"Rei! It has been quite a while. I’m a bit late in saying so, but thanks to you, we emerged victorious in the war with the Bestia Empire, and the Neutral Faction was able to save face. You have my gratitude."
Daskar’s office was situated within the Lord’s mansion. The moment Rei stepped inside, Daskar, who had been organizing documents at his desk, rose with a smile on his rugged face and offered his thanks.
The sight of the rugged middle-aged man—who looked like a warrior or a knight to his very core—huddled over paperwork was so incongruous that Rei couldn't quite hide a flicker of surprise. However, he quickly composed himself, smiling and bowing his head.
"As a mercenary, I was merely fulfilling my contract."
"Hahaha. You say that, but the role you played was immense. You handled the transport of supplies and used Set to scout during the march, and then there was that final battle. If you hadn't been there, the Neutral Faction and the Noble's Faction would have suffered staggering losses. Things were a mess at the Royal Capital, which delayed my return to the City of Gilm, but did you receive the Magic Tent through the Guild Master?"
"Yes. It proved quite useful on my way to the City of Emocion."
"I see, that’s good to hear. That Magic Tent is a fine specimen among the magic items I own. The model is a bit old, so you can’t use fire or water inside, but it should serve you well enough for camping."
"It does. I have a dagger that produces water, and I can manage fire easily enough with magic. It might be a slight hassle having to do those things outside, but compared to ordinary camping, it’s like night and day."
Daskar nodded with a satisfied smile at Rei’s words.
To the man himself, it was likely meant as a pleasant grin, but to an uninformed observer, that smile carried enough intimidation to be described as the leer of a ferocious predator.
On the day after he decided to take his Rank Up Exam, Rei had come to the Lord’s residence to thank Daskar for the magic item. He had been greeted by knights who were strangely friendly, and their superior, Daskar, was likewise extremely well-disposed toward him.
Then again, considering the benefits gained thanks to Rei, it was not surprising in the least. What should have been a lead unit suffering massive casualties had instead survived with almost no damage thanks to Rei’s magic. The influence the Neutral Faction gained as a result had been enough to significantly bolster their standing within the Kingdom of Mireana.
Daskar had remained in the Royal Capital for a long time to capitalize on that influence, and having finally settled matters there, he had only recently returned to his own territory in the City of Gilm a few days ago.
Upon his return, he had been clearing his backlog of work and listening to reports of what had happened in the city during his absence. Just as he was finishing those tasks, Rei had arrived.
For Daskar, it was only natural to be in a good mood.
"Regardless, the Lemures, eh? Even in the Royal Capital, I heard rumors that the City of Emocion was being blockaded by a monster... I see, so you were the one who resolved it, Rei. You have my thanks."
"No, it was nothing much. Besides, the Lemures was a monster with high intellect. As for why it blockaded the City of Emocion... until the cause is determined, it can't be called perfectly safe."
"True. That part certainly hasn't been settled yet. However, I've heard rumors that researchers will eventually be dispatched from the Royal Capital, so you needn't worry too much about it. More importantly..."
Daskar, who had been speaking cheerfully, suddenly took on a serious expression and turned his gaze toward Rei.
"I heard you met the Duke's Daughter of Quento?"
"Yes, I did. Is there something wrong with that?"
"No, I have no right to stop you from meeting whoever you want. Rather, how was it? Meeting that little lady."
"I was surprised in many ways. Even though she’s not even ten years old, her mastery over magic is impressive."
"When you’re the one talking about magic, it only sounds like a sarcastic jab," Daskar remarked with a wry smile.
From Rei’s perspective, however, Maruka specialized in wind, earth, and light magic—three distinct types. Compared to himself, who was limited to flame magic, she certainly had more variety in her arsenal.
(Well, even so, I don't think I'd lose in a fight.)
While he acknowledged that Maruka surpassed him in terms of magical range, he didn't think she could do anything to counter his specialized fire. Of course, that was likely why she had a vanguard like Koan to support her.
"At any rate, Maruka and I have decided to be friends."
"Friends, huh? Well, if that's your intention, I won't say anything. Just be careful; Maruka aside, her father, Duke Quento, is quite shrewd."
"Yes, thank you for the warning."
Rei bowed his head honestly at Daskar’s words.
"Now then, what are your future plans? I heard you’re taking a Rank Up Exam. Can I assume you’ll be active as an adventurer in the City of Gilm for a while?"
"No. I’m sorry, but I plan to head to the Labyrinth City shortly after."
"The Labyrinth City? I see. If your hobby is collecting magic items and magic stones, that choice isn't bad. However, diving into a dungeon solo is tough, you know?"
Daskar turned a worried gaze toward Rei. Back when he belonged to a Knight Order in the Royal Capital, he had once delved into a dungeon in the Labyrinth City for a minor mission. His words carried the weight of someone who knew the reality of the place.
However, Rei simply shook his head with a small smile.
"It’s fine. It’s not as if I’ll be diving in alone. I have Set with me."
