Chapter 34

The town of Gandar was as bustling as ever.

It was a testament to the success of the Bairo Road Margrave's governance. However, the scarcity of demi-humans, a characteristic of large cities, remained unchanged.

While the discrimination against demi-humans has decreased, it still runs deep. In particular, in large cities, it could be said that there is no place for demi-humans.

"Sure enough, there are still few demi-humans."

"What's up, Craft? Do you have any demi-human acquaintances?"

"Yeah, I grew up in an orphanage in the countryside, and there were a lot of demi-human children there. And Reifan is half, right?"

"That's true. Reifan looks normal, so I tend to forget. Besides, I had no contact with demi-humans in my life."

"Still, do you think there's some prejudice among soldiers?"

"I don't think I have it... But there are a few colleagues who dislike demi-humans. I think it's outdated."

"Well, if we say it can't be helped, that's the end of it. For those who are discriminated against just for being born as demi-humans, it's not easy."

"Yeah. At least I try not to think that way."

"I have a lot of demi-human friends!"

"Well, Reifan is half, after all."

"Yeah."

Before that, you have such a carefree personality. It seems like you would have many friends without any prejudice.

And if you work at the Production Guild, you would have many opportunities to meet various people.

"Well, before that, Reifan seems to get along with anyone. You know, like a mascot."

"I feel like I'm being subtly mocked!?"

"Hey, those skewers look delicious. I'll treat you two."

"I feel like I'm being blatantly evaded!"

"It's just your imagination, your imagination. Aren't you going to eat?"

"I will!"

Fortunately, I have quite a bit of money.

I am now a guild staff member at the Production Guild.

So, basically, I receive a fixed salary, which is a considerable amount, and in addition to that, I receive special bonuses for contributing to the development of the frontier village, making me quite wealthy.

Originally, when I moved from the Adventurer's Guild to the Production Guild and went to the frontier village, the final job payment from the Adventurer's Guild was also quite substantial.

Due to these circumstances, I now have a lot of money, and since most of the materials needed for development are expenses, my savings do not decrease.

The money I spend is mainly on books from Mr. Jabeel and alchemical equipment. Of course, they are expensive, but since they do not wear out, my current income does not significantly affect my finances.

Of course, money is never a problem, but due to my contract with the guild, I cannot become an independent alchemist, so it is essentially dead money.

Therefore, a little wasteful spending is not a big deal.

Currently, the special bonus for submitting the elixir to the margrave is under review, and it is expected to be granted as a contribution to the guild.

Since I have already obtained the books I planned to buy, I have quite a bit of extra money.

"Hmm. I never thought I would go from a poor adventurer to a wealthy person."

"Craft, you've achieved so much."

"It makes me happy to hear that."

It's a blessing to be of service to people and receive money for it.

The only thing I'm worried about is Kail's happiness.

Since I'm heading to the Commercial Guild now, I can also consult about this matter.

"Hey, old man, give me four skewers."

"Sure thing!"

I received the skewers with a fragrant aroma and gave one to Persia and two to Reifan.

"..."

Huh? Why are both of them silent? This is supposed to be a "thank you" moment, right?

"Craft, can I ask you something?"

"Yeah."

"Why did you give me two?"

"Well, you'll eat two, right?"

"..."

Huh? Why?

"Craft, let me give you a piece of advice."

"Ah, yes."

"I think it's not a good idea to treat women like 'you're a big eater, right?'"

"E!?"

Huh? E!?

Isn't Reifan the hungry character!?

"Craft, what kind of eyes do you have!?"

"Well... you have a small body but you eat a lot..."

For some reason, Persia pressed her forehead.

"Craft... you're not popular, are you..."

"Ugh!?"

What! How do you know my secret!? Is it magic!?

"Craft, we should have a serious talk."

"E!? It's my fault!?"

For some reason, Reifan and Persia looked at each other and shook their heads.

Huh!? Am I really the problem!?

"Anyway, give me your skewer."

