Chapter 6

"Good work. This is your reward of ten silver coins."

"Thank you."

While expressing my gratitude, I took the silver coins and put them in my bag. It turned out to be the highest income I've ever earned as an adventurer, which made me quite happy.

But I didn't want to show it on my face, as I might be laughed at, so I maintained my composure.

"Is something the matter?"

I realized I was looking at the receptionist, who had been watching me even after I handed in the letter.

"No, I was just thinking that you really did defeat a Kobold..."

It seemed she was surprised that I, who had always specialized in hunting Goblins, had managed to defeat a Kobold.

"I've just started to get the hang of it recently."

I wasn't lying, as I had gained a new skill. Considering the difference in earnings, it might be a good idea to focus on Kobold hunting from now on.

As I was thinking this, the receptionist continued.

"By the way, I'll give you this."

"What is this?"

It was a chain with a silver plate attached.

"Adventurers are only recognized as combatants after defeating a Kobold. This is proof of that, and showing it at guild-affiliated inns and taverns can get you a discount on your bill."

It seems I hadn't been recognized as a combatant by the guild until now. I hadn't known this because I had only been defeating Goblins.

"Thank you. What are the affiliated stores?"

"Just a few doors down to the left, there's the 'Rainbow Fairy Inn.' If you tell them it's your first time defeating a Kobold when you enter, they should give you a special service."

This was very useful information. Until now, I had been too busy surviving each day to eat anything other than the cheap meals served at cheap inns.

Since I had earned ten silver coins, I decided it was okay to spend a little. After thinking for a moment, I thanked the receptionist.

"Thank you. I'll stop by then."

"Welcome!"

The inside of the inn was bustling with energy.

The sun was starting to set, and adventurers who had completed their quests were enlivening the place. I could hear them loudly discussing their day's adventures and successes, probably fueled by alcohol.

"Is this your first time here, sir?"

A waiter appeared and looked at my face.

"How can you tell?"

"Only adventurers who have graduated from being newbies come here, so I can tell when I see a new face."

Hearing this, I remembered the plate I had received from the receptionist.

"Actually, I defeated a Kobold for the first time today."

"Wow! Congratulations! In that case, I'll take you to a special seat where you can enjoy our best dishes and drinks."

I was led upstairs by the waiter, who congratulated me, and taken to the second floor.

"Normally, only those with a Gold plate or higher can enter the second floor, but adventurers who have defeated a Kobold for the first time are allowed to come here."

The second floor had a more relaxed atmosphere, with adventurers enjoying their drinks. According to the waiter, they were high-ranking adventurers with Gold plates.

"Right, I'll bring you our special course right away, so please take a seat."

While waiting, I felt uneasy. There were clearly higher-ranked adventurers on the same floor as me.

What if I met their gaze and displeased them?

After a while, I watched the people drinking downstairs when a plump woman brought the food.

"Here you go! A selection of our best dishes and ale. Let me know if you need a refill."

The table, which could seat four people, was loaded with dishes and a full glass of ale.

"Is this really okay? So much of it?"

I couldn't help but ask.

"Adventurers who grew up in this town are like our own children. Today's meal is on the house, but it will cost you next time. We want you to get stronger so you can enjoy this again."

She smiled.

Indeed, once you get used to such luxury, you'll want to experience it again.

"Thank you. I'll work hard to come back!"

With that, I started eating the food.

"Delicious! This is good too! This is amazing!"

Every dish I tried was more delicious than anything I had ever eaten before. The fried food was juicy, and the skewers were perfectly salted, making them addictive. The boiled edamame was fluffy.

The bitterness of the ale I drank afterward washed away the excess fat from the food.

I had only drunk alcohol once before, when I turned fifteen and became an adventurer. This ale was incomparably smooth, and I finally understood why the people downstairs were having so much fun.

As I enjoyed the food and a few glasses of ale, experiencing the first time I had ever been drunk...

"Isn't that Tim? What are you doing here?"

I turned around to see Walter, Red, Maron, and Gloria.