Chapter 75

After discussing with Marie, we moved to the warehouse to unload the monsters. The children were surprised by the Fire Dragon, and Marie was captivated by the magic bag, but everything went smoothly overall.

"Yuta-san, how many Firebirds can you supply? What’s the condition of the Magma Fish?"

The Firebirds are selling better than expected. I thought they were B-rank monsters...

When I asked for the reason, it seems that since they usually travel in groups, even if a single one is B-rank, it’s hard to deal with. The materials from the Firebirds, fitting their name, have excellent fire resistance and are in high demand.

The Magma Fish are also in good condition, and they explained the cooking methods in detail. Since it seems difficult to cook them myself, I might just leave the Magma Fish to Torque.

If I do, I’ll have to ask him to cook them secretly... No, given Torque’s personality, he’d probably go wild with joy if I gave him the Magma Fish. If he makes a fuss, it might leak unexpectedly, so I’ll hold off on the Magma Fish until my identity is no longer a secret to the Adventurer’s Guild.

Feeling a bit disappointed, I brought out the Firebirds and a mountain of pepper to the warehouse. That’s all the items I planned to unload.

I still have a lot of materials left, but I can do it next time. If I unload too much, the prices might drop.

"Yuta-san, with this much, it will take some time to determine the price. I estimate it will be around 1.8 billion. Is that okay?"

1.8 billion... The number is so large that it’s hard to grasp. Am I a billionaire now?

"Yes, that’s fine. Oh, we’re leaving the city tomorrow and won’t be back for over ten days, so it’s okay to wait until then. Just make sure to prepare the edible parts of the Fire Dragon, Assault Dragon, and Wyvern by tomorrow."

"Understood. I’ll have the meat ready by noon tomorrow. I’ll prepare the payment for the materials when you return. By the way, may I ask where you’re going?"

"The location is a secret. We’re just going to a place suitable for training. The city isn’t very comfortable for us."

Marie smiled wryly, perhaps remembering my relationship with the Adventurer’s Guild.

"Then, I’ll take my leave. Oh, Marie-san, if possible, could you hold off on selling the materials until after tomorrow? It would be troublesome if it causes a commotion and we’re found out early."

"Sure. It will take some time to process the materials, so it’s not a problem."

"Thank you."

I parted ways with Marie in front of the warehouse and headed for lunch with Sara and the others. Marie’s eerie whisper, "You won’t be able to sleep for a while," was a bit scary.

"Master is really strong, huh?"

Marco asked. If I’m not mistaken, I can sense respect in his gaze. Maybe I’ve earned a bit of trust?

"It’s not that I’m strong, but thanks to the spirits I’ve contracted."

"I see. So Spirit Magic is really strong."

He nodded as if confirming something and muttered, "I’ll try my best," before walking on. It seems he’s motivated, which is a good sign. Sara and Kika are a bit intimidated, but I’ll count on Marco to lead them.

I thought about going to a restaurant for lunch, but the children were fixated on the food stalls, so we decided to eat there.

Apparently, kind people often share leftovers from stalls and restaurants, so the stalls are a treat for Sara and the others, something they get to enjoy occasionally.

Seeing the children eagerly eating the stall food made me feel warm inside, but the group is still mostly children and small animals. I’d prefer to be surrounded by beautiful women, but that’s not happening anytime soon.

After finishing our food, we went to Aks’ weapon shop to buy sturdy robes and boots for Sara and the others. I considered buying weapons but decided against it. It’s too scary to give weapons to children when I can’t teach them how to use them.

It was helpful that the shop had children’s sizes, and Aks made some adjustments to the robes. His delicate and quick work was surprising given his muscular appearance.

Marco was captivated by the armor and swords, but I sternly reminded him that he needs to become a proper Spirit Mage first. I can’t teach him melee combat.

With Aks’ permission, we changed into the new clothes and shoes in a corner of the shop. They looked much better, though they were still too thin. I’d like to tidy up their messy hair as well.

"Master, thank you." (Thanks) "Master, thank you very much."

We received thanks from all three as we left the shop. I could barely hear Kika’s voice, but it was good to hear it, even if she immediately hid behind Marco.

"You’re welcome. Let’s move on to the next place."

We went to a furniture shop to pick up the bed I had ordered. It turned out well, and I’m looking forward to sleeping on it. I also ordered beds for Sara and the others, but they won’t be ready until our next visit to the city.

