Defiled Hero c4

Defiled Hero Chapter 004

『Hey Izayoi. I said nothing was going to happen, and nothing happened, right?』 (Astrea)

(...Wrong.) (Izayoi)

『So why are you here?』 (Astrea)

I could hear Astrea's delighted voice coming from somewhere. Dealing with Astrea, I arrived at the guild. There were adventurers carrying weapons scattered about inside the guild.

There were normally few people in the guild, but the fight with the thieves last night resulted in many people being injured, and the few people with titles had gathered.

I could feel the gazes of the adventurers, but I ignored them and headed to the information counter. At the counter was the receptionist from before with the highly revealing pajamas, this time in a perfectly-fitting guild uniform.

Realizing that, I made a slightly dissatisfied expression.

「Good morning. Did you rest well at the inn?」 (Receptionist)

How not-friendly. I wonder why she's being cold to me.

『Rest at the inn!? Hold on, Izayoi, what did you do with that woman last night? Wait, don't say it. You really enjoyed yourself last night, right?』 (Astrea)

(You, shut up for a while.) (Izayoi)

I returned the cold attitude, only saying what was necessary.

「...My title and the reward.」 (Izayoi)

「Understood. You are now a 【Tier 1】 swordmaster, as promised. Taking into account the fact that you protected the town from the thieves, your guild rank has been raised from F to C. Is that acceptable?」 (Receptionist)

I couldn't feel any respect considering what I did, but whatever. There's no problem. I place my hand on the pedestal with the form I filled out previously.

With a *pish* sound, the paper disappeared, and my title and guild rank were updated.

「With regards to the reward, how would you like to receive it? Would you like a payment to your guild bank?」 (Receptionist)

「No, I want it in coin now.」 (Izayoi)

「C-coin? Now? That's 100 gold coins you know! Is that alright?」 (Receptionist)

「It's fine... Is there a problem?」 (Izayoi)

100 coins isn't that particularly bulky.

『"—For your smile, that's why," would be a good answer I think.』 (Astrea)

(I would never say that, and it's not like that.) (Izayoi)

It's not like there was a reason. There is no reason. I killed some enemies. That's all it is.

「...Having money isn't a problem. I thought I should get some if possible, that's all.」 (Izayoi)

She didn't appear to accept my reason. Really... I saved you and instead of receiving thanks, I get a cold attitude and a lecture... Your character's the rotten one, woman.

「You're a man with a terrible attitude!」 (Receptionist)

「...Then turn a blind eye.」 (Izayoi)

Receiving the gold coins in a bulging sack, I began to leave the information desk, only to be called out to.

「I forgot to say this: An A-rank monster, Aspis, has been sighted a short distance from the mountain range. Other guilds have sent adventurers to suppress it, so please refrain from leaving the town until they are done.」 (Receptionist)

「Ah, got it.」 (Izayoi)

Aspis. The large snake with the deadly poison, huh? I've heard about them but haven't actually fought them.

『What will you do, Izayoi? Will you stay in town?』 (Astrea)

(No, I'll leave town in the middle of the night, and head to the water fairy.) (Izayoi)

『Is that okay? Even though you told the receptionist, 「Ah, got it」?』 (Astrea)

(I didn't say I wouldn't leave, she should understand that much.) (Izayoi)

Heading straight past the bar, I had a meal. I paid, and as I stood to leave, someone called out to me.

「Hey, you! Fight me!」 (Kid)

It came from a kid barely in his teens. Seems I've become involved with a troublesome fellow, but I guess it's better that it's a kid.

「A fight? Fine by me.」 (Izayoi)

Looking back, I swung the sack full of gold coins and hit him in the face.

「Ow! What was that for!」, the kid who had been knocked back said incomprehensibly.

「"What" you say, it's a fight. Did you mean something else? Like a game of tag?」 (Izayoi)

「Don't look down on me bastard!!」 (Kid)

Pulling out a short dagger from his waist, he turned to face me. Someone grabbed his arms from behind, restraining him.

「S, Sorry! My younger brother's caused trouble for you.」 (Adventurer)

「Let go of me! I'll beat that guy and become a 【Tier 1】 knight! Those examinations are for wimps!」 (Kid)

The kid's older brother was the one who lent me his sword to fight the thieves.

「What're you doing in the guild!? If you've got an issue, take it outside!」 the guild receptionist said, coming forward. It can't be helped. There are other people watching.

「Fine. Let's take it outside, brat.」 (Izayoi)

「You don't get it! You're completely uninterested!」 (Kid)

「...Those people from before didn't seem pleased, it doesn't feel good.」 (Receptionist)

「If they've got a problem, let them say it directly.」 (Izayoi)

「I think it's better to not say it.」 (Izayoi)

「Which is it, then.」 (Receptionist)

「Hey! Don't ignore me! Fight me!」 (Kid)

「Well, first off is that dirty appearance. We have to get you some new, proper clothes.」 (Receptionist)

Do I have no choice but to go shopping with the receptionist?

「...is the guild alright?」 (Izayoi)

Wearing a white sleeveless shirt and hot pants, the receptionist guided me around. I was brought to a clothing store. As the receptionist separated from me to look at women's clothes, I chose to buy my own appropriate things. While the she was preoccupied choosing, I snuck out of the store.

Small shops were gathered together. If there's one problem, it's that I'll be caught up to. Going about a shop alone, I bought equipment. Next would be a weapon. From the entrance to the weapon shop, a shadow approached.

I quietly muttered that small goodbye to her retreating figure.