落とし穴外伝：親戚が多いと (Part1)
Side: Milly
I was busy tending to the usual administrative duties in the Adventurer Guild representative’s office when a sudden knock echoed through the room.
That’s strange. I didn’t have any meetings scheduled for this hour.
As I wondered who it could be, the administrative clerk spoke through the door, saying something that made absolutely no sense.
"Representative, your sister, Sherry, is at the reception desk asking if there are any jobs available that pay well..."
"Excuse me?"
"I’m just relaying what she said. I thought it wasn't my place to pry into the reasons, so I came to inform you. If there’s no issue, shall I go ahead and offer her some work?"
"Absolutely not. I’ll handle this myself."
With that, I stood up and left the office.
I couldn't fathom what was going on. What on earth was Sherry thinking?
About a year ago, she had successfully passed the exams and started working in a public office here in Weed. She hadn't quite managed to fulfill her dream of working directly under Eris, but she was supposed to be working diligently under Eris’s successor, Tefa.
She was in the Finance and Accounting Department—a place known for being incredibly strict with money—and yet she wanted to earn *more*? Was she in debt somewhere? Why?
My mind was spinning with questions, but no answers came. I decided to head to the first-floor reception with quick strides to get to the bottom of it.
Since it was past the morning rush, the reception area was relatively calm, save for a few children and people on their day off. I spotted Sherry immediately, mostly because Kina, who was manning the desk, looked completely bewildered.
"Oh, Milly! Over here."
"Sorry, Kina. I’m sorry for the trouble during your busy time."
"No, no, it’s fine. So, about that..."
My gaze, and Kina’s, landed on...
"Oh, big sister! Thank goodness. Do you have any jobs that pay well? You know, I do still have my adventurer’s license."
Sherry held up her adventurer’s card as she said this.
"Kina, did you ask her why?"
"Nah, we were just catching up on things. I figured this was something for family to handle."
"Thanks."
"Yep, good luck! See you later, Sherry. Let’s go grab a meal sometime."
"Yes, please."
With that, I sat down across from Sherry.
"So, Sherry. What’s this about wanting to earn more money?"
"Huh? Exactly what I said?"
"Ah, so that’s the answer you’re going with. My apologies. Let me rephrase: Why do you *need* money? You’re working in the Accounting Department, right? Your salary should be more than enough."
I was implying a question about what she was spending her money on, but to my surprise, Sherry puffed out her cheeks.
"It’s not enough at all."
"Excuse me? Even if you’re in your first year, I know for a fact that the salary provided by the office is enough to live comfortably."
In fact, it was higher than most other workplaces. Of course, it couldn't compare to the earnings of popular shops or high-ranking adventurers, but it was a highly sought-after position with more applicants than spots every single time.
Naturally, since it’s a problem if people can’t find work, the office provides placement services for those who didn't get in, and some people take on work at the Adventurer Guild to bridge the gap until the next application period.
In other words, Sherry had cleared that narrow gate and was working in a well-paying job, yet she was claiming she had no money. It was completely unnatural. I was genuinely worried—not just curious—that she might be involved in something criminal. Money-related issues are where trouble always starts. A little slip here, a bit of carelessness there, and suddenly you’re buried in debt. Of course, if you’re careful and have a sense of financial responsibility, that shouldn't happen.
"...It’s not enough."
Perhaps she sensed what I was thinking; she met my stern gaze and whispered that she really didn't have enough.
"What is it? Are you involved in some crime? Did you take on someone else’s debt? Should we go to the police?"
I was getting worried by my sister’s refusal to open up. I suggested involving the police, thinking it might be for the best.
"No, that’s not it! It’s not like that!"
"Then tell me why you need the money. And show me your bankbook. You keep it on your adventurer’s card, right?"
I reached out and snatched the card from the table.
"Ah!?"
"If there’s nothing wrong, you don’t mind, right?"
Basically, in Weed, salaries are deposited into the Weed bank. Of course, many people also deposit into the Adventurer Guild. Unfortunately, the Guild’s money management system is more deeply rooted in the Rogali Continent. Even Yuki-san tilts his head at it, wondering, "How did this system even get built?" But he says it’s better to leave it alone for now, as meddling in financial systems could lead to war.
Anyway, that’s beside the point. I checked Sherry’s savings. After a quick scan...
"For someone who’s been saving for a year, this seems a bit low, but it’s not zero. What is it? Did you buy something?"
It was within the range of what anyone might have. After all, it was her first year in society. You need to buy necessities, and if you do that every time you get paid, you won't have much left. Actually, being able to save anything at all is rare in the Rogali Continent. Assets disappear in the blink of an eye due to monster or bandit raids. Only in large towns can people save; in small villages, they live day-to-day. That’s why the slave system, where people are sold, exists. It really makes you realize how easy life is in Weed.
As I was thinking that, Sherry responded to my words.
"I can’t buy the things I want. That’s why I want to earn more."
"Huh? This isn't enough? Sherry, are you buying brand-name goods or something?"
Her savings were low, yes, but they were still enough to buy most things. I wondered if she was planning on buying something truly extravagant...
"No. *Sigh*, I guess I have no choice."
Sherry slumped her shoulders in resignation, then looked up again.
"I can’t afford the birthday presents for Yumi-chan and the others."
"Huh?"
At first, I didn't understand what she was saying. Yumi is the daughter born of the love between Yuki-san and me. But there was no way her birthday present alone would drain a year’s worth of savings, right?