Chapter 55

On the Tuesday after the week, today marks the beginning of November, let's start with a fresh spirit.

After finishing breakfast, I headed to the site of Marcel's former shop.

It was to go to the guild together and complete the procedures for them to mediate the loan.

I thought it might be a bit early, but there was already Marcel's figure at the site of the razed shop.

Marcel seemed to be discussing something with a middle-aged man with a sturdy build.

"Good morning, Marcel."

"Hey, Kent, good morning, you're early."

"No, no, you're the early one, Marcel."

"Well, it's my shop, I can't afford to dawdle."

Marcel looked incredibly lively, unlike the dejected figure who had been staring at the burned shop.

"Marcel, who's this kid?"

"Oh, right, I should introduce you. Kent, this is Herman, a carpenter and a friend."

"Good morning, I'm Kent."

"Ah, good morning... So, Marcel, who's this kid?"

"Hey, this Kent is... the guardian of Volzard!"

"Huh? A guardian? What are you talking about?"

Herman looked at Marcel with a bewildered expression.

"Hmm, well, I expected that reaction, but Herman, the recent monster attacks that have been happening one after another, they were repelled by this Kent!"

"Hey, Marcel, are you okay? Did the shock of the shop burning down get to you?"

"Hahaha, well, it's hard to believe, I know, but Kent really is the guardian of Volzard."

"Huh... this kid...?"

As a carpenter, Herman was a towering figure, and it was understandable that he found it hard to believe, looking down at the small me.

"Marcel, are you starting to rebuild the shop?"

"Yeah, that's right. Kent helped clean up the burned shop, so all that's left is to build it."

"Hey, Marcel, you mean this kid cleaned up the burned shop?"

"Yeah, it was amazing. This black wall suddenly appeared, and there were all sorts of noises inside. I asked Kent what was going on, and by the time he explained, the shop was gone."

"Huh? Are you really okay?"

Herman seemed genuinely concerned, but Marcel looked amused.

"I'm fine, of course. And if what I just said was a lie, why is this place a clean lot?"

"Well, you could have asked someone..."

"Is there anyone in Volzard who could clean up a burned-out shop in just one day?"

"Well, no, but still..."

Herman looked at me as if I were some kind of unknown entity.

Yeah, I can see why Marcel finds this amusing.

"Anyway, I want the new shop to look the same as the old one. Before we start the interior work, I'll consult with you about a few changes. If you can, I'd like you to start the construction."

"Got it, I'll start today, but Marcel, is the money okay?"

"Yeah, don't worry, the guild will mediate, so it's all set."

"Alright, I see. I'm relieved to see you're in better spirits than I thought."

"Well, I was pretty down the day the shop burned down, but this kid..."

Marcel patted my head.

"Kent here really worked hard, so I can't afford to be left behind."

"Hmm, I see. I don't quite get the 'guardian of Volzard' thing, but you seem to be a lucky charm for Marcel."

"Yeah, he's a real blessing, you should pray to him, pray to him!"

"Hey, Marcel, stop teasing me."

"Hahaha, I'm not teasing, the guardian of Volzard."

Yeah, he's definitely having fun.

But if it makes Marcel feel better, I'll let it slide.

Watching Marcel continue his discussion with Herman, a pleasant scent wafted over.

"Master Kent..."

"Huh..."

Oh no, I let my guard down.

The moment I turned around, Beatrice kissed my cheek.

"O-Oh..."

I could hear the surprised voices of Marcel and the others, and the high-pitched voices from across the street as Beatrice rested her head on my shoulder.

"Good morning, Master Kent..."

After whispering, Beatrice blew into my ear.

Ah, she's definitely having fun.

"Good morning, Beatrice, that tickles."

"Hehehe, I'm sorry..."

Beatrice clung to me, rubbing her scent into my neck.

By the way, Nazario is glaring at me with a look that could make veins pop, please, spare me.

"Beatrice... we'll be late for school."

"Ah... the cold, uncaring world is tearing us apart again..."

"No, no, it's not that dramatic, it's just school."

"Ah, Master Kent, it's a shame, but I must go."

"Okay, study hard... "

"Mmm... Master Kent is so cold..."

"Ouch, ouch, ouch, Beatrice..."

My side was pinched, and then I got another cheek kiss.

"I'm off, Master Kent."

"Okay, see you, Beatrice... ouch."

With a final pinch to my side, Beatrice sauntered back to the girls waiting across the street, putting on a seductive act for her age.

