Afterstory Episode 19: A Request from a Former Townsman

A few days later, I summoned Domingo to show him the topographical maps and explain the details of my request. Since Ana was busy with other official duties, I handled the meeting alone.

"I see, I see. I think I’ve got the gist of it," Domingo said, leaning over the parchment. "By the way, where exactly is this place located?"

"Right here." I pulled out a simplified map of the entire kingdom and pointed to the designated site.

"Huh. That’s pretty far west. What’s the climate like out there?"

"I don’t know the specifics. Based on the look of the forest, though, I’d wager it’s relatively warm. You’ll have to talk to the local villagers to get a better sense of things."

"Local villagers?"

"Yeah. There’s a fishing village called Weissenhafen in this inlet."

"Man, that is a trek. Are you planning to run the road from here?"

"That’s the idea."

"Right, right. And what about monsters?"

"We’re still assessing the situation, but we plan to handle that side of things ourselves."

"Got it. Well, I’ll start by drawing up a few proposals. Now, the God of this temple—it was the God of Wind, right?"

"That, and the God of Ice."

"Oh? Two Gods at once? That’s a bit unusual."

"That’s what the Divine Revelation called for."

"Hmph. If that's how it is, that's how it is. I’ll see what I can come up with, so give me some time. We’re building this on the mountain peak, yeah?"

"Correct. And—"

"The altar for the secret treasure goes underground. I know, I know," Domingo said with a dismissive wave. "Rest easy. Designing an Underground Temple is a first for me, but I’ll make sure it’s the finest one you’ve ever seen."

"I’m counting on you."

"Leave it to me."

With that, I officially handed the commission over to Domingo.

A few days later, I paid a visit to the Adventurer’s Guild for the first time in a while. Before we could start clearing the road to the construction site, I needed to hire adventurers to clear out the monsters nesting in the area.

Technically, since I’ve been brought into the fold as a fringe member of the Ramslett Royal Family, I could have mobilized the Knight Order if I really wanted to. However, the reality was that the Ramslett Kingdom Knight Order was currently spread thin, and I didn't want to strain their resources.

The recent invasions from the Zaus Kingdom and the Sentlaren Kingdom had taken a toll on our veteran Knights. We were still in the middle of a frantic rebuilding process. Most of our seasoned fighters were tied down with border security, leaving us with a surplus of green recruits. I wasn't about to lead a bunch of untrained rookies into an uncharted forest for their first taste of live combat.

Thus, the decision to turn to the Guild.

Usually, a noble would simply summon a representative from the Guild to their manor, but I had a very specific reason for coming here in person.

"Long time no see, Allen-boy."

I was waiting in the reception room when my Master walked in.

"It has been a while, Master."

"Or should I be calling you 'Lord Hero' now?"

"Please, don't. And I was rather hoping you’d finally drop the 'boy' part, too."

"Not a chance. To me, you’ll always be Allen-boy."

"Master..."

I felt a mix of gratitude and a nagging desire to finally outgrow the name, leaving me in a state of internal conflict.

"Anyway, what’s the occasion? What brings you here today?"

"Right. I actually have a monster subdual request I’d like to place."

"Monster subdual? Couldn't you just send the Knights for that?"

"I wish it were that simple. This is an untouched forest, and I suspect the monster population is going to be quite high."

"And I suppose Allen-boy can't just handle it himself this time?"

"Exactly."

"Alright, I get it. Where's the site?"

"Weissenhafen."

"Hmm? Where’s that?"

"Right here. It’s a fishing port in this area." I pointed to the spot on my simplified map.

"Hah! People actually live out there? Why are you interested in a place like that?"

"We need to cut a road through the forest."

"Out there?"

"Yeah. It’s... complicated, but it has to be done."

"I see. You’ve certainly got your hands full, Allen-boy."

"Tell me about it..."

Master looked me straight in the eye for a moment, then gave me a sharp grin.

"Fine! I’ll put together the best team for the job."

"Thank you. I’m in your debt."

After making the arrangements with Master, I headed out of the Guild.

Two weeks later, Master sent word that the first wave of members had been assembled. I headed back to the Adventurer’s Guild immediately.

"Master."

"Hey, Allen-boy. They’re already inside."

"Understood."

I followed Master into the reception room, and my jaw nearly hit the floor. Sitting there, alongside Senior Jereid, were Botts, Angus, and Benjamin—the very same crew I used to see day-drinking back when I was an active adventurer.

Of course, they weren't just a bunch of drunks. They were all top-tier C-rank adventurers. I’d actually accompanied them once on a high-priority mission to protect a supply caravan from bandits traveling from the Sentlaren Capital to a tiny village called Iersdorf. I knew from first-hand experience that their skills were the real deal.

"Senior Jereid? And Botts, Angus, and Benjamin too! It’s been ages."

"Hey, Allen-boy! Good to see you again."

"Long time, no see."

"We’re ready when you are, Client!"

"The pleasure is all mine. I’m glad to have you on board."

I shook hands with Jereid. Naturally, he didn't smell like booze today.

"Well, we’ll head out ahead of you. You’re coming along later, Allen-boy?"

"Yeah. Probably in about a month."

"Got it. See you then."

"Safe travels."

With that, I saw Jereid and the others off on their journey.

Note: The episode regarding the trip to Iersdorf takes place between Chapters 26 and 27 of the Web Novel. For those interested, please check out Volume 1 of the Light Novel or Volume 3 of the Manga.