Chapter 34

After all that, I left the guild.

I managed to gather a fair amount of information about yesterday's incident.

I'm still feeling the fatigue from yesterday, so I decided to head back to the inn and indulge in a lazy sleep.

(I should probably start looking for a proper room instead of staying at inns all the time.)

When I arrived at the inn, I tried to bypass the counter and head to my room, but I was stopped by the receptionist.

It seems someone has come to visit me.

Given the timing of this visit, I can imagine it might lead to some troublesome developments, but I can't just ignore it.

Following the receptionist's directions, I headed to the dining area attached to the inn, where Selma was waiting.

"Sorry to bother you suddenly. How are you feeling?"

I thought she would be afraid of me, but she spoke to me with the same atmosphere as before.

It doesn't seem like she's acting, but I can't be sure.

"Yes, I'm fine. There's no problem with my daily life."

"That's good to hear."

Selma looked relieved.

Then she stood up from her chair and bowed her head.

"Thank you for yesterday. Thanks to you, we were able to make it through the day without losing anyone. I'm truly grateful."

I was surprised by Selma's actions.

I didn't expect her to bow.

"I appreciate your gratitude, but please raise your head. It's not good for a member of a noble family to bow in public, is it?"

Selma is a high-ranking member of the largest clan in the country and a noblewoman. I believe her title is Countess.

For her to bow to me, a commoner, is something that shouldn't happen.

Anyone could be watching.

Nobles shouldn't show their weaknesses.

While I don't think it will cause any problems, there's always a possibility.

It's better if she doesn't bow.

"I understand that I shouldn't bow so easily, but I feel that I must bow to express my gratitude for this matter. You saved the lives of our clan's new members, including myself. I can't let a mere verbal thank you suffice."

She really is a straightforward person.

As the eldest daughter of a count and a high-ranking member of a major clan, I thought she might be a bit more cynical.

...Ah, that's right. Maybe that's why I respect her.

"Thank you. I'm genuinely happy to hear that."

"By the way, there's another matter I want to discuss. I'd like to talk about the rewards for the recent teaching exploration. If it's not a problem, would you come with me to the clan headquarters now?"

I was wondering how to claim the rewards, so this offer is a relief.

"I don't have any plans, so sure."

"That's great. Let's continue this at the clan headquarters. Please follow me."

◇

When we arrived at the clan headquarters, I was led to a room where Vins, the leader of *Silver Hare of the Night Sky*, was waiting.

...I have a sense of déjà vu.

Besides, I didn't expect to be here today, so why is he already here? He doesn't seem like the type to waste time on uncertain matters.

"You're here. I'm grateful for saving our members this time. Thank you."

After confirming my presence, Vins thanked me and bowed.

"No, it was my duty since I accepted the teaching exploration."

"No, it wasn't just your duty. In that situation, anyone would have understood if you had fled alone. But you didn't run away; you stood your ground and won. I think you should be more proud of yourself. ...Anyway, the reason I called you here is to give you the reward. Here it is. Please take it."

Vins took something wrapped in cloth from a storage magic tool and handed it to me.

It's probably gold coins inside.

"Thank you."

I took it and opened the package to check the contents.

Inside were ten platinum coins.

Huh? Platinum coins?

"Um, I thought the reward was ten gold coins... Did you make a mistake with the type?"

Originally, it was supposed to be ten gold coins.

One platinum coin is worth ten gold coins.

In other words, the reward in my hand is ten times the amount that was offered.

"You saved our members from the black dragon. Ten gold coins would be too little. I didn't make a mistake."

I doubt he would accept if I said I don't need it.

I might as well accept it gratefully.

Money is better to have than not.

"I see. Then I'll accept it gratefully. Well, I'll be on my way—"

"Wait, there's one more thing I want to talk to you about. In fact, I'm here mainly for this."

Just as I was about to leave after receiving the reward, Vins stopped me.

It seems this is more important to him.

I can guess what it's about.

"Let me be straightforward. Orun, would you consider joining our clan, *Silver Hare of the Night Sky*?"

As expected, it's an invitation to join the clan.

The fact that the leader himself is here for the invitation suggests they're serious.

"If you join our clan, we will welcome you as an adventurer. You will be assigned to the first team—Selma's team, the strongest party in our clan, as a front-line attacker."

A front-line attacker.

Is it because of the black dragon slaying the other day?

Otherwise, I doubt any clan would welcome me as a front-line attacker.

"Furthermore, with the agreement of more than two-thirds of the clan's executives, I would like to recommend you for an executive position. With your achievements and the experience and knowledge you gained from running the hero party, I believe you would be a valuable addition to our clan's executives—"

The clan executives are the heads of each department.

They are the second most important people in the clan after the leader.

Normally, one would have to join the clan and build up achievements to become an executive.

Being offered an executive position upon joining is an unprecedented promotion.

If I were to become an executive, I would be working with Selma to manage the adventurers in the clan.

This offer is very tempting.

I didn't expect them to welcome me as a swordsman.

(What should I do...)

*Silver Hare of the Night Sky* wants the information and knowledge I've accumulated for the exploration of the 92nd and 93rd floors of the Southern Great Labyrinth.

I've worked hard, sometimes risking my life, to obtain this information.

It wouldn't be fun to hand it over so easily.

"...This is sudden. You don't need to give me an answer right away. Could you take some time to think about it?"

Vins must have sensed my hesitation and offered to help.

"Thank you. I'll take some time to think about it."

With that, I left the headquarters of *Silver Hare of the Night Sky*.

◇

As I walked through the town aimlessly, I found myself in front of a familiar shop.

It was the general store run by the old man.

(I have some things on my mind, so maybe I should talk to the old man.)

With that thought, I entered the store.

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