Chapter 65

We were called to Kyle's mansion and were led to our usual room where we were served tea.

Leafan and I were as usual, and Mai, as always, sat on my lap without a second thought.

Perhaps because I was with me, Raidock was also called today.

I understand that, but for some reason, Jitaro was there too.

"Oh, it looked fun, so I joined in!"

"Lightweight..."

No matter what, Jitaro usually participated in important events related to the town's development. It shouldn't be a problem.

Still, is his job as a hunter going well?

As we chatted, Kyle entered the room with Persia.

"Sorry to keep you waiting. I got a bit held up with some paperwork."

"You seem pretty busy, Kyle."

"Yes, thanks to the increasing population, there's a lot to do."

"Are you not overworking yourself?"

"I can't say I'm not at all, but I'm getting enough sleep and rest."

I shifted my gaze to Persia.

"That's right. If left to himself, Kyle would skip meals and bury himself in paperwork. I always have to drag him to the table and take away his documents when the candles run out and new ones are lit. He's getting enough sleep."

"Kyle..."

When I gave him a disapproving look, Kyle scratched his head and laughed awkwardly.

"I'm not overworking myself in the end."

"Well, that's good. If you can't handle something, come to me for advice."

"Yes. I have a favor to ask of you, Craft."

"Ah, this is why I was called, right?"

"Yes."

Talking with Leafan and me is a regular thing.

However, the fact that Raidock was called suggests there's a special request.

"Yay! I'll do my best!"

"No, Jitaro wasn't invited."

"Hey, Craft, are you hogging all the fun?"

"No, it's clear you're with Raidock."

Kyle interjected with a smile.

"It's fine. I originally planned to consult with Craft and Raidock, and if necessary, ask Jitaro for help."

"Really? Yay! I'm so happy!"

"Whatever... Anyway, Jitaro, let's get to the point."

"Yes."

Jitaro complained, "That's harsh!" but I ignored him and urged Kyle to continue.

"The main request this time is to survey unexplored areas."

"Unexplored areas... meaning places humans haven't reached yet?"

Humans had long lost their habitats to monsters, but over the past few centuries, with the establishment of villages, towns, and countries, they had finally expanded their living areas, though the scope was still limited.

Humans, who once flourished, apparently dominated the land with magic, but now there's no trace of that.

Because of this history, most of the world remains a mystery to humans.

Discovering huge ruins deep in the forest adjacent to a village is a common occurrence.

"Yes. The area around Golden Dawn has been detailed with the help of the Adventurer's Guild, but it's still unclear a bit further in. The plains have been surveyed, but the forests and mountains are largely untouched."

"That's true. Even a slight deviation in the forest can make it impossible to know what's there."

Jitaro nodded.

"I've had that experience. I used to hunt in a forest I thought I knew well, but I found an old stone house just a little off the usual path and was shocked."

Even a forest expert like Jitaro has had such experiences.

Raidock continued.

"When we searched for the dragon, it was similar. The plains have undulations that can obscure distant views. It took us nearly a month to find it."

"Even the plains are like that. There must be many things in the forests that haven't been discovered."

Kyle nodded seriously.

"Yes. However, for this survey, we prioritize the range, so detailed investigations aren't necessary. The main focus will be on the general distribution of plants, animals, and monsters, and creating a map."

"I see. You'll hand over the detailed survey to the Adventurer's Guild after giving them the results."

"Yes, exactly."

Kyle smiled.

Mai, sitting on my lap, was swinging her legs, looking bored. If you're bored, you can go back to your room, you know?

"The walls of Golden Dawn are complete, and the population is growing. I believe it's time to move to the next stage."

"Agreed. With this base, it's time to expand our living area."

This is the first step for humans, who have been suppressed by monsters, to reclaim their living space, a great achievement.

"And the only ones who can do this job are Raidock, who defeated the dragon, Craft, the top alchemist, and Leafan, who is not only skilled in forging but also knowledgeable about minerals!"

Mai looked up at me.

Yeah, it doesn't look that grand to me.

"A bit embarrassing, but indeed, this is a difficult task for anyone else."

"Yes. It's a dangerous mission, so I'd prefer if Craft stayed behind..."

"I'm a former adventurer. I can be relied on for magic too. Don't hold back."

"Yes. I trust my brother. So, please survey as wide an area as possible."

"Understood. Leave it to us."

"There's another matter. The Commercial Guild has requested that we obtain rare minerals..."

Kyle looked a bit troubled.

"Rare minerals... Mithril?"

"Yes. Mithril is currently the most in demand, but there are also many inquiries about Adamantite."

"Of course, having both would be great."

"Regarding Mithril, we send mining teams regularly to the vein Craft and Leafan found before, so it's not a problem. However, if possible, I'd like you to discover and mine an Adamantite vein."

"Understood. Leave it to us."

Rare metals are a legitimate target for the next resource to be exploited. Especially Adamantite, which has few mines, would be a significant achievement for Kyle if a new one is discovered.

This is a rare chance to help Kyle. I'll definitely find it. With Leafan, it should be possible.

"Finding an Adamantite mine will boost Kyle's reputation! I've never touched Adamantite, so I really want to find it!"

"Sure, I'm counting on you!"

Not only Raidock, but Leafan also lit up at the mention of Adamantite. As a descendant of the Norns, Mithril and Adamantite are metals with deep significance for her.

"There's one more thing. The Adventurer's Guild has a request. Do you know the Casper sisters?"

"The Caspers? Of course. They're a trio of adventurers known as the top young talent. They used to base their operations in Gandar, the city where the border lord lives, but recently moved to Golden Dawn."

I've heard of the Casper sisters.

They're a young but skilled adventurer party, rising to E-rank in no time. I heard all three are emblem bearers, so they might be D-rank or C-rank by now.

And they're all beautiful.

"Have you met them, Raidock?"

"Just a greeting at the guild."

"If you know them, it will be easier to talk. The guild wants the Casper sisters to join this survey."

"Why?"

"They want you to train them. They're new to Golden Dawn and don't know the ropes yet."

"I see. So they're promising enough for the guild to want to train them."

"Yes. If there's a problem, we can decline."

"What do you think, Raidock?"

"There's no problem. Training the next generation is part of an adventurer's job. Besides, they might be older than us."

"That's not a problem. Experience as an adventurer is what matters."

"True. They looked about my age or a bit younger. If Craft is okay with it, it's up to Leafan and Jitaro."

"I have no problem!"

"Me neither! I always welcome girls!"

"Well, that's you for sure."

With everyone's agreement, I told Kyle it was okay.

"Understood. Please discuss the departure date with the Casper sisters at the Adventurer's Guild. The survey period will be two to three months. Craft, you have enough potions for that, right?"

"Yes, I have enough in stock. Persia, keep an eye on Kyle while we're gone."

"Of course."

"Ugh... I'm not trusted by Craft..."

"That means don't overwork yourself."

If we're not around, he might say he'll develop the town and surprise us, but that could lead to overworking.

"The guild leader wants you to visit the guild as soon as possible if you accept."

"Then let's go to the Adventurer's Guild right away."

"Yes! Please don't overwork yourselves! Good luck!"

"Sure, leave it to us."

We left Kyle's mansion and headed to the Adventurer's Guild.

On the way, Jitaro put his hand on his chin.

"What are the Casper sisters like?"

"I heard they're beautiful sisters."

"! Let's go quickly! Stand up! Hurry! Hurry!!"

"Jitaro, really..."

Not only Leafan, but Raidock and I also couldn't help but smile.

Aren't you aiming for Azure?

The book will be released in... 3 days!

(I won't be able to update tomorrow. Sorry.)