Chapter 196: A Job Unsuited for Longdagger 2
“Do you even know how to use the phrase ‘And so…’?”
Lana, an Adventurers Guild staff member, glared up at me. Why was her gaze (Magicka) fixed squarely on my forehead? Maybe she was wondering if I actually had a brain in my head.
Still…
Lana glanced at Erica and Shara standing behind me before turning her eyes back to me. For some reason, talking at the Guild counter had become my role.
“I wondered what was going on when you came to the Guild in such noble-like (and amusing) attire. An Escort Mission with just the three of you?”
As expected of a Guild Staff member, she understood the recklessness of taking an Escort Mission with a three-person party.
I shrugged at Lana, indicating that yes, I understood perfectly. Including, naturally, the absurdity of my outfit.
“Of course, I understand. That’s why I’m thinking of recruiting some temporary members.”
Just as I was about to say I already had someone in mind, a huge commotion suddenly erupted behind me.
What? Startled, I turned around to see the adventurers inside the Adventurers Guild scrambling towards the entrance as if fighting each other.
“Run! You’ll be forced into Longdagger’s party!”
“Escape while Ketsu no Ane-san is holding Longdagger back!”
“What is it this time?! A horde of Ogres?! A flock of Dragons?!”
“How should I know?! They’re choosing the Longdagger Couple for an escort! Anything goes, obviously!”
“Move it! Get out faster!”
The adventurers, jammed together at the entrance and unable to move, hurled insults, letting out cries worthy of a duel, like “At this rate, we’ll get Longdaggered!”
What does ‘being Longdaggered’ even mean?
“Call of Dagger! Call of Dagger!”
Then, Lana shouted, her voice loud enough to rival the adventurers’ roars. What is wrong with this Adventurers Guild? Do you have to shout to get anything done?
Along with Lana’s cry, a rumbling sound echoed as the Guild entrance was sealed off by a thick Iron Plate.
“Aah! No! How cruel!”
An adventurer clung to the Iron Plate, letting out a heart-wrenching cry. Not even someone left behind in a deathtrap would sound like that.
“Damn it! Ketsu no Ane-san betrayed us!”
“Presence! Erase your presence! I’m not here! I’m not here!”
“Become invisible! Now is the time for me to awaken the Skill to become invisible!”
Then, a silence so profound it was almost painful, unbelievable after the earlier chaos, filled the Guild.
That silence was broken by the sound of a fist hitting the counter.
It was Lana.
“Well then,”
Her gesture was like that of a Merchant showing off their prized goods.
Lana said.
“Please choose anyone you like.”
No, I told you I already have someone in mind.
I’ve been through something similar before, I thought, letting out a sigh.
“Idiot! Cruel! Barbarian! Devoted husband! Don’t mess with us! You walking Demon Realm!”
With the chorus from Lana, the other Adventurers Guild staff, and the adventurers ringing at our backs, we left the Guild.
I suppose I was partly to blame for causing the misunderstanding, but I still think it was entirely their fault for jumping to conclusions.
No matter how you look at it, their haste wasn’t my fault.
“As always, you’re popular wherever you go, aren’t you?”
Erica said with a laugh, but those words couldn’t possibly be meant for someone who was actually popular.
“Lately, I’ve started to sympathize with Lana-san. Why does it turn into that just because you mention leaving town for a bit?”
Shara said, exasperated.
“It’s their fault for not listening to the whole explanation.”
I replied sullenly.
Why do adventurers and those associated with them never listen until the end? I wish they’d stop hearing three parts out of ten and then running off.
Well, I suppose there are people in the world who can hear one thing, understand everything, and even throw in a plot twist for good measure.
Remembering the face of a friend back home, I shifted gears.
“Well, never mind about me. Call me a Demon Realm or an enemy of delicacy, whatever you want.”
I shrugged and changed the subject.
“Anyway, we’re leaving tomorrow morning, so get ready, Shara. The first day’s destination is nearby, so we’ll start moving after eating breakfast at the dining hall.”
Considering the distance and the scheduled rendezvous with our escort target, we had plenty of time, but I wanted to get moving sooner rather than later.
As I explained this, Shara replied with a remarkably carefree “Okay.”
＊＊＊Author’s Note＊＊＊
Shara replied with a carefree “Okay”!