Chapter 66

Today's update ('ω')

Two weeks have passed since we left Finis. The smooth journey, without any bad weather or encounters with monsters, brought us to the trading city of Dunna, near the border. The southern trading city, which I was visiting for the first time, was bustling even though it was already winter, and it made me think, "This is truly a city of merchants."

"It's so lively! What's that over there?"

Marina, looking excited, was scanning the surroundings and pointing out curiously at things she found interesting.

"That might be a Salmtaria-style café. ... There seem to be a lot of inns and restaurants too. Since it's a trading center, we might be able to try some unusual dishes."

At my words, Silk, who was next to me, chuckled.

"You, Yuke, are unexpectedly a foodie."

"Is that so? There's nothing better than good food, right?"

"That's true. I hope there aren't too many dishes we don't like..."

Adventurers, fundamentally, rely on their bodies. Without proper food and water, they can't perform at their best, which increases the risk. Fortunately, my cooking is well-received by everyone.

"There are a lot of adventurers, huh?"

Rein, who had been looking out the carriage at the main street, muttered.

"News of a new dungeon must be spreading. It looks like adventurers from neighboring countries are here too, judging by their attire."

"Can you tell?"

"Yeah, there are a few who look different. For example, those guys are probably adventurers from Salmtaria."

A group of men walking down the main street, carrying large curved swords on their hips and wearing short hooded cloaks made of colorful quilted fabric over their leather armor.

"That cloak is typical of Salmtarians. I don't understand it, but the patterns and colors apparently signify their place of origin and family lineage."

"Is that so..."

Rein looked at the group of Salmtarian adventurers with interest. It's not good to stare at people, but Rein tends to focus on things that catch her interest. Well, from inside the carriage, they probably won't notice.

"Salmtaria is a country with a strong feudal system, where social hierarchy and family lineage are highly valued. I've heard that their 'adventurers' are a bit different from us."

"Are they not adventurers? They look like adventurers to me."

Marina tilted her head and furrowed her brow.

"They don't have the same freedom as we do. They register with the Adventurer's Guild here to work, but in Salmtaria, the jobs you can do are determined by your social class, which is managed on a family basis. So, they are essentially doing it as a family business."

"So, those guys are family?"

"They were wearing the same quilted cloaks, so I think so."

Marina's eyes lit up at my response.

"You, Yuke, are really knowledgeable! And you explain it so clearly!"

"Is that so? Well, as a supporter, it's necessary to have some knowledge to do the job well."

When dealing with people, it's often necessary to adapt to the customs and culture of the client or the area. That's why I've studied and memorized a fair amount of information about the kingdom and the surrounding countries.

"Hey, do we not make something like that?"

"Something like what?"

"Matching cloaks. Some adventurers do, right? Like the 'Griffin Brigade.'"

Ah, I see.

Indeed, the 'Griffin Brigade' all wore matching armbands. I've also seen other parties match colors or have matching decals on their armor.

"Hmm..."

It might not be a bad idea. We're becoming somewhat well-known through our broadcasts, and having a sense of unity could be fun.

"I'll think about it."

"Yay! I'm looking forward to it!"

Since we're at it, I'll use alchemy to add some magical effects, making them magical equipment. I want them to have practical effects, not just be matching. Everyone will be surprised, I'm sure.

"You, Yuke, are up to something again..."

"What? No way!"

Just as my creative juices were flowing, I was seen through by Rein. She's become even sharper recently.

But, it's also a relief sometimes.

We continued through the city of Dunna in a pleasant atmosphere.

Since we came on a national mission, we should probably be a bit more serious, but this city has a bit of Salmtarian culture, and it feels like a bit of a tourist trip. Besides, this place will be our home town for a while, so we need to get a feel for the city early on.

"Ah, I can see the Adventurer's Guild up ahead."

Nene, holding the reins, turned to us. Following her voice, I looked ahead and saw a building that looked like an Adventurer's Guild.

Dunna is not a dungeon city, but it is an old trading city with a long history. Adventurers are mainly valued for maintaining the safety of the surrounding areas and providing protection on journeys, and the Adventurer's Guild was established early on.

"It's a bit bigger than Finis."

"Is it the same size?"

"It looks more imposing here."

Marina and the others commented on the Dunna Adventurer's Guild, which they were seeing for the first time. Only Rein was tilting her head in confusion.

"What's wrong, Rein?"

"Has this place ever had a major incident?"

"... It wasn't in the records, but you're right."

I understood what Rein was getting at. Indeed, something seemed a bit off.

The Adventurer's Guild in front of us seemed too fortified. The first floor was made of stone, and the open doors were made of steel. It looked like it was built to withstand a siege, even though it's not a dungeon city.

"I wonder why..."

While pondering this with Rein, we arrived at the Adventurer's Guild.

How was it? ('ω')

I'll keep working hard on the second part.

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