Chapter 63

When Leonis returned, I first confirmed a few things with him.

About the distribution of rewards in a typical party. The rewards received by the party are, of course, to be divided. There are also operating costs and equipment updates.

While it is said that the division is decided individually, it seems that the newcomers are the ones who end up getting the short end of the stick.

And, whether the rewards earned without being part of a party can be kept entirely without being included in the party's earnings...

"So, what's your take on this?"

"For this time, I thought I would tell the other party that there's no benefit for me and ask them to leave."

"What do you mean by that?"

"It's simple... That clan is a large group, right?"

"Yeah, that's right."

"I'm a newbie as an adventurer, E-rank, and can't earn anything. But as an alchemist, I'm pretty good... It's about how much they're willing to pay to hire me."

"Huh?"

As an adventurer, I'm a newbie. E-rank. Can't earn anything.

Then, as an alchemist?

Since I gathered the materials myself, there were no material costs. When I delivered them, that became my profit. Half of the delivery amount goes to my account, and half goes to the clan's account. Additionally, a certain amount is deposited into my account as a salary once a month.

In reality, more than 50% of the profit from the delivery of the medicine comes back to me. My brothers criticized the money going into the party, but considering that I will be taken on material gathering trips in the future, it's a very reasonable price, extremely cheap.

Then... can that clan guarantee that?

Well, even if they could guarantee it, I absolutely don't want to team up with those guys. Especially not with the ones who laugh while beating people up and those who laugh while watching... What kind of masochist are they?

"You can't, right? Basically, if the clan provides the materials, you won't get more than 20%, right?"

"Even though I can gather them myself? That's clearly a downgrade, isn't it? And, you can't guarantee a high amount for a newbie. Even if I happened to earn a lot this time, my monthly income is quite substantial. Why should I be hired cheaply? So, how will the Adventurer's Guild respond to my claim?"

"Since there is a fact that the treatment will worsen and the person doesn't want it, they can't force you to join, right?"

"Exactly! And if I announce that I'm a disciple of Master Pamela and a senior alchemist who can make compound medicines, they'll have no choice but to back off. If I also mention that there was a request to kill me in public, the head of the Alchemist's Guild can't ignore it and will start an investigation, right?"

After explaining everything, I said, "Let's go," and headed to the Adventurer's Guild.

As a result of talking to the Guild Master, a report was made, and the Guild would mediate. The next morning, that clan would be called in to settle the matter.

And... I ended up staying at the Adventurer's Guild for the night.

The Guild Master is here, and apparently, Elrue is staying as well. Leonis is going to report to Lord Laz... or so the Guild Master says.

Since they specifically said they wanted to talk to the two of us...

"So, while we're setting aside that clan's intentions... How should we deal with the person who commissioned them? They've assigned a guard, so I don't want them to act on their own, right?"

"That's true... What do you think, miss?"

"......There's not enough information, and I can't grasp the whole picture. Can you give me more information about the nobles?"

Nobles.

In this world, their influence is significant... For now, Lord Laz is a noble. I haven't met any others. My master has a title, but he's not a noble.

However, my master, instead of a title, delivers several medicines to the royal family every year. Of course, a higher amount of noble pension comes back to him.

Then, what about me?

For now...

I'm my master's adopted child, the third child, and not set to inherit the title. However, it seems that all the alchemist-related items will be passed on to me according to his will. ...By the way, the procedure to pass the title to my brother has already started... When did that happen!

Naga can only leave money, but he's apparently preparing. My master seems to want us to get along well.

In terms of status, my brother is a noble. Myself and Naga are considered quasi-nobles. Quasi-nobles can choose lower nobles as marriage partners but don't hold titles themselves... a rather awkward position.

"What do you think is the difference between the nobles who want you and those who want to kill you?"

"......Right now, the only ones who truly know my abilities are Lord Laz and those above him. Excluding them, the people who want me are interested in my abilities as an alchemist and my value as a disciple of my master... The same goes for those who want to kill me. My value is as an alchemist, not as an adventurer, right?"

"That's right. Furthermore, as an alchemist, you're still a mystery. There are more people targeting Pamela, who is associated with you, than you yourself."

"So, the people who want to kill me also want to kill my master?"

"That's right. And, your enemies are not limited to a particular faction; they exist on both sides."

So far, there are three factions among the nobles I know.

I'm under Lord Laz's protection and belong to the Prince's faction. However, some within the Prince's faction have a grudge against me.

From the perspective of the opposing King's faction, I'm part of the enemy faction, and my grudge is unknown. According to Dina's information, they are not necessarily enemies.

Furthermore, the wife of the current Alchemist's Guild Master is of noble birth, and her family likely has a grudge and possibly a desire to harm me.

In this case, all of them are nobles, but the approach differs depending on which faction they belong to... Since I don't have a clear understanding, it's difficult to formulate a response.

"Why didn't they kill me? What do you think is the reason they couldn't?"

"That's right... First, they lacked the skill to kill with just intimidation. Second, they didn't want to make enemies of the forces that would move if I were killed. Lastly, they wanted to observe my actions."

