Chapter 67

Today, somehow, an update ('ω')

"Welcome to the Dunar Adventurers' Guild."

At the reception, I showed the request form and waited for a few minutes.

Soon, a thin, elderly female staff member with unusually sharp eyes appeared.

"I'm the Guild Master, Maniera. Nice to meet you."

The aura she exuded from her upright, vigorous stance suggested that she was strong.

She gave off a similar pressure to Benwood and Mamar.

It seemed best not to defy her.

"I am Yuke Ferdio, the leader of the C-rank party 'Clover.' This is my sub-leader, Silk Amberwood."

"I am Silk Amberwood. Nice to meet you."

Silk and I bowed deeply.

During the meeting with the Guild Master, Marina and the others were asked to wait at the tavern.

Eavesdropping in the tavern can be a surprisingly effective way to gather information.

Especially Nene, with her keen ears, would likely grasp the town's atmosphere and rumors during the wait.

"I don't dislike polite children. Let's get straight to business, shall we? Follow me."

Without changing her expression, Maniera walked briskly towards the stairs at the back.

She seemed quite impatient.

However, I couldn't blame her.

A new dungeon had suddenly appeared in the jurisdiction.

They needed to apply to the government and conduct surveys.

Adventurers, having heard the rumors, were arriving one after another.

It was only natural to want to complete the national request for investigation as soon as possible and either open the dungeon to the public or seal it.

"Do you have the gist of it?"

In the reception room, Maniera spread out the documents on the table.

They were the same as what I had seen at Benwood's.

"Benwood gave me a general overview."

"Your diligence is appreciated. The investigation standards have been set by the government, and I'll explain them now. The goal is to clear up to the fifth floor. You should also check if there are any floor bosses. The live stream will have no viewing restrictions. I, Benwood, and the people from the Royal Academy will monitor it to estimate the dungeon's danger level and scale."

After speaking in one breath, Maniera paused.

Her gaze was fixed on Silk's fingers as she took notes.

At first glance, she seemed strict, but she was actually considerate.

When Silk's hand stopped, I took the opportunity to ask a question.

"What about mapping?"

"It's not necessary. There are people who specialize in that."

"What about items and monster materials?"

"Basically, they're all yours. However, please check and list what you bring back. There might be dangerous items."

The quick responses indicated that she was highly competent.

Quite different from Benwood.

"Here. Don't judge the elderly too much."

"…!"

I had been caught.

That was strange; it was the first time this had happened.

"It's the wisdom of age. Well, it's correct to be cautious with people you meet for the first time. Especially… when you bring only beautiful women."

Maniera smiled for the first time.

"I apologize for my rudeness."

"It's fine. We'll be business partners from today. Let's get along, shall we?"

She extended her hand, and I shook it. She smiled.

She had been testing me… I hope I met her standards.

"So, when are you going in?"

"Let's use the next two days for rest and preparation, and enter on the third day."

"Not too rushed, not too slow. Good judgment. No wonder you're Benwood's favorite."

Maniera's lips curled into a smile.

"Do you know Benwood?"

"What, you don't know me? I was also a member of his party. I was the first to step into the deepest part of 'The Colorless Darkness.'"

"You…!"

"Yes, I was your uncle's companion, Yuke."

She had known my identity from the start.

It felt like I had been tricked.

"Let's see what you can do."

"Please be gentle."

I returned a wry smile and bowed deeply.

If she was my uncle's companion, I should show her respect.

…Except for Benwood.

"Oh, right. I almost forgot."

Just as we were about to leave the sofa, Maniera threw something to us.

…A map?

"I thought it would be a hassle to have the party look for lodgings, so the guild has arranged a place for you. Go to the location on the map."

"Thank you."

Silk and I bowed again before leaving the reception room.

After closing the door, I noticed Silk taking a deep breath.

"Were you nervous?"

"Yes, very. To be able to handle the conversation so calmly… You're amazing, Yuke."

"No, I was nervous too."

It was the truth, not a lie or a joke.

Maniera's presence was so sharp that it was natural to feel intimidated.

"However, to have lodgings arranged for us…"

"Let's take advantage of their kindness this time."

"Yes, it will be helpful since we don't know the town."

If we needed to find a place, it would be my job as the supporter.

Silk doesn't need to worry about it.

"I hope the others aren't too tired… I think they'll be okay."

"The carriage ride was a bit long, so they might be tired."

"We need to rest well tomorrow and the day after."

We talked as we descended the stairs.

With each step, the noise grew louder. Adventurers' guilds are always noisy, but this seemed unusually loud.

"Hmm?"

It was easy to realize that the noise was not just from the crowd but from a fight.

However, it was unexpected to see Marina and the others at the center of it.

How was it ('ω')?

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