Chapter 26: Resolution
I made the spirits visible in front of the Adventurer’s Guild. I ignored the minor details and focused only on those who showed interest in people or had malicious intent.
By the way, the spirits that approached me were sent off to the house by Rouge, formerly known as Red 1, and Olive, formerly known as Green 1. Thanks to that, things were peaceful. I never thought I’d end up using spirits like this.
Especially, none of the people coming out of the guild had flowers on their heads; they looked completely normal. Some adventurers seemed unaware that spirits were fondly clinging to them.
With the guild’s issues resolved, I wanted Ash to introduce me to a new inn. I figured the guild would provide some support for living arrangements if I paid them, assuming they were functioning properly.
“Note.”
Upon entering the Adventurer’s Guild, my problems were resolved. Ash’s butler was at the tavern inside the guild.
Note stood up at Ash’s call. He was dressed in a black suit with silver embroidery and a monocle, looking completely out of place here. But I wondered if he was safe from pursuers. Well, there were others around wearing nothing but a red fur coat, so maybe he wasn’t standing out that much? Some even sported spiked belts like bulldogs.
Introduced as Ash’s butler, I assumed he was indeed a butler from his demeanor, but it turned out he had retired several years ago and was now a free man. Apparently, he had been replaced before Ash was set up.
“Ash, have you met the person you were waiting for?”
It was obvious he had, but I couldn’t think of any other topic to bring up.
“Lord Ash, I’m glad to see you safe.”
After a deep bow to Ash, Note offered me a nod. It was likely a gesture of thanks for sharing my name.
Even though we were in a different country, it was better to be cautious. Various nations rise and fall, but the connections between the Adventurer’s Guild and the Merchant Guild are strong, likely due to the frequent movement of their members.
In some countries, the guilds are even stronger than the ever-changing royal families. Though, there are certainly places like this one that are a complete mess.
Looking around the guild, I noticed there were no men with artificial flowers or Pink Head in sight. It seemed they had been cleared out.
“Hey, you finally made it.”
Dean, probably the center of the commotion, arrived.
“Let me buy you a drink as an apology for dragging you into this mess. This will be the last time I treat you. How about you?”
“Pleased to meet you. I’m Note. I was a butler until a few years ago, but now I’ve passed my duties to my son and become an adventurer. I have a connection with Lord Ash, so I’m acting like a pushy attendant.”
Note bowed again.
“Well, two or three of us together is the same.”
Dean invited us to a table at the edge of the tavern, and we settled in to drink while listening to the story.
Today, a red lizard was scurrying back and forth on Dean’s shoulder. It seemed Dean was also one of those favored by the spirits.
“I’ve been explaining to everyone involved, but my sister took them to the Spirit’s Branch and performed Spirit Dropping. At the same time, there were many fainted people in the guild, but things have settled down now. Since so many collapsed, we can’t hide it, but please don’t spread it too widely; it would be a disgrace for the guild.”
“What happened to your sister?”
As Ash asked, a beer arrived.
The appraisal result was root beer. The ingredients were barley, wheat, and oats, flavored with willow. Not hops?
“She has to start from the bottom again. If she doesn’t fix her spoiled attitude, she won’t be able to return to the reception desk. —The pranks caused by spirits can happen to anyone, and the outcomes vary. If it’s not something intentionally caused by a person, there’s a chance for a redo.”
Dean explained, noticing my puzzled expression.
“For spirits, what might seem like a prank can sometimes lead to disasters due to differing values. This time, it seems that Lord Dean, being a relative, noticed and dealt with it, resulting in a lenient response.”
Ash’s words seemed to show consideration for Dean and Pink Head, while subtly warning me not to mention my involvement.
If it hadn’t been Dean who acted, the leniency and understanding from those around would have been questionable.
I had only seen Ash as somewhat out of touch, but he was sharp. He could handle work, but perhaps he struggled with real-life matters? As a duke, he probably had maids handling shopping and inn arrangements for him; it might just be a difference in environment.
“Yeah, I get it. By the way, Ash’s money should be returned through the guild, so please take care of that later.”
With that, Dean tilted his mug back. I took it as a sign that the main topic had concluded. It wouldn’t be wise to spread around what happened within the guild.
I took a sip of my beer. Here, the grainy alcohol that resembles sweet sake is considered preserved food and a source of nutrition, so even children drink it. However, you have to be at least fifteen to drink in the tavern. I met the age requirement here, but with my memories of Japan, I felt a bit of guilt.
“Speaking of which, I’ve started living in an inn. I had to call my parents because I tend to spoil myself when I’m around.”
Dean said while ordering seconds from the tavern waitress.
It seemed he was hoping his mother would discipline Pink Head thoroughly. Apparently, Pink Head had rolled over to Dean’s place to escape her mother’s strictness. —How old is Pink Head, anyway?
“It’s a pretty good inn, so if your current place isn’t satisfactory, I can introduce you.”
“I chose a rented house since I make various things.”
The snacks that arrived were cheese and nuts. The nuts were a bit damp, so I wished they had at least roasted them.
“Could you introduce me? My current place is comfortable, but I need to move.”
Ash accepted Dean’s invitation.
“I plan to look for a rented house soon, so could you arrange for two rooms for a short stay?”
Note added with a smile.
Ah, if Ash goes for a male route, there might be issues like bathing at the well and other problems. If he wants to avoid being seen, a rented house would be better; I chose one for the same reason.
Still, while some stewed dishes were decent, the others were just too subpar. Even with the same ingredients, a little extra effort could make them delicious.
I didn’t have a hobby of cooking for others, but every time I tasted mediocre dishes, I couldn’t help but question whether they truly thought this was good, while also wanting to serve them something I considered delicious as a comparison.
Especially when sharing a meal and conversation like this, that urge became even stronger.