Chapter 9

Slipping through the city gate, the carriage stopped in the square ahead.

"Thank you for the long journey. I really owe you one."

"What are you talking about?"

"It should be obvious, right? For defeating the King Oak. If you weren't here, I wouldn't be alive right now."

"What are you saying? Even without me, you could have handled it normally, right?"

"…Yeah."

At my remark, the old driver grunted in admiration.

"You really figured it out, didn't you?"

"Of course. It's one thing to have knowledge of swordsman skills, but to be able to identify the 'skill' I used just by looking at it is not something an ordinary driver can do."

Well, even without that, I knew from the start that he wasn't an ordinary person. His every movement exuded the refined aura of a seasoned warrior.

"I see, so that's why the carriage looked so unofficial."

Still, it was cheap, so I didn't mind getting in.

It also made sense why there was no guard.

Since the driver himself was a skilled warrior, there was no need to hire anyone else.

"By the way, can you tell me your secret?"

"Secret?"

"Yes. What is your real job? Or why can you use the 'Sword Maiden' skill, which is supposed to be only for women?"

"I've told you many times, my job is 'Unemployed.'"

"Really?"

It's true, but no one believes me.

"I learned the 'Sword Maiden' skill by watching my mother use it."

"Haha, it seems you really want to keep it a secret."

Of course, that's the truth too.

"No, it's fine. Just be careful, as some guilds require you to reveal your job to join."

With that, the driver left.

In the end, he didn't believe me.

"I see. I should have shown him the appraisal document."

I recalled this belatedly.

The appraisal document records one's job and skills.

It can only be created by people with the 'Appraiser' job, and it is always given during the blessing ceremony.

Before leaving my hometown, I had it reissued, so it's certain that I am 'Unemployed.'

If I had shown it, I wouldn't have been doubted.

"Well, I'll do that next time."

Still, this city of swords is impressive.

Most of the people on the streets are carrying swords.

There are also many new swordsmen like me, who are visiting the city for the first time and looking around curiously.

Some people are actively approaching them.

"We, the 'Cavalries,' are a noble guild composed entirely of knight-type swordsmen! If you have a knight-type job, please join our guild!"

"Hey, hey! Our 'Sword Road' welcomes everyone, regardless of job! As long as you can handle a sword, whether you're a hunter or a thief, you're welcome!"

"Our 'Legion' is actively recruiting new members with military-type jobs. Let's aim for the top together in group battles!"

It seems they are recruiting new members.

The city of swords is said to have countless organizations called 'Swordsman Guilds.'

In this city, various tournaments are held regularly, and the prize money from these tournaments is the main source of income for swordsmen. However, most tournaments cannot be entered without belonging to a guild.

Therefore, joining a guild is essential.

Incidentally, guilds with many excellent swordsmen have immense power in the city's administration.

"Hmm, come to think of it, what did she say? The guild my mother belonged to was—"

In the past, my mother belonged to a top guild in both name and reality.

She wrote a letter recommending me because she was sure the members from back then would remember her.

I plan to go to that guild, but… I can't remember the name.

"I'll just ask someone."

The people doing recruitment in the square should know a lot about the city.

Just as I was about to ask, a voice called out from behind.

"Hey, you there! You must be a new recruit, right!?"

I turned around to see a woman in her twenties.

She had beautiful blonde hair and a very attractive face.

Because of this, she was drawing a lot of attention.

"…Lilia is at it again, trying to recruit people for that sinking ship guild."

"Haha, no one would join such a lousy guild anyway."

No, it seems it's not just because she's beautiful.

The looks she's getting are full of contempt and ridicule.

They are from the recruiters.

On the other hand, the new swordsmen who don't know the situation look puzzled.

"Please join our guild! I beg you! The registration fee is free right now!"

She's trying to recruit me with incredible enthusiasm, but why is she so desperate?

It's definitely a small, weak guild.

"Try somewhere else."

I firmly declined.

For some reason, the woman suddenly knelt down and touched her forehead to the ground.

It's a kowtow, a cultural practice passed down from Eastern swordsmen.

"Please, I beg of you!"

Hmm.

It seems they are really short of people.

"But I refuse."