Chapter 19

The Adventurer's Guild opens at 8. I had heard that it would be quiet at this time, but when I arrived a little after 8, there were unexpectedly many people, and it was bustling.

There were also many foreigners. They stood out quite a bit... in a strange way.

There were about 40 people, including regular adventurers. And... the foreigners and regular adventurers were trying to form parties. It was like a recruitment battle... probably because the lower-ranked adventurers thought they would be good additions to their teams.

On the other hand, those who seemed to have original strength were just watching the foreigners without approaching them. From their cold attitude, it was clear that there was a significant difference in temperature among the adventurers.

"Good morning, Miss Marry."

"Yes, Mr. Crane. Good morning."

The reception desk was empty, so I passed by the crowd and greeted Miss Marry, who smiled and returned my greeting. I smiled back. There were other receptionists, but Miss Marry made me feel at ease. I like beautiful older sisters. I like it when they smile and respond kindly. I'm sorry for bringing trouble yesterday.

"Right away, I'll return the magic stones we were holding for you."

She took out the magic stones from a bag and carefully checked each one. Despite my casual delivery, she treated it with great care. She compared it with her notes to ensure there were no mistakes, then signed and handed them to me.

"Oh, right... and the equipment I had repaired?"

"Yes, I know. Here it is."

"Thank you."

I received the armor and weapons and quickly put them on. Actually, I felt a bit awkward because I wasn't wearing any armor before.

The chest plate was too large, so I adjusted it to the smallest size. I'm shorter than most female adventurers. I'm of average height in town, but compared to the well-built adventurers, I look small. ...Will I grow more in the future?

The gauntlets had been replaced with gloves that had iron incorporated to allow for powerful strikes. They were originally leather, but the addition of iron made them stronger, I guess? They were easier to move in, so they seemed more practical.

The cloak had been changed to a robe. It was well-used but still usable... a bit long, so I adjusted the length to avoid dragging it.

The boots looked new. ...Maybe they bought them because they couldn't find any that fit my foot size.

The small shield and sword were well-used and had some scratches, but they seemed to have no issues with sharpness or defense.

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

"No, no. They suit you well. Shall we continue from yesterday? Is your time free?"

"Yes."

"Then, let's go to the back room."

Marry stood up and led me to the back room. A few adventurers also stood up, followed us, and entered the same room.

Eh? Why?

Seeing my startled reaction, Marry reassured me, "It's okay, they're not scary people," but my heart was still racing. I heard someone behind me mutter, so I knew they were definitely scary. They were deliberately showing their irritation.

I haven't done anything wrong, so I shouldn't be scared! Still!

There are a lot of scary-looking people among adventurers! They're scary!

"First, can I keep the hand-drawn map you lent me?"

"Oh, yes. That's fine, but..."

There was a desk in the room, and I sat next to Marry. Three of the adventurers who entered the room sat across from us, and two stood by the door. The atmosphere was tense, and I wanted to leave quickly.

"Hey, I need two more copies of this map. Can you prepare them?"

"Eh? Um..."

The adventurer, a man in his 30s, put his finger to his temple and asked, "Can't do it?" I didn't know what to do, so I looked at Marry, who was smiling wryly.

"Mr. Crane, these are the leaders of the parties that will help with the investigation in the Eastern Forest. There are three parties, so we would like three maps if possible..."

Indeed, for efficiency, maps are necessary... But doesn't the guild keep maps? Well, I can draw them, so it's fine.

"Ah... Yes. If you can provide me with paper and some time, I'll draw them. It will take about 30 minutes, is that okay?"

"Mr. Crane, here is the map the guild has stored. Please refer to it along with your map."

"Understood. I'll draw it quickly."

"Ah, and could you write down where you defeated the monsters on the back?"

I regretted writing notes on the back of the map. I thought it would be easier to understand if I wrote where I defeated or saw them, but it was more work. Still, I had to write it... By the way, for some reason, writing in Japanese is okay. However, only scholars and some upper-class people can read kanji, so I wrote everything in hiragana.

"Can I use this table?"

"Yes, here is the paper and writing tools."

I was given a large sheet of paper and writing tools. Good... paper is expensive, so I have to be careful not to use too much... I've already used a lot for notes on materials. I wanted to avoid unnecessary expenses.

"So, kid, were the sage leaves really damaged? For us, this job isn't worth it, so if it was just your imagination, we'd be in trouble."

Just as I was about to start drawing the map, one of the leaders sitting to my right spoke, and I stopped. No, I didn't report it as a prank. It was my first time there, so I didn't know what it usually looked like, but I reported it because it seemed abnormal.

