Chapter 23

Holding the request letter, I was at a loss when Nana-san asked me, weighing various options. I thought, "It's more important to prepare for the departure and the cathedral than to do the quest for the 'Gem of Lament'..."

"Um... I'll report on the request for guiding Frey first."

"Oh, okay."

Then I remembered that Frey had been trying to get my rank raised. A higher rank means more trust from the guild, more requests available, and easier access to restricted areas. I nodded immediately.

"I'll guide you to the third floor, then."

"...Okay."

I thought the report would be over at the counter, but it wasn't.

I had completed the guide for the unexplored dungeon, and the request was from the hero party. Of course, the report would be in the reception room. The third floor of the guild houses the guild master's office and the reception room.

When I was led to the reception room, a man was inside.

"Ah, you're here. I'm the guild master, Reuben."

"I'm the adventurer Sharon. Nice to meet you."

I followed, expecting to be asked for an explanation by someone important, but I was surprised to see the guild master himself.

The guild master of 'Holy Capital Tsire' was a cool-looking middle-aged man with silver-gray hair, probably around fifty. He had a scar from his cheek to his neck, but he didn't try to hide it. His sturdy build showed he was well-trained, but his blue eyes seemed cheerful, so he didn't give off an intimidating presence. He was casually dressed, with a black mantle loosely draped over his left shoulder.

When I was offered a seat, Nana-san prepared tea for me.

"I'm sorry to take your time. I've heard the general details about the dungeon from Frey."

"Is that so?"

It seemed that while I was talking with Kent and the others, Frey had been explaining things.

The guild was already aware of the monsters and gimmicks in the dungeon. However, Frey and the others were short on time, so they would discuss the internal map and details later.

The reason I was called was to find out how I obtained the internal structure of 'Erlgoa's Paradise.' The guild didn't have this information, and a novice adventurer had it without keeping it secret, which must have been confusing.

...Well, how should I answer?

"I just heard it from someone."

I wasn't lying, as I didn't find the correct solution to the gimmick. However, I was met with a sharp gaze, "From who?"

...I can't remember the player's name.

I smiled wryly and shook my head.

"I think they don't want to be known, so I'll refrain from saying. Adventurers don't have an obligation to disclose information, right?"

I had confirmed this when I registered as an adventurer. I was glad to be free from my engagement and didn't want to be bound by strange obligations. I was willing to lend a hand in emergencies.

The guild master scratched his head and sighed after hearing my words.

"You're a tough one, aren't you?"

"Guild Master!"

"Hahaha."

Laughing off Nana-san's reprimand, the guild master changed the topic, "About your rank..."

I was relieved that he didn't force me to reveal the information. However, he seemed like someone not to be underestimated.

My current guild rank is the lowest, F. Ranks are assigned from S to F, and they increase as you complete requests. I believe you can rank up after completing five to ten requests.

I've completed few requests, but since I guided the hero party, I might get a special promotion before completing five requests. I couldn't help but be hopeful.

The guild master put his hand on his chin, as if thinking, and then nodded.

"Sharon, I'll set your rank to D."

"Wh-What!?"

I was surprised by the sudden promotion. I would have been happy with just one rank up, but two at once was unexpected. However, the guild master, ignoring my surprise, said, "Actually, C rank would be fine..."

"Usually, no one has information about unexplored dungeons. Your skills are equivalent to B rank, at least in terms of information gathering."

However, since my level is 17, he couldn't raise my rank that high. He explained that it would be too much for me to handle. I see...

"So, here's a proposal. I'll raise your rank to C if you share any other information you have."

"Is that a trade?"

I thought about how to respond.

...Honestly, I don't have any benefit from this, right?

The guild is offering to raise my rank to C, expecting me to share something in return. But ranks will eventually rise as I continue adventuring, and I don't need an immediate rank up.

Besides, I don't fully understand the current situation in this world.

I smiled at the guild master, who was staring at me. As a duke's daughter, I'm somewhat used to such negotiations.

"I'm sorry, but I don't have any more information. It's disappointing not to reach C rank, but I'll work hard to raise my rank gradually."

"...I see."

The guild master accepted it smoothly, sensing that I wouldn't budge. That concluded the matter of the guide request.

However, my relief was short-lived. Nana-san took out an old request letter. The guild master took it and looked at me.

"About the delivery request for the 'Gem of Lament,' do you have it? The cathedral's bishop has been inquiring if it has been found..."

"I'll deliver it."

My immediate response surprised both the guild master and Nana-san.

It was probably because my response was so different from before. I had intended to do it later since the guide report took a lot of time. But I didn't expect the requester to be the cathedral's bishop.

...I was planning to visit the cathedral for the Holy Maiden's class change quest.

I couldn't miss the chance to get to know the bishop.

"O-Oh... That's a relief, but where did you find it?"

"Well, I'll just say I found it in 'Erlgoa's Paradise.'"

"I see. That information is valuable to the guild. Thank you for your cooperation."

"You're welcome."

Relieved that I wasn't pressed further, I mentioned that I was short on time.

"I have a meeting with Frey and the others, so I don't have much time. However, as a 'Healer,' I'd like to speak with the bishop if possible. I was planning to pray at the cathedral before leaving the city."

"In that case, why don't you deliver it directly? Of course, the guild can hold it for you, but..."

Surprised by the guild master's unexpected suggestion, I nodded immediately. While I would have preferred a longer conversation, even a brief introduction would be valuable.

Normally, it's not easy to meet the bishop, but the guild's request process would make it possible. I nodded and chose to deliver it directly.

Thank you for your comments.

I haven't been able to reply, but I've read them all with joy.

I took a few convenient magical tools from Erlgoa.