Chapter 62

I walk along to the Adventurer's Guild with a steady pace. As usual, I'm dressed in my ragged clothes, and Kokushin, wearing a hood like me, walks beside me. Rada must be at home, diligently preparing potions with the herbs she collected yesterday.

A crowd has gathered outside the cafeteria. Curious, I peek in and see men holding familiar pieces of wood.

"Jenga?"

Kokushin seems to have noticed too.

The men have brought a table outside and are gambling with Jenga. The carpenter must have worked fast. Actually, this isn't the Jenga I taught them... They are stacking the blocks one by one. It's just a pile of blocks now. I'm impressed they can stack such narrow blocks. The rule that you lose if you knock it over hasn't changed, though.

"Over there too."

When I look in the direction he points, I see children gathered. They are playing the way I taught them, pulling out the blocks.

Well, as long as they're having fun.

When I enter the guild, it's quiet because the morning rush has passed. What should I do today? I look at the bulletin board. The requests haven't changed much from yesterday. Maybe I'll take one of the mountain requests.

"Hey, kid."

A voice calls from the counter. I don't want to turn around, but it's probably for me. A fox-like beastman is waving me over. As I walk over, another staff member is preparing a step for me. Thank you.

"Is there something you need?"

When I stand next to Kokushin, the staff member asks, "Would you like to take a request?" I don't think we should get a special request yet because our rank is still low. I don't think we're that well-known either.

I tilt my head, and the staff member smiles.

"You'll probably be promoted soon. Think of this as a practice run. Here, take a look at this."

He shows me a request slip that says "Escort Request."

"E-rank adventurers can't take escort requests, right?"

"That's why it's a backup or assistant role. Another team will be the main escort. They're D-rank and capable, but they need someone who can read and write. Both of you are good at that, right?"

"An escort request that requires reading and writing?"

Indeed, many adventurers can't read or write. They bring the request slip to the counter and have the staff read it to them. They probably judge based on the characters they recognize and the numbers they've memorized.

The request doesn't mention this.

"Well, the client is a scholar. The destination is a cluster of ruins. He said he'd prefer someone who can converse with him."

"Interesting."

So there are hidden requests like this.

"But won't that cause problems with the team that took the escort request?"

"Don't worry. They've agreed. They think it will help them focus on the escorting."

"I guess that makes sense."

I glance at Kokushin. As usual, he seems to be saying, "Do what you want."

"How long will it take?"

"Ah, you'll take it!"

No, I haven't said I'll take it yet.

The staff member eagerly explains the details.

It will take about four days to get there. There's one village we can stop at. The planned stay is about a week, but it could be extended depending on the investigation. Additional fees will be provided for the extra time. We'll get proper points for the escort, and it will count towards our promotion.

The only downside is the long commitment, but the reward is good for us. The only issue is Rada.

"Will there be many monsters?"

The staff member tilts his head and then nods.

"There won't be few. The ruins have been known for a long time, but they haven't been thoroughly investigated. There's a possibility that monsters have made nests inside."

"I see..."

Rada should stay behind. She's not a child; she can manage on her own. She could even interact with the local apothecary.

The staff member asks, "Is there something wrong?" when I hesitate. Kokushin answers.

"We have another companion. She's not an adventurer, so we're not sure what to do."

"Oh, I've heard about her. She's an apothecary, right?"

He folds his arms and thinks for a moment, then snaps his fingers.

"If they agree, it shouldn't be a problem. She's good, right? Tell them they can get potions at a discount, and it won't matter if there's one more person to guard."

Well, can you really say that so casually? And Rada might not want to go?

In the end, the staff member says he'll talk to both sides, and we part ways. I have no choice but to ask Rada.

"Huh? Go!"

She answers without hesitation.

"It might be dangerous, you know?"

"I know. But I have the repelling potions that Reit taught me! I'll try not to faint. Besides, I've made a reviving potion. I don't want to go to another apothecary!"

She's on the verge of tears. No, I'm not forcing you to socialize. If you want to stay home, that's fine too. I'll prepare enough supplies for you to stay home for a month.

"I'm going."

Don't act like a child.

Well, if you're going, that's fine. But I won't listen to any complaints.

I return to the guild and tell them we're okay. I buy Rada's equipment at the store. Since heavy things are out of the question, I get a light cloak with a hood, sturdy shoes, and a backpack. For a weapon, a knife for gathering and dissection should be enough. When I ask if she needs anything else, she says, "Vegetable seeds."

"Vegetable seeds? Why... Oh, the cultivation skill?"

"Yeah. It takes a lot of magic, but I can grow them enough to eat. I thought it might be useful if something happens."

That's impressive. But why didn't you tell me before?

"...I don't like vegetables..."

Rada turns her gaze away. Despite her appearance and nature, she's more like a carnivore!

The guild doesn't sell seeds, so I go to Mr. Gabal's place. I didn't know where to buy them, but they had them. Normally.

Carrots, potatoes, leafy greens, tomatoes, and the world-specific monster plant, Ruruya. It looks like a leek and can run away when fully grown. The part that looks like a leek's head is apparently very nutritious.

I also buy flour, dried meat, and other things that will keep for a while.

I also pick up some chili peppers, ginger, and garlic.