Ah... if you clench your teeth any harder, Nazario, you'll really burst a blood vessel.

We had a rough time with Reinhardt and the others before, and this is going to be another one.

"Whine... Whine..."

"Okay, okay, I'll pet you later, be a good boy..."

"Woof!"

There are people burning with jealousy everywhere.

Malt and the others' voices made Herman look around.

"Kent, you sure showed us a heated scene there."

"No, Beatrice is just teasing me for fun."

"Hmm... teasing, huh... So, why does Beatrice come to you?"

"Well... it's because..."

I explained, in a roundabout way, that I had healed Beatrice.

I couldn't tell him about all the touching I did.

"Wow, you can even use healing magic... That's incredible..."

Marcel was wide-eyed with surprise, but Herman still looked skeptical.

"Can you really use healing magic?"

"Yes, I'm not sure how it works, but I can."

"Hmm... Can you heal shoulder pain?"

"What's wrong with your shoulder?"

"Yeah, I hurt it carrying lumber, and it hasn't healed."

"Hahaha, Herman, you're getting old."

"Shut up, I don't have time to go to the healing clinic, I can't waste hours waiting there."

It seems the same in any world.

In Japan, I've heard that busy people can't even go to the hospital.

"Which shoulder is it?"

"Huh? Oh, my left shoulder... Can you really heal it?"

"Yes, I think so, but if it doesn't work, I won't charge you, so don't worry."

"Alright, what do I need to do?"

"Let's see, can you sit here for a moment?"

I had Herman sit on a wooden box and placed my hand on his left shoulder, channeling healing magic.

I'm used to healing others now, even though I don't fully understand how it works.

"Wow... It feels like it's warming up from the inside..."

"Hmm, but for bruises and sprains, you usually need multiple treatments, right?"

"No, I think it should be fine."

I massaged the area for about five minutes, channeling healing magic, and then finished the treatment.

"So, how does it feel?"

"Huh, it's over already? Ahh!"

"What, Herman?"

"It doesn't hurt... It's completely gone, like magic..."

Herman rotated his shoulder, eyes wide with surprise.

"See, I told you, Kent is amazing."

"Well, I don't know why Marcel acts so superior, but you're something else, Kent. I'm really impressed."

"Thank you, but we need you to work hard on rebuilding Marcel's shop."

"Right, I'll count on you, Herman."

"Hmph, leave it to me. I feel like a weight has been lifted, I'll work hard!"

Herman immediately called for workers to start the job, and Marcel and I headed to the guild.

Most buildings here are made with a combination of wooden frames and earth magic, and Herman has skilled workers, so the work is fast.

A two-story building should be ready in about two weeks.

"I've also rented a corner of a friend's warehouse, so I can make shoes there until the shop is ready."

"I'm sorry, my friends really caused a lot of trouble..."

"Hey, Kent, that's water under the bridge. You're lending us the money, and most importantly, you helped me get back on my feet, so I should be the one thanking you, Kent, thank you."

"No, no, I just did what I could..."

In Japan, I was always treated like a failure, so being thanked face-to-face is a bit embarrassing.

At the guild, the morning bustle was winding down.

People who had found work were heading off to their jobs or to gather materials.

As I walked to the counter, I saw several familiar faces along the wall.

Mueller, the cat-eared angel, Gilik, the explosive dog, and Manon, who was waving cutely.

Next to Manon were Honmi and Sagara, and over ten other girls.

"Good morning."

"Good morning, Kent, it's been a while."

"Hmph... I didn't lose..."

Yeah, no one asked.

Mueller was smiling wryly, and Gilik's ears were bright red, even though he was looking away.

"Good morning, Kent."

"Good morning, Kunitomo."

Marcel, please don't mention Beatrice.

"Um... Are you all here to look for work?"

I asked hopefully, and the girls nodded vigorously.

"We can't keep relying on Kunitomo."

"Right, you're covering our living expenses, so we should at least earn some money."

"Kind of like... pocket money?"

The other girls nodded with smiles, agreeing with Honmi and Sagara.

Also, they were interested in working, something they couldn't do back in Japan.

"I see, so Manon is the guide?"

"Yep, I want to help Kent a little."

"Thank you, Manon, I appreciate it."

"Sure, leave it to me."

Manon's blushing nod was so cute, I almost hugged her. Would it be okay to squeeze her, hug her... Ah, the warm gazes of Honmi and the others hurt.