"Does the Guild not have any information yet?"

"No. And, the guard is for your safety, not to restrict your movements. I hope you can trust us a bit more."

Huh?

I thought it was because the Adventurer's Guild wanted to know what was happening... Did they assign Elrue to protect me for my safety?

"We were prepared to take action to protect you, but it seems unnecessary."

"Ah... I thought it was unusual for a regular adventurer to have a guard... I assumed it was to keep an eye on me."

"We don't think you'll make suspicious moves or become an enemy. Protecting the adventurers under our jurisdiction is our duty. You're a valuable healer candidate. We don't know what the nobles might do."

Hmm...

What's the position of the Adventurer's Guild? They are quite close to Lord Laz. What about those above him?

To what extent do they follow the orders of the nobles... Where does that judgment lie?

While saying they will protect me, I was afraid of being stabbed in the back, but maybe I don't need to worry that much?

"......To what extent can this Guild withstand the pressure from the nobles?"

"We've managed to avoid confrontation and have been getting along well. While we are in a position to protect adventurers... As your case shows, it's difficult to resist the pressure from the nobles. The Guild Master of the Adventurer's Guild is a former adventurer, but there are also those of noble birth and those who worked their way up. The Adventurer's Guild's thinking varies greatly by branch... However, it's easy for the nobles to replace the Guild Master... Did that give you any hints?"

"For now... I don't think the Prince's faction is behind this move. They've already failed in the Mushroom Forest and caused casualties, so this time, it's too lenient... I think it's a different faction."

That's right. At the very least, after my brother was humiliated last time, this time, they just hurt me and left... It's too lenient. If a noble is concerned about their reputation, this wouldn't happen a second time, right? Probably.

"Hmm... Then, do you think the King's faction is leading this?"

"No... The main instigator this time is the wife of the Alchemist's Guild Master and her noble family. However, both the Prince's faction and the King's faction are using them. And, from the perspective of the Adventurer's Guild, they want to keep me in the Prince's faction and create animosity with the neighboring territory, which is part of the King's faction... Right?"

"Ho ho ho..."

When I met the Guild Master's gaze, he nodded. I don't know why he's asking, but he doesn't seem to want to answer.

The enemy is easier to identify if there's only one, but being misled can lead to a dangerous response. And, I can't really call this person an ally...

"You become smart as soon as you start thinking properly."

"......I tend to let things slip when I'm not careful. I'm not smart enough to always think things through, sorry."

"Not at all. That's why we're able to help each other. ...First, the next Guild Master and I have a history, and we don't get along. Neither I nor Lord Laz want you to lean towards them. So, I've planted a bias. And, compared to the family of the Alchemist's Guild Master's wife, who bought their title with money, the other side is a pure noble. That's why I, like you, think it's not the Prince's faction because of their leniency. It's also why I think it's not the Earl's family because of their leniency."

"Old fox..."

"Ho ho ho..."

"......Aren't you worried that I'll get a bad impression from this?"

"It's too late for that. We were also aware that we were a bit rough during our first meeting."

He's laughing as if he's enjoying it, but this person is too cunning.

He readily admitted to leading me on. Communication and reporting are important, but it seems he only expects it from me, not the other way around. Well, it's a contract, after all. I accepted being a pawn, so it's to be expected.

"Let's check the answers. If someone is trying to kill you, I think it's the Earl's family from the neighboring territory. This is a fact, not a misdirection. After all, eliminating or controlling you would be an effective move to weaken the Prince's faction. However, this is a last resort, and the current situation doesn't warrant such drastic measures. Since there was no danger to your life this time, the Earl's family is less likely to be involved. Next, the Prince's faction. Given Lord Laz's position, they can't kill you. If they were to eliminate one of Lord Laz's pawns, they would need permission from above and would have to pay a hefty price. It would be difficult for someone within the Prince's faction to act again."

"Hmm? ...Is there going to be a next time?"

"Are you asking that, miss? When you chose not to reveal your hand, both Leonis and I concluded that there would be a next time. You could have escaped if you wanted to."

Indeed, I could have escaped...

In fact, I had the leeway to flaunt what happened in the Guild and corner them.

The choice was made because there was no danger to my life, and I hadn't considered the possibility of a second attempt. However, both the Guild Master and Leonis seemed to think that my actions suggested there would be a next time?

"As you said, the noble who is targeting you is the family of the Alchemist's Guild Master's wife. This family is in dire straits due to a change in leadership. Your existence is a significant problem for them. After all, they had planned to obtain Pamela's inheritance. This family is a new noble without a solid foundation and lacks funds... They can only threaten. The other two, if they wanted to, could have killed you without leaving a trace long ago."

"......I understand the wisdom of my master's words about not trusting too much."

"That's harsh. Despite all the times I've helped you."

His voice was heavy. I could tell he cared for my master, but there was also a sense of possessiveness. What is this chill I'm feeling?

"......If you know about my master's enemies, can you tell me?"

