Chapter 103: Accepting the Escort Request
“An escort request, is it?”
As I arrived at the Adventurer’s Guild with Fleur, we promptly set about submitting the escort request.
“Yes. I would like these two to take on the escort request, so I appreciate your assistance,” Fleur replied.
“Understood. Since the escort is to the Commercial City, the security is relatively good, so this will be a D Rank request.”
Just like before, we submitted a designated request, but it seemed that this time the rank assessment was done on the spot.
“Will you be accepting the request here and now?”
“Yes, please.”
I handed over my Guild Certificate to the staff to accept the request immediately, just as I had done last time.
“…Could it be that this is your first escort request?”
Nodding in response to the staff’s question, I noticed a hint of concern on their face.
“I apologize, but if this is your first escort request, you will need an experienced escort to accompany you. Even if your ranks are sufficient, you cannot take on the request alone.”
“Oh, I see… What should we do?”
Fleur wore a troubled expression similar to the staff’s, but we had no good solutions. I hadn’t expected that we would need someone else to accompany us. However, having beginners as escorts would certainly be a cause for concern for the client.
“Therefore, I will submit a request for an escort attendant. Since this is a designated request, Fleur-sama will need to submit the request for the escort attendant as well…”
“Understood. Please proceed with that.”
“Very well.”
If they wanted to assign us as escorts through a designated request, it was unavoidable.
“Is it acceptable for the departure date to be six days from now?”
“Yes, that works for us.”
“Then I will prepare the request form and post it on the board.”
“Understood.”
With that, we submitted the escort request at the Adventurer’s Guild and parted ways. By the next day, we received word that the escort attendant had been decided.
As six days passed, I busied myself with making and delivering magic flasks, teaching craftsmen techniques, brainstorming new products, practicing magic, playing with Nil, and occasionally visiting the mines. I also checked in on the Beldran Workshop, where they were relieved to have avoided closing down.
After vacating our lodgings, I headed north and met up with Fleur at the Rashiyu Trading Company along the way.
“Good morning! Thank you for your assistance today.”
“Yes, thank you as well.”
We collected the disassembled parts of the Earth Dragon that were being sold and loaded them onto the carriage, heading toward the North Gate. There was just enough space for us to sit on the coachman’s seat. Fleur sat there, while we perched on the back of the wagon, our feet dangling in the gaps. The wagon was loaded with quite a bit of cargo, leaving no room for Nil, who followed behind.
“The adventurers who accepted the escort attendant request will meet at the North Gate.”
A familiar voice called out from the driver’s seat; it was Ramber, who had previously collected Earth Dragon blood.
“Understood.”
Fleur and Ramber were heading to the Commercial City together. Although the security was said to be good, I felt a slight tension at the thought of my first escort request. I wondered what kind of adventurer would be joining us.
Before I knew it, we had arrived at the North Gate.
“Are you the clients from the Rashiyu Trading Company?”
“Yes, I am Ramber.”
From the front of the carriage came a voice that belonged to the escort adventurer. The deep, confident tone suggested a seasoned veteran.
“So, you’re the escort attendants, but the adventurer who is new to escorting hasn’t arrived yet?”
“No, we are meeting at the trading company and came together.”
As I stepped down from the carriage, Rio and Fleur followed suit. The adventurer speaking with Ramber was a robust woman with a large sword strapped to her waist. I had to look up quite a bit to see her expression. Yet, the deep voice coming from her was quite jarring… but why?
“Nice to… meet you? I’m Shuu, a D Rank adventurer.”
Realizing the oddity of my greeting, I instinctively turned my words into a question.
“Oh?”
As she turned her gaze toward me, the adventurer furrowed her brow.
“This isn’t our first meeting.”
At the same moment, Rio chimed in with a quiet remark.
“You’re Alissa, right? I’m also a D Rank adventurer, Rio. It’s a pleasure to meet you today.”
“Ah, you’re the one from back then. I’m Alissa, a C Rank adventurer. Nice to meet you!”
“Ahaha! Could it be that adorable little boy from back then? I’m Melberit. Just call me Mel!”
“Ufufu, that’s right! I’m Frellis. It’s a pleasure to meet you today, too!”
Looking closely, I noticed two more women behind them—one carrying a large shield and the other wielding a staff that was about her height.
At this point, I fully remembered them. They were the adventurers who had given me advice on the Heavenly Wolf Mushroom and lumber during my work in Fenrir Village. I knew they were part of a party, but I hadn’t realized they were the same ones.
“Oh, so you two are already acquainted.”
“We happened to meet while working in Fenrir Village.”
At Fleur’s words, Alissa stepped closer, lowering herself to my level. I had to tilt my head back even further to look up at her.
“Regardless…”
With a hand that matched her size, she patted my head.
“I’ll be your escort and teach you the ropes.”
She declared confidently, but then—
“Whoa!?”
Seeing Nil, she quickly stepped back and instinctively reached for the sword at her waist.