落とし穴外伝：私たち調査中 (Part2)
And so, we made our way straight to the Adventurer’s Guild. We had agreed beforehand that if we happened to run into Milly, we would frame our presence as an investigation into the dark guild.
"It’s quite quiet for midday, isn't it?"
"Even so, there are more people here than at other adventurer guilds. You see a lot of children and regular citizens coming and going," Prol replied to my observation.
She was right. Whether they were there to post requests or seek work, the foot traffic never truly ceased. While the reception desk wasn't exactly swamped, the staff certainly weren't idle.
"I suppose that means there’s an abundance of work available in Weed and its surrounding areas."
"It’s a nice way for the kids to earn some pocket money, too," one of the others chimed in. As they gestured toward the door, we saw a group of children heading out, each clutching a trash bag.
That must be the cleaning work that Vilia often oversees. It involves picking up litter and fallen leaves in the town or parks for a set period, or scrubbing down areas that have become soiled. The hourly rate isn't particularly high, but because it contributes to the nation by preserving the beauty of Weed, it’s a popular task that anyone can do, and it’s always open for recruitment.
Usually, such menial labor is looked down upon as the domain of the destitute, but here, it’s viewed as a civic duty. Yuki-sama once told me that it also serves as a means of gathering information and maintaining public order. After all, it’s hard to commit crimes in places where children and cleaning crews are constantly passing through. When I first heard that, I was genuinely impressed. It’s an extension of the "broken windows theory," and it stands as proof that there isn't a single corner of Weed that suffers from poor security.
While I was lost in these thoughts, Prol walked toward an open reception window, and we followed close behind.
"Welcome. Are you here to post a request, or are you looking for work?"
The receptionist was someone we didn't recognize. Given the sheer size of the guild, it was impossible to keep track of every staff member. Then again, Yuki-sama didn't exactly frequent the reception desk himself, so it was only natural that they wouldn't know us.
"No, we are from the General Government Building. We would like to speak with the Guild Master."
Prol presented her identification card as she spoke. The receptionist’s eyes widened as she took it.
"A department head from the Resident Services Division...? Oh, um, did you have an appointment?"
She seemed flustered, yet she handled the situation professionally. Ah, that’s right. Under normal circumstances, a department head from the General Government Building would be considered an elite of the highest order; being stunned by their presence is the standard reaction. It seems we’ve become far too accustomed to this life.
"No, this is a sudden matter. Do you have a moment?"
"Understood. I will check immediately, so please wait a moment..."
Just as the receptionist began to speak, a voice called out from behind us.
"Hm? Prol, Orelia? What brings you here?"
We turned to see Rock, the Guild Master, standing there.
"Ah, Guild Master. Prol-sama is here to speak with you."
"Yes. Could you spare us a moment of your time?"
"Sure, that’s fine. Let’s head upstairs."
The conversation proceeded smoothly, and we moved to the second floor.
"A rare combination you’ve got there."
"I suppose so. But we’ve been together quite a bit lately, working on the dark guild situation."
"I see. Is it about that, then?"
"No. That is not the topic for today."
"Huh?"
As the Guild Master looked on, bewildered, Prol delivered her next words without a hint of hesitation.
"If I were to say that this is a matter regarding Milly-sama flying into a blind rage, would you understand?"
"...Ah. I see. That is a serious matter indeed. The other party pays for the medical and repair bills, but the adventurers themselves are the ones who end up backing down."
*Hahaha,* I thought to myself, choosing not to say that it was the adventurers' own fault. I decided then and there that I possessed far more patience than Milly-sama.
The basics of an investigation: gathering information. It seems they are handling it quite well.