Chapter 42

The long-awaited spring had finally arrived.

For many, it was a season to resume activities and also a season for new beginnings.

First, as the snow melted and traffic on the streets became more active, the resumption of trade began with the passage of carriages.

For Regol, the birthplace of new products, it was truly the long-awaited spring. The products that had been diligently made during the winter were now being loaded up and sent off to the capital and various other cities.

Next was the movement of people. This was the peak season for job hunting and changing guild bases. Many guild members from other places would soon visit Regol, and many parties from Regol would set out on expeditions.

During the winter, there were many opportunities to deepen friendships with the locals in Regol, but now it was the season for activity. New encounters would increase, and so would farewells.

One such farewell was taking place at the West Gate of Regol.

"…I never thought that Brigitte, no, Lady Brigitte, was of the baronial family. Even though I was unaware, please forgive my many impolitenesses."

"Don't worry about it, Shina. And Nastasha. All the pretenses and failures in my mission were due to my own shortcomings. …Experiencing the life of a commoner has been a valuable experience for me. I am grateful."

Three extravagantly decorated carriages were parked near the carriage station at the West Gate.

These were carriages for nobles. And there, of course, was the noble. She was none other than the new female swordsman, Brigitte, who had endured hardships in the Baroan forest during the winter.

However, she was now wearing not her knight's armor but some kind of ceremonial attire. In this outfit, she looked like nothing but a well-bred young lady. Well, even before, she couldn't hide her lady-like aura.

Shina and Nastasha were facing her.

It seemed they had come to see Brigitte off.

Brigitte, heading to the capital as a female knight in the spring, was about to reveal her true identity. …Well, everyone had known from the beginning, but still.

"I thought that my time to live in the capital and convey my gratitude would be limited. That's why I decided to reveal my true identity to the two of you. This is just my selfishness. …I'm glad I could meet you before my departure."

"Lady Brigitte…"

"Please, no need for formalities. In front of you, I want to be just Brigitte, not Brigitte La Samseria. …I hope to work with you again on a mission someday."

"…Hehe, yes. It would be helpful if you were more familiar with marching by then."

"That's… quite harsh."

Brigitte, with a wry smile, did not take the hand of her attendant and nimbly climbed into the carriage.

"Farewell. I hope we meet again someday, somewhere."

"Yes, we will. Goodbye, Brigitte."

And so, the carriages carrying Brigitte set off towards the capital.

It was a touching farewell… or so it seemed. To me, it was more like a relief that a noble I had seen before was leaving Regol, adding to my peace of mind.

"…Mongrel, you should have at least said something."

"I don't want to. I'm working."

"You really don't like nobles, do you?"

"I like good nobles. But good nobles don't mess with commoners."

I was currently at the carriage station, engaged in loading and unloading trade goods.

It was a job that required Bronze-rank strength, and it paid quite well.

I had been secretly watching the farewell scene with Brigitte, hidden behind the cargo.

If this were an anime, I might have appeared as a background character.

"More importantly, Artemis' leader."

"What?"

"I heard that the new type of arrowheads you bought before were returned. What happened?"

"You're well-informed. …The arrowheads had weak points at the base. If the arrowheads were just fragile, it would be one thing, but they also seemed to damage the shafts, so we had no choice but to return them. We can't adopt them."

"Ah, I see. I'm not an expert in archery, but if a professional says so, it must be true."

I had practiced archery many times, but I still had no idea about the quality of equipment.

I was surprised to learn that there were even new types of arrowheads, but it seemed that new products often came with negative reviews. However, it was precisely because they were used in the field that feedback could be given to the manufacturers. It shouldn't be a one-sided effort by the manufacturers.

"Spring is a season with many small game, so durable equipment is easier to use. Even if the performance is high, it's no good if it breaks easily."

"I understand. The reliability of weapons is important."

"…Your weapon isn't as well-made as you say, is it?"

"What's wrong with my bastard sword?"

"Nothing, really."

The simpler the mechanism, the less likely it is to break. In that sense, my bastard sword, which was practical and free of unnecessary decorations, was an excellent partner.

Of course, it was also because I had reinforced it to the max.

"…Mongrel, Lina will reach Silver rank by the end of the year."

"Oh, she's going up already? That's fast."

Lina was currently Bronze 3. The speed of her rank-up was probably due to being in Artemis, but even so, it was quite fast.

However, to change the color of the rank, which means promotion, one must pass a rather strict examination. Even a diligent guild member like Lina would still need some time to reach Silver.

But to think that she could reach Silver in just over two years since becoming a guild member…

"Being overtaken by a junior. Aren't you jealous?"

"It's the job of the old to be happy about the growth of the young."

"You're 30, aren't you?"

"I'm still 29."

"It's the same."

29 and 30 are not the same. There's a difference like Mount Everest and the Mariana Trench.

Next time you ask me my age, I'll aim a bit higher, so be prepared.

"Lina… and recently Ulrika, are worried that your rank is stuck at Bronze. If you want to be a reliable senior to them, you should make up your mind soon."

"I can't give in on this."

"Are you afraid of conscription?"

You're sharp as always.

Well, conscription isn't the only reason for me.

"Half-elves are used up on the front lines."

"…It depends on the commander. These days, half-elves from Sangreal are not that rare. You fear the nobles too much."

"Fearing them is better than not. Everyone has only one life. And most people have only one soul. It's too late to regret after death."

I don't plan to die even if I'm sent to the front lines.

But what's the point of going on a one-man rampage against the Sangreal army?

Would I be celebrated as a hero on the battlefield and promoted to a centurion? Maybe I could even become a legion commander. It would be an over-the-top career path for a commoner.

But I don't desire such a career at all.

I don't want to be bound by the state.

"Shina, if you're going to call yourself the leader of a party, you should make sure your juniors don't die. With the influx of new members in the coming season, there will be many who don't know the reputation of Artemis. A party of only women is a target for trouble."

"I know that without you telling me. I'm making sure they act as a group for now."

New members. We call guild parties from other cities that make Regol their home during the boom "new members."

Usually, the jobs in their home cities are divided to the maximum, so moving to another city doesn't work out well. But during the spring and summer, when there are many jobs, there is plenty of room to move in. If they can knock out existing parties during this time… that's a common pattern of conflict.

"Hmm. But Mongrel, you're a solo half-elf, and you're a prime target for other guild members. You should worry about yourself before worrying about us in Artemis."

"That's a fair point."

By the way, Nastasha had only waved her hand slightly during the farewell scene with Brigitte. She's a rather aloof person.

"But you don't need to worry about me. If anyone tries to mess with me outside, I'll just beat them up."

"What's with that strange expression?"

In other words, I'll stomp on them.

In this world, the punishment for stomping is surprisingly light.

I wonder why. It's a normal injury.

"Hey, strong guy! Get back over here! All the heavy stuff is piling up!"

"Sure thing! Well, back to work. See you later."

"Yes, I'm sorry for the interruption."

In any case, it's time to get back to work.

While working, I'll mix in Lord Chaos' letters to promising destinations.