Chapter 48

Zect and Mizuha were assigned to the guild dormitory, with Zect joining the "Exploration and Execution Department" to carry out requests and sometimes explore dungeons, while Mizuha joined the "Information Department" as an apprentice.

Mizuha also wanted to work as a waitress, so she was learning the job under Verlene. She mentioned that before joining my guild, she rarely left her home and felt quite confined, so she was extremely happy to be able to work outside.

"Mizuha greets everyone so cheerfully, and the regulars really appreciate it. Please keep it up."

"Yes! I'll do my best from now on!"

Right after opening, Verlene encouraged Mizuha, and at that moment, a customer came in.

One was a woman with long black hair tied with a red ribbon, wearing a dark brown cloak. Under the cloak, she wore a blouse and skirt, but it was clear that she had made an effort to avoid drawing attention.

The other was a tall, muscular man with silver hair tied back. He was middle-aged but had sharp blue eyes that made Mizuha flinch when she saw him. He also wore a dark navy cloak, almost black. Given his large build, he would attract attention no matter what he wore.

These two were the guild masters of "Red Twin Inn" and "Black Lion Inn." The woman was Sheryon Hertis, and the man was Leonid Balansh.

"Welcome, please follow me to your seats."

"Oh, Dick, did you have a daughter I didn't know about? And with a fox person, no less. You're full of surprises."

Despite his intimidating appearance, Leonid had a rather light-hearted personality. The idea that Mizuha was my daughter was absurd. I'd prefer if he at least called her my sister, but would that be too much to ask of Zect?

"Mizuha being Dick's daughter... Verlene, what do you think?"

"Setting her up as my and Master's daughter wouldn't be a problem."

"That's clearly a problem. Leonid, we last met about half a year ago. Even if beast people grow quickly, she can't be my daughter. And please don't call me by my name inside the shop."

"…You should be grateful that I even wore a cloak. It's quite hot outside, and it gets stuffy inside."

Sheryon—known affectionately as Sherry—pulled at her cloak to let in some air. She was sensitive to heat, so the current weather in June was quite uncomfortable for her.

"I met her by chance. Don't worry, Dick."

"…We're about as far apart in age as I am from my grandfather, so there's no chance of a misunderstanding."

"Haha, then maybe I'll go on a date with my grandson next time."

Leonid, who is old enough to have grandchildren, is one of the oldest guild masters. His adventurer strength is 54,820, which has declined from his younger days but still maintains an SS rank, making him a seasoned spear fighter who leads "Black Lion Inn" actively.

Sherry, on the other hand, is a red mage, a special profession. She is a versatile type like me, but the types of magic she can use are different.

She can attack and heal, but she also has special magic to manipulate men. I am resistant to it, but her magic is exceptionally strong against men. Considering this, her adventurer strength is 33,927, equivalent to an S rank.

The minimum rank required for a guild master is S. However, since guild masters rarely carry out requests themselves, their strength does not determine the guild's ranking. Both of these guilds are considered mid-level among the 12 guilds.

"Mizuha, please show them to a private room."

"Yes, I understand. This way, please."

Sherry and Leonid glanced at me before entering the partitioned seats. It was early in the day, and the few customers were focused on their meals, so no one noticed the arrival of the two guild masters.

◆◇◆

Sherry, who is known by her nickname, prefers sweet sherry. Since she seemed thirsty, I recommended a blend of citrus juice and sherry to help hydrate her.

Leonid ordered a black ale in a mug, so I got the same. Although we didn't gather to drink, I wanted to treat them properly since they came to the tavern.

"Let's toast to the prosperity of the three guilds. Cheers!"

Leonid, as if to boost the mood, drained the ale from his wooden mug. Sherry took a sip and murmured, "Delicious."

"Phew... Delicious. The ale from this shop is special indeed."

"...Dick, I heard you wanted to talk. What's up?"

Sherry spoke matter-of-factly. After sitting down and removing her cloak, her large chest was on the table—whether she was aware of it or not, I didn't want to point it out in front of Leonid, so I continued the conversation.

"Sherry, what kind of requests is your guild getting from White Goat Inn? Just tell me what you can."

"...I was planning to wait and see before talking about it. Did you already notice something, Dick?"

"What is it? Is White Goat Inn up to something? We can't ignore that."

