Chapter 26

In this world, there are monsters that are deeply feared.

If I were to compare it to Monster Hunter, it would be something like an Elder Dragon, a monster that just by existing is a threat and a menace. Such creatures also exist in this world.

For example, the Harvestman Mantis, which killed two members of the "Harvest Sword" party. It is an insect-type monster that inhabits the forested areas along the border between the Halperia Kingdom and the Sangreale Holy Kingdom. While it cannot fly, it is a dominant force on land. When I heard that "Harvest Sword" had somehow managed to slay this beast, I was truly amazed. I heard that the party even displayed the Harvestman Mantis's scythe as a trophy in their clan house lobby, a major achievement. In fact, how many years has it been since a sword was used to slay one? It might go back a decade or so. It's that level of achievement, and that level of formidable enemy. The proper method to defeat a Harvestman Mantis would be with a weapon like a morning star, which can break through its tough exoskeleton. This is not unrelated to the development of unique weapons in Sangreale.

Another monster that inhabits the border is the Asteroid Fortress, which lives in the Rymkel Lake in the plains. Despite its name sounding very sci-fi, it is a large starfish-type monster. It carries mermen, a type of aquatic demon, on its thick, massive body and advances from the lake to attack land prey, essentially serving as a terrestrial base for aquatic creatures. The tentacles that grow densely on its underside undulate to move the body forward, while the mermen on top attack with spears and magic. The mermen themselves are smaller than humans, but their coordination is impressive. The most troublesome aspect is the water magic used by the Asteroid Fortress. It can manifest the magic it uses within its body, causing it to swell several times in size, literally becoming a massive "fortress." The mermen attacking from the rapidly growing fortress become even more troublesome, and the Asteroid Fortress itself launches long-range attacks with water magic, making it a nearly impossible challenge. However, its weakness is slashing attacks, deep cuts from Halperia's specialty, longswords or halberds. These are the shortest route to defeating the inflated body of the Asteroid Fortress. Although it is said that countless of these creatures live at the bottom of the lake, making eradication impossible.

Even in nearby areas, such monsters exist in this world. In more distant places, there are dragons and giant golems and the like. However, it's unlikely that the Regal branch would send out a hunting party for them. They would only encounter such creatures if they went on multiple expeditions.

Nevertheless, terrifying enemies are close at hand. When it comes to the most immediate and terrifying presence in Regal, everyone would point to one race.

That is, the nobility.

"Is this the Regal branch of the Guild?"

A woman entered the Guild. It was a time when the cold had intensified, and fewer Guild members were going out to work. At this time of year, it's not uncommon for unfortunate country folk to be evicted from their homes just before winter, but the woman who was here now was dressed exceptionally well. No, too well. Her long, straight black hair, blue eyes, and a polished, expensive-looking armor that showed no signs of damage. And a longsword that looked so luxurious it wouldn't even be found in a blacksmith's non-sale items.

"My name is... Bridget. I am a swordsman traveling through. Is this the place to register as a Guild member? I would like to register."

She is definitely a noble. Thank you very much.

"Um... Miss Bridget, right? ...Do you have a last name?"

"Commoners don't have last names. It's common knowledge."

"Ah, I see. Then, Miss Bridget... Your specialty is a swordsman, correct?"

"Indeed. I cannot name my school, however."

"School, ah, I see."

Mylene was unusually flustered, and I stood up from my seat. On the table was a game of Reversi, and across from me sat Lina, who was looking at me with a deadpan expression.

"Should we move the table over?"

"Sure, I guess. But no interruptions."

Lina and I were passing the time in the Guild's tavern. We had started a game of Reversi on a whim, but unexpectedly, or rather, unexpectedly, Lina was incredibly strong, and I was on the verge of giving up.

"Strange, isn't Reversi a game where you win by taking the corners?"

"...Mongrel-senpai, you're being obvious about avoiding her. Who is she?"

"Ah... a noble. No doubt about it."

I replied in a low voice.

"Noble..."

"Sometimes they come down from their castles, thinking they can rise through their own skills. They're crazy, but that's what they are."

"Why would they want to be Guild members... Senpai, can you stop flipping the board?"

"Oops, sorry. ...Her equipment and demeanor are not those of a commoner. They are truly troublesome, so it's best to avoid them."

"Shouldn't you make connections with nobles?"

"Only if they are other nobles or merchants. For commoners, it's best to avoid them. They are just trouble."

If she's here at this time of year, it's probably because she's tired of a life with nothing to do but winter social events. Or perhaps she is extremely confident in her skills... which she undoubtedly is. If she weren't, she wouldn't have come alone. The fact that she has no guards suggests either she is extremely skilled or has managed to lose all her guards... but in her case, it's probably both.

The people in the tavern seem to have a sense of who this woman named Bridget is, as no one is trying to talk to her or even smile. Even those who usually complain about the cold when they come in from outside are keeping quiet, treating her as a genuine threat.

"I wish to take on a slaying mission."

No way, idiot, this is the wrong time of year. Come a month earlier. Can't you see we're idle? This is what it's like near winter.

"I'm sorry, but there are no urgent slaying missions available at the moment..."

"Hmm, none, I see. It's a good thing, but the goblins haven't gone extinct, have they?"

"Deep in the Baroa Forest, there are goblins that have retreated to their nests... but finding them would be difficult and not worth the effort. We can't offer a reward for that either."

"Hmm."

She must have been very eager to slay something. Bridget didn't ask about other missions and was groaning in frustration.

...She's an Iron Rank, so she should do more basic jobs. But she probably didn't come here for that.

"...I see. Then there's nothing I can do. I'll just register for today. I'll come back another day."

"Y-Yes. Another time..."

...With that, the woman who called herself a commoner and a traveling swordsman, Bridget, left the Guild.

The sound of the door closing was followed by deep sighs from all over the Guild. Even Mylene looked exhausted, which shows how much of a hassle it was.

"Phew, that was tough, Mylene."

"...It's just part of the job."

I can only manage a wry smile. I understand how she feels.

"There have been a lot of these... people coming for fun lately."

"We had a similar one here three days ago when we were drinking."

"Too much play, I guess..."

When they talk about this kind of thing, they don't use the word "noble" openly.

If they were overheard, it could cause trouble. While it's unlikely to result in severe punishment, a vindictive noble could make things very difficult. It's better to be cautious.

"Man, the atmosphere was different."

"Yeah. Just having her around makes you hesitant to say anything. For her, it's probably a relief to show her seal later, but for us, it's a threat."

"Seal? ...Senpai, can you stop flipping the board again?"

"Oops, sorry."

"You're doing it on purpose. Just admit you lost."

"Let's end this game."

"...You were so proud of your winning strategy, but... whatever..."

I thought I could win too.

But I didn't expect someone who grew up playing Reversi to be this strong. And the idea that taking the corners guarantees a win is a complete illusion. I might have been making beginner moves all along.

"Anyway, Lina, you might not fully understand because of Artemis... or Shina and Nastasha, but be careful around those from the capital or nobles. You never know what they might do on a whim."

If that woman had looked at me and said, "You Sangreale scum," and drawn her sword, we would be in serious trouble.

Without any backing, we could easily be destroyed by a single noble's whim.

"Nobles are really scary, huh?"

"As long as you keep that fear, you'll be able to manage at the very least. Don't forget that."

"Got it. Hey, since I won, you owe me a drink."

"Tch, you remembered."