落とし穴外伝：冒険者に変身 (Part1)
Pitfall Side Story: Disguised as Adventurers
Disguised as Adventurers
Side: Prol
"Well, this should do."
Guild Master Rock nods as he looks us over, having finished outfitting us for our mission. We are preparing to pose as adventurers to root out the insolent fools who have been dragging Yuki-sama’s name through the mud.
As for the equipment itself...
"...Am I to be in robes and light armor?"
"Prol, you’re short. If you aren't dressed as a mage, people will be on guard. Even those scammers have the sense not to lay a hand on children, so it’s best to keep your face hidden."
I had my complaints about clothing that felt like it was meant to hide me away, but if looking like a child keeps them from targeting me, I have no room to argue. Though, if they *do* try to lay a hand on children, I will personally see to it that the scum is put down.
"Oh my~. Full plate is surprisingly light, isn't it? The shield isn't as bothersome as I thought, either~."
Surprisingly, Hovis has taken on the role of a shield-bearing adventurer rather than a healer.
"If you look too obviously like a rookie, you won't look like you have any money on you. I just happened to have some gear that was traded in when someone upgraded."
I see. So that’s why my gear and Hovis’s armor have those scuffs and stains. They aren't dirty, per se, but they clearly show signs of being well-worn—a testament to how much their previous owners cared for them.
"Besides, armor is heavy. If Hovis doesn't find the weight inconvenient, it’s proof that she’s been training properly."
"Is that so~?"
Hovis lifts her great shield with ease, looking puzzled. Having trained under Yuki-sama, that much is simple for her. If she couldn't manage that, she wouldn't be fit to serve as an aide.
"You wouldn't notice, would you? We’re always the ones being beaten into the ground during training."
At my words, Orelia and the others nod in agreement.
"I suppose that’s true. Well, your skills are top-tier even by the Adventurer Guild’s standards. At least, in terms of raw physical ability."
"We aren't adventurers, and we’ve only heard bits and pieces about the know-how required for the job, so that’s only natural."
It’s unbearable to be told we’re excellent adventurers when we aren't adventurers at all. Since we have no experience in the work, it goes without saying. Just as I was thinking about how obvious that should be...
"No, it would be a great help to us if there were more capable adventurers around. You don't just have to register; feel free to actually work. Especially since you lot have such powerful titles to back you up."
"Is that what you’re after? Well, if we have the spare time..."
"We don't have that kind of time."
"Indeed~."
"We’re always busy."
"Well, it’s not like I’m asking you to come immediately. It’s just a 'when you have a free hand' sort of thing. I can hardly ask Yuki to do it, after all."
" " "That is absolutely out of the question." " "
Is he an idiot? Asking Yuki-sama to take on adventurer work? The very idea of asking the consort to put himself in danger is enough to make me doubt Guild Master Rock’s sanity.
"Look, I know where he stands, so don't look at me like that. But there’s no one better at solving problems than Yuki."
"That is..."
It is the truth. There is no one more blessed with the talent to resolve trouble than Yuki-sama. Above all, he possesses a vast web of connections and organizations, the strength to back them up, and the intellect to utilize them effectively. That is exactly why he is the master I serve.
"Anyway, putting that aside. You should be fine in that getup. All that’s left is to secure objective evidence, and once you apprehend the culprits, it’ll be resolved."
"Ah, right. That comes first."
The reason we are dressed as adventurers is to bring these imposters who use Yuki-sama’s name to justice through the proper legal channels.
"I shouldn't have to say this, but don't go using excessive force."
"Of course."
"Yes. We won't leave any evidence behind."
"I’ll make sure to treat their wounds, so it’ll be fine~."
"It’s a legitimate attack, so it’s perfectly fine!"
"...You don't look 'fine' at all. Are you sure about this?"
"It’s fine. We know exactly what we’re doing."
It’s just Orelia and the others joking around. Well, I’m of the same mind; if the enemy uses their power, we’ll simply use ours to seal their mouths. With that, we finish our preparations and head toward our destination.
"Um, where exactly are we going?"
"The location is near the inns in the Adventurer District."
While Orelia and the others were putting on their armor, I had confirmed the site of the damage with Guild Master Rock. It was a standard location—within the Adventurer District, in the area where most adventurers stay.
"I’ve never been around here~."
"Me neither. Actually, why do they separate the inns for regular tourists from the ones for adventurers? The Commercial District and the Adventurer District are right next to each other, aren't they?"
It seems Orelia and the others don't know the history of how this district was formed. So, as we head toward our destination, I decide to explain.
"Well, the inns are separated to easily distinguish between adventurers and tourists. It’s meant to prevent trouble, and there’s also a difference in hygiene. Do you understand?"
"Yes. But couldn't they just divide the rooms within the same inn?"
"That was proposed, but Milly-sama and Guild Master Rock argued that there are many rough types, and there’s a clear difference between adventurers who have just finished a job and those who have come for tourism."
As I spoke vaguely, they seemed to catch my drift.
"Ah~. I suppose that makes sense, what with the weapon maintenance and the dirt~."
"That’s true. They might be injured, too. Come to think of it, there’s a separate clinic built in the Adventurer District, isn't there?"
"Yes. You’re right, Hovis, Yayui. It’s not a good look to come to the Commercial District covered in blood, and it would be a problem if they made a mess. And since they need treatment for their injuries, the Adventurer District is packed with the facilities necessary for such people. Shopping, of course, is included. If you just want to survive, you can get by staying entirely within the Adventurer District."