180: The busier you are, the more trouble shows up, huh?

My name is Craft Walker.

Former adventurer. Former mage.

Now I'm some alchemist in the Production Guild, of all things.

I rolled my shoulders, stiff from hours of work, and looked down at the stack of notebooks in front of me.

This one's a memoir. Just finished the sixth volume.

"Alright..."

I pulled a fresh notebook from the shelf, stared at the blank page where the seventh volume should begin.

The end of the sixth volume had read: "A small nation south of the Mizoho Shrine Nation was wiped out overnight by a stampede of monsters, and the news spread like wildfire through the Mizoho Shrine Nation."

Of course, the monsters responsible for the stampede were heading straight for the Mizoho Shrine Nation. But before that, I should jot down a few things about the diplomatic relations that had just been established between the Maugaria Kingdom and the Mizoho Shrine Nation.

I twirled the pen aimlessly between my fingers for a while, then dipped it in ink and resumed writing.

First off, how about this?

◆

"Craft, brother, I need your advice."

This was around the time when diplomatic relations had been established between the Mizoho Shrine Nation and the kingdom, and the teleportation gate was completed—when Kyle started shuttling back and forth between Goldendown and Mizoho nonstop.

It was during dinner, when Kyle had invited me after finally having some free time.

"Sure. If there's anything I can do."

The Mizoho Shrine Nation was deep in preparations for full-scale trade, and my guild, the Production Guild, was swamped. But this was a request from a lord, and from a cute little brother. No way I could say no.

"What's up?"

"Yes. Actually, the development of the wetlands is falling behind schedule."

“What? That place is where the lizards are pushing hard to clear the land, right? They’re not slacking, are they?”

The lizards had lost their homeland for some reason and started a new life on Kyle’s lands. They’re grateful to us and to Kyle for helping them out. The ones who took the swamp development contract with their lives on the line? They wouldn’t be cutting corners.

Speaking of which, it’s been oddly peaceful lately. No Shururu.

Shururu’s cute in looks and personality, but when she’s that aggressive, it actually pushes me back. So I’m relieved, a little.

…Don’t go saying I’m inexperienced with women.

“Of course, all the lizards are working together as one. The problem’s the number of monsters.”

“What? Didn’t we already take down the swamp’s overlord?”

I’ll never forget how much of a struggle that was—taking down the eight-headed hydra. I don’t think even the Goldendown adventurers or the lizardmen trained on stamina potions could handle monsters that disintegrate like that.

“The problem’s the size of the swamp. Even with all the lizardmen and adventurers we’ve got, they just can’t cover the area.”

“…Yeah. The swamp’s big enough to fit an entire small territory.”

“Yes. Our lizardmen warriors are getting stronger every day through constant combat and training. But reports say fighting monsters in such a vast, open, and hard-to-scout swamp is extremely difficult.”

“I see. So that’s why they want us to help out.”

“No, that’s not it.”

“Huh?”

I figured we’d be told to go take down the hydra with Raidock or someone like him.

"Apparently, the types of monsters appearing in the swamps are increasing."

"Types?"

Up until now, the hydra had been the boss of the swamps. Now that most of them have been defeated or fled, it's not exactly surprising that other monsters are moving in.

"Isn't that normal?"

"Only if it's a small number."

"So, it's not just a few. It's more than expected. That's what you're saying."

"Yes."

"Which means, in the end, you want me to wipe them out?"

"No. It's not that. The monsters are acting too strangely. The lizardfolk think there must be a reason. So we'd like Craft brother to investigate."

"A reason why so many different monsters are gathering...?"

I tilt my head slightly.

I thought for a second that this kind of job should probably go to Professor Javir, who’s been paired with Kyle, since he’s a guild member of the Production Guild. But sending the professor into a place crawling with monsters? Not happening.

Last time, I let my guard down somewhere, and we ended up dragging him along. Still, he’s better off staying safe.

I understood why Kyle asked me, and I nodded.

“Got it. Can I take Raidock and the others?”

“Of course. I’ll file an official request with the Adventurer’s Guild right away.”

“…Should I take Jitarou too?”

“…That might be better.”

If we leave him out, he’ll probably sulk.

“What about Leifan?”

“Leave that to my brother to decide.”

“Alright. I’ll think about it.”

Just as the conversation settled, I noticed Maina, who’d been eating beside Kyle. She’d been staring at me the whole time.

“……”

Maina was looking at me with eyes that said she wanted to join us.

No way. Not taking her to a swampy hazard zone, not with fewer people than last time.

True, the danger level on the road to the Mizoho Shrine Nation might be the same, but back then we had no choice.

Meaning if I give in to Maina’s whim now, this’ll just keep happening from here on out.

Gotta be firm about this!

“Kyle! Do something!”

…You’re the one who should be saying that, I swear I heard someone mutter from somewhere.

Fine. This is right.

“Hah… Maina. I’m assuming you’re not thinking of sneaking along again, are you?”

“Eep!?”

Maina stiffened, frozen in place.

“No way am I letting that happen this time.”

“…Uuu…”

“Besides, Zaid-sama’s gonna chew you out harder next time.”

“Huu!?!”

Maina turned pale.

Kyle glanced at me briefly, then turned back to Maina.

“Listen, Maina. I’ve already taken the name Elixir. Blood-wise, we’re siblings—but not connected as Bairoroads.”

“Huh?”

Kyle glanced at me again, just for a second.

Guess I’m supposed to remember that too.

“So, as a noble, Maina’s older brothers are Flatten and Zaid.”

“Ah….”

“Right now, Maina’s official status is this: Father—Lord Bairoroad, the Marquis of the Frontier—requested that I, as a blood relative, take charge of her education at the academy. So I’m just a temporary guardian.”

“Not siblings… then?”

“Of course we are by blood. But legally? Different.”

“……”

Ah, so Kyle’s no longer part of the Bairoroad family by blood, which means on paper we’re not siblings.

That’s why he’s explaining it again. He wants me to understand.

“Basically, Maina, the responsibility to scold you falls more on Zaid older brother than me.”

“……W-What!?!”

“If you’re ready to face Zaid older brother’s wrath… why not just act wild again?”

Kyle flashed an incredibly pleasant smile. Maina, on the other hand, went pale and shook her head violently side to side.

Yeah, I really think Kyle’s got real talent as a lord. Definitely.

I’ve come to fully understand just how deep his capabilities run.

Sorry for the wait. The serial’s back on.

I’ve had a rough year—personal stuff, mental strain, couldn’t write at all.

But I’ve managed to shift my mindset. I’ll keep writing from here on out.

Today marked my fifth anniversary since debut.

Haven’t read the comment section in almost a year, so I’ll go through it bit by bit.

Thanks for reading.