Since it could not be done right away, I decided to take Bisha to Kainzel-san’s place until the guild master finished a chunk of his work.
There was no way I could bring Bisha in front of the acting lord. She might even tell us to stay overnight. That was exactly why I wanted to drop Bisha off now.
I brought out the Pioneer in the plaza next to the Adventurers Guild and headed toward Kainzel-san and the others.
The presence I sensed was faint and very far away, but I could also feel Mebi’s presence, so I did not lose my sense of direction. The closer I got, the stronger it became, so there was no real chance of getting lost. Well, I did take a wrong turn a few times.
Before three in the afternoon, I came within radio range of Kainzel-san’s group. We coordinated over the radio, met up, briefly explained my discussion with the guild master, and entrusted Bisha to them.
「The acting lord, huh. Mishard-sama is even more shrewd than the guild master, so be careful. Do not say anything that could be used against you」
Ugh. Hearing that just makes me not want to meet her. Stop it already.
「Well, we will follow whatever you decide, Takato. We will stick with you all the way」
「Yeah. I will follow Takato」
「Me too! I will follow you!」
「I’ll follow you too!」
That trust is heavy. Still, I am grateful for it. I guess I just have to do what I can. Sigh.
By the time I headed back, it was already four thirty, and I could see lightly equipped adventurers who had probably been working nearby here and there.
I parked the Pioneer in the plaza and entered the Adventurers Guild, where Rusul-san was present.
He was the deputy branch chief of the guild branch in the town of Mars, and a man who looked like seriousness itself had put on clothes.
「It has been a while」
「Yes. It has been some time. I am glad to see you are doing well. I have heard about what happened in the Marse district」
If word about me spread from Buzz Village, then it should have spread just as easily from the Marse district. Still, this guy seemed like the type who gathered information regardless of that.
「I see. Are goblins still appearing around Buzz Village?」
「I have heard their numbers are gradually increasing, but there has been no damage so far」
「Then it really does seem that goblins need to be culled on a regular basis. I will come by again」
「That would help a great deal. Rondario and the others have been taking requests, but there are simply too many areas to cover. Well then, please excuse me」
With that, I parted ways with Rusul-san. He looked busy as well.
When I told a staff that I had returned, Sierra-san came over. She had a strangely frightening smile on her face. Instinctively, I turned right and tried to dash away, but I did not make it.
「Takato-san. Shall we have a little talk in a private room while the guild master finishes preparing?」
「Ah, no, I—」
「You can give your excuses in the other room」
I was escorted into a private room and grilled about why I brought donuts as a gift to the branch but not to headquarters.
Anyone thinking, “Just refuse such a selfish woman”, try saying that to a woman whose face is smiling but whose eyes are not. You would become her enemy instantly. You would be shunned for life. There was no way I could refuse.
「The donuts are expensive, so one per person」
Even so, I could not let myself be looked down on, so I said what needed to be said. I would need to change my underwear once I had time.
「Yes. Thank you very much」
Before Ladarion returned, I needed to restock, so I brought out some stored donuts from Home, which I no longer felt like calling Sefuti.
「Are these something you can buy?」
「I am not the kind of man who would risk his life exterminating goblins just for a woman I do not even like」
I was making it clear that they were bought with money earned from goblin extermination.
I am not some virgin who falls for a woman’s looks and gets caught by cheap seduction. I can see the greed hidden behind it.
「You are quite steadfast, Takato-san」
「I have simply had my share of experience. Just like you」
This is completely my own prejudice, but at her age, being that erotic means she must have plenty of experience. If she were a virgin, that would be scary in a different way. That would be a sanctuary you should never touch.
「Fufu. You may look young, but you are quite mature inside」
「I am a cowardly, weak, pathetic man」
I am the kind of chicken who would cause a flood just from seeing a red dragon. Trying to act cool would only be embarrassing.
「Being too humble can sound sarcastic」
「Sarcasm is fine. I would hate to be sent to my death because of big talk」
My life matters to me, and I have a responsibility to lead Ladarion and the others. I am not going to risk my life over a woman’s cheap seduction.
「You have a strong sense of responsibility」
She seemed very experienced. Had she seen right through me?
「──Takato. Is it this room?」
The guild master walked in. Whew. Perfect timing.
「Sierra, again? That bad habit of yours」
The guild master looked exasperated. Does she always do this?
「Yes, I am sorry」
With a bewitching smile, she hugged the box of donuts and left the room.
「Sorry about that. She has a habit of testing any man who looks promising」
「I do not mind. Being tested will not change my future anyway」
It is not like I want anything to happen with Sierra-san. As long as we are not on bad terms, that is more than enough.
「So that smile meant that. She has taken a liking to you」
Taken a liking to me? Where was there even an element like that? If anything, I feel like there were plenty of reasons for her to dislike me.
「Haah. You are a troublesome one yourself」
Huh? What does that mean? I am not the type to test people like Sierra-san is.
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