“Let’s test it out immediately... No, first I must pay the reward.”
Guster-san called out to a servant waiting nearby. As if prepared in advance, the servant immediately held out a wooden tray. Sitting atop it was a single Platinum Coin.
The other man froze, his expression one of pure shock. Well, it made sense—Platinum Coins weren't exactly used in everyday transactions. He clearly hadn't imagined that a single multi-legged golem would command such a price. Even I had my doubts about whether the thing was truly worth that much.
That being said, I couldn't very well refuse, so I gratefully accepted the payment. This prompted the man to stare at me with even greater astonishment. He didn’t say a word, but his thoughts were written all over his face. He was looking at me as if to ask, Who the heck is this kid? Why though?
“...To be not only unfazed by the sight of a Platinum Coin, but to accept it without the slightest hesitation. Just what kind of child is he?” the man groaned, sounding utterly baffled.
Ah!
Now that he mentioned it, he was right. My sense of value had become a bit warped lately, but for a commoner living a normal life, a Platinum Coin was a fortune they might not see even once in their entire lifetime.
“Fuhaha, I told you, didn't I? Tort is no ordinary child. Besides, if he’d been so inclined, he could have walked away with the entirety of Rainanorn’s assets. A single Platinum Coin is a bargain by comparison.”
“...What is this story? I haven't heard a word of this. I was told he was a lifesaver, but this...”
“It's both,” Guster-san replied, laughing in high spirits.
In contrast, the man looked completely perplexed. It was understandable; hearing that without any context would make anyone’s head spin. Even if I explained that I’d accidentally won big by betting randomly on a roulette wheel, it probably wouldn't make much more sense.
Actually, I was starting to wonder who this person even was.
As if sensing my curiosity, Guster-san finally seemed inclined to introduce him.
“Are you curious about him? This is Abarum. An old friend of mine.”
“I am Abarum Gider Giderde. I was actually just about to head home, but Guster held me back when he heard of your visit. It seems he was dying to show off his new toy.”
“Hey now. I only did it out of consideration because you were so interested in the skilled adventurer who saved me.”
So Abarum-san was a friend, not a relative. I could tell how close they were just by that short exchange.
More importantly, though, it was his name that caught my attention.
“Um, regarding the name ‘Giderde’...”
“You've probably guessed by now, but Abarum is the son of the Giderde Clan chief,” Guster-san said casually.
Whoa, just as I thought. As the son of the Giderde chieftain, he was one of the most powerful people in the city. Though, I suppose the same could be said for Guster-san.
“Don't feel the need to be overly formal with him. He’s never been one for stuffy etiquette.”
“Guster, you're one to talk. But it’s true. I have no intention of putting on airs with those outside my clan. Please, treat me just as you do Guster.”
That was a relief. Abarum-san didn't seem like the type to use his authority to bully others.
If that was the case, maybe he would listen to my request. I had originally intended to ask Guster-san for help, but if I could speak directly to someone as closely involved as Abarum-san, that would be even better.
“Um, Abarum-san. Actually, there's something I’d like to ask of you...”
I explained my request: I wanted permission to enter the eastern lands managed by the Giderde Clan. I also told him about the abnormal swarm of Chrome Beetles and the matters regarding the Evil God, asking for his cooperation.
“I see. I’ve heard reports of the Chrome Beetle incident. So, there was no apparent cause found in the rocky area? And this ‘voice’ of the Evil God... It’s a vague tale, but it’s far too concerning to simply ignore. Hmm.”
Abarum-san crossed his arms and let out a heavy groan. While he showed understanding regarding my desire to enter the Sacred Ground, he didn't seem ready to simply give me the green light. To be fair, neither of my reasons sounded strictly like an emergency. If he decided the clan would investigate it themselves, we wouldn't have any ground to stand on.
“Tort. The Great East Canyon is a Sacred Ground for the Giderde. I believe only the most elite warriors of the clan are permitted entry,” Guster-san explained in place of the brooding Abarum-san.
Apparently, there was an old tradition stating that only those who overcame the trials in the Great Canyon could become the Warrior Chief and lead the others. While that was a rule from before Zephyrson became a Clan Union, the place clearly remained special to the Giderde.
“It is a place where even our own people are forbidden unless they are recognized as superior warriors. If I were to allow an outsider in, the backlash would be immense. If only we could at least prove your prowess as a warrior.”
This was the conclusion Abarum-san reached after much deliberation.
Proof of my prowess, huh? I wondered if being a B-Rank Adventurer was enough. Probably not... Guster-san had likely already briefed him on my rank, anyway.
Hoping he might offer some support, I looked over at Guster-san, only to find him wearing a mischievous grin. It was the look of a man who was up to no good. I had a very bad feeling about this.
“Proof of a warrior? Isn't that perfect? Warriors from the Giderde Clan are participating in the upcoming Arena Contest. Tort, you and your friends should enter as well. If you defeat them, that should settle it. Don’t worry about the entry slots—I’ll provide a recommendation.”
Ahaha, I knew it...
Well, that might actually be the simplest path forward. I’d have to consult with Lowell and the others.