Chapter 4

"First of all, thank you for helping me."

"In times of trouble, we should help each other, no matter what."

"No, if it weren't for you, Dil, I don't know what would have happened..."

Seeing Mies turn pale, Dil gently reassured her, telling her to calm down.

He thought that even if he had left the adventurer alone, she would have been saved. The guards arrived immediately after he subdued the man, and their response was very swift.

Dil suspected that someone there had secretly contacted the guards.

However, there was no need to confront her with the truth, saying that everything would have been fine even if he hadn't helped.

Sometimes it's better not to know the truth.

He helped Mies, and because of that, she escaped danger.

That's all that matters.

There was no need to pursue it further or to bring up the frightening memories.

"So, can you tell me what will happen to me?"

In an attempt to break the somber mood, Dil asked, and Mies responded in kind, showing her professional skills.

Mies said that she would handle the situation and that Dil should continue his work as an adventurer.

The fear that he might be arrested was completely dispelled, and the old man sighed in relief, deciding to relax.

"This chair is amazing; it doesn't hurt my back even when I sit in it."

"It's a sofa, made from monster materials, which is why it's expensive, but it performs as well as its price suggests."

The sofa, it turned out, was made from monster materials. When he asked, he learned that the wooden table was also made from the materials of a wooden monster.

Adventurers' job of slaying monsters was indeed not wrong, Dil thought as he looked at the tapestry made from monster threads.

"How much is the registration fee?"

"This time, as a compensation, I'll cover it as an expense."

"Thank you, I'll remember that."

Dil didn't argue about whether it was necessary or not, but simply expressed his gratitude. Accepting others' kindness sincerely was also part of his way of dealing with the world.

"Once the guild card and registration certificate are ready, I'll give them to you. For now, you can use a temporary certificate for a week."

"Got it. So, can I start slaying monsters right away?"

"Slaying... Well, yes, that's right."

"I've never fought a monster before, so I'd like to start with the weakest ones. How should I do that?"

Seeing Mies' surprised face, Dil realized that she hadn't fully adapted to her role as a receptionist yet.

If such a beautiful woman showed an unexpected side, a few men would probably be willing to risk their lives for her.

He somehow sensed that Mies wasn't very adept at navigating the world.

"You can read monster encyclopedias and herb distribution maps in the second-floor reference room. You can choose your quests based on that."

"Can I leave everything to you?"

"Uh? ...Yes, that's fine. I'll support you individually."

Dil scratched his cheek as Mies explained that the materials were designed to be easy to read, with plenty of illustrations and diagrams for those who couldn't read.

"No, it's not that... I have presbyopia, so I can't read small text anymore. My eyes get watery."

"I see, in that case, I'll guide you step by step."

"Please be gentle. Can we start right away?"

"Yes, I'll arrange for an early dismissal today. Please wait a moment, I'll contact someone right away!"

"Don't rush, it's fine... Oh, she's already gone."

After watching Mies run out as if she were going to kick down the door, Dil settled back into the sofa.

There was a reason he chose to have her teach him immediately, one-on-one.

Dil, who didn't know Mies well, was sure that she wasn't in her usual state.

She had almost been assaulted by a man she didn't know or barely knew.

While she might now feel relieved and grateful for being saved, Dil couldn't imagine what would happen when she had time to think calmly after they parted.

It would be a waste if such a cute girl developed a fear of men.

If he, as a man and her savior, could help ease her mind, that would be the best course of action.

Having something to focus on could help her forget the unpleasant experience.

Time would also help to fade the bad memories.

What Mies needed now was time, something to do, and an environment that wouldn't remind her of that man.

Dil suddenly stood up from his chair, startled.

"No, it's not like that, Grandma! It's not cheating; it's more like having a daughter... I can't bear to see a cute girl suffer..."

Dil, desperately trying to explain to his deceased wife, still felt inferior to her even after her death.

"Yes, Dil, I've brought it... What are you doing?"

"Hmm... Confessing, maybe?"

"Why is it a question?"

"...Why, I wonder?"

They tilted their heads at each other and sat back down in their chairs.