After all that, I finally left the Guild.
I’d managed to secure a decent amount of information regarding yesterday’s incident. Between that and the lingering fatigue, all I wanted to do was head back to the inn and indulge in some much-needed sleep.
(I really should put an end to this inn-living soon and find a proper place of my own.)
When I arrived, I tried to slip past the counter and head straight for my room, but the receptionist flagged me down.
Apparently, I had a visitor.
Given the timing, I could already sense a headache-inducing development on the horizon, but I couldn't exactly turn them away.
Following the receptionist's directions, I headed to the dining area attached to the inn. Selma-san was waiting there.
"Sorry for the sudden visit. How are you feeling?"
I’d worried she might be afraid of me after seeing what I could do, but she spoke with the same easy air as always. It didn't feel like she was putting on an act, though it was hard to be certain.
"Fine. I’m healthy enough to go about my daily life without any issues."
"That’s a relief."
A look of genuine ease crossed Selma-san’s face. Then, she stood up from her chair and bowed her head low.
"Thank you for yesterday. It’s thanks to you, Orun, that we’re all here today without a single casualty. You have my deepest gratitude."
I stared at her in surprise. I’d expected her to say thank you, but I never imagined she would actually bow.
"I accept your thanks, so please, raise your head. Selma-san, surely it’s not proper for someone of your standing to bow in public like this?"
Selma-san was an executive of the largest clan in the country. Beyond that, she was the daughter of a noble house—a Count House, if I remembered correctly. For someone like her to bow to a commoner like me was normally unthinkable.
There was no telling who might be watching. A noble was never supposed to show weakness. While I didn't think this would ruin her, the possibility wasn't zero. It would have been better for everyone if she’d kept her head up.
"I am well aware that my position doesn't allow for such gestures lightly. However, I felt so indebted that I couldn't simply offer words. You saved my life and the lives of my clan’s rookies—young people with their whole futures ahead of them. My pride wouldn't allow me to leave it at a mere verbal thank-you."
She really was a straightforward person. Usually, the eldest daughter of a Count House who also held a high-ranking position in a major clan would be at least a little stuck-up or cynical.
...Ah, I see. Maybe that’s exactly why she’s so respected.
"Thank you. I’m honestly happy to hear you feel that way."
"Now then, regarding the other reason I’m here... I’d like to discuss the compensation for the Guided Exploration. If you don't mind, could you accompany me to the clan headquarters? I’d like to finish the talk there."
I’d been wondering how I was going to collect my pay, so the proposal was a help.
"I don't have any other plans, so sure."
"Excellent. Let’s head over, then. Follow me."
Once we arrived at the headquarters, I was led into a room where Vince-san, the Grandmaster of the Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky, was already waiting.
I felt a sudden prickle of déjà vu.
I mean, there was no way he could have known for sure that I’d come today, so why was he sitting here waiting? He didn't seem like the type of man to waste time on uncertainties.
"You’ve arrived. I wanted to personally thank you for saving my members. You have my gratitude."
Vince-san looked up to acknowledge my entry, then offered a bow of his own.
"It’s fine. I accepted the job as an instructor; I only did what was expected of me."
"No, what you did went far beyond expectations. In that situation, no one would have blamed you if you’d fled alone. Instead, you stood your ground and triumphed. You should hold your head higher. ...Now, as for why you’re here. This is the reward for your services. Please, take it."
Vince-san reached into a Storage Magic Tool and produced a cloth-wrapped bundle, which he handed to me. It felt heavy—likely gold coins.
"Thank you very much."
I accepted the bundle and opened it to check the contents. My eyes widened. Inside were ten platinum coins.
Wait, platinum?
"Um, I believe the agreed-upon reward was ten gold coins... Did you perhaps grab the wrong currency?"
According to our original contract, the pay was ten gold coins. One platinum coin was worth ten gold. That meant the amount sitting in my hand was ten times what I’d been promised.
"You saved my people from a Black Dragon. Ten gold coins would be insultingly cheap for a feat like that. It’s no mistake."
He didn't look like the type to take 'no' for an answer even if I tried to return them. I decided to accept the windfall graciously. It was always better to have money than not.
"I see. Then I’ll accept this with gratitude. Well then, I should be—"
"Ah, wait. There is one more thing I wish to discuss. In truth, this conversation is the real reason I’m here."
Vince-san stopped me just as I was about to make my exit. Judging by his tone, whatever came next was far more important to him than the money. I had a pretty good guess what it was.
"I’ll be blunt. Orun-kun, would you consider joining our clan, the Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky?"
Just as I thought—a recruitment offer. The fact that the man at the top was making the pitch himself showed just how serious they were.
"If you join us, we will, of course, welcome you as an explorer. I want you in the First Unit—serving as the Front-line Attacker for our clan’s strongest party, the one led by Selma."
A Front-line Attacker, huh?
I suppose the Black Dragon kill had been a hell of a resume builder. Without that, I doubted anyone would have ever offered me a role as a Vanguard.
"Furthermore—and this will require the formal consent of at least two-thirds of our executives—I intend to recommend you for an executive position. Given your personal achievements and the experience you gained effectively managing the Hero Party, I believe you are more than qualified to help lead this clan."
An executive position meant heading a department. In the clan hierarchy, that made you second only to the Grandmaster. Usually, you had to spend years building a reputation within the clan to even be considered. To be offered the role upon entry was an unprecedented promotion.
If I took the job, would I be managing the clan’s explorers alongside Selma-san?
The offer was incredibly enticing. I never expected to be scouted as a swordsman, let alone a leader.
(Now, the question is... what do I do?)
The Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky undoubtedly wanted the data required to conquer the 92nd and 93rd floors of the Great Labyrinth of the South—not to mention the sheer wealth of knowledge and logistics I’d accumulated. I had bled for that information. Sometimes literally.
The thought of just handing it all over so easily left a bit of a sour taste in my mouth.
"...This was a sudden proposal. I don't require an answer immediately. Why don't you take some time to think it over?"
Vince-san must have picked up on my hesitation. He offered me an out.
"Thank you. I’ll do that. Let me think on it for a while."
With that, I took my leave of the Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky Headquarters.
As I walked aimlessly through the city streets, I eventually found myself standing in front of a familiar shop. It was the general store my grandpa ran.
(I’ve got all this stuff swirling around in my head... maybe talking to the old man will help.)
Pushing the door open, I stepped inside.