Chapter 5

"Excuse me, how much is this?"

After picking up the magic wand and checking its handling, I asked the old, white-haired magician who was sitting at the counter, smoking a pipe.

The store was filled with a variety of items such as scrolls, crystal balls, and dried lizards, giving it a typical magician's shop atmosphere.

After traveling along the road and arriving at the local city of Shilun, it was decided that the Forest Birds would temporarily act separately. They were going to sell the ant jaws to the guild's branch. After that, they would meet up again after purchasing supplies and other tasks, and then set off for Termwillis.

Although they seemed to want to ask about my situation, they restrained themselves. They didn't pry into Grace's matters either, so it seemed we could maintain a good relationship. There must be something like a "taboo among adventurers," where each person has their own story, and those who pry into others' pasts are disliked.

I think they imagined a lot based on my story about leaving home because I disliked it. After all, there's no reason for a noble family to let go of a capable person.

Perhaps it's also due to the experience that getting involved in a noble family's affairs can lead to trouble.

In any case, if asked, I can only say that I learned wand techniques and magic almost entirely on my own.

Although I also learned martial arts as a noble's pastime, it was only a place where I was beaten by Byron and Daryl under the guise of training, so it was a matter of having talent or not. I even refused to accompany Grace on martial arts training days because I didn't want her to see it.

"Hmm? Isn't that a bit too big for you?"

After comparing the wand I brought with me to myself, the old magician, the shop owner, adjusted his monocle and tilted his head.

"It's fine because I use it with wand techniques. If it's too small, I'll have to replace it as I grow."

"Ho, wand techniques. It's rare to see someone your age aspire to wand techniques."

"I learned it on my own, referring to literature and other martial arts. There are some similarities to using swords and spears as extensions."

"Indeed. But for someone who learned on their own, you're quite knowledgeable. Most young mages are only interested in flashy fire magic."

The shop owner seemed to be in a good mood after talking about wand techniques. "Thrust and it becomes a spear, sweep and it becomes a naginata, hold and it becomes a sword" — this is a famous saying from a certain Japanese staff technique school, succinctly showing the versatility, usefulness, and nature of staff techniques.

I turned slightly to look at Grace, who was looking around the store with interest. I feel that she also doesn't ask about my situation much.

Does she think it's the result of my secret efforts, or has she decided to wait until I talk about it? Or perhaps, as a servant, she doesn't pry. In any case, it seems clear that "I am trusted."

At least, I hope I can talk to Grace... when the right time comes. I can't explain why I am like this, so it might still be difficult at this stage.

"But this is for beginners. It's not a very good quality. If you're going to use wand techniques, there are better options."

"No, I plan to use it until it falls apart. So, could I have a few more of the same quality?"

"Ho, you're quite dedicated."

It's not exactly that, but I didn't bother to correct the misunderstanding. If I were to look for wands suitable for wand techniques among those displayed, I think they would be of better quality than what I got in the earl's domain, but it's questionable whether they can withstand full power.

I think this is the shop owner's own creation, so he might be upset if I say it will break. This is a situation where I don't need to be overly honest. Magic wands are not cheap, so I plan to use them as a temporary solution until we reach Termwillis. I had three magic wands wrapped and left the store.

"Does Grace need to buy anything?"

"No, the Forest Birds will take care of the necessary supplies."

"Then let's head back."

When we returned to the stable where we had left the carriage, everyone else had also finished their tasks. Hmm? But they said they had to do things like weapon maintenance, so it seems early for them to be done.

There are some unfamiliar faces. Two middle-aged men, two young men, and a young woman. The three men are wearing light armor and matching surcoats.

"Theo, this is the head of the guard, Mr. Osro, and—"

"Nice to meet you. I handle the guild's reception. My name is Berline."

Osro stood casually, while Berline introduced herself and bowed.

"Nice to meet you. I am Theodor Gartner. What is the matter?"

The fact that they were waiting for me means—there must be something they need from me.

I had already said that I didn't want to give up the credit, so it's fine to say we fought and defeated the killer ants with six people.

What could it be? Did something go wrong with the sale of the jaws?

"Hmm. So you're the other mage? You're just a child."

"Captain Osro, that's irrelevant. The guild wants to express gratitude for repelling the killer ants before they caused significant damage. Due to the magnitude of the achievement, there's a proposal to award special prize money."

"But the guard captain here, who happened to be present, is complaining that it might be a fraud."

Berline's words were followed by a shrug from Fitz, one of the Forest Birds' warriors.

"Complaining? How rude. Just six people managed to defeat that many killer ants?"

"Captain Osro is right. You're insulting us."

"The prize money wasn't our idea. If you suspect us, we're fine with the regular sale price!"

"The mere possibility of fraud is a problem."

"Check the burned remains of the ants if you don't believe us."

"I've sent my subordinates to investigate!"

"To ensure fairness, the guild has also sent a representative."

Osro clicked his tongue after Berline's final statement.

...Yeah, I get the gist of it.

Berline is on our side and is quite capable.

"By the way, why is the guard captain interfering in guild matters?"

The adventurer system is a national policy, but a large part of its autonomy is left to the adventurers themselves. The guild is a place where requests can be freely made from both the government and the public, but its establishment was primarily due to the government's needs.

Initially, after a long war ended, the problem of what to do with the unemployed mercenaries arose, and the idea was to use them for monster control.

The guild established a relatively strong autonomy because an adventurer rose to the position of king in one generation and allowed adventurers to govern themselves.

Since adventurers were favored, capable people gathered there, and the country easily recruited excellent talent. As a result, neighboring countries had to follow this method, and it has now become a standard practice.

The guild has a strong spirit of independence due to this history, but it is not despised. It is valued by the government.

First, it reduces the number of thieves in two ways, improving public safety. It also provides a place for gathering information on capable people, allowing for headhunting and gathering information on dangerous individuals.

Most importantly, it is cost-effective. The number of materials and money from recovered monsters is carefully examined by the government, so the guild only pays the adventurers for the work they do. The guild only needs to pay a few staff members. If adventurers get injured or die, the government does not have to take responsibility due to the guild's independence and agreements, making them a cost-effective resource.

For adventurers, the guild guarantees their status, making travel between cities easier. They don't need special qualifications, so they can choose their jobs and operate relatively safely without worrying about food.

Considering all this... it's strange for a mere guard captain to interfere.

"I am not interfering as a guard captain but as a concerned citizen trying to prevent fraud!"

"But what does Berline think?"

"Well, the lord of this domain doesn't like adventurers. The forest's security and management are also under Captain Osro's responsibility."

"Oh... They might think he was neglecting monster control."

"Exactly."

Berline showed a wicked smile and made a slicing gesture across her neck, while Osro's face turned red.