Chapter 2

"Next, please."

The next three people called had hair colors of blue, yellow, and red, respectively, reminding me of the traffic lights I used to see in my past life.

In this world, compared to the one I came from, the variety of hair and eye colors is truly remarkable. Even among the staff of this guild, there are those with reddish-brown hair, blonde, bright purple, dark black, and orange, a truly diverse mix.

My hair is a blonde with a pink tint, reaching just to my shoulder blades. It has a fluffy texture, and the pink can appear more or less intense depending on the light. My eyes are brown. Neither my hair nor my eyes are particularly unusual for a human. My build is somewhat slender, probably due to malnutrition during my childhood.

"Here is your reward. ... Oh, your armor is completely broken, isn't it?"

I noticed this when I handed over the reward. It seems to have broken during the battle, and he will have to go buy a new one.

My attire is the guild uniform, which I wear while working. The women's uniform consists of a vest, blouse, and shorts or skirt shorter than mid-thigh. I prefer shorts because I move around a lot and need to be able to respond quickly to any situation. The men's uniform is similar, consisting of a vest, shirt, and pants.

The uniform also takes into account the physical characteristics of the wearer. For example, if someone has a tail or wings, like a beastkin or fairy, the uniform is designed to accommodate these features.

The country I live in is called the Forest Kingdom and is known for being a multi-racial nation. It is often described as a comfortable country to live in by neighboring countries, or as a diverse and mixed country, depending on the perspective. A wide variety of races live here.

Even among the guild staff, there are beastkins, elves, fairies, dwarves, and half-breeds like half-scales and humans. Demons also come here regularly for requests and commissions. The kingdom has an alliance with the country ruled by the Demon King, and merchants travel between the two countries. The Demon King's country is also home to the dragon race, which I have seen flying in the sky, though I have never met one directly.

By the way, I am a pure human. As far as I know, there is no other blood in my lineage. I come from a country where only one race exists.

"Excuse me..."

"Yes, what is it?"

A thin voice was heard. The man appeared to be a human, holding a bow.

"I am timid and weak. I can only use a bow, so I want to form a party with someone who is good at close combat..."

You don't have to say you're timid and weak. You seem to be quite skilled with the bow.

"I understand. The parties currently recruiting are..."

"Um! And... I prefer a party without elves..."

He started off strong but his voice gradually became weaker.

"Oh, I see. Understood."

I have no intention of asking him why, so I will look for a party that meets his request.

"I... I just recently left my country... and I have some issues with elves..."

I don't know what issues he has... but his country was known for not favoring elves. In any case, there are many parties without elves, so I will find one that suits him.

Just as I was about to introduce a party to him...

"Ah! I found a good-looking guy!"

"Kyaa, really!"

It was a pair of elf women who had just finished their business at the adjacent counter. They are regulars at the guild.

"Hey, hey, are you looking for a party?"

"Join our party!"

They must have spotted the party recruitment form and started trying to recruit him.

"Your request does not match this party, so please step aside."

I told the two assertive elves.

"No way! Hey, you use a bow, right?"

"Our party is short on bow users..."

Their party seemed to consist of magic users. They might be focusing on a long-range specialized party. But that's not the issue.

"I am listening to this person's request, not yours."

Look at him. He's so nervous.

"Please, just a moment to talk!"

"Please, just a little!"

They took advantage of his nervousness and cornered him from both sides.

"Just a little! Just a little!"

They moved incredibly fast. He was whisked away to an empty table as if carried by the wind. I thought about helping him if he looked really distressed, but he started talking normally, so I left him be. There are still people waiting in line, after all.

After a while, he came back with the two elves on either side of him.

"Um, I will join this party!"

"Are you sure? No one forced you, right?"

From his expression, I thought he was fine, but I asked because of the sudden change.

"Yes, I'm fine. I had a misconception... I thought elves were closed-minded and arrogant, as I was often told when I left my country. But these ladies are nothing like that..."