"By the way, Persia is also a hungry character!"

"Don't call me a hungry character!!!"

On the way, I was lectured by the two of them about how to be considerate of women.

I don't understand.

The Production Guild came to my rescue.

◆

"Hey! Reifan! Craft! You look great, hahaha!"

"Guild Master!?"

When we headed to the Production Guild in Gandar, the capital of the margrave, we were immediately led to a room and met with the guild master, who, for some reason, was the man who was the guild master in another city where I used to be an adventurer.

...I don't even know his name.

"Yeah! Thanks to your great work! I got a promotion and became the guild master of this city!"

"That's amazing! The Gandar guild is a regional headquarters, right?"

"Yeah! Now I'm the regional headquarters chief! Hahaha!"

"I don't really understand, but congratulations."

"Yeah! So, the beautiful lady is, I believe, Sir Kail's bodyguard?"

"I'm Persia Formalhaut. I used to be in the Royal Guard, but now I'm Kail's direct bodyguard, so I'm not a knight."

"Details don't matter! Beautiful and strong! That's what a female knight is! Hahaha!"

"I don't understand..."

Despite his words, Persia seemed a bit flustered. Maybe she's not used to being complimented?

Although, it's debatable whether the guild master's words are actually compliments.

(Reifan, I don't know the guild master's name.)

(Oh, is that so? I don't remember any introduction... Grimm is pretty rough.)

So, his name is Grimm.

"Let's get right to the report and procedures!"

"You're quite energetic..."

"Old man, you're being looked down on."

"Craft, you should call me by my name."

It was a bit chaotic.

◆

"So, as you reported, you gave all the elixirs to the Bairo Road Margrave?"

"Yes. I thought it was the best course of action."

"Yeah, I think it was a good decision. The effects are too powerful. If you kept them, it could have caused trouble."

When I reported on the recent events, including the dragon slaying, the atmosphere changed completely. Guild Master Grimm crossed his arms and looked serious.

"Alchemists are already rare. The few alchemists who belong to the Production Guild are, for various reasons, not particularly skilled."

He didn't say it outright, but the skilled alchemists are probably taken by the nobility or the state.

Of course, they wouldn't have trouble finding jobs.

In my case, due to the change in crests and the circumstances, there was no room for others to intervene, and it was essentially a binding contract.

"Given that, I have high hopes for Craft. Hahaha!"

"Well, I'll do my best."

It feels good to be relied on.

"Let me give you the special reward for this. This is for Reifan, and this is for Craft."

When I peeked into the small bag I was given, there were ten mithril coins inside.

For an average person, it would be close to a year's salary, and for me now, it would be about four months' salary, so it was a significant amount.

"Is it really this good?"

"Actually, I feel a bit guilty giving such a small amount to Craft."

"But there's also the reward from the Adventurer's Guild."

"That's a separate matter. This is an evaluation as a guild staff member of the Production Guild. You can even complain if you want."

"Receiving priority on materials is enough. I appreciate it."

"It's a relief to hear that. If I become even more powerful, I'll try to repay you in some way. Hahaha!"

"I look forward to it."

Honestly, compared to when I was a poor adventurer, I feel like I'm receiving too much and it's a bit scary.

I guess it's the poor person's mentality.

Besides, if I can do something for the guild master, it's more valuable than money.

With all the necessary talks done, I decided to bring up the main topic.

"Old man, I have a favor to ask, not to replace anything."

"What is it?"

"I know it's a lot to ask, but I want to change part of my contract."

"What!?"

If this doesn't work out, I'll have to break the contract, even if it means taking on a huge debt.

With determination, I pleaded to the guild master.

Starting from Chapter 28, especially Chapters 28, 32, and 33, I have made significant changes.

Changes:

Jabeel > Changed from male to female

Maid Wooden Puppet > Changed to Artificial Monster Wooden Puppet

For those who have already read the story, the change in Jabeel's image might feel a bit off, but as the author, I tend to add too many male characters, so I hope you can understand.