"Huh? But you're only... fifteen people looking for work?"

There should be twenty-five girls in total, including the odd sisters, but everyone's faces darkened.

"Sekka... The Kizawa group is causing trouble, and Tomo and Akko dragged them off for horse training."

Kizawa Sekka, mentioned by Sagara, is in a different class, so I don't know her face, but she was probably one of the sulking girls the other night.

"They don't want to work, but they're okay with horse training, right?"

"Sort of, but horse training involves taking care of the horses too, right?"

"Oh, I see, they lured them with the promise of horse training to make them work?"

"Yep, Akko suggested it..."

I see, so everyone is thinking about it, except for a few.

In that case, I should tell them about Amanda's warning.

"Thank you all. I'm sorry to dampen your spirits, but I heard that the backlash against us might be a bit strong after the other night's incident, so be prepared."

The girls' faces clouded over.

"Don't worry, I'll find you good jobs."

Manon clenched her fists, encouraging everyone.

"Volzard is called the 'End of the World' because all sorts of people flow in. Some have done bad things in the past, and some cause trouble like this. But the people of Volzard believe in giving second chances and working together."

Everyone, including the people around us, nodded in agreement with Manon's words.

"This time, it was your friends who caused trouble, but it's not your fault. Volzard has helped Kent a lot, and now it's my turn to repay the favor. I'll find you all good jobs."

Manon looked at me with a delicate, blooming smile, and I couldn't resist.

"Thank you, Manon..."

"Huh, Kent..."

"Kyaa, Kunitomo, you're so mean!"

Honmi and the others started fussing, but I didn't care.

Compared to Beatrice, it was a bit awkward, but I hugged Manon and kissed her cheek.

Manon's face turned bright red, and her eyes started to swirl.

"Um, I ran into Beatrice earlier..."

As soon as I said that, Manon's eyes snapped back to normal.

She buried her face in my neck, refusing to let go.

After patting her back, she finally released me, pouting and teary-eyed.

"I won't lose..."

Guh... so cute, I could throw everything away and run off with Manon, but that's not an option.

If I do, the class president will come to Volzard.

Hauu, what should I do?

"Kent...?"

"Huh, Manon, please take care of everyone, I have some procedures to complete... Marcel, let's go... Ugh..."

I realized I had the attention of the entire guild.

Of course, hugging Manon would draw this kind of reaction.

"I see... So, this one, not the other one, is Kent's main squeeze, huh?"

"No, Marcel, I don't know what you're talking about..."

"Ah, it's so hot... It's November in Volzard, and it's so hot..."

"Really, really... But I'm a bit envious..."

Honmi and the others' warm gazes were painful.

"Um, everyone, work hard, Manon, take care, let's go, Marcel..."

"Hahaha, got it, got it, no need to rush, ladies' man."

I hurried to the counter to escape the warm, piercing gazes and asked for the loan certification procedures.

Since the amount was large, Otto would handle the paperwork.

"Write the amount here, Kent's name here, and Marcel's name here. Once you've filled out two copies, stamp them with the magic seal."

One copy would be kept by me, the lender, and the other by the guild as a witness.

The magic seal involved mixing a few drops of blood with special ink and pressing a thumbprint, which could be identified with a special device.

The amount was set at one million hert, covering the construction costs, lost merchandise, and compensation for downtime.

From the one million hert, the expenses for reopening the shop would be deducted, and the remainder would be repaid.

The guild would collect the costs from the troublemakers, allowing Marcel to reopen the shop without financial burden.

"Thanks, Kent, I can focus on work without worrying about money."

"No, no, it's because of my friends, so I feel bad about being thanked."

"But to be able to come up with a million hert at your age, that's impressive."

"No, it's thanks to what I've received, so I feel a bit guilty..."

"What are you talking about? Thanks to Kent, many people have been saved. That money is the result of that, so hold your head high."

Marcel patted my shoulder.

"Is that so..."

"Maybe that's why the girls are drawn to you. You should show off a bit more."

"No, that's..."

"Marcel, if your wife hears that..."

"Otto, let's pretend we didn't hear that, or there'll be blood in Volzard."

Otto's usual nonchalant tone, but his eyes were smiling.

It seems Marcel is a henpecked husband.

We shook hands and parted ways.

Next, it was time to apologize to Klaus.

The troublemakers were spared exile, but there were things to decide regarding the remaining classmates I would rescue.

I steeled myself and headed to Klaus's office on the second floor.