Chapter 145: A Little Eerie

Leave a Comment / Spirits' paradise and ideal life in another world / By IX

When I was talking with the new Master of the Adventurer’s Guild, I ended up hearing an apology from the former Guild Master and Eltina-san. I can’t read what kind of discussion it will be, so I’m feeling nervous. It’s easier for the one who set the trap to just think about countermeasures.

Ah, here comes the former Guild Master and Eltina-san… Hmmm, both of them look incredibly worn out. It’s not some special makeup or anything, right?

I did think something like “damage to the hair roots!” but the former Guild Master’s hair is clearly thinning. Is it due to stress-related hair loss? There’s also the possibility that I have some talent for curses.

There are dark circles under their eyes, and their expressions lack vitality. It seems like they’ve lost the aura of being Guild Masters and appear a bit smaller.

Eltina-san’s hair is disheveled, and she clearly looks exhausted. She doesn’t have that carnivorous aura I saw when I first met her, nor the emotionless mask she wore at some point.

If a beauty on Eltina-san’s level is dismissed from the Adventurer’s Guild, she should be able to handle it somehow. Why does she seem so worn out? Is being dismissed from the Adventurer’s Guild a more serious matter than I thought?

If this is just an act from the former Guild Master and Eltina-san, it’s scary. They purposely made themselves look sickly by not sleeping or eating for today…

Oh, imagining it gives me the creeps. It’s scary because I can’t say it definitely didn’t happen. While I’m lost in my own thoughts, the two of them stand before me and bow deeply.

“We are truly sorry.”

“We apologize for our rude behavior.”

What should I do now? I felt quite relieved after the last incident, so I don’t really mind anymore, but am I supposed to give them some kind of punishment? It would be too much if I pushed them further. Maybe they’ll think I’m being taken advantage of if I forgive too easily, or is that just my imagination?

…There are many adventurers around who don’t know me, so maybe I should aim for their favorability?

I’m observing the former Guild Master and Eltina-san as they raise their heads with surprised expressions. The new Guild Master seems surprised too. Huh? Did I make the wrong choice? Oh, maybe they were surprised that I accepted the apology so easily. They probably thought I would put up a fight.

What kind of image do they have of me in the Adventurer’s Guild? Well, it’s certain that I don’t have a good image, but I don’t think I’ve ever picked a fight with them. Although, I do feel like I provoked them and got into fights for a high price. That’s a separate issue, though.

“Thank you for accepting our apology. I’m sure these two will be relieved.”

The new Guild Master interjects with words of support, seeing that the two of them are frozen and not moving.

“No, it’s just that I don’t have the time to worry about people who are no longer here, so please don’t mind.”

I say with a slightly cold tone.

“I see… Well then, Yuta-san, these two have caused significant damage to the Adventurer’s Guild. Considering the losses suffered by the disciplinary forces, we have decided to assign them to forced labor in the Land of Death. We are thinking of twenty years for the former Guild Master and ten years for Eltina. Is there any problem with that?”

If I hadn’t forgiven them, would they have been executed? As expected, in this different world, there are patterns of punishment within organizations. No, maybe it’s the disciplinary forces that handle that. They were beaten up by Dolly, the disciplinary forces.

Is the fact that they targeted my life not an issue? Well, thinking that the Guild Master tried to punish me within his own authority, it means it’s not a nation governed by the rule of law or anything, so I’m not guilty, right?

Hmm, in this fantasy world with kings and nobles… the organization’s power is strong. Although there is discrimination, it’s somewhat better than being hunted down like witches as a spirit mage.

When I hear about forced labor in the Land of Death, the expressions on the former Guild Master and Eltina-san’s faces become even darker. Dealing with undead for twenty years and ten years, especially for Eltina-san who spends her young years dealing with undead, it’s a bit pitiful… I guess?

But I actually live in the land that will be used as punishment. It feels a bit empty. Well, in that case, should I visit the village where the two of them are? It might be a strange hobby, but I’m curious to see their reactions.

