Chapter 7

Thank you for adding me to your favorites!

By the way, I’ll be turning twenty soon.

I woke up in the morning, looked at my reflection in the mirror, and thought to myself.

My half-asleep face bore the features of my parents, who had sharp facial structures. At the same time, it was strange how it also resembled me when I was Japanese.

My hair and eyes were a deep navy, and I thought, this place is definitely different from Earth.

In this country, you are generally seen as an adult by the time you turn seventeen. Growth varies by race, and the culture is a mix of many, so it’s only a general rule.

There’s no coming-of-age ceremony, but I am already recognized by everyone as an adult.

I got ready and went outside from the guild dormitory.

I live in a private room here. There’s a cafeteria inside, and it’s open 24/7 for emergencies and night shifts, which is very convenient.

The weather today is cloudy.

In the garden behind the dormitory, the air is clear. Large trees line the area, and once you enter, you can no longer see anyone from the dormitory. It’s very convenient.

"Good morning. The wind is nice today."

‘Noah’

I heard a voice that wasn’t human. It was the voice of a wind spirit. To others, it looks like I’m talking to myself, but I come to this place every morning to talk to them.

"Can you tell me more today? About your rumors?"

After exchanging morning greetings with the spirits, I went back to the dormitory, had breakfast in the cafeteria, and went to work at the guild. I finished the handover with the late shift and sat at my usual window.

Even in the early morning, there are many users at the window.

In this world, there are things called dungeons.

In RPGs, they’re called dungeons or underground labyrinths.

Exploring dungeons is usually from morning to evening. The danger increases at night, so most people come to the guild in the morning to look for quests or information.

When you think of adventurers or mercenaries, you might imagine troublemakers, but they are surprisingly early to bed and early to rise, living a regular life.

Of course, there are those who fit the stereotype.

As I was processing the users in line, it became noon.

I had a light lunch and briefly visited the item appraisal department.

Since there didn’t seem to be any items that required my skills, I returned to the window.

It’s around the time when people who are about to explore dungeons start to leave, and more travelers and villagers with requests start to come in.

The number of users decreases, so one window is enough.

I was about to tell Irelene (28, with a child) at the other window to take a break, but it seemed like she was having some trouble.

It looked like a particularly troublesome and annoying guy had come in.

"Sir, your rank does not meet the requirements. I’m very sorry, but at your current rank, we cannot enter into a contract or promise a reward."

"It’s a rule, right? This is ridiculous. Hey, lady, have you ever fought? What do you mean by rank? Hey, call your supervisor!"

There are always idiots, no matter what world you’re in.

I quietly told Irelene, who was forcing a smile, to go ahead and take a break.

She apologized in a small voice and went inside through the guild staff entrance.

"Thank you for waiting. My name is Noah, and I’ll be taking over."

I kept a low profile and smiled, no matter who the person was.

At first, he just complained about Irelene, but after a while, he calmed down.

"That girl couldn’t handle it. I was a knight until recently, you know? I can’t be bothered to slowly raise my rank."

The idiot started talking in a good mood, discriminating against women, but the guild wouldn’t hire someone who doesn’t understand the rules for the window. I listened to the idiot’s words without interrupting until the end.

But the guild’s answer didn’t change.

"I understand what you’re saying. However, I’m sorry, but it will be difficult for you to clear this quest. As a knight, I think this other quest would be more suitable for you. The reward is also good."

I flattered him while steering the conversation elsewhere.

He showed some interest in the reward but didn’t agree right away.

"Hmm, but I heard the items from the other one are better?"

"Dungeons are more dangerous. If you start now, it will be night by the time you return. The monsters that appear will change, and it will be more dangerous for a solo adventurer."

"Are you saying I’m weak?"

Idiot! No, that’s not it!

I shouted in my head but kept smiling.

Explaining the difference between a knight’s fighting style and exploring a narrow, dark dungeon wouldn’t convince him.

Exploring dungeons is something that professional adventurers prepare for and take on over the course of a day.

If someone outside the profession wants to try, they hire someone with scouting skills. No one goes solo.

I chose my words carefully to avoid upsetting him, but the idiot was getting more and more agitated. I wanted him to leave soon.

"I’m Udo Barten! A viscount. I was in the Mensis Knights. There’s no way I can’t do what an adventurer can do!"

"You can’t do what you can’t do. The rules are the rules. Making an exception would inconvenience others."

This guy is digging his own grave.

He’s probably a third son of a noble family who lost the succession battle, got into the knights through connections, but couldn’t handle the strictness and registered with the guild to become a mercenary. He just got lazy about raising his rank.

"You, do you know what a noble is? That’s why country bumpkins are a problem. You should name your family name."

He seems to want to intimidate his family.

I don’t have a family to be intimidated, but I’ll name it anyway.

"My name is Noah Ignis Essex."

"---Eh, Essex? The Lion King, Earl of Essex?"

"Yes, that Essex. Do you know him?"

"…I, I’m leaving!"

The name of the Earl of Essex always works.

I’m not officially adopted, but it’s almost the same. I just don’t participate in the succession battle. When he became my guardian, he allowed me to use the Essex name as family. Ignis is my parents’ surname.

"Please come again."

I saw the idiot off with a smile.

2015/01/10 Revised