When I asked about bedding that could be ready immediately, they said it would be a straw bed. I kind of envy it, and I’m curious about how it feels. They said it could be made quickly, so I decided to get it.

We picked up the bed and bought barrels of ale and wine from a liquor store. Three barrels each of ale, red wine, and white wine, for a total of nine barrels. This should last us for a while. Sylph was happy, and I’m relieved.

"Alright, we’ve finished most of the shopping. Let’s go register Sara, Marco, and Kika as adventurers. I’m not popular with the Adventurer’s Guild, so we might face some unpleasantness, but please bear with it."

They looked very anxious. I know it’s tough to have a disliked master. I’m sorry, but you’ll have to endure it.

***

When we entered the Adventurer’s Guild, unpleasant gazes were directed at me. Sara and the others sensed the atmosphere and became withdrawn.

I wanted to lash out, but that would ruin everything, so I endured and headed to Eltina’s desk. She still has that beautifully expressionless face.

"Hello. I’d like to register these children as Spirit Mages."

There’s no point in dwelling on it, so I just stated my business.

Bang! Eltina slammed her hands on the desk and stood up, her face contorted with anger.

"You! Just because you can’t form a party, you’re involving children? What are you thinking?"

Her words are too reasonable to argue with, but it’s frustrating to be criticized by the Adventurer’s Guild, which is partly to blame.

"I understand your concern, but these children have agreed to it. Please process their registration. You don’t turn away anyone who isn’t committing a crime, right?"

"Are you really sure about this? I’m warning you, following this person is a bad idea. He has a bad reputation."

She’s being incredibly dismissive. The Adventurer’s Guild spread the bad rumors, yet they’re criticizing me. Can I lose my temper now?

"I know Master has a bad reputation. I’m also worried about bringing my sister along."

Huh? I thought I had earned some respect. This is getting dicey.

"Then, you should stop."

"Will you help them if we do? Can they avoid going back to the slums?"

"Uh, that’s..."

Can you suddenly take responsibility for a child’s life? But Marco, would you go if someone offered to take care of you?

"If you’re not willing to, it’s none of your business. Master is the one who offered to help us. We will follow Master."

I’m about to cry. And Marco, you’re giving off a protagonist-like aura. From my tarnished perspective, you’re very dazzling.

"......"

"Please, process their registration."

She glared at me sharply. This is when you use the word "unreasonable." She’s writing the forms while questioning the children, clearly very dissatisfied.

After the registration was complete and we paid the fees, we received our guild cards. I’m F-rank, so we’re all on the same level. This might be a problem for Master’s authority.

"Eltina-san, we will also form a party. Please register it as 'Strongest Spirit Mages.'"

Veins popped on Eltina’s beautiful forehead. It might be a bit provocative, but it’s a declaration of intent. If we become famous, the reputation of Spirit Mages will improve. I need to be careful not to become infamous.

Since coming to the city, things have taken a different direction from my original goals, but it’s too late to turn back now. I had Eltina register our party and left the guild.

"Master is really disliked, huh?"

"Yeah, a lot has happened to make it that way."

By bringing Sara and the others, my reputation has dropped even further. I thought it couldn’t get any worse, but it has. Well, Sara and the others must be tired from all the running around today. Let’s get back to the inn and let them rest.

***

"Martha, we’re back. These children— 'Oh, you’re back. That’s amazing. I’ll call the master right away. Master, they’re back.'"

The conversation was cut off. Martha’s call was followed by heavy footsteps approaching. It must be Torque.

"Ah, welcome back. That dish was incredible. Both Martha and Kalk loved it. We’ll start serving it tonight, so look forward to it."

Torque patted me on the shoulder and praised the recipe. My shoulder feels like it’s about to break, but if this recipe can make up for the trouble I caused, it’s worth it.

"I’m glad it turned out well. I was worried because I was working from memory, but it seems to have worked out."

"Yeah, it’s still in the research phase, but it’s coming along. You’re leaving tomorrow, right? I’ll make sure to prepare the requested portions, so don’t worry."

"Yes, thank you. But please don’t overexert yourself."

"Haha, don’t worry. See you later."

He left after saying that. ...I don’t think he’s the type to pull an all-nighter, so he should be fine. After all, he’s the mighty Torque.

I wonder what’s on the menu tonight. I’m looking forward to it.

Thank you for reading.