“I have forgiven them, so I won’t complain about their punishment. You can do as you please in the Adventurer’s Guild. But is it really okay for this country to be in contact with the Land of Death?”

It would be troublesome if they escape and seek revenge.

“Oh, since we have them secured in the Adventurer’s Guild, they are being closely monitored, so please rest assured.”

Secured in the Adventurer’s Guild? There are many Adventurer’s Guilds, so maybe they have a village for punishments. People who don’t go as far as killing are sent there. Would it be bad if I asked about the location?

“Understood.”

“I see, thank you. Well, I was worried you might reject it, but I’m glad the relationship could be repaired. Let’s let bygones be bygones and have a good working relationship. For now, as the Adventurer’s Guild, we would like your assistance in reaching the 50th floor.”

The new Guild Master suddenly says something strange with a smiling face. Is this Guild Master alright? They seem to be expressing their own worries. Why were they dispatched to the labyrinth city?

“What are you talking about? I accepted your apology, but it doesn’t mean the relationship has been repaired. Accepting the apology simply means that I won’t say anything further about this issue. I have no obligation to assist the Adventurer’s Guild that harassed me to the point of risking my life.”

“Well, Yuta-san is also an adventurer, so it wouldn’t hurt if you cooperated with the Adventurer’s Guild, right?”

After the new Guild Master shows an incredibly surprised expression, he asks with a face that looks like they’re about to cry. It’s a very pitiful expression, but please don’t try to manipulate me with tears. I want to believe that they didn’t choose the Guild Master of the important labyrinth city for such a reason.

“I joined the Adventurer’s Guild for identification purposes, so it doesn’t matter if it’s another guild. Besides, I came here today because I was told that they wanted to apologize. Why did it turn into a conversation about me helping the Adventurer’s Guild?”

I had considered a few compromises with the Adventurer’s Guild before coming here, but I didn’t anticipate this scenario.

“That may be true, but… are you saying that the punishment for these two is not enough? Should I impose a heavier punishment?”

Why would it come to that? The former Guild Master, Eltina-san, and the other adventurers around are taken aback.

“These two have already apologized, so it doesn’t matter. As I mentioned before, I have no obligation to go to such lengths for the Adventurer’s Guild, except for identification purposes.”

Apart from the identification, there were no real benefits. I can create identification in other guilds, and if it comes down to it… maybe I should transfer.

“Please reconsider.”

The new Guild Master pleads, rubbing his forehead against the table. I’m starting to get scared of this person.

“No, just because you’re asking doesn’t mean I’ll go and defeat a Fire dragon or anything. That’s ridiculous, isn’t it?”

The other adventurers around nod. Silphy and Dyne look exasperated.

“What should I do, then?”

His expression goes from on the verge of tears to one of anguish. Normally, one would present money, rank, or some kind of benefit… but I reject all of it. Wait, could it be because they know that won’t work? No way… right?

However, it’s not easy to sway someone who monopolizes rare materials with just money. And the subjugation of the Fire dragon is also part of the deal. I have no idea how much the going rate would be. In a way, the approach of the new Guild Master might be correct.

Well, I’m relieved that they asked me what to do. Initially, I planned to keep them in suspense and then present the conditions, but this new Guild Master is giving off a creepy vibe, so let’s finish the conversation quickly. It might be part of his strategy, but I don’t mind at this point.

“If you agree to the conditions, I will allow two parties, each with a maximum of ten members, to break through the 50th floor.”

With two parties, the monopoly I have on the materials will be somewhat mitigated. Even if they gather skilled individuals among those ten, it will be difficult to make progress in the mountainous terrain in a group battle, and the next stage seemed troublesome even when reading about it in books. My advantage as a user of the Great Spirit’s power will come into play.

In truth, coming up with the right conditions was the most challenging part. I couldn’t think of anything I wanted from the Adventurer’s Guild. I initially thought there was no need to mend my relationship with them, but if I continue like this, I might face obstacles no matter where I go, so I decided to make use of them.

