Chapter 42

While being dragged by Riana, Duke and the others were made to run all the way from the quarry and were completely exhausted. Riana said, "They gave up on resisting and followed me obediently," but I think the truth is that they were so exhausted from just running that they didn't have the energy to resist. They couldn't even catch their breath or swallow their saliva, and their chins were dirty.

Riana, normal people can't use magic while being forced to run at full speed...

While running, they can't even properly chant spells. People who can use magic without chanting are rare, and even those who can usually can't use magic properly in a situation where they're running at full speed. Well, I guess Riana could do it. Despite these guys being so battered, the girl who was dragging them wasn't even out of breath and was also keeping an eye on the back...

I tried to avoid causing a commotion and had a familiar staff member handle the situation by approaching through the back entrance, but of course, we weren't completely unnoticed. A few people had already approached me, and I had to mumble some vague responses and leave the scene, which made me feel a bit annoyed knowing it would be noisy around me for a while. Anyway... a lot of people know I had a conflict with Duke, so it's probably best for me to take the lead in this matter.

Based on what I heard from Riana and what these guys said, I don't want to spread the details of the incident. Of course, I don't want Riana to get too much attention, but I also don't want to hurt the victims again. Externally... it would be best to say that Duke, who was stalking Riana, started a criminal level of harassment, and I couldn't ignore it and retaliated.

...I had heard that he had a bad reputation with women and was always cheating, and that he apparently made the women he was dating pay for things. Some of the victims might have been threatened. I knew him a bit but regret not getting involved. I knew he wasn't a good person, but I didn't realize he was this bad. No... realistically, I didn't have any obligation to do anything. The ones who should have taken action were the Adventurer's Guild or the patrol squad, and I'm just a regular adventurer.

Even if he's an acquaintance, I wasn't asked for help. "If I had noticed earlier, I could have helped sooner" is not a stance I should take, pretending to be a heroic savior.

Reinvigorated, I started to think realistically about the situation. I have a decent network in the adventurer community, but I don't know any of the higher-ups in the patrol squad. Duke is a relative of the Lord of Lindemen... they're cousins, but it's a distant relationship. He often boasts about his connections to the underworld and his blood relation to the lord, which is common knowledge.

The Viscount, the lord of this city, runs a fair administration, so I don't think he's like Duke, but I don't know him personally. I don't think the matter will be covered up, but I don't fully trust them either, so it's best for the Adventurer's Guild to handle it. Since it's an incident involving adventurers, it's also procedurally correct.

I wonder if Riana is worried about causing a commotion again... I need to praise her a lot for exposing the crime and saving future victims... (sense of mission)

Until I saw Riana on the way to the quarry, I was really worried. I know her strength, but that doesn't stop me from worrying. Even though she can take down four men alone, when I saw her look relieved upon finding me, I almost cried and genuinely thought, "I want to make her smile more." It's not just because I like her... hearing about her past, I just want her future to be filled with happiness... please, God.

I hope Riana can have a peaceful life soon. Of course, the person who caused the incident is the worst, and I'm genuinely glad the child was saved.

When I asked the staff where Riana was, it seems she is on the second floor, being questioned by the Guild Master Sajé, the Deputy Guild Master Rastano, and Darria. With Darria, a veteran and a woman, there shouldn't be any problems. The staff mentioned that the video recorded by the magic device is being handled carefully as evidence, so there's nothing more I can do. Honestly, I wanted to be there with Riana while she was being questioned... but I'll refrain from being selfish.

I need to thank Ash later for informing me about Duke's actions. After the meeting, I'll end work for the day and go home with Riana. She must be exhausted from being involved in this, so maybe I'll treat her to some dessert. I thought of a bakery I often visit, which sells delicious cakes and pastries with a simple, tasty flavor. Anna, who usually tells us not to buy too many sweets, will probably make an exception today.

I usually visit Riana's room for dinner, but since I have some free time, I might tidy up my own room before dinner.

I was told that I would hear more details later, and as I was about to enter the main lobby of the guild, someone came down the stairs next to the reception. It seemed the meeting had just ended.

After a brief exchange with Darria, Riana looked around the crowded guild, searching for someone. I was about to call out to her when someone approached and stood in front of her.

"Hey! Riana... please stop causing trouble by relying on Fred!"

What, me? I was taken aback, and the sheer amount of information made it hard to respond. Riana often handles everything herself, so I actually want her to rely on me more. I don't even know what "trouble" she's talking about, and who is this person to say such things? I don't have a personal relationship with her. I only accompanied her on a mission to pick up Anna for Riana. I could tell she had a crush on me, but I declined her date proposals and thought she had given up.

When faced with an unexpected situation, people tend to freeze, and that's what happened to me.

"Miss Miesel... right? ...Um..."

"This is the second time I've asked you. Please stop relying on Fred. Today, you caused another problem... He's only being nice because he can't ignore a relative's noble lady, but he's really troubled by it!"

I don't remember him being nice to me! I almost retorted but caught myself. No, no, this isn't the time for that. I restrained the urge to completely deny her statement. It's not right, and I want to tell her not to cause trouble for Riana.

"Sorry... I didn't mean to involve you..."

"Riana, I'm not troubled or bothered at all. I'm the one who always jumps in first."

"...Fred?!"

Miesel, who hadn't noticed me, finally turned around, her face stiffening. "No, that's not it," she said, but I'm not interested in what she means. It's a complete misunderstanding, and I want her to stop causing trouble for Riana.

"Hey... don't involve innocent people. There are people watching, so let's talk another day."