"Most of the sage leaves were fallen. There were signs of someone climbing the trees, and only the leaves at the top, out of reach, were left. This was widespread in the area. Furthermore, other herbs and roots that could be used for potions were mostly intact. If you were in the forest, wouldn't you collect not just sage leaves but also Lagora roots and Tenjikusa?"

"Ah, those are more valuable than sage leaves. So, it sounds like the work of an amateur who only knew about sage leaves."

"...Sage leaves have some healing properties even before being processed and can last a long time without changing quality. It's possible they were overharvested with this knowledge. Also, there were signs of forced path creation and conflict. If you doubt me, I can place my hand on the artifact and testify."

I pretended to focus on drawing the map to avoid further trouble. Even if I'm a new adventurer and not trusted, there's no reason to doubt me. The guild can prove I'm not lying.

I tried to look angry, but it didn't seem to work. Marry was saying I was cute... I wanted to assert that I was angry, but what does cute mean?

I stared at Marry, but she smiled back. No! This is where I need to show authority!

"No, I'm sorry, kid. Don't pout."

"I'm not pouting. And stop calling me kid."

"Alright. While you're drawing, can you tell us more?"

Every time I wrote on the map, I was asked for details and had to explain. I thought it would take about 30 minutes, but with all the explanations, it took over an hour.

"I'm done. Please check it."

"Ah, it's fine. Thanks, kid. If you ever need help, I'll lend a hand."

"...Yes. I'll ask if I need it."

"Sure. And if we need more people, I'll call you. You seem capable enough, even if you're a bit inexperienced. How about joining a raid when we're short?"

"Eh? No, that's fine."

I didn't understand what he was saying. When do they need more people? Being considered capable is nice, but I prefer solo adventures. I don't want to work with other adventurers.

"Mr. Crane, these are excellent adventurers who often participate in guild-organized joint hunts, known as raids. Raids often have lucrative quests, but they tend to form within their own groups... So, it's better to have a referral if you want to join as an individual."

"Um... The booklet says D-rank and above. F-rank adventurers can't join, right?"

"You're fine. You'll be D-rank soon. If you're motivated, just let us know, kid. See you."

The adventurer, who had bombarded me with questions, patted my head and left. He still called me kid. The other two also joined in, calling me kid. I'm not that small, you know? I should be of average height.

The others nodded and waved as they left the room, leaving Marry and me alone.

"Phew..."

"Good job. It seems they liked you, so I'm relieved."

"Eh? Is it bad if they dislike me?"

"This investigation is also about finding the culprit... You might get involved, but from what I saw, it doesn't seem like they will report any suspicions about you, so I'm relieved."

"Ah... So, I'm a suspect?"

"It's a matter of life and death for the guild... Anyone who delivered sage leaves in the past few days is a suspect. The main suspect is being kept under surveillance, but there are others who seem more suspicious than you."

In the past few days...

All foreigners are suspects, I guess. If others also delivered sage leaves, they are suspects too. Is this reasonable...? Can it be determined through investigation?

The guild didn't properly check the delivered items... Maybe it's a matter of good or bad judgment rather than identification.

"Also, I'm sorry... I'll give you this."

"What is this?"

"A list of items we want you to deliver in the future. You don't have to accept them, but you were instructed to give it to you. Also, the map drawing was a guild request, so we will pay you. Can we transfer the money to your account?"

"Yes... Thank you."

Yeah, I'm really tired.

I felt like the conversation was being guided. So, I'm a suspect too.

The first discoverer is often the culprit. If I don't cooperate, I might be suspected, so I'll cooperate... But I don't want to play mind games. It's tiring.

"The investigation in the Eastern Forest will be conducted by the people you just met. They will review the content and then make a judgment on your report."

"Um... Was there something wrong? Did I submit the report incorrectly?"

"No, no. Usually, it's just oral, so having a map and information about the monsters is very helpful. If it's considered a significant report, there will be additional compensation."

"I see?"

Indeed, the value of information can't be determined until everything is over. If I get paid for the map, it's a lucky break for me.

"Also, we ask that you not enter the Eastern Forest during the investigation. It could interfere with the investigation."

"Ah, yes. I understand. I have plans this afternoon and will stay close to town tomorrow. Miss Marry, can you let me know when it's safe?"

"Yes, I will. Thank you."

Well... I'll go gather herbs.

Now that I have a reason not to go to the Eastern Forest, it won't be suspicious if I gather herbs nearby.

Okay, I'll gather a lot and make potions. And I'll hunt slimes too!