Chapter 20

After that, the men who claimed to be the older brother's subordinates appeared and talked with Lean for a while.

When I showed them the purple-red stone I had pulled out from the goblin's forehead, they were very surprised, but they said they needed it for some investigation, so I handed it over to them. They thanked me and left, but by then, it was already getting a bit dark.

We had forgotten how time passed, being so focused on the battle with the goblins. They say that when it gets dark, the night creatures start to become active, making the forest even more dangerous.

We hurriedly left the "Beast Forest" and rushed to the capital, and now we have finally returned to the Adventurer's Guild to report on the "Goblin Extermination."

"Uncle, I'm back."

"What, Noll? You seem unusually cheerful."

As expected, the guild master, who sees me every day, noticed the difference in my mood.

Yes, I am indeed a bit elated.

But, it's not surprising, is it?

This was my first successful goblin hunt.

It might be a small thing for other adventurers, but for me, it was a big step.

I managed to defeat it.

The goblin, known as the gateway for novice adventurers.

I couldn't help but show my joy.

"Yeah, I managed to defeat the goblin somehow."

"Really? ...You didn't take any unnecessary risks, did you?"

"Well, I intended to, but it was much harder than I thought.

With Lean's help, I managed to defeat it somehow."

In fact, it was a very dangerous battle.

The goblin was a formidable opponent that I couldn't have defeated alone.

It was only because Lean was there that we found it and managed to defeat it.

I owe her a great deal of gratitude...

"Actually, it was almost all Lean... Silver-rank adventurers are amazing. The number of skills they can use is on a different level, and I was really saved. I don't know what would have happened without her."

"Well, well, I just helped the teacher...!!"

Lean seemed flustered and blushed.

There's no need to be so modest.

But, this is what makes her so great.

Despite her incredible abilities, she remains humble and treats everyone with respect.

To be this mature at her age... I should try to learn from her a bit.

"Well, at least you don't seem injured, and that's the most important thing. Even if it's just a goblin, it's a real threat to a beginner... It was a good experience, wasn't it?"

"Yeah, you're right. Experience is everything. I never imagined what a goblin would look like until I saw one, and I didn't know that it had a stone embedded in its forehead, which turned out to be its weakness."

My excited words made the guild master look a bit puzzled.

"Huh? A stone in the forehead...? What's that...?"

"Well, it was a beautiful purple-red stone..."

"Oh, you mean a magic stone. But, the magic stones that form inside goblins are usually near the heart, throat, or the center of the body...?"

"...Is that so?"

The guild master stroked his beard thoughtfully and looked at me suspiciously.

"...Hey, was that really a goblin?"

"I'm pretty sure it was a goblin... Right, Lean?"

"Yes, if the teacher says so... It was a goblin. No matter what anyone says."

She seemed to emphasize her words... What does she mean?

But, she says it was a goblin, so it must be.

The guild master still looked puzzled after hearing Lean's words but seemed to accept it.

"I see, sorry for doubting you. There are different types of goblins, so I just wanted to confirm."

"...Do goblins usually not have stones in their heads?"

"Well, usually not. But it's not set in stone... I've heard of cases where they were embedded in the head. Maybe the one you defeated was a rare individual."

"I see, so it's a variation among goblins... That's interesting."

Experience is truly the best teacher.

But, I'm not confident that I could defeat it again.

With Lean's help, I managed to defeat it, but unexpected situations could arise.

It was lucky that we only encountered one; if there had been several, it would have been dangerous.

"But, I also learned that goblins are very dangerous creatures. I was lucky to defeat one, but two or three would be tough."

"Yeah, many beginners get attacked from behind and are killed. It was lucky that you encountered just one."

"I think I'll take a break from goblin hunting for a while. This experience made me realize my limitations... It's better not to overestimate myself and take unnecessary risks."

Next time, I'll challenge it after training more and getting stronger.

Also, I need to get used to handling that heavy black sword.

When the goblin threw a large tree at me, I was at a loss.

If I can't swing it properly in an emergency, that's a problem.

"It's wise to be cautious. Don't take unnecessary risks. You only have one life."

"Yeah, I know my limits. I won't push myself."

But, maybe goblin hunting isn't for me.

Killing something that looks like a person isn't a pleasant experience.

I felt sorry for the goblin just before I defeated it.

Next time, I'll ask for a different monster hunting quest.

"Alright, show me the proof of the kill. I'll cash it out for you."

"Huh?"

Proof of the kill?

What was that again?

"Didn't I tell you? The proof of the goblin kill is the right ear, so don't forget to bring it back."

"...I think I burned it."

I burned the entire goblin with Lean's skill.

I was too focused on defeating it to think about that.

"Hey, you can't get the reward without the proof. Well, it's just one, so it's not much... Still, I can't help it."

The guild master grumbled and threw a silver coin into my hand.

"What's this?"

"It's a 'congratulations on your first goblin kill' from me. Take it. You probably didn't earn much today, right? It should cover a bath."

"...Is that okay? I feel bad making you go out of your way. I'll take it gratefully."

Indeed, I didn't earn much today because the construction site was on break.

I should give this to Lean for her help.

I have enough savings to cover a bath, so it's not a problem.

"Thanks for everything today. I'm going home now. See you tomorrow."

I said goodbye to the guild master and decided to leave the Adventurer's Guild.

Today was a tough day.

I think I got a lot more exercise than usual with the "soil carrying."

Hunting monsters is a tough job.

I got quite dirty, so I'll stop by a bathhouse on the way home.

...Lean won't follow me that far, right?

It's getting late, so I should send her home... I'll do that.

"Then, I'll go home now... Is that okay, Teacher Noll?"

...Good.

She seems willing to go home.

No, I shouldn't be happy about that.

She really helped me today.

I should at least thank her.

"Of course. You really helped me today. If there's another opportunity, I might ask for your help again, okay?"

"Yes, if you need me. I'll do my best to be of use."

She smiled, placed her hand on her chest, and bowed politely.

She does that every time... She's so formal.

I don't think she needs to be so formal with me.

"Then, Guild Master, I'll take my leave."

"Sure, see you, Lean."

We both waved to Lean as she walked to the guild entrance.

The guild master, looking at her back with me, spoke in a low voice.

"So, Noll... How long do you plan to keep this up?"

"Keep what up?"

"Well, I don't know how many times I've had this conversation with you, but...

Today, the master of the Construction Guild asked me to convince you to join them. He really likes you.

It's rare for that stubborn old man to praise someone so much.

The pay is also very good, much better than goblin hunting.

They have several top-notch trading companies in the capital, so you'd never go hungry. I can guarantee that.

You're not getting any younger, so it's time to think about settling down..."

"No matter what you say, my feelings won't change."

"I know, but..."

The guild master was about to start his usual long speech, so I tried to cut him off and leave the guild, but then I noticed someone entering the guild entrance forcefully.

That's...

"Lean. Is Noll here?"

"Brother?"

Lean, who was about to leave, was a bit surprised to see him.

Yes, it's her brother.

He walked straight to me after spotting me.

The guild master and I exchanged glances.

"Hey, what's going on today? Not only Lord Linneburg, but Lord Rain also needs to see you... You didn't do something, did you?"

"No, I didn't do anything."

...I think. Probably.

I can't say much to the guild master because he helped me a lot when I first came to the capital and didn't know the ropes...

While we were a bit confused,

Lean's brother approached me directly and...

...said with a very serious expression.

"Lord Noll. I'm sorry, but... could you go to the mountain town with Lean tomorrow morning? We'll provide a carriage and one guard. I can't give you the details right now, but please cooperate."