Chapter 29

I would like to set up a branch of the Adventurers' Guild "Apostles of the Silver Moon" in Ninoritch.

Everyone present was surprised by Naye's statement.

But, as expected of Karen. She quickly regained her composure and her expression tightened.

"…A branch of the 'Apostles of the Silver Moon' in this Ninoritch?"

"Yes. Normally, I should follow the proper procedures to make such a proposal, but I heard that a messenger from the 'Plunderers of the Labyrinth' is trying to set up a branch in this town, so I rushed here. I apologize for making such a proposal in this manner. Would you be willing to hear me out if it's not too much trouble?"

"Hmm…"

Karen glanced at me a few times. She seemed to be hesitating. Probably because she had just been given a difficult request by Gabus, she was wary of being asked for something similar again. Just as I was thinking that,

"What do you think, Shiro?"

She turned to me. But I couldn't lose my composure here. I tried to act as cool as possible.

"Why don't we hear him out first?"

When Naye came to the store a few days ago, I felt that she was a very polite person. At least, she didn't seem like a bad person to me.

"I see. Alright. Messenger, let's hear your proposal in my office. This way."

"Thank you."

"And Shiro—"

"Yes, what is it?"

"Could you come with us? I'm sorry, but could you?"

"Me? Why me?"

"I also have a request for your cooperation. Actually, our guild would like to ask for your assistance."

"Ah, cooperation, huh?"

What kind of cooperation could a humble shopkeeper like me offer? I don't think it's about the exclusive right to sell matches again, though.

"Alright, I'll come. Aina, can you watch the store for me?"

"Of course, Shiro-nii. Aina is the 'clerk.' It's fine, really."

"Thanks. I appreciate it. Take care, then."

"Okay!"

And so, I ended up accompanying Naye to the meeting at Karen's request.

◇◆◇◆◇

"Shall we hear your proposal?"

As soon as we sat down on the sofa in the office, Karen cut to the chase. The seating arrangement was such that Karen and I sat side by side, and Naye sat on the sofa opposite us, separated by a low table.

"Yes. Let me start by explaining why our guild wants to set up a branch in this town. Of course, the vast forest to the east of Ninoritch is home to many monsters and rare herbs—"

Naye's explanation was something Karen and I already knew.

For example, there are popular monsters in the capital. For example, alchemists and apothecaries buy rare herbs at high prices.

However, the next words were something new to both Karen and me.

"A few days ago, an adventurer party affiliated with our guild discovered a map from what appears to be the era of ancient magic civilization in a dungeon."

"Hmm. A map, you say?"

"Yes, a map. A map of the continent has never been discovered before. Therefore, it is being hailed as the 'discovery of the century' within the guild. But the important part is what comes next."

Naye, with an excited look, slammed her hand on the table and leaned forward.

"The map revealed that there were many ancient magic civilization kingdoms, dungeons, and temples in the vast forest to the east of Ninoritch, to the east of the continent!"

"What!?"

Karen stood up with a thud. Her body was shaking, probably from excitement.

"Based on this, we, the 'Apostles of the Silver Moon,' have decided to mobilize all our guild's resources to explore the vast forest to the east. We were looking for a suitable town or village to set up a branch, and I judged that Ninoritch is the most suitable town as a base for the exploration. The reason is—"

Naye paused and turned her gaze to me.

"The existence of 'Shiro's Shop' in Ninoritch. The items in your shop are all excellent. I am confident that they will be of great help to the adventurers affiliated with our guild."

"I see. So Shiro's presence was the deciding factor. Then, what did you mean by 'cooperation' earlier?"

"We would like to set up a branch store in our guild when the branch is completed. Would you consider it?"

I braced myself, thinking it might be about the exclusive right to sell matches again, but to my surprise, it was an offer to open a store.

"Of course, I don't expect an immediate answer. This is assuming that we are allowed to set up a branch in this town. Please consider it carefully."

With that, Naye bowed to me. She was a far cry from the high-handed Gabus. It's amazing how different guilds can be.

"So, how about it, mayor? Can we set up a branch here?"

"If the reason is as you say, I would even ask for it. However… what conditions do you intend to impose on my town for setting up the branch?"

"Conditions…?"

"Before you, an inspector from the 'Plunderers of the Labyrinth' came. They asked for tax exemptions, construction costs for the branch, and—"

"They demanded the exclusive right to sell the matches in my store."

Hearing Karen and me, Naye opened her mouth in disbelief.

"Such demands… while asking to set up a branch?"

"They were incredibly presumptuous. They insulted the adventurers in town and called me an idiot."

"And they touched my chest."

"Such things… Please rest assured. Of course, the guild will cover the construction costs of the branch, and we will pay taxes according to the regulations. The only thing we would ask for is labor during construction—of course, we will pay wages. And securing land for the branch. How does that sound?"

Hearing Naye's words, Karen nodded vigorously and extended her right hand for a handshake.

"I would be honored."

"Thank you."

Karen and Naye shook hands firmly. And so, the branch of the Adventurers' Guild "Apostles of the Silver Moon" was set up in the town of Ninoritch.