Chapter 45

The Blue Archer Inn was involved in the Garamdoor Chamber's beastfolk trafficking.

Since Mizuha, who was actually caught, said so, I decided to believe her. There is still no concrete evidence to prove the connection between the two organizations, and with only circumstantial evidence, we can expose Garamdoor, but we cannot hold the Blue Archer Inn accountable.

In that case, we need decisive evidence—just as I was thinking this, Sakuya entered through the back door of the shop. She had apparently been watching our conversation.

"Master, there are signs that the beastfolk Garamdoor had imprisoned in the attic of their trading house have been moved to another location. I have a good idea where it is..."

"Still doing a great job, Sakuya. So, where is this place?"

"Please look at this map. It's this inn on Eleventh Street. On the surface, it's just a cheap inn, but there have been eyewitness reports of Garamdoor personnel bringing in large items late at night. There's probably a basement or a hidden room."

Upon hearing that the beastfolk were being held captive, Zekt and Mizuha's expressions darkened. Zekt was angry, and Mizuha was clearly furious.

She's not afraid; this girl intends to fight. Since she managed to give Aileen a hard time, this small body must indeed harbor considerable strength.

"Let me help too. I want to get back at them, but that's not all. I want to save the others who are being held captive."

"...I want to get involved too. I won't kill anyone in the capital easily. I promise not to do anything that would tarnish the guild's reputation."

Zekt and Mizuha. An SS-ranked adventurer and a beastgirl who managed to make Aileen exert considerable effort. These two alone are enough, but I'll let one more person join them.

"I will guide the two of them... Is that acceptable?"

"Yes, that would be a great help. Sorry for keeping you so busy."

"No, it's something I want to do too."

I can feel Sakuya's desire to save the beastfolk. That's why she investigated to the point of identifying the location of the captivity. If left alone, she might have tried to rescue the captives on her own.

"Rigel, Ria, McKinley. That's all for today, good work. Take a good rest."

"Sure! We'd like to join too, but we'd stand out if there were too many of us."

"If we need more help, we'll be ready to move at any time."

Rigel and McKinley answered and returned to the guild members' dormitory.

"...Guild Master, if possible, I'd like to go with them... As a fellow beastfolk, I want to help those who are being oppressed."

"Are you sure? You just got back from a mission and aren't tired?"

"...Thank you, but there's no need to worry. I'm confident in my stamina."

I use 'Healing Light' to restore Ria's stamina. Since I'm at it, I'll use it on everyone—this won't consume much magic power.

"Master, to think you would even restore me... Your thoughtfulness moves me."

"Even professional priests hesitate to use healing magic due to the significant loss of magic power... I'm always impressed by the Guild Master's compassionate heart."

"...What exactly is the Guild Master's profession?"

"Hey, brother, the Guild Master is a Guild Master, isn't he? Right?"

"Unfortunately, I don't carry my guild tag. It should be written there, though."

I dodge the question, but thinking about what's written on my guild tag, I can't show it.

What is the profession of an SSS-ranked adventurer who has been recognized and has defeated the Demon King? If that were known, all my efforts to stay out of the spotlight would be for nothing.

However, I've been thinking recently that I might be overstepping by trying to influence the stage from the shadows while remaining hidden.

As I think about returning to my roots, Aileen looks at Mizuha and seems to notice something.

"Ah, right. Mizuha, just wearing that coat will be cold. It's better to change clothes before we go. My house is nearby, so I can bring you some clothes."

"There are also maid uniforms for petite staff on the second floor of the shop... Which would you prefer?"

"Is that okay? Well, which one is better...?"

Aileen's martial artist outfit—a deep-slit dress and a maid uniform. These two choices seem to be equally appealing to Mizuha.

"...If you're going to work here, you can wear the maid uniform anytime. Can I borrow Aileen's clothes?"

"Sure, I'll be right back. Wait here."

Aileen leaves through the back door to go home. As she watches her go, Verlene puts her hand to her cheek and says,

"I want our staff to always be prepared to wear maid uniforms... But I feel a bit of regret, as if I've lost to Aileen."

"Assuming you'll work as a staff member, your assignment hasn't been decided yet. How about working with Zekt?"

"Guild Master, you don't need to use formal language with me. I'm your subordinate, so don't worry. It's not my place to say, but..."

"I understand, Zekt, that's fine."

"Sorry, brother is as inflexible as he looks. He's always been like that."

"...Sorry."

Zekt says this unenthusiastically, but he doesn't seem to be that angry. Mizuha knows her brother isn't really angry and is probably joking.

"...Do you want to take a bath before changing? Or after you get back?"

"Ah... I'm sorry. I haven't taken a bath in days, so you must be worried... about the smell..."

"It's not that bad. My coat is odorless."

"What are you talking about? I'm just enduring it. How many days have you gone without washing this thing?"

Adventurers often camp, so they get used to their own smell, but this reminds me of the importance of bathing.

I used to go days without a bath when I ran through the wilderness. My sisters often forced me to take a bath, but now I understand their feelings. Baths are great. Filling a bathtub is a luxury, but it's best to take one every day.

"Verlene, can you quickly give her a bath? Considering she'll be wearing Aileen's clothes, it's better."

"Sure? It's been a while since I've had a bath, and I can take one now... This guild is great, isn't it? Brother, don't you think so?"

"It's good that you're feeling better, but don't get too excited. I have a sense of shame too."

"Since she's such a cute little sister, a bit of mischief should be overlooked."

"Verlene is so kind... I like you, sister. Can I live here alone? Brother can live in his room, and I'll visit him."

