第４７３堀：そして打ち上げへ…… (Part2)
"Indeed. Like me, he is an old man, so please treat him with care."
The one who spoke to me was Seraria, accompanied by the Grand Master, the head of the Adventurer Guild. I had to inform the Grand Master about the damages the adventurers suffered under Nogosh; I didn't want any bad blood between us and the Guild later on. Now that the background had been clarified and it was clear the Guild wasn't complicit, I had explained the full truth of the situation.
"To think it was the gods... I cannot say it is a mere joke. We have been gathering similar information on our end. But beyond that, does the New Continent imply work for the Adventurer Guild?"
That was his attitude. Even though his organization had arguably suffered the most, he was content to let it end with Nogosh’s private apology and compensation. The reason was simple: having monsters manipulated from the shadows was a common criminal tactic. The adventurers had been careless, and the result was the price they paid—adventuring was inherently a self-responsibility profession, and the Guild had failed in its intelligence gathering. In short, they had judged it a valuable lesson. Normally, if a nation were the perpetrator, the Guild wouldn't be in a position to complain, let alone receive financial compensation.
And so, the matter of Nogosh was wrapped up, and the conversation shifted to the New Continent.
"Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like there will be much work for adventurers there. The number of monsters has decreased drastically. Instead, skirmishes between nations have intensified, leading to an influx of mercenaries."
"Mercenaries, you say? It sounds like there will be a struggle for work. We must observe those mercenaries carefully, or it will become a source of conflict."
"I agree. The ideal scenario would be for them to come here and work as adventurers instead."
"I see. That is a fine proposal, though the nations losing their manpower won't be pleased. I suppose you are telling me, Yuki-dono, that I must keep working for a while longer?"
"You don't have to push yourself. I don't know how the Guild would function if the Grand Master were to collapse. For today, just drink something good for your health and recuperate."
"Ho, ho, ho. You certainly know how to handle people. Well, I have already made proper arrangements for a successor, so there will be no trouble. However, after being shown such an exciting world where adventure still awaits, I cannot retire just yet. Very well, as you say, I shall pour some spirits and prepare for what is to come."
With that, he stopped leaning on his cane and walked away with a brisk, spirited stride.
"He's as stubborn as ever, that grandfather of mine."
"As long as he's around, the Adventurer Guild will be secure."
"That's true. So, are the difficult talks over?"
"Yeah. The sentencing is finished."
"Leaving my lousy father aside, please go easy on Gartz and Ritia. Anyway, if you're done, come over here."
Guided by her hand, I headed toward where the wives, Taiki, and Taizo were gathered.
"Here, I've brought my husband. Now, let's have those words of appreciation."
"Yes, yes."
This party was Luna's suggestion, but since it served as a good milestone for us, we planned to hold our own celebration right here. Everyone was already drinking under Luna's lead, but no one was drunk yet. It felt as though they had all been waiting for me.
"Ahem. Thanks to everyone, we made it through this time as well. Let's keep working together. Now then, cheers!"
"Cheers!"
With this, the current commotion—despite some minor loose ends—had reached a stopping point. There were many new things to begin, but for now, let us celebrate the fact that we all finished this together.
"Wait a minute. Riel, you're pregnant, so stop drinking."
"Eh!? B-but this tastes so good?"
Milly was the one stopping Riel, whose pregnancy had just been discovered. Tori and Kaya were also pregnant, making this celebration a double cause for joy.
"I'm holding back, and so are Tori and Kaya. Right?"
"That's right, Riel. You're carrying Yuki-san's baby."
"…I'll just eat fried tofu instead of drinking."
"Well, it's not exactly Kaya's fried tofu, but I think you should eat something else delicious instead, don't you?"
Riel was lectured by the group of expectant mothers.
"Fine!! If that's how it is, I'll just eat, and eat, and..."
Riel began to wolf down her food, but suddenly, she stopped.
"Riel?"
"Ugh..."
"Ugh?"
"…I feel... sick."
"Sick?"
"…I can't... anymore."
"Ah!? A-a bag, quick!!"
Ria realized what was happening, but it was too late.
"…Uwaaaah—"
It was a total disaster.
Yes. With that, the year-end story concludes, leading us into the year-end pitfall. From here on, we enter a new chapter. Once again, I look forward to your continued support this year.