Chapter 75

Thank you very much for the overall evaluation of 50,000 points!

Erich's merchant carriage was parked behind the guild. It seemed to be delivering supplies to the guild, but for some reason, the carriage was in a terrible state. The windows were broken, arrows were stuck in it, and there were also marks from sword and blade attacks.

"The carriage is in a terrible state. Did something happen?"

"Actually, we were attacked by bandits on the way. Dealing with monsters is already a headache, but bandits too... This time, we only lost part of the cargo, but it's getting dangerous out there."

"The guild is also troubled by the increase in bandits. We regularly issue extermination requests, but the bandits are not fools; they don't show their faces in front of adventurers. They are probably quite experienced."

"Millet-san"

"Sorry for being late. The meeting with the guild master took longer than expected."

Millet, who had gone to report that the recovery guild's personnel had appeared in Amrus and were sniffing around, returned. She was told by Reta and the others that they couldn't appraise the dragon and were going to put it up for auction.

"I see. If it can't be appraised, an auction is a good idea. A few months ago, a wyvern was auctioned and fetched a high price. It seems that nobles collect dragon species as a status symbol."

"As a merchant, I am often pressed to ask when I will acquire dragon species."

The term "dragon species" refers to anything from dragons to wyverns. While some are not dragons, they are sometimes called dragon species if they look dragon-like.

"Millet-san, let's get back to the topic of bandits. It's that bad, huh?"

"Yes. They are even kidnapping people. The residents of Amrus have managed to escape with just attempts, but some merchants and adventurers have been kidnapped."

"...That's despicable."

"It's not certain, but it seems that a former adventurer is leading the bandits."

"As an adventurer, it's embarrassing."

"No, Reta-san. There's no need to worry. It's a personal choice. Not all adventurers or merchants succeed, and some can't resist the temptation of an easier path."

Erich's point is clear. Reta, too, was a bottom-tier adventurer who wasn't getting anywhere in Amrus before becoming a healer everyone relied on. She never thought about becoming a bandit, but she often wondered if she had chosen the wrong path as an adventurer.

"Actually, it would have been better if the recovery guild's staff were attacked by bandits."

"...C, Millet-san!"

"Just kidding. Just kidding. Hehehehehe."

(That didn't sound like a joke.)

When Reta glanced at Erich, he was also wearing a strained smile.

"Joking aside, Reta-san. As the adventurer guild, you can ignore the recovery guild's staff. They came without an appointment, so you can take a corresponding attitude. They will only complain anyway."

"Is it okay to do that?"

"Of course it is! Reta-san is a fine member of the adventurer guild. We won't let the recovery guild do as they please!"

Millet, who was indignant, called Reta a member of the adventurer guild. That was enough for Reta.

"Ah, there's going to be a meeting about bandit countermeasures. If you'd like, Reta-san, you can attend. I'm sure we'll need the healer Reta-san."

"Sure. Let me know when the date is set."

(I wonder about the bandits. I heard from Aisha that Zyl became a bandit, but he can't possibly be in this remote border area.)

She had heard that her former party leader had fallen from grace, but she didn't think he had come all the way from the capital to Amrus. She had some thoughts about him. Why did he become a bandit? What happened after he fired her?

But Reta wasn't immune to such thoughts. She had once lost everything and almost given up. The reason she didn't go astray was because of her meeting with Mina. They had come this far together, and with Luna joining, their life became more lively. With a family to protect, Reta wouldn't go astray.

(Zyl. Did you have no one to protect? Did you have no reason to hold on and not go astray?)

Reta thought she would like to ask him if they ever met again.