Just as Leonid was getting worked up, Mizuha brought a refill of ale. Verlene must have seen how much Leonid was drinking and sent her with the refill.

"Here's your refill, sir."

"Oh, you're attentive. Thank you, miss. Here's a tip. Buy something you like."

"Um... Can I really take it? I mean, is it okay?"

"Yes, take it. This man never puts away the tips he gives."

Mizuha took the gold coin, bowed, and left. Leonid, who doesn't carry anything less than silver and doesn't take change, apparently doesn't keep much money on hand as a guild master.

After Mizuha left, Sherry continued after a while. It seemed to be information she couldn't easily share with my guild members.

"Recently, some of the requests from White Goat Inn are like 'experiments.'"

"Experiments...?"

"Requests to test the effects of new magic items that haven't been released yet... I think. It's not written that way, but the content of the request suggests it."

This sudden unsettling information made my trust in White Goat Inn waver significantly.

They are conducting unauthorized magic item experiments through their subordinate guilds. If true, this could be illegal. The collars used by the Garamdoor Trading Company were also magic items, and depending on their use, magic items can be illegal to possess. They must be approved and accepted for use in the capital.

"What kind of new magic item is it?"

"...I haven't seen the actual item because I didn't take the request. But from the content of the request, I think it's something to control people's actions."

"A hypnotic magic item... That's not good. It's bound to be used for nefarious purposes."

This information strongly suggested that White Goat Inn was involved in the trafficking of beast people.

The collars used to sell Mizuha and others as rare animals were, in a sense, magic items to hypnotize beast people.

Not only that, but if they were making hypnotic magic items for humans as well—there weren't many good uses for such items.

"Have other guilds taken these requests?"

"...I asked other guilds because I was curious. I confirmed that some guilds refused, but 'Purple Scorpion Inn' didn't respond."

"Sherry, are you okay? Did they target you for asking around?"

"No problem. If 'Purple Scorpion Inn' has something to hide, I'm prepared to fight. It's a hassle, but it can't be helped."

Sherry, with her sleepy eyes, had the pride and strong sense of responsibility of a guild master.

Sherry took a sip from her glass to moisten her throat and looked at me with sleepy eyes.

"...It's difficult to confront White Goat Inn. Guilds that accept the magic item experiment requests are infiltrated by White Goat Inn's executives to prevent information from leaking out. 'Purple Scorpion Inn' is already in that state."

"That means if Sherry took the request, White Goat Inn would have infiltrated your guild."

"Yes. White Goat Inn has two SS-rank executives. If they come in, they'll wreak havoc in the guild..."

Zect, who had SS-rank strength, didn't have the ambition to interfere with other guilds. If the executives of White Goat Inn were the type to use any means to control other guilds as they saw fit...

Sherry's shoulders were trembling slightly. She had been enduring the threat of White Goat Inn's executives coming at any time.

"I should have known about White Goat Inn's movements earlier. I'm sorry for being slow."

"...No, it's not your fault. As a subordinate of White Goat Inn, I shouldn't go against their orders. But they did give us good jobs before. The situation has just changed."

"Something must have happened at White Goat Inn, or the guild masters changed their minds... Should we talk to them directly? What do you think, Dick?"

"It's better to keep our suspicions hidden for now. If White Goat Inn starts to check on us, it could get complicated with so many people involved."

On the other hand, considering Sherry's situation, it was important to reassure her first.

Leonid seemed to think the same way. After finishing his second ale, he crossed his arms and said,

"White Goat Inn, as an adventurer guild, claimed to maintain the order of the capital. But it seems their intentions have become twisted."

"...I'm not sure. I might be overthinking it... But I have a copy of the request from White Goat Inn. I want Dick to see it."

I considered asking an information department member, but I understood why Sherry wanted me to see it.

As long as White Goat Inn doesn't find out I visited "Red Twin Inn," it should be fine. I'll have to act covertly, like I did before the information department was established.

"Alright. I'll visit 'Red Twin Inn.'"

When I answered, Sherry placed her hand on her chest, looking relieved. She finally relaxed, the first time since she came to the shop.

She must have been tense all along. Considering the situation her guild was in, it was understandable. She must have come to my shop with the intention of seeking help.

However, as a guild master, she carries the lives of all the guild members. That's why she doesn't easily show weakness. Sherry has that strength.

Sherry reached for her glass again, but her