Chapter 29

"Absolutely not."

"Oh?"

"See, I knew it. Just as I thought."

"Yeah, I thought you'd refuse... I mean, who would nod and smile at a request like that? I don't even know what I'm getting into with this noble's penance."

A runaway noble? A plot-filled request?

This is a minefield, isn't it? Can't the invention of gunpowder wait until after I'm dead?

"I totally understand how you feel, Mongrel-senpai. I'm not really into it either."

"Well, I do feel a bit of sympathy for Bridget, but—"

"I get it personally, too. Guarding a noble lady isn't exactly swinging a sword; it's more like being a decorative piece. It's bound to be boring. But it's definitely a privileged job. If I were a parent, I'd want my kid to get a promotion quickly. But I don't want to get involved in this mess."

Why do you think I'm staying at Bronze? I don't want to deal with troublesome requests like this. Don't drag me into it.

"Hmm. The mission itself is just one day, and the reward is substantial. We can also add some color to it from the Artemis side."

"The money is tempting, but can I really spend a whole day with a noble's daughter? If something goes wrong, I'll be held responsible."

I don't even need the money. If I need it, I can earn it. I avoid it because having money makes me a target for crime. This mission is all downside for me, with no benefits.

"By the way, the specific reward amount is this."

"..."

I was shown a small piece of paper with something written on it, so I took a look.

...Hmm, hmm, hmm. Well, it's a decent amount...

"Mongrel, what are you afraid of?"

"Of course, the nobles. You never know what they'll do. It's scary. I'm not used to dealing with nobles and important people like you guys in Artemis."

"Excessive fear. The Samseria Baron's family is small and has no significant power to influence the world. They are a poor family, barely able to add some color to their request through the guild."

In the center of the quiet market, standing against a large stone statue, Nastasha leaned back, her ample chest prominent. It's big.

"...Mongrel-senpai, what are you looking at?"

"Your chest."

"You're not even trying to hide your gaze or intentions..."

"You're the worst."

Well, you guys are voids, right? Men can't help but look at things like this. It's inevitable.

If you don't want to be looked at, wear more than just a robe. It's this season, after all.

"If my chest interests you, you can touch it. But only if you accept the guard request."

"Nastasha-san!? Wait, that's a bit much, isn't it?"

"..."

"Mongrel-senpai, why are you thinking so hard!?"

"Ouch, stop kicking me, stop kicking me."

Can't help it, I'm a guy. Ulrika, you understand, right?

No, you don't. You're looking at me like you don't understand.

"The Samseria Baron's family simply wants to prevent their daughter from running away. For this, you just need to walk around the winter forest, where there are no prey. You just need to keep Bridget from getting bored. You don't need to make her have fun. If necessary, we will entertain her. Mongrel, you just need to be the front-line guard."

"Why hire me specifically? Don't you have a front-line guard already?"

"Gorilliana is excellent, but she's alone. There were a few more a year ago... but this time, with the increase in the number of people to protect, we want to have a strong front line. As you pointed out, failure is not an option."

The winter forest has fewer monsters, but the ones that do appear are often very aggressive and tough. It's possible that the front-line guard will be burdened. In that sense, Nastasha's judgment is not wrong.

...But I can't shake the feeling that this woman has other motives. She doesn't seem to be blinded by greed like other nobles, but she gives off a troublesome aura. Her eyes are especially scary.

Well, I'm not as knowledgeable about nobles as Artemis is.

The Samseria Baron's family. If they lack power, then that's probably true.

Is it really? I can't verify it, so I have no idea.

...For example, if Gorilliana were the only front-line guard, she would have to protect the noble while also protecting the rear of Artemis, which would put the rear of Artemis in danger... Rina and Ulrika would be in danger too. No, in this line of work, everyone is in danger, so there's no need to think about it. Hmm.

"Basically, I don't want to reveal my race to them. It's obvious that I have Sangreel blood. If it's revealed, it's bad."

"Just hide it. With that amount of white hair, you can hide it by wrapping your head in bandages and wearing a helmet. You can even join without accepting the guild's request and keep your identity hidden. We'll pay you."

"I don't want to do anything shady... There are others, too. There are other skilled front-line guards besides me."

"Mongrel-senpai, you really don't want to come..."

I really don't want to. From the bottom of my heart.

So stop looking at me like that.

"From what I see, Mongrel, your sword skills are among the best in the guild."

"Thanks, I guess..."

"Besides, we're not strangers. You've known Rina for a long time. Think of it as helping us. How about it? Can you do this one-day job?"

Hmm, it's a tough decision.

If the Samseria Baron's family is as insignificant as they say, maybe it's okay.

Plus, if I hate nobles so much, it would be unnatural to keep refusing a well-paying job...

...On the other hand, could this be a chance to boldly earn some extra income?

If I can start making those convenient items I've been putting off... No, no, calm down. I'm getting too optimistic.

Think rationally. Compare the benefits and drawbacks. Focus on the total drawbacks. That's how I've lived so far.

"Hmm... You're more stubborn than I thought. The only concession I can make is to invite you to the Artemis clan house for a warm bath after the mission..."

"Wait, a bath?"

"?"

"Your eyes changed."

"Your reaction was intense."

"Of course, I'm not going to agree just for one bath, right?"

"...I'm not good with fire magic. It's hard to heat the water. Two times is the most I can manage."

"Two times...? I'll take it. I'll definitely join the mission."

I bowed sharply and accepted the offer.

"Well, sure, a bath is great... but to change your attitude so drastically...?"

"I can't help it for a winter bath..."

Public baths are ridiculously expensive and disgustingly dirty. They're completely different...

And the fancy, clean baths that cost more are unsettling because girls come in together...

"...I don't understand, but I appreciate your acceptance. I'll count on you."

"Leave it to me, Nastasha. But I'll leave all the noble's company to you."

"...You're a strange person, Mongrel-san."

"That's just who he is, Ulrika-senpai."

And so, I gained the right to a bath tomorrow. Yes!

...Rational thinking? Drawbacks? What was that again? The itchy head talk?