第１２５４堀：珍しい種族 (Part1)
Chapter 1254: A Rare Race
Side: Yuki
Hmm, has it really been that long since I last visited the Adventurer’s Guild? I’ve been so busy lately that I can’t quite recall.
"Come to think of it, Fiora, Orelia, have you all ever been to the Adventurer’s Guild before?" I asked the group accompanying me.
"No, I have seen it from a distance several times, but this is my first time actually stepping inside," Fiora replied.
"We have been here once before, guided by Tori-sama and the others," Orelia added.
"We met Milly-sama during that visit."
"Ah, about that time—thank you so much for then—"
"Did something happen?" I asked Milly, glancing at the usual crowd of adventurers swarming the reception desk.
Milly offered a wry smile. "Oh, back then, Orelia and the others—or rather, even Tori and her team—were being hit on by the adventurers. You know, since Tori and Riel were dressed in adventurer gear."
"Ah. Wait, so they weren't wearing their police uniforms during that escort?"
"They didn't wear them because they didn't want the others to be on guard or feel tense."
Well, that makes sense. If Tori and the others had shown up in police uniforms just to introduce Fiora’s group, the adventurers would have been on edge. Even if they hadn't done anything wrong, it’s just an uncomfortable feeling to have the law hovering over you.
"Still, being hit on, huh? Should I be proud because they’re cute, or should I tell them to be careful?"
"W-well, is it something to be happy about, or is it the root of trouble..."
"A-awawa..."
Fiora, who hadn't been there, seemed to be struggling with the mental image, while Orelia and the others, who had experienced it firsthand, were left speechless. Actually, setting aside Orelia’s group, what’s up with the princesses, who should be used to being praised and courted, reacting like this?
"Well, I think it’s best if they learn to chase off the pests themselves. As a receptionist, I’m somewhat popular too, and Yuki-san, you’ve seen me get bothered by idiots a few times, haven't you?"
"Yeah, I have."
Though, the result was always Milly blowing them away. Still, with that level of strength, I can rest easy.
"By the way, isn't the conference room that way?" I asked, noticing we were veering off the usual path.
"We’re using the reception room today. We need to be considerate of the Grand Master’s lower back, so we’ve prepared comfortable chairs."
"Ah, I see."
Well, true, the chairs in the standard conference room would be tough on the old Grand Master. Even I find folding chairs uncomfortable after a while and have to shift around.
"Do you need a budget for that?"
"We don't need chairs that can't be folded away, as expected."
"True enough."
If it were just for a limited number of people like today, it would be fine, but the Adventurer’s Guild lends out conference rooms to countless adventurers; chairs that can't be stacked or folded would just be a nuisance. Plus, the risk of damage is a concern.
As we chatted, we entered the guild’s reception room.
"Oh. You're here."
"We have been waiting for you."
"You look well, Yuki-dono."
The key members of the Adventurer’s Guild greeted us.
"Rock, Kina, has it been a while?"
"I suppose. The girls behind you came to say hello the other day, though."
"Did they? Yuki-san, you come to pick up Milly quite often, don't you? We’ve seen your face when you bring cakes and things."
"That’s true, Kina. But Rock is usually busy in his office, so we haven't crossed paths much. Let’s go out for a drink sometime."
"Sounds good. In that case, I’d like the Grand Master to join us."
At that, I turned my gaze toward the Grand Master. At a glance, he looks like nothing more than a kindly old man, but his posture is perfectly straight. He carries himself with a vigor that belies his age, yet he uses his cane to invite the misconception that he’s frail. I thought to myself how he never changes.
"It’s good to see you looking so well, Grand Master."
"Ho ho ho. Rurua-chan’s regular check-ups have been perfect, after all."
Come to think of it, Rurua had sent word that the Grand Master was in perfect health. If this old man were to collapse, the Adventurer’s Guild on the Rogari Continent would be in an uproar. The business wouldn't stop, of course, but the internal adjustments and power struggles over his successor would be chaotic. That’s how much authority and influence he holds.
Still, this isn't really the place for that kind of talk.
"In that case, we can go out for drinks tonight. I’ll bring these folks along too."
I finally introduced Queen Miyabi, the Dragonkin Chief Gaul, and Coral, who had been waiting in the wings. To my surprise, all three of them seemed to be acquaintances of the Grand Master.
"I’m counting on you today, Grand Master. Though, you’re still the same old man as ever."
"Indeed. Though you seem even older than you were back then."
"Hm? What’s this? You three know him too?"
"No, more than that, I’m surprised you three know each other. Is this for real?" I asked, stunned by the revelation.
"Ho ho ho. Well, there’s no mistake that we are acquaintances."
Just who are you, really?
"Though, it’s not as if we’ve known each other for that long. It was, at most, about thirty years ago."
"That’s right. I was surprised when you appeared in our country. After all, you were able to fight me on equal footing."
"You came to my place, too. We sparred, and it was a good match."
"Oh, you came to my place as well, though I was living on a different mountain back then."
"Grand Master, what exactly have you been doing..." Rock muttered, sighing as he pressed a hand to his forehead.
"As long as an adventurer has the spirit of adventure, they remain an active adventurer," the Grand Master replied with a wink.
Man, what a lively old guy.
"Well, lately I find being in Weed more stimulating, so I’m just taking it easy here. Now, why don’t you all sit? You didn't come here just to stand around and talk, did you?"
"That’s true. Everyone, take a seat. Fiora, Orelia, you too."
"E-eh?"
Orelia and her group looked surprised for some reason, but they needed to act as secretaries and scribes; they couldn't just stand there.
"Seats have been set aside for you, so it’s fine. Let’s do our best together. First, let’s prepare the tea."
Prompted by Kina, who had already begun preparing the tea, Orelia and the others hurriedly started their tasks. Fiora, as expected, remained calm; she sat at the desk and immediately prepared her voice recorder, notebook, and video camera.
Man, it’s great to have people who are good at their jobs.
"So, what shall we discuss while we get everything ready?"