I followed Sierra up to the second floor. A private interview room, maybe? I was a little excited and nervous, but she led me all the way to what looked like an executive office.
「What’s this place?」
「This is the Guild Master’s office.」
「Why?」
I quietly stepped back from Sierra and reached under my poncho for my Glock.
「Sorry, but I don’t talk to people who try to pull ambush tricks like this. I’m leaving.」
Good thing I brought a stun grenade, just in case. If I timed it right, I could probably make it out of here.
「W-wait! I’m not trying to ambush you!」
Sierra looked panicked, but I didn’t lower my guard. A woman can be just as dangerous as any man.
「It’s my fault for not asking for an explanation, but you didn’t give one either. There’s no reason to bring someone registering as a provisional adventurer to the Guild Master’s office.」
I said that while slowly backing away.
「I’m sorry! You’re right, I should’ve explained! We didn’t mean any harm! We just wanted you to meet the Guild Master because we already received a report from Mishinie! I swear to God, I wasn’t trying to trick you!」
「Sorry, but I don’t believe in gods.」
Especially not that useless goddess. No help, no prayers, just curses from me.
「What’s all this noise about?」
A muscular, bald old man stepped out of the Guild Master’s room. Yeah, no question, I couldn’t win against him.
「Master, this is the man Mishinie mentioned. Please tell him we mean no harm.」
I drew my Glock from its holster. Just a little farther to the stairs.
「Haah… Mishinie told us to treat him properly. My apologies. It seems one of my staff has been rude to you. As Guild Master, I sincerely apologize. Would you mind putting that thing away? Please, I’m asking you.」
The Guild Master bowed his head. With that much sincerity, I couldn’t exactly keep aiming the Glock at him.
「I’d appreciate it if you put away what’s in your left hand too, but it’s unreasonable to expect you to trust us right away. Let’s talk as we are.」
There really are too many monsters in this world. Do they all have X-ray vision or something?
I returned the Glock to its holster and lowered my guard, though I kept the stun grenade ready. I just had to make sure I didn’t drop it from getting too relaxed.
「Come with me.」
He led me into the Guild Master’s office and then into a lounge-like room next to it.
「Would you like something to drink?」
「No thanks. The drinks here don’t really suit my taste.」
I was more worried about the taste than the poison. Either way, I didn’t need it.
「I see. Must be tough when nothing suits your taste, huh?」
「Yeah, something like that.」
I had no idea how much Mishinie had told them, but there was no need for me to explain anything. I kept my answer vague.
「Normally, provisional adventurers get a wooden tag as proof of status, but I’ll give you an iron one like the staff use. Of course, you won’t be treated as one of them. Goblin extermination’s been a real problem lately. If you’re willing to handle it, that’s a huge help. But if trouble comes up, it’ll be a problem, so I’d like you to act as a temporary staff member.」
「Put that in writing. I’ll agree after I’ve read and understood it.」
I’d have Gorg or the village chief read it later. Only then would I decide.
「You’re a cautious one.」
「I’m just not naive enough to trust a verbal promise with someone I just met.」
When making promises, you always put them in writing. That was my promise, made long ago, with the one who betrayed me.
「Understood. I’ll write it down.」
He immediately pulled out a pen and ink and began writing on what looked like parchment.
「How’s this?」
「I can’t read this language, so I’ll take it with me and give you my answer after reviewing it.」
「Were you a merchant?」
「No, just a worker in a small workshop.」
I’d been a leader once, but after a transfer, I went back to being just a worker.
「Also, here’s the payment for the magic stone. If you hunt another Ogu, bring the magic stone here. Ogu stones are popular in the royal capital, they’re always in short supply.」
「Got it. I’ve got two more, so I’ll bring them next time.」
「Yeah. That would be a great help. When you come again, speak to Sierra.」
I stood up, gave a polite bow, and left the lounge-like room.
「Takato-san. About earlier, I apologize for my behavior.」
When I reached the stairs, Sierra came running after me to apologize. Maybe she’s more earnest than she looks.
「No, I should apologize too. It was my first time here, and I ended up being overly cautious. Sorry if I came off intimidating. I’ll be counting on you if we end up working together.」
I decided to apologize honestly. Work gets stressful fast when relationships get tense.
「As an apology, and to get on better terms, please take this.」
I grabbed a small bag of candies from the pocket of my cargo pants and handed it to her.
「They’re candies. Have them during your break.」
Apparently, this world has candy too, so it made a decent small gift. The giant kids back in the village used to fight over them, though.
「Well then, if you’ll excuse me.」
We parted ways at the stairs, and I slipped the stun grenade back into my pouch.
Once outside, I let out a deep sigh. Man, dealing with a place where I can’t tell if there’s any order or not is exhausting.
Now then… which way was it to Lasagna Village again? While I was pondering that, I noticed someone in front of the church calling for donations.
「Anyone actually donating to that?」
There were plenty of people passing by, but not a single one stopped. Guess the gods aren’t exactly popular here, huh.
I didn’t care about people who worship unpopular gods, but… I also didn’t have the guts to walk past someone collecting donations without giving anything.
I knew it was a cheap trick to guilt people into paying. I knew adults were the ones making the kids do it. But even knowing that, it still gnawed at my conscience.
Cursing both God and myself, I pulled out a silver coin and dropped it into the wooden box.
「Thank you, mister!」
「It’s just hypocrisy. No need to thank me.」
I muttered bitterly as I walked away.
But I had no idea.
That from now on, every time I passed this place, I’d end up donating again…
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