Chapter 69

"Hey! Mako has developed a new product again!?"

In the village square, a potato chip party was being held under the guise of a tasting event. Lei Lei, who had arrived late, complained with a dissatisfied look on her face.

"That's not fair! I wanted to see it too!"

Lei Lei Glossam. She is the daughter of the Glossam family, who deal in fruit and vegetable trade. By a twist of fate, she became my disciple and chased me all the way to this village.

"Well, well, Lei Lei. If you want, I can make it right now."

"Ugh... I also wanted to know the history of how Mako came up with the idea for this dish."

History... She seems to overestimate me quite a bit. By the way, Lei Lei and Delphi's houses were built with the help of everyone, just like when Gurai and I built our house. I had my doubts about whether she could endure life in this remote village, but so far, she hasn't complained much.

"Of course, I came here because I wanted to."

Lei Lei said this with a proud chest. She's haughty, but not arrogant; she seems to be trying to live nobly in her own way.

"Hmph, wouldn't it be better for you to return to your luxurious life without enduring? Little girl."

Delphi, lying down and munching on potato chips, said this in a completely carefree pose.

"What do you mean? I'm not causing you any trouble, so it's my choice. By the way, have you made any art since coming to this village? Why don't you just go back if it's meaningless?"

"Alright, alright."

Lei Lei and Delphi are arguing again. These two seem to have a rather poor relationship. Well, Delphi is quite moody by nature, so it can't be helped.

"..."

But, I feel like his attitude towards Lei Lei is more than just that.

"Hey, everyone is gathered. What kind of party is this today?"

At that moment, a familiar voice approached. When I turned around, I saw Iksa, who looked quite worn out.

"Iksa, are you okay? You look like you're about to rot."

"That's a harsh analogy, Mako. Well, I had a lot of trouble with the aftermath, but I managed to finish the job."

Behind Iksa stood Suaro, who nodded lightly at me. It seems they have finally wrapped things up.

"Huh?"

Then I noticed a third person standing with them. It wasn't someone I had met for the first time. I recognized her face.

"Beltona-san?"

"It's been a while, Mako-sama. I'm glad to see you're well."

She bowed deeply. She is one of the receptionists at the capital's adventurer guild, Beltona-san.

"It's been a while. What brings you all the way from the capital?"

"I came today to speak with Mako-sama and Gurai-sama."

With me and Gurai?

What could it be... While I was tilting my head in confusion, Beltona-san presented a high-quality box to me. When the lid was opened, a small metal badge was revealed on a cushioned material, similar to where rings and precious metals are kept. It was golden and featured the adventurer guild's emblem, with what looked like an S added to it. It reminded me of the emblem Usushima showed me before, which had an A on it...

"What is this...?"

"This is an identity badge representing the S-rank adventurer license. I have come to deliver it to you as it is now ready."

"...What! S-rank!?"

Wait, wait a minute?

I thought I was promoted to A-rank...

"Based on the appraisal by Moguro-sama, the defeat of the demon race, and the battle with the dragon recently... After considering all these achievements, it was concluded that Mako-sama's abilities are undoubtedly at the S-rank level."

"Ah... I didn't hear about this..."

I've received a pretty impressive title. I don't know, though. When your status rises, the responsibilities and workload increase significantly... In my workplace, no one wanted to become a manager because they saw how difficult it was for their superiors...

"Please rest assured. Even with the promotion to S-rank, the job content and obligations are almost the same as other adventurers."

"Really?"

"Yes... except for certain special situations."

Beltona-san said the latter part quickly. Ah, this means you can be called in during emergencies, right?

"Well, it's fine. I'm used to unfair treatment. Oh, by the way, what about Gurai...?"

"Yes, Gurai-sama."

Beltona-san then turned the box towards Gurai. Yes, she had brought another S-rank adventurer badge.

"This time, Gurai-sama has also been promoted to S-rank."

"What! I didn't hear about this!"

I was surprised to see Gurai scratching the back of his head.

"Based on your abilities and the numerous legends buried in the darkness of this country, Gurai-sama is undoubtedly at the S-rank level. When we discussed Mako-sama's promotion to S-rank, it was decided to allow Gurai-sama's promotion to S-rank as well, considering that he can support Mako-sama."

"...Gurai"

"...I'm sorry, I missed the right moment to tell you."

...You did all that for me, in secret.

How sweet! I'm falling for you all over again, Gurai!

"Currently, there are 9 S-rank adventurers in this country. With the addition of Mako-sama and Gurai-sama, there are now 11. This is the highest number in history, which is a great thing."

Indeed.

I felt a sense of a large conspiracy starting to move with the recent issues involving the demon race and Nero. The adventurer guild, including Beltona-san, must understand this. That's why they want to secure as many capable people as possible.

"By the way, Mako-sama. I heard from Iksa that you are planning a trip."

"Ah, yes, we're planning a short vacation."

Iksa introduced us to a seaside resort. We were discussing going there as a reward for our busy days in the capital.

"There is also a branch of the adventurer guild at the resort. If you have the time, please visit and say hello. As an S-rank adventurer, you can take advantage of various benefits."

Wow, adventurers have benefits too.

What kind of services are available? Maybe discounts at restaurants or entertainment facilities? Since it's by the sea, there might even be hot springs.

"There's also a branch of the magic research institute there, so I might go as the director to say hello."

"Oh, right, Iksa is the founder and director of the magic research institute. I had completely forgotten about that."

"Don't call it a setting."

***

With Beltona-san leaving the village, we decided to seriously plan our trip.

"Let's aim for departure in about five days. That should give me enough time to inform them and make preparations."

The date was set.

Next, we needed to gather participants. Of course, it would be fun if everyone in the village could go, but it would be difficult to organize such a large group.

"Basically, this is Mako's relaxation trip, right? Then, those who worked hard at the capital's stalls should participate."

"Agreed."

The Beowulfs who remained in the village declined to participate.

"Sorry, but we'll have to sit this one out this time."

"Ram, Bagos, is something going on?"

And the Beowulfs who had worked at the stalls also declined to participate.

"Yeah, I want to study the seasoning for the new product and improve the cooking a bit more."

"I'll study cooking with you too."

Ram and Bagos decided to stay in the village to focus on these tasks. The other Beowulfs who worked at the stalls also wanted to study vegetable and fruit cultivation. Everyone is so dedicated to learning.

"I want to see the plants and crops grown in other regions, so I'll join the trip."

"Sure, go ahead, Uga. I'll take care of the fields while you're gone."

Uga decided to join. He seems to have fully embraced his role as a farmer.

"We will focus on flower cultivation in the village this time. Please enjoy your trip."

"Bring us back some souvenirs!"

Orchidea and Fressa also prioritized flower cultivation.

"So, the participants will be these 9 people."

Me, Mau, Meala, Gurai.

Iksa, Suaro.

Lei Lei, Delphi, Uga.

"...And these two as well."

"Near the sea... Is there something delicious to eat?"

"Hehehe... A long journey with Mako. There are many unnecessary things, but it's fine."

Entia, drooling at the thought of seafood, and Cro, giving a sinister laugh. Thus, the participants for the trip were decided.