Chapter 10

Today, I had come to the Dungeon Guild Branch 525 early in the morning.

Yesterday, I arrived in the afternoon to check things out, but because of the consultation we talked about, I decided to show up earlier today.

"Well, they said she should be at work by this hour..."

I looked around the guild to find Maki. Despite it being a weekday morning, there were still a fair number of adventurers present. It was a stark contrast to the Dungeon Guild Branch 777.

As I wandered around, reflecting on the differences between the two branches, I noticed a crowd forming near the counter where the receptionists were. I wondered if they were doing appraisals so early in the morning, but something seemed off.

"Listen, I took down fifty monsters on the third floor all by myself yesterday."

"Hah, I collected fifteen 'Small Magic Stones' alone yesterday. What do you think? I have a bright future, don't you think?"

"What are you talking about? I—"

"I, on the other hand, yesterday—"

Listening in, it seemed they had gathered for something entirely different from appraisals.

Yesterday, Maki had explained the 'Letter of Introduction' system in detail. Akiko had never explained such things to me, so I was really grateful.

First, the 'Letter of Introduction' benefits both the issuing receptionist and the adventurer who receives it.

As an adventurer, I've already experienced several perks, one of which is having a dedicated receptionist. When the adventurer is not around, the receptionist returns to regular duties, but when the adventurer is present, they are basically all mine.

This is why adventurers flock to impress the beautiful and cute receptionists who haven't issued a 'Letter of Introduction' yet.

The crowd I saw in front of me was a perfect example of this.

While I understand that adventurers should show off their hunting skills by bringing in trophies, this commotion seems to be limited to specific times in the morning and evening.

The receptionists, being human, have day and night shifts. The shift change is the least busy time, and during these quiet periods, the competition to impress begins.

Initially, the 'Letter of Introduction' system caused disruptions during appraisals, but now this unspoken rule has taken hold. It seems to vary in other branches, but in ours, such scenes are rare.

Still, having a dedicated receptionist...

Indeed, being greeted by a beautiful lady and welcomed back, along with various other forms of support, is not something I can't understand. I'm a guy, after all, and I have my fantasies.

But in my case, it's all about Akiko.

...No, I do think Akiko is beautiful. It would be annoying to tell her, and she would definitely mock me, so I won't. Besides, I was the only adventurer in that branch, so even without a dedicated 'Letter of Introduction,' she was practically my dedicated receptionist.

"Maybe it's like a farewell gift after all these years."

While thinking about this, I watched the competition from a distance when I suddenly met a familiar face.

I see, that's why I couldn't find her. I pushed through the crowd and stood in front of her.

"Maki, good morning."

"Ah, Shota! Good morning. I'll take you to the conference room!"

She seemed troubled, so I decided to help her out.

She must have been exhausted inside. Though she maintained a poker face, she gave me a bright smile the moment I called out to her.

The reason Maki could leave her post to prioritize me is due to the second benefit of the 'Letter of Introduction.' The 'Letter of Introduction' is primarily designed to dispatch adventurers to other guilds. However, if a dedicated receptionist leaves for another branch, the benefits are lost.

Therefore, the 'Letter of Introduction' sometimes includes a substitute receptionist. This substitute must perform the dedicated duties in the absence of the original receptionist.

This substitute is in a temporary contract until they issue their own 'Letter of Introduction.' Thus, Maki's role is that of a 'Dedicated Agent.' She retains the rights of a dedicated receptionist while allowing others to continue their efforts to impress.

"Tch, getting in the way."

"Slime Hunter."

Maki is as beautiful as Akiko, if not more so, according to my personal taste.

There are likely many adventurers in this branch targeting her. When I took her away, I heard numerous envious grumbles and complaints, but it was nothing if it helped my benefactor.

◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇

As soon as we sat down, Maki bowed her head.

"Shota, thank you so much. You really saved me."

"Please, raise your head. You helped me a lot yesterday, even if it was just for a day, and you're my dedicated receptionist, even if it's temporary. If you're in trouble, I'll help. Besides, you not only handled the appraisal but also arranged the auction as a thank you. I'm really grateful. I'll probably cause you trouble in the future, but please bear with me."

"Trouble? Not at all. Rather, I feel guilty for receiving such a significant favor on the first day."

Maki is so humble.

"By the way, is that kind of thing common?"

"Well... ahaha. Yes, it happens almost every weekday morning. On weekends and holidays, it's peaceful. Many students come, so it gets crowded in the morning."

"I see... Then, how about you become my dedicated receptionist?"

"Really?!"

"Uh?!"

I meant it as a light joke, but she seemed enthusiastic!