He probably should have mentioned that Elena would be joining him as well. However, considering the friction between the Noble's Faction and the Neutral Faction, he hesitated to explain the depth of their relationship.
"I see. ...I see."
Daskar nodded twice and gave a smile on his rugged face, as if to say he understood. He could tell Rei was hesitating to say something, and for a man who had known Rei for quite some time, it wasn't hard to imagine what it was.
(It’s probably the Princess General... most likely.)
Daskar was well aware that their relationship had deepened through their time together, such as when they delved into the dungeon near the City of Gilm or during their repeated encounters during the war. However, Daskar had no right to meddle in someone else’s romance, and he also held a hopeful outlook that the relationship between the two might create a friendly bridge between the Neutral and Noble factions.
He decided to shift the topic without prying further.
"The Rank Up Exam, eh? If you pass this, you’ll be the man who became a B-Rank adventurer faster than anyone on record."
"I’m not really conscious of the record myself."
Rei shrugged his shoulders slightly and quenched his thirst with the cold water provided by a maid. The ice water in the glass was the best possible hospitality for a guest in the summer.
As if timed with Rei finishing the water and placing the glass on the table, a knock sounded at the door.
"Enter."
"Excuse me, Lord Daskar. It is nearly time for your appointment with Baron Mirotos. How shall we proceed?"
The maid who entered at Daskar’s voice asked after a graceful bow. Daskar, who had been focused on his conversation with Rei, had completely forgotten about the appointment.
(Or maybe he just didn't want to meet him.)
Rei thought to himself, noticing the slight furrow in Daskar’s brow. That said, Rei couldn't very well keep Daskar any longer, nor did he see any need to. He had achieved his purpose of thanking the man for the Magic Tent.
"Well, Lord Daskar seems busy, so I'll be going... Oh, that's right, I forgot. Please, have this."
Saying so, he pulled a massive fish, about 50cm long, out of his Misty Ring. It was a striking creature, covered in vibrant green and red scales. When he had first seen it at a fish shop in the City of Emocion, he had wondered how such a conspicuous fish managed to avoid predators in the sea.
The fish shop owner had explained that it was a species that hid in rock crevices and sea grass, and since it was said to be delicious, Rei had decided to buy it.
"Whoa, what is this fish...?"
"It’s a souvenir from Emocion. If you like, please have it for dinner. It’s large enough that it should be plenty for several people. The fishmonger recommended steaming it and serving it with a sour sauce."
"I see. I'll take it gladly. You there."
"Yes, leave it to me. I shall make this the main dish for tonight’s dinner."
At Daskar’s voice, the maid bowed her head and took the large fish from Rei’s hand, grabbing it by the tail. The sight of her holding the massive fish with her bare hands and walking off with a straight face was more than a little bizarre.
"W-well then. I’ll take my leave now."
"Yeah, good luck with the Rank Up Exam. Having a skilled high-rank adventurer emerge is always good for the city."
Daskar saw Rei off, seemingly unfazed by the maid's behavior.
"Guruuu."
Finding Rei as he exited the Lord's mansion, Set ran over, purring happily. When Rei first came to the Lord’s residence, Set had been kept in the stables, but through repeated visits, the knights had grown accustomed to the Griffon’s presence and now let it roam freely.
The fact that Rei and Set had led the charge in the war, keeping the death toll surprisingly low, was likely the primary reason. One could even see a knight giving Set dried meat as a sign of gratitude when they met in the city.
At this moment, too, Set was holding some dried meat in its beak. That was likely the reason for its muffled cry.
"What, did you get some meat?"
"Guruuu."
Rei lightly patted Set as it nodded, then headed toward the main gate. Standing there was a gatekeeper he had already met many times—a familiar face. This same man had handled his entry earlier that morning. Usually, there were two guards, but today he was standing guard alone.
"Hmm? All done? That was quick."
"Yeah, Lord Daskar had an appointment with another noble."
"I see. Come to think of it, a carriage passed through here a moment ago."
The gatekeeper muttered, his brow furrowing slightly as if he wasn't particularly fond of the visitor. Noticing this but deciding not to pry, Rei let it slide and walked out with Set.
As he was about to head back to the city, he suddenly remembered something and took a small overnight-dried fish from his Misty Ring.
"Here."
"Hmm? This is... a fish?"
The gatekeeper asked with a dubious look as Rei handed it over.
"I was out in the City of Emocion. This is a souvenir. Don't worry, it's not a bribe. You’re always helping me out with the arrangements when I visit Lord Daskar, so consider this a thank-you."
"Ho, sea fish, eh? That certainly is rare. I’ll accept it with thanks."
The gatekeeper smiled slightly as he took the fish.
"It’s true that giving a bribe to a gatekeeper like me wouldn't mean much. Besides, no one would think a single fish counts as a bribe... so don't worry about it. I’ll enjoy this for dinner tonight."
"You do that."
Rei raised a hand, and he and Set headed toward the city. He spent the next portion of his day distributing the rest of his souvenirs to his acquaintances and preparing for the coming challenge.
And so, two days passed... and the day of the Rank Up Exam Explanation arrived.