落とし穴１１２堀：受付新人の日常 (Part2)
She was a former adventurer and a receptionist of such immense skill that she could twist even the most unruly adventurers into submission. Like Vice Guild Master Kina and Guild Master Rock, she was a strict yet dependable senior.
There was even a story—a true one, not just a rumor—about her physically launching an adventurer who had been pestering her all the way outside. I know it’s true because I heard it directly from General Steve during one of his patrols.
"Oh, are you a newbie? If you ever get into trouble, you should rely on Nanna-san. She’s incredibly skilled."
"General Steve. What was that you just said?"
"Eek!? N-nothing! I was just saying what a reliable senior you are! See ya!"
That was how that went. But anyway...
"Senior, is the reception desk alright?"
"Hm? Ah, I finally cleared the line. Look."
Following her gaze, I saw that the adventurers waiting at the counter were gone. It seemed they had all been processed while I was busy with Cloche-san.
"Next up are the children coming in for lunch."
"That's right."
After the morning reception, the afternoon was dedicated to assigning work to the children. Assigning them appropriate tasks was also part of our duties.
"What’s the work for the children today?"
"The usual. Alleyway cleaning in the Commercial District, park maintenance, and helping out at the elderly residents' homes. We have to make sure we send kids who can actually handle the work, you know?"
"I understand. Actually, wasn't Hiiro-chan specifically requested for the cleaning at that one house?"
"Yes, that's right. You remember well."
"Well, Hiiro-chan is quite famous at the Adventurer Guild."
Hiiro-chan. Despite her small stature, she wields advanced magic and possesses high combat ability. On top of that, she’s polite and adorable. I think she has a bright future ahead of her.
While we were talking, adventurers who had finished their quests began to trickle into the guild to report and process their rewards.
"Oh, hi there."
"You can't just do that, Riel."
"...You have to say hello properly."
Approaching my desk were the heavyweights of Weed: Lady Riel, Lady Tori, and Lady Kaya.
I-I’ve never had to deal with people like this before. C-calm down, Fatea. D-don't be rude...
"W-w-welcome! H-how may I assist you today!?"
"Calm down, Fatea. So, what brings you all here today?"
Senior Nanna spoke to them as if it were nothing, but I couldn't possibly imitate that. One wrong move and I might end up banished from Weed.
"We went into the dungeon for the first time in a while. We came to exchange our loot."
"My, if people find out you're sneaking in there on your own, Milly and Kina will be furious, you know?"
"Oh, it's fine. We actually took on a proper work request this time."
"...That's right. A long-overdue dungeon inspection."
"Ah, right, I did hear about that inspection. So, since you're exchanging loot, does that mean you defeated some monsters?"
"Yep. We got attacked on the way, so we just took care of them."
"And this child here... I haven't seen her before. Is she a new hire?"
"...Come to think of it, I haven't either."
"Oh, you're right. Nanna, is she new?"
"Yes. She joined while you all were busy with various things. Well, it’s been about a year since she came to Weed, but she’s only been working here for about half a year. Come on, it’s a good opportunity, introduce yourself."
"N-n-nice to meet you, my name is Fatea."
Ah, it’s no use. My voice cracked.
Seeing that, perhaps out of consideration, Lady Riel and the others chatted lightly for a moment before heading to the exchange counter and leaving.
Honestly, my mind had gone completely blank. I don't even remember what we talked about.
But...
"Good. You passed."
"Eh!?"
"The Adventurer Guild often gets visits from Weed's heavyweights, just like you saw. I was worried about whether you could handle that, but looking at how you did, there’s no problem."
Senior Nanna gave me a smile.
"B-but ever since I started working, Lady Milly has occasionally..."
"Ah, she seemed quite busy with something. But I heard things have settled down. I'll report your performance to Milly, so you're officially graduating from being a 'newbie.' Isn't that great? Your salary will go up, too."
"I-I did it..."
"Well, I understand the feeling, but keep at it. They aren't the type to be unreasonable. They’ll probably just laugh off any mistakes you make, Fatea."
"Y-yes."
Internally wondering if I’d chosen the wrong place to work, I gave that reply and continued my reception duties, even as my heart remained in turmoil. At the end of the day, Lady Milly came by...
"Starting tomorrow, you’re no longer a rookie. Do your best as a full-fledged receptionist, Fatea."
"Y-yes!!"
With applause from everyone around me and a personal congratulatory word from Lady Milly, I realized... there’s no escaping this now!
W-well, if it’s come to this, I’ll just have to give it my all!
***
**Adventurer Guild Job Posting**
*"A bright and glamorous workplace where you can meet many people! Won't you come work with us?"*
*Note: This is a workplace with a very high probability of unexpectedly encountering VIPs while performing tasks within Weed. It is a "landmine" workplace known only to those in the know.*
*Potential VIPs you may encounter include: Queen Seraria, Prince Consort Yuki, the town's heavyweights, royalty from other nations, and high-ranking famous adventurers...*