"That's difficult... Now and in the past, all the members of the Alchemist's Guild can be considered enemies."

This old man is too much. I finally understand his purpose...

All the Alchemist's Guild members are enemies... Not only does he intend to completely crush the Alchemist's Guild in this town, but he might also oppose the next Guild Master if necessary... A dark smile... It aligns with his passion.

As the Guild Master of the Adventurer's Guild, he is responsible for managing the inventory of medicines, so he couldn't sever ties. However, now that he has secured me, he thinks it's acceptable to oppose them.

"If you have the goal of destroying the Alchemist's Guild, can you tell me? I might make unexpected moves, right?"

"Ho ho... I can't tell you the goal when I'm not sure if you can be that useful."

"That's true, but..."

Dealing with this person alone is exhausting. I feel like I'm being manipulated... But, I don't really mind because it's the Alchemist's Guild. I don't like the Alchemist's Guild either.

"Even if you're looked at with cold eyes, it's a problem, miss... Now, miss."

"What is it?"

"Thanks to the delivery of medicines, you have a lot of money, right?"

"Yes... The initial planned deliveries are complete, so it's equivalent to the amount for three large magic bags... What about it?"

"It's better to pay for the armor Lord Laz provided as soon as possible."

"......There's nothing scarier than something free?"

"That's right. It's not recommended to owe a noble a favor."

I understand what he's saying.

I needed the armor, so I had it prepared, but in terms of the cost, I've received more than I should have. I can't even mention that I received recipes besides the armor.

But, why is he bringing this up now?

"......Is Lord Laz's position in danger?"

"No. If you want to stay under Lord Laz's protection, it's fine. However, the premise is that you accept being separated from your companions."

In other words... Stay with my brothers or with Lord Laz...?

To begin with, given the contract between Lord Laz and this Guild Master, I considered myself a pawn to some extent... But...

"......Do I have enough money for a full set of armor?"

"Additionally, if you can provide a bit more of the compound medicines, it will be sufficient."

"Specifically, how many?"

"Let's see... The value of that armor is not that high. If you can prepare 100 compound medicines, it will be enough to cover the cost of the recipes as well."

The alchemy recipes were exposed! I can make the compound medicines, but I've already delivered about 30. It was 10 each time... 100. No, in terms of cost, high-level medicines are expensive, so 100 should be more than enough to cover the cost of that armor.

"Isn't that a lot? Even as a reserve..."

"Yes... One reason is for the stampede that will happen next month. If the next Alchemist's Guild Master is dispatched during the stampede, it could cause problems, so I want to have a surplus."

"......And the real reason?"

"To negotiate favorably with the new Alchemist's Guild Master. Medicine is essential for adventurers. We don't want to be at a disadvantage. ...In exchange, how about negotiating the repayment of the debt to Lord Laz and terminating the contract between you and me?"

"Eh?"

Terminating the contract...

I was surprised by the sudden announcement. He left the room and returned with the contract.

Indeed, it was the contract we signed at that time. The terms state that it can be terminated by mutual agreement.

"What do you mean?"

"Thanks to your quick work, we've made progress towards our goal, and continuing the contract has become risky. I might need your help in the future, but it's not necessary to bind you with a contract. It's also a burden for you."

The goal is the destruction of the Alchemist's Guild.

Looking back, the Alchemist's Guild has been acting too recklessly, and the situation has been moving too conveniently for the Adventurer's Guild. I don't know how much of this is his strategy, but by obtaining me as a pawn, he cornered the opponent.

They are in a position where they won't be troubled, and they are negotiating favorably while pushing them to act recklessly.

And, I'm considered used up.

If I continue to be held as a pawn, it might cause problems if the current situation is investigated later... He wants to eliminate any evidence in writing, right?

"Miss, this is my sincerity in wanting to deal with you on equal terms in the future. It's not because you're used up, but so I can request things from you without reservation."

"It sounds like there's a hidden agenda, and it's scary."

"Ho... That's right. I advise you to be cautious and negotiate in the future. ...There has been a change in policy. The order to terminate this contract came from above Lord Laz."

"Can you say that?"

"I only heard to terminate it. Whether to tell you or not is my decision. Also, during the day, you hesitated when talking to Elrue, right? Even if it seems like nothing to you, when bound by a contract, your subconscious actions are also restricted... If it continues for a long time, it can affect your mind and body."

"......Is it not targeting the entire Guild?"

"Yes, in this case, you would unconsciously report to me, so you couldn't lie. However, since the period is short, the restriction isn't that strong."

"......But, it has been reported, hasn't it?"

"Yes, that's right."

If the subconscious is affected... The burden of the restriction is significant. It's a good thing if it can be terminated, but a change in policy from above. An order to terminate the contract came from someone above Lord Laz... What kind of situation is this? I can't figure it out...

Well, for now, I'll consider that I'm no longer bound as an adventurer.

However, I have one thing to say. If the order came from above, it's strange to make me prepare 100 compound medicines as a condition. He's also looking