I also considered asking them to stop the discrimination against Spirit Mages, but it would be meaningless if it led to Spirit Mages going out of control everywhere. Creating a school and gathering people with talent in Spirit Magic would also bind me to the Guild. There would definitely be some weird strings attached.

Moreover, I can’t fully trust the Adventurer’s Guild, so the plan is to demonstrate overwhelming power, well, Silphy’s power, to the party that accompanies me, to make the enemy fear us.

When this plan was proposed, I thought I would only be feared, but apparently, once the Fire dragon is treated like a small fry, they won’t be able to make any fearsome and underhanded moves. It does make sense.

“Really? What are the conditions?”

His expression has changed from one of deep despair to a smile. It’s quite a swift transformation. Well, I think there’s nothing I can’t do, but I wonder if he will accept the conditions.

“Simply put, I want all negotiations involving me to be completely shut out by the Adventurer’s Guild. This includes nobles, various guilds, and merchants. If anything causes trouble for me or those around me, I will be seriously angry. And the Adventurer’s Guild should refrain from sending any requests directly to me.”

In my case, if some pompous noble shows up, it’s likely to turn into a dispute similar to the one I had with the Adventurer’s Guild. Since I’ve seen the power of the Great Spirits, I might lose my patience and get into trouble.

If the country becomes involved? Fine by me! That’s what they might say, and it’s scary. If I get too carried away, there’s a possibility of being abandoned, so I should resolve any potential disputes beforehand.

Refusing requests from the Adventurer’s Guild is troublesome since I won’t be able to undertake development projects, but I don’t have time for that.

“W-Well… if they were to directly negotiate with Yuta-dono, it would be difficult for the Adventurer’s Guild to handle, and it’s also challenging to outright reject requests from the country…

His face changes from a smiling expression to one of deep despair again. It seems like his facial muscles are quite active.

“That’s right! If you are willing to accept Adventurer’s Guild personnel into your party, we don’t mind entrusting negotiation matters to that individual!”

With an expression that suggests they’ve come up with a brilliant idea, the new Guild Master tries to send personnel to my side. No, I don’t want that. They would have access to all my inner workings within the Adventurer’s Guild.

“I refuse. If they approach me for negotiations without the consent of the Adventurer’s Guild, let them know that there will be penalties, and regular merchants would think twice, wouldn’t they? Since the two parties will be able to make progress, direct the negotiations to them. As for requests from the country, the Adventurer’s Guild is a large organization, so they should be able to handle it, right?”

“But…”

His expression conveys how difficult it would be, how challenging it is, and that he would be in trouble. Well, I’m not sure if I’m correct, but it’s bothersome to have someone whose facial expressions change so openly. It’s also perplexing that someone who displays their emotions so clearly became the Guild Master of the Adventurer’s Guild in the labyrinth city. It feels like something is off, and I can’t let my guard down. Hmm, maybe this is all part of his strategy. I’ve become so uncertain that I should stop thinking about it.

“I have no intention of compromising on these conditions, so please think about it on your end. However, if a better offer comes along while you’re contemplating, I might just go with that, so it might be in your best interest to act quickly.”

I say my piece and stand up. I should avoid meeting that person as much as possible because he gives off a creepy vibe.

“W-Wait, please. I’ll expedite things, I promise. Can you please add two more parties to accompany you beyond the 50th floor? We can move in groups of up to thirty people, so it should be fine. Please.”

“No, I refuse. I won’t change the conditions, so if you’re not satisfied with that, let’s pretend this conversation never happened.”

“Then, how about offering the materials from beyond the 50th floor to the Adventurer’s Guild…”

“That too, if the conditions are accepted, please make the request to the two parties.”

I continue speaking without stopping and head towards the exit. I’m feeling tired, so I should take it easy. I’ll ask Silphy to keep an eye on the new Guild Master. There’s something eerie about that person. When I quietly request that to Silphy, she stays by the side of the new Guild Master.

Just as I’m about to reach the exit, a Spirit Mage who seems to be employed by the country approaches me with a smile. Oh right, this person was also here. I just want to go home, but it seems like it will take a while.