Chapter 73

While Reta was escaping from an unseen future, there was a knock on the parlor door.

"Oh, it seems you've arrived. Please come in!"

"Excuse me."

When Miret replied, a familiar man appeared.

"Huh? You're Ehrich?"

"Well, it's been a while, Reta."

He was Ehrich Racher, a merchant who had met and helped Mina and Reta during their journey to Amrus. They had promised to meet again upon arriving in town, but they hadn't seen each other since. Reta hadn't expected to meet him again here.

"It seems fate has brought me here to appraise the dragon."

Ehrich, who was invited to sit on the sofa by Miret, greeted with a smile.

"Ehrich is one of the merchants the guild trusts. He's also a senior member of the Commercial Union."

"Really? I didn't know that."

"Ah, it's embarrassing. I'm just a nominal senior member. As a merchant, I'm still in the middle ranks and have a lot to learn."

Despite his modesty, it was clear that Ehrich was trusted by Miret. Reta, who had a short acquaintance with him, knew he was a good person. While it was unclear how he was as a merchant, she felt relieved that she could trust him with the appraisal.

"I accepted this job because I have a direct connection with you, Reta. This is my first time handling a dragon, but I'll do my best."

"Thank you very much."

"I heard you were acquainted. So, you were helped by Reta during the transport of goods to this town, right? By the way, how is the cute Mina?"

"She's doing well. Recently, she reunited with her sister, and the three of us are getting along nicely."

"That's great. Family harmony is the best. Well, shall we start the appraisal? Is that okay?"

"Please do."

Reta bowed deeply. Thanks to him, the appraisal could finally proceed. The elves were surely waiting.

"Ah, Reta, we have a place prepared outside the guild. Can we move there?"

"Yes, it wouldn't be appropriate to do it here."

If they took the dragon out of the item box indoors, it would cause a disaster. The room would be destroyed from the inside, and Reta and the others might be crushed. Although she didn't intend to make such a mistake, she was being cautious just in case.

"By the way, there's something I need to tell you, Reta."

"What is it?"

Ehrich, who was about to leave the room, turned back as if he had just remembered something.

"It's a bit difficult to say, but someone from the capital is here with me."

"Really?"

"That person is a staff member of the Recovery Guild."

"..."

The Recovery Guild, to which most healers belong. Reta, who disagreed with their exorbitant treatment fees, operates as a healer without joining the Recovery Guild, making her a freelancer. She had expected the Recovery Guild to take action someday, and it seemed that day had finally come.

"It seems they are investigating you, Reta."

"It's about time, isn't it?"

"The Adventurers' Guild hasn't received any communication about this!"

Miret was furious that a member of the Recovery Guild had entered the town without any communication and was investigating Reta. Reta, who had originally been an adventurer, was affiliated with the Adventurers' Guild. It was annoying for another guild to interfere without permission. Moreover, Miret had no intention of handing Reta over to the money-hungry Recovery Guild.

"In this case, I'll send a protest letter to the Recovery Guild! Reta is affiliated with the Adventurers' Guild! Investigating her without permission is outrageous!"

"Perhaps they intend to make her join the Recovery Guild. I was also asked various questions about Reta."

"I absolutely won't allow that! Ah, come on! Let's just get the dragon appraisal done! Reta, please go outside first. I'll report this to the guild leader and catch up with you. Please!"

With that, Miret hurriedly rushed out of the room.

"I hope this doesn't turn into a troublesome situation."

"Trouble is something that only healers who align with the Recovery Guild can avoid."

"Meaning?"

"It will definitely turn into a troublesome situation."

"Ha ha ha ha, I agree. Heh."

Reta could only let out a dry laugh at the sudden prospect of trouble.

"By the way, I also have a letter from a merchant friend in the capital who asked me to give it to you. Here you go."

"Thank you. Who could it be? — Oh, this! Sorry, can I read this letter first?"

"Sure, go ahead."

After apologizing to Ehrich, Reta opened the letter. It contained a detailed response to the investigation she had requested using her previous connections. After finishing the letter, Reta let out a deep breath, as if relieved.

"Are you okay, Reta?"

"Yes. This has lifted one of my worries."

"Hmm. I don't know the details, but it's good that your worry is gone. Let's proceed with the appraisal then."

"Right. We took a detour, but please take care of it."

The two headed outside the guild.