Chapter 22

Monica returned from the dungeon, took a 24-hour nap, and then visited the quest reception office.

When Monica announced her arrival at the reception, the attendant, Armira, appeared.

She was the replacement for Claria and was in charge of Monica's and Roland's entire team.

"Welcome, Lady Monica. This way, please."

Saying this, Armira led Monica to a private room.

As soon as they entered the private room, Armira bowed her head.

"I am truly sorry for the inconvenience caused by the Claria incident. I will do my best to ensure that such things do not happen again. I look forward to working with you in the future."

"No, it's fine. It's all in the past."

Monica said this with a slight flutter in her heart.

This was because Armira was an intimidatingly beautiful woman.

Her hairstyle, with most of her bangs pulled up and a single strand hanging down, gave a sense of cleanliness suitable for a receptionist.

Her sharp nose and strong, piercing eyes exuded a kind of dignity.

In front of her, Monica felt more formal and respectful, even when being thanked.

However, there was a sense of reassurance that she would handle her duties properly.

Her confident attitude, manner, and efficient administrative skills made her seem like a top-tier professional in every aspect.

In fact, she was one of the top performers in the quest reception office.

"So, what brings you here today?"

"Yes. I'm here to report on the quest completion and to apply for the adventurer class certification..."

"Understood. Please tell me the details of the quest."

"Yes. The quest was to slay the Stormbird."

Monica took out a bundle of Stormbird feathers from her bag.

"Wow. The Stormbird. That's impressive. This is the first time I've seen a bundle of Stormbird feathers."

Armira took the bundle and exclaimed in admiration.

"Let me verify its authenticity. Please wait a moment."

She took the bundle and activated her skill, "Item Appraisal."

"Item Appraisal" could determine the authenticity, quality, performance, and even the acquisition process of the item.

Armira read the memories embedded in the "Stormbird Feather Bundle."

The "Stormbird Feather Bundle" conveyed how it had been slain.

In Armira's mind, Monica's brave figure as she slew the Stormbird vividly appeared.

After carefully examining the "Stormbird Feather Bundle" from various angles, Armira closed her eyes in satisfaction and deactivated the "Item Appraisal."

"Hmm. Indeed, this bundle is undoubtedly obtained by Lady Monica."

"Yes."

After completing the appraisal, Armira turned to Monica.

"Understood. Shall we submit this bundle as proof of quest completion to the quest reception office?"

"Yes."

"Understood. I will grant you the quest completion reward and the certification for Class A adventurer. The certification and registration procedures should be completed by next week."

She took out a document on the spot and added her name and Monica's name to it.

"This is a temporary certification for Class A adventurer. The official certification will be sent to you as soon as it is issued. The quest reward will be transferred to the guild 'Guardians of the Magic Tree,' correct?"

"Yes, please."

"Understood. After this, you will need to attend a training session for Class A adventurers. Please bear with me for a moment."

Monica moved to another room and received the training for Class A adventurers.

There, she was taught about the professional ethics of Class A adventurers, the benefits, and the monthly quotas required to maintain the class.

Class A adventurers could see special quests that were not publicly announced to other adventurers.

Additionally, to maintain the class, they had to prove that they had reached the 10th floor of the dungeon every month and successfully complete B-class quests, among other requirements.

At the same time that Monica received her Class A certification, at the headquarters of the "Guardians of the Magic Tree," Willic was diligently checking the report submitted by Roland and engaging in espionage activities.

Willic was puzzled as he read Roland's report.

It mentioned that Monica had slain the Stormbird and become a Class A Archer, that Shukma and Yufine's skills were growing steadily and would likely become at least B-class adventurers by the end of the month, and that they had defeated a Guardian and would explore deeper than the 10th floor in the future.

(Monica became a Class A adventurer? What is he talking about? That's impossible.)

Willic sighed as if pitying Roland.

(Roland must be having a tough time. To try to cover up his lack of results with a false report. Well, at least now he's seen the reality. From next month, I'll give him realistic guidance under my supervision.)

Willic crumpled up Roland's report and threw it in the trash.

Of course, this information was not relayed to Lucius.

After visiting the quest reception office, Monica went to the workshop of the "Spirit's Factory."

She had taken two days off after returning from the dungeon and wanted to have Chial maintain her "Silver Iron-Breaking Bow."

Chial, who received the "Silver Iron-Breaking Bow" from Monica, placed it on a stand and checked its condition.

"How is it, Chial? Is there any problem with my 'Silver Iron-Breaking Bow'?"

"Hmm. The string seems a bit weak. By any chance, have you been pulling it with less force, Monica?"

"Yes, that's right. I want to pull it tighter, but I'm afraid it might break if I pull it too hard, so I've been holding back."

"I see. Then I'll strengthen the tension of the string to make it easier for you to use."

"Okay, thank you."

(Your string-pulling strength is stronger than I expected, Monica. I might need to reinforce it more.)

"Is there anything else that's inconvenient for you, Monica?"

"Other than that... not really. Your 'Silver Iron-Breaking Bow' is very easy to use."

"Really?"

Chial felt a mix of pride and embarrassment at the praise for her weapon.

"Yes, so please take good care of it."

"Leave it to me. I'll make it even better than before."

Chial, delighted at being treated as an adult by Monica, rolled up her thin sleeves and flexed her muscles.

Monica watched Chial's enthusiastic behavior with a smile.

(You're amazing, Chial. To be the ace of the Alchemy Guild at such a young age. I couldn't do anything when I was your age.)

"By the way, isn't Roland coming here today?"

Monica asked in a low voice.

"Roland hasn't come yet. He's busy as the owner and lives alone, so he has a lot of errands to run. He usually comes around noon."

