Chapter 12: In the Royal Capital – 08
“I see, I see. So you are the ‘Soul’s Guidance.’ I’ve heard about you, but seeing such an interesting group in person is quite something.”
The one who welcomed us in the Guild Master’s office was a young-looking man with a slender physique. He had unruly gray hair, slightly pointed ears, and skin with a bluish tint, marking him as a distinguished member of the Demon Race.
Dwight, the Guild Master of the Adventurers’ Guild in the Royal Capital and a former A-Rank adventurer, exuded an air of cunning with his narrow eyes and the smile that danced at the corners of his mouth.
“However, to think you defeated the ‘Kin of Twilight’ with your bare hands is an incredible tale. I am quite curious about the extent of your power, Soushi. Please, have a seat.”
At Dwight’s invitation, everyone, including Mariane, settled into the reception set. A secretary-like woman served us tea.
“I’ve heard many intriguing stories from Mariane as well. The ‘Dragon Slayer,’ the ‘Twilight Slayer,’ and recently, the ‘Sacred Beast’ from the Wandering Dungeon. I also heard you defeated a bizarre monster that has recently started appearing… a ‘Demon,’ was it? Your accomplishments are remarkable for someone who has only been an adventurer for about six months.”
“Yes, I believe it’s an unusual series of events. However, I don’t have a point of comparison, so I can’t truly grasp how significant it is.”
“Ah, yes, that makes sense. If you’ve been experiencing such things from the start, it would seem normal to you. That’s precisely why both I and the Grand Master approved Mariane’s application.”
“I appreciate your consideration; it has been a great help.”
“Haha, of course, I believe there are benefits for us as well. No need for gratitude.”
Dwight’s laughter carried a certain warmth, though I couldn’t shake the feeling that it might be calculated.
“By the way, Soushi, where do you hail from? At first glance, you seem to be from Oz, but you don’t appear to be of the Oni Race.”
“Ah… I can only say that I am not from this continent. I was originally a merchant.”
“How rude of me. So you crossed the sea, I see…”
Dwight pondered for a moment, and it struck me that I had never really considered whether others like me had been transported or reincarnated from another world into this one.
But asking such a strange question was out of the question. It could lead to unnecessary complications.
Not wanting to delve too deeply into my origins, I decided to steer the conversation in another direction.
“By the way, we were summoned by the royal family. What kind of treatment can we expect?”
“Hmm…? Ah, well, you will basically be treated as a party that has defeated the ‘Kin of Twilight.’ Such occurrences are rare in this country, so I can’t say for certain how you will be treated, but I can assure you it won’t be unfavorable.”
“I see. Will there be any special requests made of us?”
I asked this because I couldn’t directly reveal the contents of the summons.
“Well… I can’t say there won’t be any, but as of now, there are no requests of that magnitude from the royal family…”
Dwight tilted his head, indicating that there wouldn’t be any demands to slay a powerful monster or anything of that sort.
As I felt a bit relieved, Dwight’s expression grew more serious.
“By the way, what are your plans for future activities, ‘Soul’s Guidance’? According to Mariane, you aim to rise higher.”
“Indeed, now that we’ve become adventurers, we must grow stronger to ensure our longevity. For the time being, I believe we will continue to explore various dungeons to acquire Skills and weapons.”
“Then it seems you will be traveling across the continent. The guild welcomes the emergence of strong adventurers. However, do you have any intention of serving the royal family or the nobility in the future?”
Seeing Dwight’s narrow eyes widen slightly, I understood that this was an important point for the guild. I glanced at my party members before answering.
“At least while we are traversing dungeons, we are not considering such matters. Moreover, we have members who cannot simply serve someone, so it is unlikely we will align ourselves under any specific individual.”
After all, my party consists of a former noblewoman, the daughter of a clan leader, and a High Elf. If we were to fall under the influence of any faction, it would inevitably lead to political entanglements. It made sense that the royal family would take notice of that… and suddenly, I felt a twinge of discomfort in my stomach. Stress has always manifested in that way for me.
As I battled the growing discomfort, Dwight chuckled and nodded.
“Haha, if you understand that, then we can rest easy. While ‘Soul’s Guidance’ is still merely a rumor, being summoned by the royal family and receiving rewards will certainly draw attention. You can expect an increase in those wanting to make contact.”
“Will that be from various nobles, then?”
“Indeed, from nobles, merchants, and the church… there will be several. However, with the royal family backing you, the nobles will likely remain silent. As for the merchants, I believe you already have connections with the Toronto Trading Company?”
“Not quite a connection… I merely spoke with the head.”
“Fufufu, as a former merchant, you must know that even that is significant. The real concern lies with the church. If they learn of the uniqueness of ‘Soul’s Guidance,’ they may demand to investigate your Skills.”
That was a troubling prospect. It would be problematic if Freinir’s Divine Attribute were to be revealed.
“Is it mandatory to comply with such requests?”
“Of course, there is no obligation. If it is inconvenient, feel free to decline.”
“What about the guild? Would it cause any trouble for them…?”
As I voiced my concern, Dwight broke into a hearty laugh.
“Hahaha, I’ve never met an adventurer who worried about such things. Don’t worry; that’s what the guild is for. Succumbing to external pressure would tarnish the reputation of the Adventurers’ Guild. In fact, if you show even a hint of weakness, they will exploit it. Adventurers are valuable assets to those in power.”
“I see, I understand.”
“If you grasp that, I would appreciate your cooperation with the guild in that regard. Oh, it’s not such a difficult request; I simply want you to become a strong adventurer who does not yield to any external pressures.”
Dwight maintained his smile, but there was a sincere light in his eyes. I understood then that for the guild to thrive, it needed to secure capable adventurers. The presence of high-ranking adventurers among the staff was likely part of that strategy. So, did that mean I might eventually become the Guild Master…? I certainly hoped not.