It had been about four days since they departed the City of Emocion. The reason the return trip had taken longer than the journey out was simple: Rei and Seto had spent a considerable amount of time hunting and butchering monsters along the way.
They had stumbled upon a group of stray Orcs, and Rei had decided to deal with them before they could cause any local trouble. More accurately, he simply didn't want to pass up the chance to harvest Orc meat—it was a delectable prize despite the monsters' relatively low rank.
Rei was somewhat disappointed that the group was comprised entirely of ordinary Orcs, with not a single high-ranking species or rare species among them.
Despite the extra time spent butchering, the pair reached the City of Gilm at a speed that put ordinary ground travel to shame. To avoid startling the locals, Rei and Seto landed near the highway and mingled with the other travelers as they approached the City of Gilm's main gate.
Coming to a frontier city like Gilm, many travelers were already familiar with Seto. Most offered small smiles as they watched the Gryphon pass, and a few even tossed him pieces of dried meat.
Of course, it was a different story for those visiting Gilm for the first time—or those who had arrived after Rei’s departure. They stared in shock at the A-Rank Gryphon, some nearly fleeing on pure reflex. Those in the know quickly stepped in to reassure them, though the newcomers still watched Rei and his companion with skeptical, wide-eyed gazes.
Amidst these varied reactions, Rei finally reached the main gate.
With summer in full swing, the temperature was climbing steadily. The heat wasn't quite as stifling as it could have been, likely because Gilm sat surrounded by rolling plains and distant mountains. Even so, the sun was punishing, and those waiting to enter the city were drenched in sweat as they stood in line. Rei, however, remained perfectly cool within his temperature-regulating Dragon Robe. He joined the queue without shedding a single drop of sweat, and before long, he found himself face-to-face with a familiar, stern, bearded man.
"Hello, Rei-kun. It’s been a while."
"Yeah. Come to think of it, Ranga, I didn't see you when I left for the City of Emocion."
Recalling his departure, Rei handed his Guild Card to Ranga.
The guard captain took the card and quickly processed the entry, his lips twitching into a wry smile.
"I happened to have the day off. I spent it with my wife and child."
"...What?"
The words were so unexpected they caught Rei completely off guard. He stared at Ranga, his face a mask of shock.
"You... you’re married?"
"Yes. We were childhood friends. Married about ten years ago."
"...I see."
What poor soul would have him? The thought nearly slipped out, but Rei bit it back. Ranga might have an intimidating face, but he was kind-hearted and well-respected by his men. Furthermore, as the captain of the guard, he likely had a stable income.
When Rei thought about it that way, he realized Ranga was actually a rather prime prospect.
"There, you’re all set. Welcome back, Rei-kun, Seto."
"Guruuu," Seto purred happily.
Rei finally snapped out of his daze, tucked his Guild Card back into the Misty Ring, and fastened the Tamed Monster's Necklace around Seto’s neck.
"Well, I don't plan on traveling far for a while..." Rei started, then paused as he remembered his promise to Elena to visit the Labyrinth City in two months. "Actually, I have some plans down the road, but I intend to stay quietly in Gilm for the next two months. I’m in your care."
"Right. Well, now that you’re an alias holder, I know you must be busy. Just try not to cause any trouble, okay?"
Rei wanted to protest the assumption that he would cause trouble, but the memories of his past exploits in Gilm were far too numerous to ignore. He realized he didn't have a leg to stand on.
"Ah—right. I’ll do my best to be careful."
"Please do. Go on in. The people here have been lonely without Seto-chan around."
"Gurururuuu!"
Seto chirped happily at Ranga’s words and trotted into the city, leaving Rei behind.
Rei watched him go with a wry smile, gave Ranga a quick nod of thanks, and followed his partner.
Ranga watched them go, his expression shifting from a fond smile to a look of weary resignation.
"I say that, but... trouble is bound to follow."
A natural trouble maker—no, a duo with a trouble-attracting constitution. Ranga had long since accepted that they simply couldn't live a quiet life.
Yet, he couldn't bring himself to resent either of them. Experience had taught him that the trouble they brought often ended up benefiting the city in the long run.
Thinking about how busy the city would become—and how much work the Guard Force would have as a result—Ranga could only shake his head with a faint laugh.
"Hey, Rei! And Seto! I heard you were out of town, but you're back already?"
"Kyaaa! It’s Seto-chan! Mommy, can I feed Seto-chan?"
"Of course, dear. Go buy a sandwich from that stall over there."
"A—A Gryphon!?"
"Hey, you! Don't draw your sword! Look, he’s wearing a Tamed Monster's Necklace. Seto won't hurt anyone, so calm down."
"A tamed Gryphon? ...Wait! Then that boy must be the rumored Crimson!"
The moment Rei and Seto appeared on the main street, everyone from passersby to stall owners and fellow adventurers was drawn toward them.
Seto, in particular, commanded a presence that eclipsed everything else. In a city like Gilm, it was simply to be expected.
Amidst the commotion, an adventurer who had been watching Seto approached Rei instead.
The man wore leather armor made from monster hide and carried a longsword at his hip. He was dressed in the typical gear of a light warrior, prioritizing mobility above all else.
He spoke with a friendly smile.
"Excuse me. Am I correct in assuming you are the adventurer known as Crimson?"
Rei blinked in surprise. He was well aware of how he appeared to others, so being addressed so politely was an unexpected change of pace.
He decided it would be rude to be cold to someone so well-mannered, so he lowered his hood.
The instant he did, the summer heat—which had been kept at bay by the Dragon Robe—rushed against his face.
I see. Maybe that's why he's wearing leather armor—to cope with this heat, Rei mused. Trying to wear full plate armor in this weather would lead to heatstroke or dehydration in no time. And more importantly... he's strong.