"That's tough for him."

"Yes, he's single. I could take care of him, but for some reason, he won't let me into his house."

Chial crossed her arms and looked troubled.

"Hehe. That's Roland for you."

Monica laughed at Chial's innocence.

Despite being a silversmith, she was still a child.

She didn't understand adult matters and thought she could do anything.

(But, Roland is single.)

Monica, who had assumed Roland was married, felt a subtle change in her feelings upon learning he was single.

It was a feeling of secret hope deep in her heart suddenly coming to life.

(Maybe I'll bring him some treats next time.)

Roland arrived at the workshop just as Monica was leaving and, as usual, received a report from Rang.

Rang, as always, managed the workshop efficiently and reported no issues.

"Everything seems to be in order."

"Yes, but I have a business-related issue I'd like to discuss."

Rang lowered her voice slightly.

Roland sensed something serious from her demeanor.

"Understood. Let's have a meeting."

Roland and Rang entered a conference room isolated from the workshop to avoid being overheard by the workers.

"We're running low on silver?"

"Yes. It's been tight for a while, but it's getting worse. At this rate, we might not last the week, let alone the month."

"This week? That's a serious shortage."

"There are three reasons for this."

"Please explain them in order."

"First, we used more silver than expected on custom weapons like the 'Silver Iron-Breaking Bow.'"

"Ah, I see. That's to be expected."

Roland made a bitter face.

It was an urgent request not in the original plan, and making all parts out of silver was an unreasonable demand.

"We also need to use 'Silver A' for maintenance."

"Yes, to maintain the quality of the weapons."

"Understood. What's the second reason?"

"The second reason is Chial."

"Chial? What's the problem?"

"As I mentioned, we were running low on 'Silver A,' so I thought I'd have her make silverware with 'Silver B' or 'Silver C.' But when I brought her the silver, she said, 'I don't want to use such inferior silver' and went to complain to Arie."

"…Really? That's unexpected."

"Fortunately, I managed to mediate the situation, but this time, Chial's behavior was really out of line. Arie didn't do anything wrong, and we can't afford to use only 'Silver A.'"

Rang looked frustrated.

Indeed, Chial had been acting more arrogant lately, and her demands were becoming excessive.

"You're right. I might have been too lenient with Chial."

"Because of that, she still refuses to make products with anything other than 'Silver A.' So, we're not refining any silver ore that doesn't produce 'Silver A.' Making 'Silver B' or 'Silver C' would just increase our inventory."

"I see… Understood. I'll talk to Chial. What's the last issue?"

"Here it is."

Rang handed him a letter.

It was from Lord Elsen.

"What is it?"

"A noble acquaintance needs a large amount of silverware and wants us to make it."

"At this time?"

Roland pressed his forehead in frustration.

"Yes. We're already short on silver for the current orders, and now we have another large order. We can't handle it. We don't have enough silver ore in stock, the craftsmen won't make silverware with anything other than 'Silver A,' and the additional order will only make the shortage worse. We might run out of silver by the end of the week. We need to come up with a solution."

"Understood."

Roland thought for a moment with his arms crossed.

"Understood. I have an idea."

"What is it?"

"I'll consult with Lord Elsen. I'll ask if he knows of any suppliers who can provide silver ore."

Rang looked displeased.

"Roland, I don't understand business, but isn't it strange to ask a customer to help with our work?"

"I know it's not ideal, but Lord Elsen wants the silverware, and he wants to support and nurture the 'Spirit's Factory.'"

Rang still looked unconvinced.

Roland chuckled at her seriousness and dedication.

"Stop looking at me like that. 'There's a god to pick up what another god has thrown away.' I used to think I had to do everything on my own and put myself under a lot of pressure. But sometimes, when you open up about your problems, people are willing to help."

(Just like Lillian helped me when I was in trouble.)

Roland wrote a reply to Lord Elsen's letter.

He explained that the new order was difficult to fulfill immediately and asked if they could meet to discuss the matter.

After finishing the letter, Roland headed to the "Forest Workshop" to talk to Chial.

When Chial saw Roland, she ran up to him, hugged him with a big smile, and showed her joy at seeing him again.

"Chial, I heard you're refusing to make silverware with 'Silver B' or 'Silver C.'"

Chial's smile vanished, and she stepped back, entering a defensive stance.

"It's not that. Don't be on guard. Look at this piece of silverware before you decide."

Roland took out a piece of silverware from his bag.

It was a combination of 'Silver C,' iron, and rubies.

(What is this...)

Chial, who had been on guard, was immediately captivated by the silverware.

It was clear to anyone that the silver used was of low quality.

However, the dull color of the low-quality silver enhanced the beauty of the gemstones.

(I've always focused on making the best silver into the best shape. But this piece uses low-quality silver to achieve something that can't be done with the highest-quality silver.)

Realizing this, Chial forgot her previous stubbornness and sat down at the table to start drawing design plans.

She was no longer a child throwing a tantrum but a professional craftsman.

Roland was satisfied with this transformation.

(Showing a craftsman the actual item is the best approach. This should resolve Chial's issue.)

After resolving Chial's problem, Roland wrote a letter to Rang, instructing her to restart the production of 'Silver B' and 'Silver C' and to gather the necessary metals once Chial's design plans were ready.

Since there were no particular restrictions on other metals, they should be easy to obtain.

After completing these tasks, Roland headed to the quest reception office.

Although he had resolved the workshop's issues, Roland now faced his duties as a special advisor.

He needed to quickly form a team to explore the 10th floor.

(I won't let anything hinder the team's growth anymore. I'll overwhelm the enemy with speed before they can organize!)