Chapter 24

"Paths must be forged. That is also acceptable."

There, it was in the midst of darkness. It was hard to call it just darkness or a night's curtain. It was as if enveloped in a thick, black mist. In this, a single shadow wandered.

"Indeed, it is acceptable. Ruis. Though the outcome was unexpected, you chose to forge a new path. You chose a path of hardship, where your bones would be gnawed, a path scorched by intense heat, a path that distorts fate!"

It sounded like a monologue, yet it was as if speaking to someone. The tone was exaggerated, almost clownish, and the eyes seemed to recall something, to look at something nostalgic.

"But the past is not something that can be easily traversed. It always lies in wait, ready to seize your feet from beneath you at any moment."

The tone was both cheerful and melancholic, impossible to read. The shadow's expression was completely unreadable, with no discernible emotions. Thus, the words were merely spoken, devoid of any meaning, just emitted into the surroundings.

"But I am the one who carries. I welcome your choice and respect its outcome. Therefore, it is acceptable. No matter what happens from now on, I welcome your choice. If it leads to the result we desire, all the more so!"

The monologue, which seemed to address everything, suddenly stopped.

Then, she murmured softly.

"Come, let's resume."

*

The city-state of Galamarie. Compared to neighboring countries and regional cities, it would be fair to say that no other group values freedom and autonomy as much as this city.

The city is surrounded by a sturdy wall, which has protected it from numerous interferences and invasions from other countries. As a center of East-West trade, this city has established a solid autonomy. Its influence has led to the formation of similar city-states around it, creating a tightly-knit group of city-states centered on Galamarie. While not a single monolithic entity, it is far from being easily conquered.

Historically, this city-state has never fallen. At least, not yet.

After entering the city, I got off the carriage, stroked my chin, and sighed lightly.

"What's wrong? Did you hit your head in the carriage?"

A voice came from the large, swaying barrel.

No, it was a combination that was almost comically unbalanced: a small girl and a huge barrel.

The petite girl, who seemed unable to lift the barrel, was energetically lowering it from the carriage and hoisting it onto her back. She was the guide assigned by Ms. Nines, Largud An.

Her youthful appearance and the unbalanced sight of her with the large barrel made me feel uneasy. Why was she carrying such a large barrel? And why was she pushing through the crowd with it as if it were nothing? The uncertainties were endless.

However, if she was a guide prepared by Ms. Nines, her capabilities must be reliable, regardless of her appearance. She is not the type to overlook such matters in contracts and agreements.

"Hey, Ruis... that guide has fallen again."

Karia pointed out with a puzzled voice, indicating Largud An, who had lost her balance and was nearly crushed by the barrel.

There was no mistake. It was probably as expected.

When I supported the barrel, which was several times her size, she thanked me but refused to let it down. I don't know if she was a proud merchant or if there was another reason for carrying the barrel, but it was quite troublesome to have to support it every time.

"Thank you, thank you... Now, let me guide you both to the guild as you requested. Please leave it to me. This place is like my backyard!"

Largud An tried to regain her composure and smiled bravely.

"Are you really okay? You were falling all over the place in your 'backyard.'"

Karia's words were a harsh blow.

She really showed no mercy. It was as if she lacked the empathy and gentleness necessary for interacting with others. Such thoughts even crossed my mind. Karia's face was twisted with a strange, delighted smile as she leaned against my back, pushing me forward.

"I was just thinking about our future life. No familiar taverns or inns. We don't even know what kind of introduction fee the guild will charge."

*

A guild is essentially a mutual aid organization for merchants, trade associations, and technicians.

Initially, it started with information exchanges, price agreements, and monopolies, but now it operates under the protection of major nobles or equivalent powers, incorporating adventurers into their ranks.

Adventurers are expendable lives for the guild, and they also serve as private armies to maintain the guild's power and protect it from interference by other organizations. While there are slight differences by country, the basic structure is not significantly different. This is because merchants travel between East and West, forming guilds wherever they go.

If an adventurer crosses into another country, they must join a guild. An adventurer not affiliated with a guild is considered a vagrant and can be arrested and sent to prison just for walking in the streets. Therefore, guilds, in exchange for large sums of money, take the names of powerful nobles, and adventurers, in exchange for their lives, are protected by the guild.

In other words, without a backing, we must join a guild to survive in this city. Even with citizenship, those without affiliation are quickly suspected of criminal activity.

"Galanti Merchant and Craft Guild... Seriously, can I, or rather, can we join a place like this?"

In front of the guild's tavern, I asked Largud An, my cheeks twitching. My voice might have cracked, as if my throat was spasming.

First of all, the entrance was different. In the small guild I belonged to in the Galiste Kingdom, a makeshift wooden board served as a sign. Here, the sign was a high-quality piece cut from a single piece of wood. The entrance was not neglected and was likely cleaned daily.

Even considering that Galamarie is a thriving place for trade associations, this guild was clearly on a different scale. It was probably one of the top guilds in the city. The entrance alone was proof of that. The mismatch was so great that my feet involuntarily shrank back.

"Yes. The Galanti Merchant and Craft Guild is one of the two major guilds in Galamarie. But, isn't this the kind of place a hero would find fitting?"

"Hero... what? I've never heard that word before."

I asked, wide-eyed, and met Largud An's gaze, who also seemed confused.

"Hero." Hero, brave, savior. Ah, it brings back unpleasant memories. I don't fit any of those words. I never claimed to be one, and I never intended to be. It's strange how such a story came to be.

While rubbing the back of my neck and looking around, Largud An stared straight at me.

"Ms. Nines told me that Mr. Ruis rescued the imprisoned Karia and left the capital to become a hero, leaving behind all attachments!"

I see, Nines, or rather, that woman, is getting back at me here. Karia, standing next to me, was covering her mouth, taunting me with "What kind of hero are you?" I wished she would just disappear into the crowd.

I did boast about becoming a great adventurer. But that's different from being a hero. A hero is someone favored by fate. A brave is someone blessed by the gods. I am neither. If anyone fits those descriptions, it would be that man. Unfortunately.

Ignoring my feelings, Largud An, still unbalanced with the large barrel, headed towards the guild's entrance.

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