Sensing the man's strength with an almost instinctive clarity, Rei gave a curt nod.
"Yeah, I’ve been called that. Do you have business with me?"
"I do. My Lord expressed a desire to meet you, given your unparalleled contributions to the war with the Bestia Empire. Fortunately, he is currently staying in Gilm. If it’s convenient, would you be willing to grant him an audience?"
My Lord. The choice of words made it clear the man wasn't just another adventurer, but a servant to a master. Despite the formal invitation, Rei’s answer didn't change.
"I'm sorry, but I have to head to the Guild first to report my return. I can't go right now."
Defeating the Lemures—a monster with a massive bounty—hadn't been an official Guild quest. However, he had worried the likes of Lenora and Kenny when he set out for the City of Emocion, and he wanted to pay his respects to Marina, the Guild Master.
Surprisingly, the man simply smiled and nodded.
"I heard you went to Emocion to hunt a monster called the Lemures. We are aware of the situation, so meeting after your report is finished would be perfectly fine. ...What do you say?"
Rei felt his rhythm thrown off by the man's calm, accommodating tone. Since the noble was willing to make such a concession, Rei felt it would be unwise to refuse any further. He let out a small sigh and nodded.
"Fine. I’ll head over after I’ve finished at the Guild."
"There's no need to walk. We’ll have a carriage prepared for you."
"...Understood."
Rei didn't know why the man was being so exceedingly polite, but he gathered it wasn't out of pure kindness. Scattered throughout the crowd of cheering citizens were other men who looked like knights or warriors serving different masters. Every one of them was directing a vexed, envious glare at Rei—or rather, at the man standing in front of him.
The man ignored the glares and let out a sigh of relief. He had succeeded in his goal: being the first to make contact.
Luck was on my side today, he thought.
Currently, Gilm was crawling with nobles and their agents, all hoping to recruit Rei into their factions—or at the very least, secure his favor. Those who had tried to use underhanded tactics, like kidnapping those close to Rei, had already been purged by Marina’s schemes or the Prairie Wolves led by Egg. Those who remained were the ones trying to contact Rei through legitimate means. The sheer number of them was a testament to the fame Rei had earned during the war with the Bestia Empire.
The man offered a silent prayer of thanks for his good fortune before speaking again.
"Shall we, then? I have a small matter to attend to at the Guild myself, if you don't mind the company."
"Ah—sure. It seems like you’ve got your hands full with various circumstances anyway. Let's go. Seto!"
"Gurururuuu!"
Seto, who had just been given a hot dog by a nearby stall owner, trotted back to Rei’s side.
Rei noticed his partner was holding a paper-wrapped hot dog in his beak. He looked toward the stall, and the owner gave him a quick wave. Apparently, the extra one was for him.
Rei raised a hand in thanks and took the hot dog from Seto.
The bread was perfectly toasted—crispy on the outside and soft on the inside—and the snap of the boiled sausage paired perfectly with the tangy sauce. It was a delicious surprise.
He finished the snack in seconds and made his way toward the Guild, flanked by Seto and the polite man.
He was hailed by citizens, adventurers, merchants, and recruiters the entire way, but they finally reached the Guild.
"You are quite popular in this city, aren't you, Rei-san?"
"It’s not me. It's him."
Rei smiled and gave Seto a pat on the head. Seto narrowed his eyes, leaning into the touch with a satisfied purr.
"Alright, wait for me here."
"Guruuu."
It had been a while since they had been here, but Seto understood perfectly. He moved to the tamed monster waiting area and made himself comfortable.
"He’s remarkably intelligent..." the man murmured.
Rei nodded. "Seto is a high-rank monster. He's smarter than quite a few people I know. He understands everything I say."
"I see. I suppose that’s why you were able to demonstrate such man-horse unity on the battlefield. Though 'man-horse' might be the wrong term for a Gryphon."
"True enough. Well, I’m going to take care of my business. You go on and do yours."
"Leave it to me. I’ll have the carriage ready by the time you’re finished."
Leaving the man behind, Rei stepped through the Guild Entrance.
"Ah! Rei-kun! When did you get back?"
Kenny spotted him instantly, waving her hand with a bright smile. Beside her, Lenora gave him a small, relieved smile and a polite bow.
At the sound of his name, every adventurer in the hall and the tavern reflexively looked toward the door. For better or worse, Rei was the center of attention in Gilm.
Rei ignored the staring and walked straight to the counter.
"I’m a bit behind schedule, but I’m back. The Lemures has been subjugated."
"I knew it! I didn't think there was any way you'd fail to take down a bounty, monster or not," Kenny chirped.
"Weren't you the one worrying about him every single day?" Lenora teased.
"Mugu! T-That goes for you too, Lenora! Anyway, Rei-kun, tell me... did any hussies try to latch onto you while you were in that port city?"
"...Hussies? No, I didn't run into many insect-type monsters..."
Rei tilted his head in confusion. Seeing his oblivious reaction, Kenny let out a long sigh of relief.
"More importantly, is the Guild Master in? I’d like to say hello."
"The Guild Master isn't here today. She’s out at the Lord's Mansion. I’ll send word that you’ve returned."
"Oh? Then I guess Lord Daskar is back as well?"
"So I’ve heard. Apparently, things were quite hectic in the Royal Capital," Kenny replied with a shrug.
Her large chest swayed with the movement, drawing the eyes of several nearby adventurers, but Rei didn't pay it any mind.
"I see. Then I’ll save my greeting for her for later."
"Hey, hey, come on, Rei-kun! Tell us! What was the City of Emocion like?"
Rei found himself trapped at the counter, chatting with Lenora and Kenny for the next twenty minutes.