I see. These two ladies are a bit pushy, but they are not arrogant. If it's your own decision, it's fine.

"They said I would be oppressed..."

"How terrible..."

The elf ladies, who are fond of handsome men, laughed heartily. I don't quite understand, but I'm glad they came to an agreement. I often see other elves in this guild, and they don't seem to be particularly pretentious. Rather, these two are quite loud and carefree.

"If you are oppressed, come back. We can help you leave the party."

"No way!" They laughed and left. Their party doesn't seem to have a bias in strength, but it has become a long-range specialized party. They will be very useful when flying monsters attack. Well, next...

"I'll take this request."

The one who said this and handed over the request form was a tiger beastkin who recently came to this country. There are various types of beastkins. Some are close to humans with only animal ears and tails, while others are more animal-like and fluffy overall. This person has a tiger's upper body and face.

He left his homeland, where there is still discrimination against beastkins, and is currently working alone without forming a party. I processed the request as usual.

"This country is great. You can take on a request just by submitting a request form."

What do you mean? I'm just doing my job...

"In my previous country... in my homeland, when I submitted a request, they would first ask if any humans wanted to take it."

"Wouldn't it be on the board if no one wanted it?"

So asking around wouldn't make a difference.

"Beastkins would try to take on a request, and humans would take it away just for fun."

"That's ridiculous."

I refrained from saying that it sounds like something that would happen in that country.

"I no longer needed to stay in that country, so I came here, but... I was a bit worried that the receptionist would be a human. But it was all for nothing. Sorry, did I offend you?"

"Not at all. Here, it's basically first-come, first-served. As long as you don't cut in line or use violence, you're fine. Besides, it's too much trouble to do that every time."

That's right. There are so many requests to handle every day.

"Yeah, I'm glad I can work in this country."

I'm glad too. It's reassuring to have such a strong person in this country, and in this town. I'll rely on you when monsters attack.

—His former country must be in a tough spot now that an important combatant has moved here. But that's not my concern.

When he first came here, he seemed less confident, like the human man earlier. Recently, he has become much more cheerful, and his back is now straight as he leaves.

—This town and this country are great, aren't they? I like it too.

Of course, the immigration process was difficult...

To live in this town, there was an exam about the races. Since various races live here, there are many things to learn, such as the rules of each race, matters of dignity, and how to handle problems. It's important to know each other before conflicts arise. This is necessary to work at the guild. I remember the guild master, who is the head of this branch, was worried about whether I would pass the exam.

"Hey! Do you even know what you're doing, girl?!"

What's this all about?

It was a great atmosphere just now.

Discriminatory remarks or condescending tones are not good.

Wait. Isn't that the dog beastkin man I pushed away earlier?

...Ah, he must be from another country. Such behavior can make others uncomfortable too.

The human man who dislikes elves and the tiger beastkin from a country with strong discrimination against beastkins had a smooth and pleasant transaction, but this guy is a problem. His origin... or maybe it's just his personality.

Sometimes people misunderstand what a multi-racial nation means. They think that because beastkins and demons live here, humans are looked down upon. Beastkins are stronger than humans, and demons are skilled in magic and, in some cases, physical strength. They might think humans are at a disadvantage. However, in this country, no race is considered superior. The idea that humans are inferior in ability is a myth.

Still, this is a stark contrast to the tiger beastkin I met earlier. Just then...

"There you are. The one who's been causing trouble at our reception!"

Perhaps he was free. Our guild master, a large bear beastkin with reddish-brown hair, came down from the second floor and grabbed the noisy beastkin man by the collar. The guild master (short for guild master) is much larger than the man, with the characteristic ears and tail of a bear.

"I need to hear the full story!"

He dragged him away easily. They will talk outside because it's too noisy in here. The sub-master, who followed the guild master, was shaking with laughter. I'll introduce him later.

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