Zekt is flustered by his sister's antics. Seeing him like this, it's easy to forget he's an SS-ranked adventurer. However, the achievements he left behind while at the Blue Archer Inn match his capabilities.

For him, rescuing the beastfolk from the dungeon won't be difficult. With Sakuya joining them, I can wait at the shop, drinking as usual, with peace of mind.

"...Master, are you going to hire Mizuha as a signboard girl? I think she has potential for the information department too."

"Ah, you noticed too. This brother and sister are both excellent, from what I've seen."

"Yes. How about testing their adventurer strength once?"

Mizuha's strength might match or even surpass Sakuya's. If she becomes stronger when she transforms, she might be equivalent to A or S rank in her current beastfolk form.

I need to buy a new measurement device since I broke the old one. Alternatively, I could take them to a measurement specialist.

◆◇◆

As expected, the inn where Garamdoor was holding the beastfolk had a hidden dungeon underground. The Blue Archer Inn's guild members were guarding it, but there was only one B-rank and one C-rank man. Zekt and the others took them down and captured them before they realized who they were.

The captives were a wolf girl and a tanuki man. Both had transformation abilities and were restrained with collars that kept them in their beast forms, each in separate cells.

The collars made them revert to a wild state. Different types of beasts often attacked each other, and if the training didn't go well, they were abandoned.

Zekt and the others were enraged by this, but they didn't punish the innkeeper or the Blue Archer Inn's men on the spot.

We have enough evidence to expose the two organizations' crimes. There's no need for Zekt and Mizuha to take direct action.

Zekt carried the two rescued beastfolk back, so I asked a nearby moguri doctor to treat them and let them rest for the night. Sakuya said she had met the father of the wolf girl and arranged for the doctor to hand her over to him.

—And my shop is bustling as usual today.

Miralca and Yuma are here, drinking in a private room with Aileen. Rigel and the others have returned and joined Ria at a table, talking about today's adventure and having a good time. Ria is usually quiet, nodding along with the men's conversation and occasionally making sharp, insightful comments.

At the counter, Mizuha, wearing a similar outfit to Aileen with her fox ears hidden under a hat, sits with Zekt and Sakuya. Sakuya rarely drinks here, but today she seems in the mood, chatting with Verlene and sipping a carrot liqueur mixed with citrus juice.

"Thank you for your hard work, Sakuya. You seem particularly cheerful today."

"Yes, I always have fulfilling work, but today was especially joyful..."

While the conversation between the two adult women is interesting, I prepare something for Mizuha and Zekt, who are sitting next to me.

"Here, I made something. I don't know if you'll like it, but try it if you want."

Verlene brings the drinks and sets them down in front of me with a light tap.

"...This scent..."

I slide the two glasses on coasters across the counter.

"...Kokonobi fruit with goat's milk... How did you...?"

The goat is a hardy animal typical of cold regions. The 'fox people,' who are related to the blue foxes, are known for raising goats.

I assumed that goat's milk would be familiar to Zekt and Mizuha.

I peeled the Kokonobi fruit, mashed the white flesh, strained it, and seasoned it with spices and honey. I mixed it with cold goat's milk in a shaker. This is the 'Kokonobi Shake' I made for Mizuha.

For Zekt, I made 'Kokonobi Rum,' infusing the fruit in rum to extract its flavor. I wasn't sure how much essence would come out in a day, but it worked beautifully.

The Kokonobi fruit is blue, which isn't very appetizing, but the inside is white. However, I noticed that the fruit contains yellow pigments, so the Kokonobi Rum has a slight yellow tint.

"Try it. I think it has a familiar taste for blue foxes..."

"...When did you get this? Did you prepare it knowing we would come...?"

I don't answer. I don't think everything went as I expected, and I don't know if the taste will satisfy them.

"...Thank you. Mmm... rich... rich..."

Mizuha holds the glass with both hands and takes a cautious sip. Then, to my surprise, she starts drinking it eagerly.

"...It tastes like my mother's. From my village... the taste my mother made... it's not just that... ah, Kokonobi fruit can make such a delicious drink..."

Mizuha starts drinking again. She might not have had enough to eat in the ice cave.

Zekt also takes a sip of the rum. His eyes widen, and after glancing at his sister, he takes a second gulp.

"...On snowy days, we used to warm ourselves with alcohol. But to infuse Kokonobi in alcohol... where did you get such an idea?"

"This is a bar. I don't skimp on effort to make good drinks. I'm glad you like it."

I'm drinking a simple ale, but I tasted the drinks I made for them before serving.

If I can stabilize the supply of Kokonobi, the two drinks will surely be popular. Additionally, Kokonobi has the secondary effect of restoring magic power.

"...The Guild Master has a wonderful job. To make someone you just met so happy..."

Tears stream down Mizuha's smiling face. They might be tears of nostalgia for her hometown.

Verlene hands her a handkerchief. Watching her sister wipe her tears, Zekt stands up with his glass and comes to me.

"...It's a nostalgic taste. Guild Master, I'm sorry for the delay, but can I ask you again?"

I understand what he means. Mizuha also holds her glass and offers it to me.

I clink my wooden mug with Zekt's and Mizuha's and remind them again.

"When I'm drinking at the bar, treat me like a regular drunk. Calling me 'Guild Master' is forbidden."

Zekt and Mizuha look at each other. Verlene and Sakuya are also watching, smiling slightly—though they seem a bit exasperated by my insistence, my principles won't change.

The blue fox siblings accept my words and smile together.

It was the first time I saw Zekt smile. I thought it was his true self as a brother in front of his sister.