Chapter 24

"Well, do you still have any complaints?"

Crossing her arms, her gaze was sharp.

Sarena, having finished her demonstration, quietly asked Meigen.

"Do you?"

Lucy also chimed in, looking smug.

You should go home already.

In response, Meigen stood there with his mouth agape, dazed.

However, after Sarena's call, he finally regained his composure and began to speak apologetically.

"...No. Your skills were truly remarkable. Miss Gardener, I apologize for doubting you."

"No, no, your concerns were valid. Please raise your head."

At the same time, I hurriedly spoke to Meigen, who was bowing in apology, including to me.

Even if he says he's apologizing, he didn't seem to have any hostility towards me. I see him as a guild administrator who was genuinely worried.

It would be troublesome if a random middle-aged man suddenly offered to train newbies. In that sense, his stance was correct.

Still, I don't understand how he came to approve of me.

I was just defending myself, after all.

"Hehe, then it's settled. I look forward to working with you."

"...Understood."

Nidas' words settled the atmosphere.

...I really can't say no, can I? I want to, though.

"By the way, let me introduce the people who will be taking care of you. Meigen, please bring them here."

"Yes, sir."

It seems they will also introduce the new adventurers here.

Indeed, this is a training ground, and it's not unusual for newbies to be here. Since they will be accompanying us, it's better to know their faces and names beforehand.

There are a lot more adventurers than knights, so it would be difficult to find them without information.

"...I apologize. Meigen is excellent, but he is rather rigid."

"...Ah, no, it's fine."

Taking advantage of Meigen's absence, Nidas whispered to me.

I've thought this many times, but his concerns were valid, so it's not my place to interfere. I understand that.

Rather, I wish he would show a bit more consideration for me, who will have to bear this burden. Is that too much to ask? Probably.

"...Sarena, do all adventurers work alone like you?"

After accepting Nidas' small apology, feeling a bit idle, I casually asked Sarena.

I realize now that I was ignorant about adventurers, just as I was about the knights. I should at least know the basics.

"No, most form teams of three to six people. Too many can lead to coordination issues and disputes over rewards, so they usually stick to that number. I usually work solo, but I do form teams occasionally."

Sarena spoke smoothly, almost like a teacher.

I see, so they usually work in teams. That makes sense; there are limits to what one person can do, and having companions is better than being alone, especially for dangerous jobs.

"I'll join you when you attack the dungeon. I'll help out."

"No, I don't think that will ever happen."

"Why not!"

I cut off Lucy's words.

Who would eagerly volunteer for a dungeon attack? I'm not after a quick fortune or fame. I just want to live a peaceful life as a sword instructor.

Seriously, what is she even here for? Go home.

"You'll be the front-liner, and I'll be the back-liner, right? I think it's a good combination..."

"I won't deny it, but I don't think I can keep up with that."

Muttering, Lucy started to imagine a nonexistent plan.

As she said, a swordsman and a mage are a bad match in combat, but as a team, they are quite compatible. Whether it will happen is another matter.

"Everyone, thank you for waiting."

A while later, Meigen returned with a group of three young men and women.

Observing them casually, it's clear they are extremely nervous.

Of course, it's not often that newbies get to talk to Black Rank adventurers. It's understandable that they are nervous.

"Everyone, introduce yourselves."

"Y-Yes!"

Following Meigen's words, the three of them spoke up almost simultaneously.

"I-I'm Porta! I'm a swordsman!"

"I-I'm Nidori... I'm also a swordsman..."

"...Saricats..."

Wow, they are really nervous.

I'm worried if they will be okay during the actual dungeon attack.

They seem to be a team of two men and one woman.

From their badges, Porta and Nidori are Bronze Rank, and Saricats is Silver Rank. But at this level, there's not much difference.

"I'm Beryl Gardener. Nice to meet you."

"I'm Sarena Lisandra. I will be supervising your team along with Mr. Beryl Gardener. By the way, does this team have a dedicated scout, or are all of you responsible for it?"

I greeted them along with Sarena.

But what is a scout? It's a new term to