Chapter 33

"I was worried that some weirdo might come up to you, so I thought I wanted to take on requests with you for a while~"

"Sorry, I couldn't be of much help even though you helped me..."

Fredo's neck, looking a bit disappointed, hung a wooden board that read, "I fought in the guild." In his hand, he held cleaning tools, and according to Darria, Fredo's punishment was to mop the floor all day in this outfit.

I feel extremely guilty for causing him to do this. Since I was the cause, I wanted to do it instead or at least help, but he gently declined, saying, "That's the rule."

"It was rare, wasn't it? For Fredo to lose his cool."

"Was it the first time?"

"No, I was surprised myself. Maybe I was in a bad mood."

"It's you, isn't it!"

While his friends teased Fredo as he mopped the floor, their words were not harsh, but I still felt guilty. I wanted to explain that it was my fault, but Fredo, who waved his hand and mouthed, "It's okay," made me bow my head and leave the scene.

... Even if I apologize now, it won't clear my conscience. I need to show it through my actions. I need to be able to say proudly that I can be a reliable adventurer without causing worry.

The staff at the request window that day said, "If I had hit him, it would have been considered self-defense, and I wouldn't have been punished." This made me feel even more guilty. I probably heard, "It's your problem, so you should solve it yourself." Truly, I feel ashamed. If I stand out, it might cause more trouble.

If I had firmly rejected it, it would have been better. It was clear that I was trying to save an acquaintance, but since Fredo hit first, it was considered a "private fight." ... Fredo is kind, so if I were in the same situation again, he would probably help me. I don't think he would use his hands next time, but since it's my problem, I need to solve it myself without drawing attention.

However, Fredo is still being leniently treated. The handbook I received when I registered as an adventurer states, "If adventurers fight without a valid reason, both parties will be suspended for a week and must do community service."

Even though he hit first to protect me, some form of punishment was necessary.

"I said that since Fredo is usually trusted by the staff, a warning would be enough, but the deputy guild master said it might be seen as favoritism, so a strict punishment was given to Saje for causing trouble. Well, that's it."

"I see..."

I recalled the rule that if it's a clear case of one-on-many or a clear aggressor and victim, it doesn't apply. I never thought violence would be something I'd be involved in. I never imagined Fredo would end up in such a situation because of me.

"I was wrong to hit first, but it's my fault," he said, trying to make me feel better, but I can't accept that.

"Well, Riana, even if it's self-defense, you can't counterattack... In the future, try to escape early or call for help. Even just shouting can get the guild to intervene."

"Yes... I will."

"Forming a party can prevent such troubles, but do you have no intention of joining any?"

"...Sorry, I have many techniques I don't want others to know about."

"Ah, I understand. It's best to find trustworthy companions early. There are people who might try to steal your techniques."

Maybe I should seriously consider forming a party.

I thought about asking Fredo to form a party with me since he's the only one I'm close enough to talk to.

However, after being told by a few women in Fredo's social circle that I shouldn't cause him trouble, I started thinking of other options. Yesterday, I was immediately warned off... I really did something wrong. If I had resisted properly...

I gave up on inviting him to a party, but I'm not following the advice of strangers. I judged that if Fredo formed a party with me, it would cause him more trouble.

I checked the trap I buried yesterday, collected the target insects, and released the rest. The target is a beetle called Azurobeetle, used as an ingredient in magic potions. I quickly killed it by inserting a thick needle between its head and prothorax to destroy its nerves. Ideally, it should be stored in a cold environment, but since I don't use advanced magic, I use an ice-cooled cooler.

After setting up new bait, I buried it again. The bait seems to be more effective than I thought, and I caught twice as many as planned. It will be a good income.

After finishing the work and standing up, I looked around once. I was on guard, but just in case. However, as soon as I stopped concentrating, my thoughts returned.

... He said he avoids women because too many approaches lead to trouble. Fredo said this, but seeing it in person was more shocking than I thought.

If I, who he treats like a little sister, can receive such hostility, Fredo himself must be receiving a lot of approaches.

He told it as a joke, but he has been through a lot. I feel sorry for him. I'm thinking about how I can help, but for now, I can only be careful not to stimulate the women who have feelings for Fredo.

Maybe Fredo would settle down if he had a steady partner, like I'm considering for my party.

But I don't want that.

... Don't want? Why?

I don't understand why I'm thinking this. My head is filled with question marks.

I shook my head and decided to end today's work and return to the city. I've been thinking strange things more than usual.

... I had another plan to collect monster materials, but even though it's mostly trap-based hunting, I might get hurt in this state. It's best to withdraw early when I'm not in good condition.

I'm still in the forest, so I can't afford to lose focus or be careless. I slapped my cheek to get motivated and started heading back the way I came.