Chapter 15

People entering through the gate were sparse. The gatekeeper didn’t seem particularly busy either.

By the way, how should I deliver this letter?

The envelope only has "Rustifa" written on it. It must be addressed to Ms. Rustifa. The sender isn’t mentioned, but there’s a wax seal, so they must be identifiable by that.

While holding the letter and looking around, I happened to make eye contact with someone coming out of the guardhouse.

I thought it might be the visiting prince. He had sparkling blonde hair and blue eyes, was tall, and his armor looked incredibly fitting. Since he was wearing the same armor as the gatekeeper, he must be a soldier.

"Hmm, do you have any business at the guardhouse?"

His voice was calm and pleasant. Perfect, right?

"Ah, I came from the Adventurers' Guild. I’m here to deliver a letter. To, um, Ms. Rustifa."

I showed him the front of the letter as I answered.

"To the captain?"

The man looked puzzled. Ms. Rustifa seems to be the captain. If she’s the captain, it wouldn’t be strange for her to receive a letter from a noble, right? And isn’t she a noble herself?

The wax seal is mainly used by nobles. And I think the higher-ranking guards are nobles too. Maybe the second or third sons become knights.

"Cokusin"

Suddenly, another man’s voice came from behind the first man. He stopped reaching for the letter and turned around. I leaned to the side to confirm who was behind him.

"You’re off duty today, aren’t you? Why are you here?"

"Eh, well…"

Hmm? Is he a workaholic?

The handsome man named Cokusin scratched his cheek awkwardly.

"I didn’t have anything to do…"

"If the captain doesn’t take a break, the subordinates won’t either."

"Ah."

Is he free? Is he single? He seems like someone who would be popular.

The man who spoke to me noticed me.

"Who are you?"

"Ah, I came from the Adventurers' Guild. I have a letter for Ms. Rustifa."

"Oh… Then I’ll deliver it for you."

For some reason, the man’s demeanor changed. He quickly snatched the letter from me and turned away.

"Eh, hey! Wait a minute!"

If I give it to someone unrelated, I’ll get in trouble. I haven’t even gotten a signature.

"It’s fine. I’m sure I’m going to the captain’s office now. I’ll sign for you."

Cokusin signed the receipt for me.

"Nitz Defense Force Third Squad Captain Cokusin"

"Hey, there’s no family name."

Cokusin chuckled, having heard my comment.

"I’m a commoner. Do I really look like a noble? I get asked that sometimes."

"I’m sorry. I meant it as a compliment, not in a bad way."

He chuckled even deeper. I couldn’t tell if he was troubled or blushing. Anyway, he seemed like a good person, which was reassuring.

"Are you done with your delivery?"

"Ah, no, I have one more place. To the Tora Trading Company."

"Hmm…"

Yeah, I get it. The letter and the envelope are the same as the one delivered to the captain. Normally, you’d wonder what the relationship is, right? But since it was entrusted to an adventurer, it’s probably not a secret letter.

"I’ll guide you while I’m at it."

He smiled, saying he had nothing to do. I wasn’t worried about getting lost, but I welcomed the company that might answer my questions.

Cokusin walked beside me, his long legs moving leisurely. He wasn’t wearing a sword, probably because he was off duty, but his armor was still noticeable. In this fantasy world, fully armored adventurers are also walking around.

"By the way, whose crest is this?"

A deer is standing on its hind legs, surrounded by thorns. Is it about hunting? It doesn’t seem like a good image.

"Oh… It’s the magistrate of this town."

The lord seems to be in another town. Cokusin’s expression darkened. He doesn’t seem to have a good reputation. I haven’t felt it in the half day I’ve been here, though.

"He often has discussions with the captain. Well, if it’s work, that’s that… But with that particular trading company involved… Ah, forget what I just said."

No, no, I heard it all. Don’t say such suggestive things. Is this a flag?

"Um…"

"Anyway, you’re small. How old are you?"

He blatantly changed the topic. That’s a minefield!

"I’m 17. I’m a fully grown adult. You’re just tall. I’m short, okay?"

When I pouted, he hastily corrected himself, "No, I meant you’re cute." I’m a guy. "Cute" isn’t a compliment. I glared up at him.

"A-ah… Do you want to eat a honey bun?"

He tried to lure me with food.

I couldn’t help but burst out laughing. This guy seems more serious and timid than he looks. He can’t tell a lie, I guess. No, calling me cute is a huge exaggeration.

"Ah, here we are."

After about ten minutes of walking, we finally arrived.

The Tora Trading Company apparently deals in miscellaneous goods and weapons. Half of the store was dedicated to displaying weapons. I’m interested in the weapons, but I have to do my job first.

Incidentally, Cokusin was watching me from outside, like a parent watching their child on their first errand.

"Hello. I’m from the Adventurers' Guild. I have a letter."

The envelope only has the store’s name, so it should be fine to give it to the clerk.

"Sure, let me check."

The young female clerk put down the stack of papers she was holding and looked at my hand. She glanced at the back and said, "Ah, it’s for the young master."

"Sure, I’ll deliver it."

She signed the receipt smoothly. Good, mission accomplished.

"By the way, can I look around the store? I just arrived in this town."

When I asked, she smiled and said, "Sure, go ahead." She picked up the stack of papers. I glanced at the document. The transaction amounts were unusually large, and I could clearly see the name of the trading partner.

I walked around the store for a while as if nothing had happened and left without buying anything. I did look at the weapons, but they were too flashy and I lost interest.