Chapter 49

The second day was also with the same team.

In the morning, we started with the users who had lined up the day before.

It seems that they had already distributed numbered tickets to those who couldn't see us within the time limit yesterday.

The morning's work went smoothly.

I felt that there were fewer mercenaries than yesterday.

It was definitely due to Quincy's presence.

During the lunch break, I mentioned this to Quincy.

"Well, that's probably it. Most of the guys from yesterday were probably hired by some noble or another."

I didn't quite understand.

But if I showed a puzzled face here, I would surely get a strong bonk on the head. I gave a vague smile.

Eugene, who had been listening, asked the question for me.

"Why did they hire mercenaries?"

"They came to scout whether your boss's power is real. It's easier to hire mercenaries who don't have a Guild Card than to look for new adventurers."

Ah, I see.

The nobles want to know about my skills. However, with the late king still around, they can't investigate publicly. It might be a long time before the turn comes to nobles without connections or lower-ranking nobles.

So, they hired mercenaries to wait in the long line to see my skills.

What a hassle.

And the mercenaries who were intimidated by Quincy's presence disappeared.

Nice question, Eugene.

I smiled at him with that meaning.

Eugene, after looking a bit surprised, smiled back at me.

As the afternoon work was about to end, the Guild began to buzz.

What's going on?

Just as I finished with the forty-fifth person, I directed my gaze to the entrance.

"Hey, it's been a while."

"...What are you doing here?"

I immediately returned my gaze to the counter.

What's that?

A silver and a golden creature were talking with a hostile aura.

Though their colors were opposite, the aura they emitted was equally oppressive.

The silver one was Quincy, looking even more vicious than usual.

Then, who is the golden one?

"Hey, it's my turn, right?"

I slowly raised my gaze.

There was a golden beast.

I had the illusion that it might eat me from the head. Calm down, me.

That's right.

This atmosphere is similar to that of the Earl of Essex... Uncle.

He has a commanding presence that makes people around him think he is fit to lead.

I managed to regain my composure by convincing myself of this.

I said, "Sorry for the wait," with a smile, and the golden man lifted the corners of his mouth.

The Guild Card on the counter read:

Oswald Tiger

Registered: Albion Headquarters

Solo Rank: S

Party Rank: A

An S-ranker, no less.

I can see why the Guild was buzzing.

His hair was a reddish gold, like the sun, and his golden eyes seemed to see through everything.

Quincy was nearby, glaring at Oswald's back, but not stopping him, so it wasn't dangerous.

From the earlier conversation, I knew they were acquaintances, but what was their relationship?

After the usual explanation, Oswald met my gaze. I was more nervous than usual as I looked into his golden eyes and activated my skill.

"…!"

"Wow, that's impressive. You've got some serious skills."

Oswald's stats were excellent, befitting an S-ranker.

Among the people I've met, he was in the top five.

Lava must be ecstatic about this.

But what surprised me was not just that.

Oswald, a famous S-ranker in the capital, is also a face of the country. To think he has beast blood.

His race is listed as human, probably because he has more human blood.

There are no visible features, but he has beast blood somewhere.

"I have a duty of confidentiality, so I won't reveal your stats. Please rest assured."

"Well, I'll probably tell it myself someday. Thanks."

Oswald's large hand patted my head.

Was that gesture a subtle threat, saying, "If you talk, I'll twist your neck"?

I won't say anything. Please go home.

As if hearing my thoughts, Quincy slapped Oswald's hand away.

Wow. Please don't be violent. I beg you.

"What are you really doing here? If you're done, go home!"

"Nothing, I've been struggling lately. I thought I might learn something. My fighting style is flashy, so I don't have any hiding skills."

He wasn't lying.

But he wasn't telling the whole truth either.

Oswald, not angry at Quincy's rough behavior, joined the line at the next consultation window.

Eugene's turn. Good luck.

I exhaled, relieved by the disappearance of the oppressive presence.

The Guild was still buzzing.

The next person with a ticket was shown a consent form by a Guild staff member.

It seemed the explanation had been interrupted by Oswald's appearance.

I took a moment to ask Quincy cautiously.

"Is that the leader of the A-rank party, 'Ederstein'?"

"Yeah, he's famous in the capital. Until recently, he was a spoiled brat. He's really grown up."

Quincy's blunt words left me speechless.

Despite his appearance, Quincy is older than Oswald.

"I understand what you're saying, but I'm different. I'm something else."

Huh?

Before I could ask, Quincy slipped away through the entrance.

I was just curious about the relationship between Quincy and Oswald.

But Quincy dropped a bomb, misunderstanding something.

What does he mean by "something else"?

Moreover, Quincy knows that Oswald has beast blood.

I couldn't keep up with the implications.

The next user walked up to the counter as the explanation ended.

I decided to stop thinking for a moment.

"Sorry for the wait. Please show me your card."

Apart from Oswald's visit, the afternoon work ended without any notable incidents.

Eugene was being dragged away by Renji, looking like his soul had left his body.

"Eugene, are you okay?"

"...I couldn't say anything."

I patted Eugene's shoulder.

It's no wonder.

Oswald already has a well-established fighting style.

Honestly, what more can he do to get stronger?

I rubbed my temples as I returned to the office, where Luke was waiting.

"Luke, you're here. Sorry to keep you waiting."

"I wasn't waiting, I wasn't waiting! Great timing, me! Can I report on Nesta Oder?"

You're quick, Luke.

I smiled and nodded.

Nesta Oder is the son of a merchant.

Nesta himself is from the capital, but his parents came from another city.

About a month ago, his father died of illness, and since then, he and his mother have been running a small magic item shop.

Unfortunately, his mother also fell ill with the same disease and is now bedridden.

"So, why a skill to detect lies? Normally, one would seek a skill to heal or seek medicine."

Like my father did.

But there was more to Luke's story.

"That's it! It seems he recently got his hands on an item that's rumored to cure all diseases. But such a convenient item can't exist, right?"

That's true. It's too suspicious.

"But this item is apparently circulating quite a bit in the city. Maybe Lava from the Magic Guild knows about it?"

"…Yes. The item is called 'Traumerei.' It's a bracelet-type magic item."

Lava's face was unusually dark.

Apparently, since the item started circulating, the sales of recovery items have dropped.

She obtained a sample to test its effects, but it didn't work on its own.

First, you need to get the item and have the user wear it.

Then, you pay an intermediary, and a female magician comes to cure the illness.

There are reports of people being cured, and the existence of 'Traumerei' is spreading by word of mouth.

The item is still being analyzed, and the mechanism is still unknown.

Lava said that the Magic Guild's business is at risk.

"…That female magician seems suspicious."

I muttered, and Luke nodded vigorously.

"I met a few people who said it worked. They said it cured minor colds and injuries. Apparently, for serious illnesses, multiple rituals are required."

"Rituals! Even more suspicious!"

Renji covered her mouth, clearly disbelieving.

Luke continued.

"Apparently, there aren't as many witnesses as the rumors suggest. The cost of the ritual varies depending on the number of sessions and the severity of the wish."

"It's a scam."

"It's a scam."

"It's a scam!"

Everyone agreed.