.
*Jingle.*
The sound of the bell echoed as I opened the door, announcing my arrival.
"Welcome."
The master greeted me immediately.
He’s a refined gentleman who looks great in a simplified butler’s uniform, and the interior of the cafe is quite elaborate.
It seems it was designed under Yuki’s instructions, and it makes me realize how amazing this other world is, having such a sense of style.
"Are you alone, miss?"
"Oh, no. My acquaintance is already..."
"Hey! Dressa, over here!"
Just as I was about to answer, Yuki waved at me from a table.
"I see. I know you often accompany Lady Aslin, Lady Firia, and Lady Labyris, but you are also acquainted with Lord Yuki?"
"Ah, I didn't mention it. This is Dressa. You can treat her like anyone else."
"As always, then. What would you like to drink?"
"Um, an iced cafe au lait, please."
"Understood. Please wait a moment."
The master returned to the counter to prepare the drink, and I took my seat.
"Phew. It’s so cool in here. Pure bliss."
Air conditioning is truly amazing.
I still don’t really understand the "science" behind it, but I know it’s incredible that anyone can use something like this so easily.
"Good work today. So, what is it? What’s this consultation about?"
Oops, I almost forgot.
I was so comfortable that I nearly forgot I was the one who asked Yuki to meet me here.
"Um, well, you see, I’ve been doing all sorts of..."
"Sorry to keep you waiting. Here is your iced cafe au lait."
Before I could start, the cafe au lait I ordered arrived.
"Oh, thank you."
"Please, enjoy."
After watching the master return to the counter, I took a sip of the drink and resumed our conversation.
"I’ve been taking on all kinds of jobs lately. And I was wondering if there were any jobs I haven't tried yet. I thought maybe you’d know of some jobs that aren't posted at the guild, Yuki."
"Jobs? Why all of a sudden?"
"Hmm. I can’t explain it well, but look, I’m completely free now. Both in terms of my standing and my state of mind. I’m not a slave anymore, not a princess, and I don’t have any desire to take revenge on Noble anymore."
"I see."