Chapter 39: The Novice Adventurer
“I definitely didn’t see any Three-Horns during this investigation, but the Deep Forest was buzzing with activity!”
Dean, with his blonde hair, was drinking while avoiding the enthusiastic speech.
The observation time was short, but I could predict that if I got tangled up in this, he would start rambling on at high speed. Plus, if I disagreed, it would likely drag on, and if I agreed, it would probably become even more troublesome.
Adventurers scattered around the tavern and the request counter were casting glances at the blonde and Dean, looking somewhat exasperated by the speech.
Whether he was trying to make sure everyone heard him or if Dean just happened to pass by while he had business with the Guild and got caught and seated, they were at a table at the edge of the tavern, right by the boundary with the Guild’s counter and the request board.
“Chris, the dispatch of investigation teams to the Deep Forest happens once every two years. Unless we find a Three-Horn, there’s no way we’re taking risks for something that’s not even a request!”
Dean replied, sounding annoyed. Perhaps to emphasize that he had declined, his voice was surprisingly loud despite his apparent lack of enthusiasm.
Hmm? Three-Horn? Is that a type of Demon Beast?
…
I feel like I have one in my [Storage].
“Even without the Three-Horn, they’re a formidable foe! The appearance of a Three-Horn heralds the arrival of a Demon Beast tainted by darkness! If we wait too long, it will only grow stronger!” The blonde slammed his hand on the table.
Could this blonde be the one Dean mentioned when I first came to the Guild? If he was going on an investigation at that time and was just returning, then his claims might hold some truth.
The time I spent surviving on the Island, the time I received lectures from the Gods, and the time I lounged around at home—there’s a discrepancy with when my sister started her activities.
And the Three-Horn I encountered during my magic practice was definitely deep in the Forest.
Wait, was it really that strong? Good thing I didn’t sell or process its materials. I had considered using the lizard skin for armor, but past me made a wise decision to hold back!
I simply shifted to making leather goods myself. The fox fur is laid out on the bedroom floor, and since I dyed it, it shouldn’t be too noticeable, but my pants are made from Giant Lizard leather.
Giant Lizard leather feels more like that of a cow or pig than the scaly skin of reptiles. Plus, the Three-Horn variety has a wide range of stretch. The pants are easy to bend at the knees, and I think it’s a manageable leather. The Two-Horn variety doesn’t stretch much, so I made boots from it.
I wish I had a zipper. A zipper! Like a drawstring bag, but no, wait. The Giant Lizard had both Two-Horns and Three-Horns mixed in, now that I think about it.
“Lord Jean!”
“Oh, you’re back?” Ash, carrying a bear, called my name. Behind him, the Butler bowed.
As expected, he’s not hiring a transport person; that would be too much trouble.
“Oh, the Bear Hunter!” The blonde noticed Ash and called out to him. Bear Hunter, huh? Well, he did seem to hunt bears a lot.
I should be careful too. Should I aim for a balanced hunt? If I focus on wolves, would that make me a Wolf Hunter instead? That feels better than being known for hunting bears or rabbits.
“Though you still seem like a grumpy killer, you understand the importance of this investigation!” He strode up to Ash and gestured dramatically for his agreement.
I couldn’t help but glance at the Butler.
Were Ash and this blonde acquainted?
Did the Butler understand my silent question? He slowly shook his head.
“I’m just a novice here, with little information to make judgments. I will follow the Guild’s decisions,” Ash replied.
A clever way to offload the troublesome decision… No, in this case, it’s a smart way to push the troublesome man onto the Guild. But I can’t shake the feeling that the Guild’s decisions here might not be very reliable.
The blonde is probably Silver Rank, just like Dean. Ash, who diligently hunts bears every day, might have risen to Copper Rank, but his skills are likely above Iron. In terms of combat without exploration elements, he might even surpass Dean, who is Silver Rank.
This blonde isn’t just talking to anyone; he’s targeting someone capable of going deep into the Forest for an investigation.
“If you keep speaking so rigidly… Ah, pardon me, who is this beautiful person, like the twilight?”
“Twilight…?” I squinted, confused about who he was referring to.
“Indeed, Lord Jean, you certainly resemble the twilight,” Ash nodded in admiration.
It’s me!
“It’s just because of my hair and eye color,” I said. “Please don’t embellish it.”
And Dean, who was stifling laughter at the table, better remember this later!
“Ah, so you’re Lord Jean. I am Chris Ease, Silver Three-Star,” he said, extending a hand, not adorned with frills. My gaze was drawn to his sleeves.
“I’m Jean. No rank, though I’m registered, I haven’t been very active.”
Despite not being active, I felt the eyes of those around me saying, “You hunt bears, don’t you?”
“Indeed. If you were to get a scratch on that beautiful face of yours, it would be a loss to the world! Even if it’s just against a rabbit, if you struggle, call for me, Chris!”
This blonde, now known as Chris, isn’t a bad person, but he feels hopelessly out of touch. Plus, he seems like a hassle.
Ash looked like he wanted to say something, fidgeting. The Butler wore a quiet smile.
“Ah, if I struggle, I’ll be counting on you?” I replied nonchalantly, glancing upward.
What should I do about Dean, who was face down on the table, laughing?
In this world, while food, clothing, and shelter are harsh, the inhabitants seem strange, don’t they? Is it just the adventurers who are so eccentric?