I subtly stepped between Riana and Miesel to separate them. When someone is heated up, they tend to target their love rival (or the person they've chosen as their target) rather than me. If someone gets hurt, I end up being blamed as the root of all evil. This experience finally came in handy.

"It's not a misunderstanding... You're busy because of this girl, right?!"

This isn't the place to talk, I suggested, but she didn't listen. The onlookers were interested in the drama, which made me feel annoyed. I raised my hand slightly to reassure the flustered Riana.

I'm only with Riana because I want to be. From another perspective, it might look like I'm the one stalking her. Maybe I was wrong to gently decline her advances because we work together and I didn't want to cause trouble. I realized I had inadvertently created a convenient story for her. I should have stopped her from calling me "you" so casually. But "busy" has been my standard excuse for declining her since before I brought Riana to Lindemen. No, I need to focus on resolving this.

"I'm sorry for causing a misunderstanding. But I really didn't mean to... I'm truly sorry."

I bowed my head, but I realized it was a mistake. Her face, glaring at me, showed that she had already decided Riana was her "enemy."

Ah... I should have acted like a terrible guy who toys with women's hearts and let her punch me. Then I would have been seen as a "jerk" and it would have ended there.

I don't want Riana to be wrongly blamed out of jealousy, so I tried to deny it, but a guild staff member intervened and forcibly ended the conversation. They were essentially telling us not to cause more trouble and threw us out of the building. I was just involved, but...

"Sorry... I tried to clear up the misunderstanding, but I couldn't..."

"No, no! There's nothing between us! She was the one who kept inviting me!"

I ended up saying more than I needed to, like how I struggled to decline her every time. I might have said too much, trying to avoid giving Riana the wrong impression.

"Actually, I'm the one who caused trouble and bothered you. Sorry."

"No...! I'm always the one who gets help from you."

"Then today was tough for both of us, right?"

"Still, I thought you were joking about being too popular, but it really seems tough."

"Ah... well... yeah..."

When declining someone, there are two main approaches: either be humble and explain that you're not interested, or say it's a bother. This time, I chose the wrong one. I really wish I could be forgiven. I try to be polite and reasonable to everyone to maintain good relationships, but...

Some acquaintances have told me to just relax and enjoy it, but that's not an option. I'm scared. Everyone who has shown this kind of attachment to me has a hint of madness. I've never even considered that option.

But I don't want to talk about my romantic troubles with Riana. I suddenly changed the subject to "What's for dinner tonight?" Riana, who was momentarily confused, smiled at my awkward attempt to change the topic.

"Hehe... There's rabbit meat and potatoes, so maybe a stew?"

"Sounds good. It's getting colder, so... how about we buy something sweet to lift our spirits?"

I suggested a detour, and Riana's eyes sparkled with excitement. Her cuteness made me feel all the fatigue from earlier disappear.

It would be nice if this kind of daily life could continue.

"I'm planning to go to Labro the day after tomorrow."

After dinner, Riana suddenly mentioned this, and I, who had been feeling drowsy from the fullness, was immediately alert.

"Labro... that's too far for a day trip from here, right...?"

"Such a distant place...? Miss Riana, what business do you have there?"

I asked for Anna's benefit, as she was also unfamiliar with the geography and looked surprised.

"I need a specific mineral for a magic device I want to make. It's hard to get good quality ones around here, so I'm going to a trading post."

"Minerals, huh..."

The name sounded unfamiliar, and I knew it wasn't available in Lindemen. It would be expensive to order, but... wait, wait a minute...!

There's a reason Anna and I are so confused. In three days... if Riana goes to Labro the day after tomorrow, she won't be back the next day. That day is... Riana's birthday. A few days ago, Anna told me, and we've been secretly preparing a surprise.

From the looks of it, she's forgotten about it. She's not the type to say, "I don't want to be celebrated on my birthday."

What should I do... Should I give up on the surprise and just say, "Isn't that Riana's birthday?" Looking at Anna, she also had a confused expression, unsure of what to say.

I have an idea.

"Riana... you said you haven't decided on the reward from the lord's mansion tomorrow, right...?"

"Yes... I thought I should ask for a reasonable amount of money as a thank you, but..."

"How about this? Instead of money, say you want to go on a trip. Not to Labro, but to Delor, where the mineral is found. I'd like to stay at a guesthouse and hot springs that require an introduction and relax. How about getting that as a reward?"

Delor is known for its fire attribute minerals, including the one Riana needs, and it's also a popular hot spring resort. It might be more famous for the hot springs. As a trip, Anna can join us, and there's a magic train to Delor, which is a bit farther than Labro but still a one-day trip. ...Actually, celebrating her birthday on a trip might be a good idea.

"A trip..."

"Yes. Since you came to this city, you haven't taken a break except for necessary ones. How about taking a proper vacation here?"

"Delor is also known for its fruit cultivation using the heat from the hot springs, so there's plenty of delicious food."

Anna, sensing my intention, also joined in the "hot spring trip" idea. Yes, Riana rarely takes a break for reasons other than health, so I think a relaxing day off would be good for her.

"Sounds fun... I've never been on a pure vacation... I'd like to go."

Great, it seems Riana won't have to spend her birthday alone. Celebrating her birthday on a trip with her best friend will surely be a special memory. A warm feeling spread in my chest as I saw Riana's sparkling eyes. I want her to have more time to enjoy being a normal girl, free from obligations and studies.

I wondered whether to give her my present when she returns or have Anna give it to her, but I went to bed that night with that thought.