After finishing his business at the Lord’s Mansion, Rei made his way toward the guild to report the completion of his quest.
The decision to have Rei head to Goto ahead of the others had been finalized. Daskar would explain the situation to Elk and the rest of the Axe of the Thunder God once they returned to Gilm. This had initially troubled Rei, but once he decided to dump the entire headache onto Min, his heart felt light. With the task delegated, he no longer had a reason to worry.
"Guruuu?"
Walking beside him, Seto tilted its head and let out a purring trill, its eyes searching Rei’s face as if asking what was on his mind.
"It’s nothing. Just... I’ve never realized how wonderful the phrase 'the right person for the right place' was until today. Anyway, look. It’s a bit early, but there are plenty of stalls out for lunch. Want to grab a bite?"
"Guruuu!"
With a joyful cry, Seto followed Rei as they meandered toward the guild, stopping at various stalls along the way. With the Elk situation off his plate, Rei was in high spirits. He bought even more food than usual, savoring the treats with Seto as they strolled down the Main Street.
"Oh, look at you, Seto. You’re in a great mood. Here, these grilled skewers look perfect."
"Try this sandwich. It’s packed with summer ingredients—only available this time of year. See? Seto’s already drooling. That tells you everything you need to know about the flavor."
"Wait, then mine—"
"Hot soup in the middle of summer? Not a chance," a chorus of neighboring stall owners chimed in, drowning out the man selling soup.
Rei and Seto eventually arrived at the guild, carrying an assortment of snacks—including the soup, which Rei had bought anyway.
(Back in Japan, I heard that eating hot food is a good way to beat the heat, but I guess that hasn't caught on here.)
Thinking of the cultural difference, Rei entered the guild. He watched a crowd of children and a few adults immediately flock toward Seto. Two days had passed since their return to Gilm, and the frenzied worship Seto usually received had calmed somewhat. Now, it was mostly children who simply wanted to play with the griffon. Of course, there were still adults captivated by Seto’s charm, but few were as obsessively devoted as Mirene.
...Though a small handful of such adults still remained.
"Seto-chan! Seto-chan! Come play!"
"I brought some dried meat! Do you want some?"
"I have fruit!"
Leaving those voices behind, Rei stepped further inside. The morning rush was long over, and the guild was relatively empty. Only a handful of drinkers were already at it in the attached tavern.
Rei scanned the interior. Seeing no familiar faces, he approached the counter. Waiting there was Kenny, the cat-beastman, wearing a broad grin, and Lenora, who looked somewhat anxious. Rei headed toward Lenora when another adventurer moved toward Kenny’s station. Kenny shot a brief, sharp glare at the interrupter, but since the man was just there to pick up a quest, she put on a professional smile and got to work.
"Good morning, Rei-san. Though I suppose it's a bit late for that. Regardless, I’m glad you’re back in one piece. I knew you were strong enough to handle thieves, but I heard this group was particularly dangerous..."
Lenora let out a breath of relief as she looked at the request form on the counter, which bore Daskar’s signature. Ever since Rei first arrived in Gilm knowing nothing of the frontier, she had looked after him. No matter how powerful he became, she couldn't help but view him like a younger brother. Part of that likely stemmed from Lenora being the youngest in her own family, with only older siblings above her.
"I managed," Rei said with a nod.
"Even so, they say these thieves were skilled and loved their traps. I'm just glad you're safe."
"I'll take the form, then. You've already received the reward for this mission, correct?"
"Yeah. They had quite a stash, so I took my share from that."
"I see. Please wait a moment while I process the completion."
She gave a small bow and disappeared into the back. Since this was an emergency nomination request directly from Margrave Larkus, the Lord of Gilm, it required higher clearance than a standard receptionist’s authority.
Finding himself idle, Rei looked around the guild. The moment he did, the eyes that had been fixed on him since his arrival quickly looked away.
(Well, I’m used to it by now.)
He understood that his appearance and abilities were eccentric. And after the mock battle with the rookies the previous day, he had been reminded once again of how he was perceived. The gazes directed at him were heavily laced with awe and fear.
"Rei-kun, what’s wrong?" Kenny asked, having finished with her customer.
"Just looking around. It feels like I'm finally home."
"Really? Usually, home is the morning or evening rush for an adventurer. But I guess you’re rarely here for those."
"I saw plenty of crowds back in the Labyrinth City of Exil," Rei countered.
"That’s a surprise."
"It was a dungeon city, after all. The timing just works out that way sometimes."
As they talked, Lenora returned from the back. Her face was clouded. Rei tilted his head. He had successfully suppressed the Bloody Blade, and even Daskar had acknowledged his success. He wondered why she looked so unsettled.
"Is something wrong?" Kenny asked, noticing it too.
"Rei-san... the Guild Master is calling for you."
"Marina?"
Rei pictured Marina Ariansa. The silver-haired, brown-skinned Dark Elf exuded a mature allure that only centuries of life could produce. She also had a peculiar taste for party dresses. Kenny’s mood soured instantly. She was well aware that Marina’s effortless sex appeal far outstripped her own.
"Hmph. Why does the Guild Master want him?"
"I don't know. I was just told to bring him. I'm borrowing Rei-san for a bit."
Rei followed Lenora behind the counter.
"I’m sure you know the way, but I'll escort you," Lenora said.
She noticed Kenny staring them down, her eyes practically screaming at Lenora not to leave Rei alone with the Guild Master.
"Excuse me, Guild Master. I’ve brought Rei-san."
"Come in," a voice called from behind the door.
Lenora opened the door to the office. Nothing had changed since Rei’s last visit.
"Thank you, Lenora. You're dismissed," Marina said, not looking up from her paperwork.
Lenora hesitated. She knew Kenny would grill her later if she didn't stay as a chaperone. Marina finally looked up from her documents and offered a playful smile.
"It’s fine. I won't do anything as scandalous as seducing him."
Lenora turned red, realizing her thoughts were completely transparent. She excused herself and left the office.
"Don't tease her too much," Rei said, sitting on the sofa across from Marina.
Marina was wearing a deep green party dress that left her shoulders and chest prominently exposed. Having spent time with Vihera lately, Rei was no longer as flustered by such displays. Marina noticed his composure and smirked.
"I heard you're heading to the Bestia Empire, Rei. Is it true?"
"You've got a fast ear."
"I'll ask just in case—you know how the Empire feels about you after the incident last spring, right?"
"I'm going as Lord Daskar’s guard. It shouldn't be a problem."
"On the surface, perhaps. But that's just the official story. Who knows what they'll try in the shadows? Honestly, why are you so intent on going there anyway?"
Rei realized Marina didn't know the full details—specifically about Vihera and Theoreme.
"Did you get your info from Lord Daskar?"
"More or less. He gave me the gist when he submitted the nomination request for the thieves."
Rei understood. Since Rei would be gone for a long time, Daskar had to explain to the guild why he was monopolizing Gilm’s top talent.