Chapter 96

In order to search for Gaston, and to spread the news that the forest's disturbance had ended if Gaston couldn't be found, Mea and I headed to the Adventurer Support Office.

The Adventurer Support Office was noisy, but it lacked its usual vibrancy.

Everyone was wrapped in a gloomy atmosphere, whispering to each other.

"Attention, attention! As of now, the Northern Forest is classified as a B-rank or higher danger zone! In the future, entry into the Northern Forest by adventurers below B-rank may be punished depending on the situation! Please be cautious! For more details, see the bulletin board!"

An official was shouting loudly.

It seems that the lord's investigation team had fled back, and the situation was taken seriously, leading to restrictions on entering the Northern Forest.

There shouldn't be anyone B-rank or higher in this Romane town's Adventurer Support Office.

At least, I've never heard of anyone.

Those who become C-rank or higher are either summoned by the local lord to serve as private soldiers, or if they slip through, nobles from other regions come to conduct a light interview and background check, and they are usually hired unless something extraordinary happens.

They are immediate combat forces guaranteed by the authority of the Adventurer Support Office. They probably overlook some personality issues.

In other words, for the users of the Adventurer Support Office, this announcement effectively means the Northern Forest is sealed off.

The Northern Forest is the most convenient hunting ground.

If this notice goes through, more adventurers will have to challenge unfamiliar hunting grounds.

They might suffer serious injuries, or in the worst case, lose their lives.

Suddenly, I noticed a pair of men with their shoulders slumped.

From their conversation, it seemed they had been using the Northern Forest as their hunting ground.

"…Maybe I'll quit being an adventurer at this point."

"Even if you say that, what are you going to do from now on? I can't do anything else, and I don't have any connections. If I had something better, I wouldn't be doing this low-paying job."

"But…."

I tapped the man on the shoulder.

The man looked at me with a puzzled expression.

"Oh, what do you want, kid? Don't touch me so familiarly."

The man said this without hiding his irritation.

I took a deep breath and then shouted loudly to the entire Adventurer Support Office.

"Don't worry! Actually, Gaston took care of the monster that was nesting in the Northern Forest! The lockdown should be lifted soon!"

"Huh? Gaston? No way!"

"No, no, it's true! I happened to be in the forest and saw it!"

As I said this, the surrounding commotion quieted down a bit.

A few people seemed to be listening to my story.

The other man joined the conversation.

"But didn't Gaston boast about catching a large number of Baume birds? If that was true…."

"Come on, don't tell me you're spreading a rumor. I'll remember your face. If it turns out to be a lie later, you won't get off easy!"

While talking to the men, I noticed the Gordon brothers in the back of the Adventurer Support Office.

They were looking at me curiously.

I beckoned them over and then left the Adventurer Support Office.

Outside, the Gordon brothers caught up to me.

"Hey, what happened? Did Abel take it down?"

"Yep. And I want to give this to Gaston. It contains valuable parts of the forest monster. It should be enough as proof of the kill."

I pointed to the bag Mea was carrying.

Inside was the root of the Yvel Boun.

"Really, so easily… Ah, but Gaston…."

Gordon looked at Mordon.

Mordon frowned, looking troubled.

"Is there a problem?"

"No, actually… He seems to have taken the loss of his beloved sword very hard. He's apparently wandering around in seedy bars alone. I tried to talk to him, but he told me to leave him and Abel alone."

"Huh?"

After all, I had specifically brought Gaston out to calm him down, but it seems he gave in a bit too quickly.

I had just been spreading the word that Gaston had taken it down, and that's a bit of a problem.

Moreover, if we keep changing people, the likelihood of arousing suspicion will increase.

I can't afford to let him run away like this.

"So, if Abel is willing, could you or, if not, someone easier to handle, take the lead…?"

"That, that's a bit of a problem for me… I'd prefer if Gaston could do it…"

"Huh?"

"No matter what, the staff will find it suspicious, and I don't want to keep changing people. At least for this time, we need Gaston. Besides, he was finally starting to become more manageable… After all, we went through all this trouble to convince him, and now he's saying he's had enough because he lost his sword. That's just…."

I understand your suggestion, but I can't back down here.

I spoke with passion, using gestures to convey my point.

"…Abel, you're quite a piece of work."

Gordon said this with a slightly strained face.

"So, can you find Gaston, drag him out, and get the money for us?"

Gordon turned to Mordon again.

Mordon thought for a moment and then nodded slightly.

"Well, if Abel says so, I guess we'll do it…"

"That's great, that's great. Actually, I've already been spreading the word that Gaston did it…"

"Got it."

Gordon took the bag from Mea, and the two of them ran off towards the bustling area.

Those two are really good guys.

This time, the amount of money coming in should be considerable, so I'll add a little extra to their fee.