第１２５３堀：冒険者ギルドの準備 (Part1)
Chapter 1253: Preparations at the Adventurer’s Guild
Side: Milly
"Right then, time to give this place a proper scrub."
I rolled up my sleeves and set to work cleaning the Adventurer’s Guild reception room. Just as I was getting into the rhythm...
"Oh, Milly-san? What are you doing in a place like this?"
I looked up at the sudden voice. A newcomer, still clutching a stack of documents, was peering through the open doorway with a look of genuine confusion.
"Ah, I’m just tidying up. My husband, the Guild Master, and a few specialists are scheduled to hold a meeting here later."
"Wait—Milly-san’s husband? You mean... Yuki-sama!?"
"That’s the one. Though, try not to call him 'Yuki-sama' too often. It makes him give that awkward, pained smile of his."
People like Samantha have been trained in etiquette, so it sounds natural when they say it, but when ordinary folks do it, it always feels forced. He clearly hates that.
To be honest, I feel the same way.
I mean, I am the "Representative," but at the end of the day, I’m just a former receptionist who happened to be an ordinary person.
"Ahaha, I suppose you’re right. Yuki-sa...n doesn't really carry himself like a noble, does he? Even though he’s supposed to be the second most important person in this country."
"Exactly, and that’s what makes him great. That said, if you start acting too disrespectful, I’ll have to teach you some manners, alright?"
"I understand. Um, about the cleaning—are you sure you’re okay doing it all by yourself?"
"Oh, I’m fine. Any minute now..."
Just as I started to say that, the sound of hurried footsteps approached.
"Alright! Made it."
Kina, the Vice Guild Master, dashed into the room.
"You idiot. Why are you running around inside the Guild?"
I gave her a firm reprimand.
Running through the halls when there isn't an emergency is a recipe for collisions, and I don't tolerate it. Besides, "no running indoors" is common sense everywhere.
"Ahaha, sorry, sorry. Wait, why are you here?"
"Oh, I just happened to see her, so I offered to help," the newcomer replied.
"Ah, I see. Well, thank you for that. But I’ll take it from here, so you’re off the hook. And you—if you don't get those documents to the counter soon, the staff there is going to be in trouble."
"Oh! My apologies. Please, let me know if you need anything else."
"I will. Thanks for the help."
As Kina and I spoke, the girl hurried off toward the first-floor office.
"She seems to be growing up well, doesn't she?"
"Yeah. If she can show that kind of consideration, she’ll make a fine receptionist. Though, forgetting her actual tasks is a bit of a slip-up."
"She’ll learn in time. Anyway, let’s finish this up."
"Agreed."
Kina and I resumed our cleaning. Since a fair number of people were expected, once the room was spotless, I tucked the small table away into my Item Box and replaced it with a larger one and extra chairs.
"But really, wouldn't the conference room be better? I mean, it is a meeting, right?"
"Well, 'meeting' is a bit of a complicated term here. We’re expecting Queen Miyabi of the Elf Kingdom, Gaul-san, the Chief of the Dragon-kin, and Coral-san from the Dragon-kin tribe."
"...That’s an international summit. Why are we holding it at the Guild?"
Kina tilted her head, clearly unaware of what Rock-san had planned. I was just debating whether it was my place to explain when—
"Because there are things that can only be discussed here, at the Guild."
"Oh, Guild Master."
Rock-san stepped into the room. And right behind him...
"Kina-chan, you really ought to learn to think a little more about these things."
"Even the Grand Master is here!?"
Yes, the very top of the entire Adventurer’s Guild had arrived. Well, considering the nature of the upcoming discussion, there was no one more suitable.
"I’m the one who requested this room. The chairs and tables in the conference room are just too hard on my back. *Heave-ho.* There. This is much better."
The Grand Master settled into the sofa with a satisfied smile. He seemed to be having trouble with his lower back, but...
"Wait? Didn't the Grand Master just brag the other day that Rurua gave him a clean bill of health and said he was in perfect condition...?"
"Ahem!"
"Yes. My apologies."
"Indeed. Knowing when to be quiet is a virtue. ...The conference room is just a bit too much for an old man, you see."
Kina, really...
I’d heard the same thing from Rurua, but you have to learn to let these things slide. He clearly wants to be treated like an old man.
"Well, I can understand why the conference room might be a bit rough," Rock-san added.
"The Guild’s conference room is, shall we say, strictly utilitarian and rather sparse," I agreed.
It was true. That room was nothing but folding tables, metal chairs, and a whiteboard—a "conference room" in the most literal, joyless sense. It couldn't compare to the rooms where Yuki-san, the Representatives, and the various monarchs gathered. Then again, comparing a room meant for state guests to one meant for routine Guild business was a mistake in the first place.
The Grand Master was likely using his back as an excuse to ensure the comfort of his guests.
Regardless, that was that. I finished wiping down the table and let out a long breath. My work, however, was far from over.
"Right then, I’m off to fetch Yuki-san and the others. You all stay here and wait."
"Understood. I’m counting on you, Milly-chan."
"Go get 'em, Representative."
"Take care."
I stepped out of the reception room.
"Usually, I’d just send a message to Yuki-san and wait, but today is different."
We were talking about Queen Miyabi, Gaul-san, and the independent Dragon-kin, Coral-san. It would look terrible if it appeared as though they were being "summoned" to the Guild. While the guests today didn't care about status or hierarchy, the public unfortunately did.
So, I had to greet them properly.
*Sigh.* I wonder when I’ll finally get to spend some slow, peaceful days with Yuki-san, the other wives, and the children...
Thinking this, I descended to the first floor. It was still early morning, and the Guild was overflowing with adventurers looking for work. The receptionists looked exhausted.
I tried to slip through the crowd to get outside, but—
"Oh, hey, Milly-chan. Can you help out at the counter?"
I turned around to see an adventurer who had only recently arrived from another town.